bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Law or Independence – What Does the Frame Stand For?
Authors: Beyer Vera
Published: May 2020

Dans sa conception classique, le cadre donne de la légitimité, de l’autorité et de la crédibilité à la vision du monde qui y est représentée ; il donne du pouvoir à la représentation. Cette situation change au début de la modernité. Plutôt que de légitimer l’image, le cadre déclare alors l’indépendance de l’image vis-à-vis du regardeur. La relation entre image et spectateur, pour qui le cadre joue son rôle de représentation, passe de la crédibilité au détachement. Le portrait de royauté, exemplaire de l’image qui fait autorité, illustre bien ce changement, notamment dans les tableaux de Vélázquez et Goya.
Archéologie de l’oeuvre Net art : une esthétique du fragment
Authors: Fourmentraux Jean-Paul
Published: May 2020

When applied to the Net, art seeks to distribute the conception of interactive systems but also to produce forms of communication and exhibition involving web surfers in the process of the artwork. Websites, home pages, online workshops, list serves, and discussion forums are the frames and territories of new forms of social interaction. On the one hand, Net artists create spaces they inhabit and enrich through the accumulation of data whose goal is to form a more or less “living” archive. On the other hand, these artists use servers, access ports, and addresses to configure a world to be experienced and lived from within, inviting web surfers to temporarily inhabit this space. By joining an aesthetic of computer codes with interface design and archival art, Net art encourages various fragments both competing and coordinated – “programs,” “interfaces,” and “images” – whose status and use I propose to redefine. In other words, through the process of distributed construction of editorial content and the interpretive practices that bring it up to date, this essay examines the systems (frameworks, interfaces) and concrete forms of this digital social interaction (contracts, rituals).
Spatial Absorbency Assessment for Sustainable Land Development
Authors: Broża Noemi , Birnbaum Karolina , Garcia Castro David , Kazak Jan K.
Published: May 2020

Sustainable land use development requires a smart decision‑making process based on appropriate spatial design patterns. However, the pro‑investment policy of many municipalities often results in disproportions between the de‑mand and supply of investment areas, which means that spatial development is not realized in a sustainable way. In order to avoid the overconsumption of land for investment purposes, central government in Poland introduced a requirement to assess land balance, which includes the calculation of spa‑tial absorbency at the level of local urban planning. The aim of this work is to develop the concept of spatial absorbency assessment. In order to select best practices, document reviews of local spatial policies in Kalisz, Łódź, Toruń and Gdańsk were performed. Based on the review, a method for spatial absorbency assessment was presented. The applicability of the proposed solution is pre‑sented by its use on the case of the Racibórz municipality. The visualization shows what kind of geoinformation is required to perform an assessment by means of the developed method. The results of the calculations present the final feedback that is received by local authorities. The work was carried out us‑ing ArcGIS software. The obtained results may constitute the basis for further multi‑dimensional analyses as part of sustainable land development planning at the local level.
Phenotypic and Genetic Parameter Estimates for Local Guinea Fowl Production and Some Other Traits
Authors: Doudu Addison , Annor Serekye Yaw , Kagya-Agyemang James Kwame , Zagbede Godson Aryee , Kyere Clement Gyeabour
Published: May 2020

This study on indigenous Guinea fowls in Ghana was undertaken to estimate genetic variation and heritability of traits in these birds. The study was conducted at the Poultry Section of the Animal farm of the Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti campus, Ghana, from 2015 to 2018. The data used in the present experiment were collected from six hundred keets (300 males and 300 females) produced from randomly selecting and mating 110 dams and 22 sires and consisted of 780 records collected over a period of 3 years. The genetic parameters were estimated using sire-son, sire-daughter and dam-daughter regression analysis.  Body weight and 8-month weight gain showed the greatest additive genetic variation, with survival, docility, dressing percentage, age at first egg, egg weight, egg number, fertility, hatchability traits, feed intake and FCR showing relatively low additive genetic variation.  Moderate to high heritability estimates were obtained for body weight, weight gain at ages 1day to 2 months, 2-4 months in females, 4-6 months in males, docility, feed intake in females and feed conversion ratio in both males and females. Similarly, moderate to high heritability estimates were also obtained for age at first egg, egg weight and egg numbers. However, all other parameters considered in this study had low heritability estimates. This study concludes that, the results could be used to initiate Guinea fowl selection breeding programmes.
Effect of Intercropping Sesame (Sesamum indicum) with Green Gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) on Crop Phonology and Yield in Humera, Western Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Girmay Dargie
Published: May 2020

Cropping system in the study area is by far dominated by sesame sole cropping, which resulted in low productivity, pest prevalence, poor soil fertility and yield. A study was conducted to evaluate the productivity of sesame varieties intercropped with green gram in factorial arrangement at kafta-humera during 2017/18 cropping season. Two factorial experiment namely, (i) cropping system at two levels (sole and intercropping), (ii) two sesame varieties (setit1 and local) and was conducted in randomized complete block design replicated three times.

The results showed that yield of sesame and green gram were affected considerably by cropping system. Highest and significant grain yields of both sesame varieties were recorded in the pure stands (6.70 qt/ha and 5.30 qt/ha for setit1 and local) respectively. On the contrary, lowest yield was obtained (4.3 q/ha and 5 q/ha) under intercropped local and setit1 respectively. Moreover, sole green gram gained a significant higher seed yield (13.2 qt/ha) over intercropped greengram with local (5.1 qt/ha) and intercropped greengram with setit1 (4.7 qt/ha) treatments.
Hospital-acquired Sphingomonas paucimobilis Infection in a Neonate: A Case Report
Authors: Osuji Ahaneku Iherue , Imaji Jennifer Eneyi , Olateju Eyinade Kudirat , Ekele Bissallah Ahmed , Baamlong Nicholas , Tahiru Yunusa
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The organism Sphingomonas paucimobilis formerly known as Pseudomonas paucimobilis is a strict aerobe, motile, non-spore forming, non-fermentative, Gram-negative bacillus, characterized by catalase and oxidase activities. It is an opportunistic pathogen that causes infection in healthy and immunocompromised individuals. Sphingomonas paucimobilis is ubiquitous and has been isolated from diverse sources including the hospital environment.

Presentation of Case: We describe the clinical characteristics, manifestations, laboratory findings and management of hospital-acquired Sphingomonas paucimobilis sepsis in a neonate, delivered through caesarean section and brought in from postnatal ward to special care baby unit of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.

Discussion: The laboratory findings showed normal values for complete blood count, electrolytes, urea and creatinine but positive blood culture. Sphingomonas paucimobilis isolated from the blood was susceptible to Imipenem, Ampicilin-sulbatam, Azithromycin, Lincomycin, Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin and Sparfloxacin but resistant to Cefuroxime, Ceftazidime, Augumentin and Ampicillin. The isolation of this organism from the newborn whose laboratory tests were within normal acceptable values, and from the hospital environment is a case of hospital-acquired infection. The patient recovered and was discharged because of adequate treatment by the managing team and also low virulence of this organism.

Conclusion: The study thereby recommends adequate and consistent cleaning of the newborn and maternity units of the hospital, in particular, the entire hospital equipment and its environment using a potent disinfectant to minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
The Resistance of Staphylococcus Species to Different Antibiotics in Al-Kharj City
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Infections caused by Staphylococcus species can spread not only in hospitals but also in the community and in other healthcare institutions. These organisms were known for its capability to acquire resistance to various classes of antibiotics.

Methods: The antibiotic susceptibility and resistance rates of S. aureus strains isolated from numerous clinical samples at a public hospital in Al-kharj city were collected from the monthly antibiogram prepared by the laboratory department in the hospital.

Results: The bacterial culture results found that there were 450 Staphylococcus species; the majority of bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus. Some medications such as Vancomycin, Linezolid still very effective in treating Staphylococcus infections.

Conclusion: S. aureus infections were common in Alkharj city and the resistance is widespread for staphylococci species, mainly MRSA. To reduce the resistance rate antimicrobial stewardship programs should be implemented and antibiotic susceptibility should be monitored continuously.
Spatial Charge Separation as the Origin of Anomalous Stark Effect in Fluorous 2D Hybrid Perovskites
Authors: Queloz Valentin I. E. , Bouduban Marine E. F. , García‐Benito Ines , Fedorovskiy Alexander , Orlandi Simonetta , Cavazzini Marco , Pozzi Gianluca , Trivedi Harsh , Lupascu Doru C. , Beljonne David , Moser Jaques‐E , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Quarti Claudio , Grancini Giulia
Published: May 2020

2D hybrid perovskites (2DP) are versatile materials, whose electronic and optical properties can be tuned through the nature of the organic cations (even when those are seemingly electronically inert). Here, it is demonstrated that fluorination of the organic ligands yields glassy 2DP materials featuring long‐lived correlated electron–hole pairs. Such states have a marked charge‐transfer character, as revealed by the persistent Stark effect in the form of a second derivative in electroabsorption. Modeling shows that electrostatic effects associated with fluorination, combined with the steric hindrance due to the bulky side groups, drive the formation of spatially dislocated charge pairs with reduced recombination rates. This work enriches and broadens the current knowledge of the photophysics of 2DP, which will hopefully guide synthesis efforts toward novel materials with improved functionalities.
Fast Switching of Bright Whiteness in Channeled Hydrogel Networks
Authors: Eklund Amanda , Zhang Hang , Zeng Hao , Priimagi Arri , Ikkala Olli
Published: May 2020

Beside pigment absorption and reflection by periodic photonic structures, natural species often use light scattering to achieve whiteness. Synthetic hydrogels offer opportunities in stimuli‐responsive materials and devices; however, they are not conventionally considered as ideal materials to achieve high whiteness by scattering due to the ill‐defined porosities and the low refractive index contrast between the polymer and water. Herein, a poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel network with percolated empty channels (ch‐PNIPAm) is demonstrated to possess switchable bright whiteness upon temperature changes, obtained by removing the physical agarose gel in a semi‐interpenetrating network of agarose and PNIPAm. The hydrogel is highly transparent at room temperature and becomes brightly white above 35 °C. Compared to conventional PNIPAm, the ch‐PNIPAm hydrogel exhibits 80% higher reflectance at 800 nm and 18 times faster phase transition kinetics. The nanoscopic channels in the ch‐PNIPAm facilitate water diffusion upon phase transition, thus enabling the formation of smaller pores and enhanced whiteness in the gel. Furthermore, fast photothermally triggered response down to tens of milliseconds can be achieved. This unique property of the ch‐PNIPAm hydrogel to efficiently scatter visible light can be potentially used for, e.g., smart windows, optical switches, and, as demonstrated in this report, thermoresponsive color displays.
High Sensitivity Graphene Field Effect Transistor‐Based Detection of DNA Amplification
Authors: Ganguli Anurup , Faramarzi Vahid , Mostafa Ariana , Hwang Michael T. , You Seungyong , Bashir Rashid
Published: May 2020

Enzymatic DNA amplification‐based approaches involving intercalating DNA‐binding fluorescent dyes and expensive optical detectors are the gold standard for nucleic acid detection. As components of a simplified and miniaturized system, conventional silicon‐based ion sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) that measure a decrease in pH due to the generation of pyrophosphates during DNA amplification have been previously reported. In this article, Bst polymerase in a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reaction combined with target‐specific primers and crumpled graphene field effect transistors (gFETs) to electrically detect amplification by sensing the reduction in primers is used. Graphene is known to adsorb single‐stranded DNA due to noncovalent π–π bonds, but not double‐stranded DNA. This approach does not require any surface functionalization and allows the detection of primer concentrations at the endpoint of reactions. As recently demonstrated, the crumpled gFET over the conventional flat gFET sensors due to their superior sensitivity is chosen. The endpoint of amplification reaction with starting concentrations down to 8 × 10−21 m in 90 min including the time of amplification and detection is detected. With its high sensitivity and small footprint, this platform will help bring complex lab‐based diagnostic and genotyping amplification assays to the point‐of‐care.
PtCo@NCs with Short Heteroatom Active Site Distance for Enhanced Catalytic Properties
Authors: Hu Gaofei , Shang Liang , Sheng Tian , Chen Yueguang , Wang Leyu
Published: May 2020

The crucial issue for fuel cells is to improve the activity and durability of Pt‐based catalysts. Herein, based on the short distance enhancement effects, a novel PtCo@NC catalyst with remarkably enhanced electrocatalytic properties for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in acidic electrolytes is developed by shortening the Pt–Co active site distance. In brief, a series of PtCo@NC catalysts with different Pt–Co biatomic arrangement are precisely synthesized by an in situ reduction‐fusion method, achieving Pt–Co structural evolution from a Pt/Co individual monometallic islet (A‐700 °C) to PtCo heterodimer (A‐800 °C) and then a PtCo alloy (A‐900 °C) embedded on nitrogen‐doped carbon matrixes. Compared with the Pt/Co monometallic islet and heterodimer, the PtCo@NC (A‐900 °C) with the shortest Pt–Co active site distance exhibits the highest mass activity of 2.30 A mgPt−1, which is 12.23 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C and exceeds almost all the reported MOR catalysts in acidic electrolytes. Both experiments and density functional theory calculations reveal that the remarkably improved activity stems from the modification of electron distribution around Pt/Co metal centers, thus promoting the rate‐determining methanol dehydrogenation step and CO oxidative removal processes, which are dependent on the distance between bimetallic active sites.
A Hybrid Optoelectronic Sensor Platform with an Integrated Solution‐Processed Organic Photodiode
Authors: Scholz Alexander , Gerig Daniel , Zimmermann Lukas , Seiberlich Mervin , Strobel Noah , Hernandez‐Sosa Gerardo , Aghassi‐Hagmann Jasmin
Published: May 2020

Hybrid systems, unifying printed electronics with silicon‐based technology, can be seen as a driving force for future sensor development. Especially interesting are sensing elements based on printed devices in combination with silicon‐based high‐performance electronics for data acquisition and communication. In this work, a hybrid system integrating a solution‐processed organic photodiode in a silicon‐based system environment, which enables flexible device measurement and application‐driven development, is presented. For performance evaluation of the integrated organic photodiode, the measurements are compared to a silicon‐based counterpart. Therefore, the steady state response of the hybrid system is presented. Promising application scenarios are described, where a solution‐processed organic photodiode is fully integrated in a silicon system.
Tunable Wide‐Bandgap Monohalide Perovskites
Authors: El Ajjouri Yousra , Igual‐Muñoz Ana M. , Sessolo Michele , Palazon Francisco , Bolink Henk J.
Published: May 2020

Herein the mechanochemical synthesis of inorganic as well as hybrid organic–inorganic monohalide perovskites with tunable bandgaps is reported. It is shown that the bandgap bowing known for iodide mixed Sn–Pb perovskites is also present in the pure bromide analogous. This results in technologically very interesting materials with bandgaps in the range of 1.7–1.9 eV. Similar bandgap perovskites are typically achieved by mixing two halides that are prone to segregate over time. This limits the achievable open circuit voltage. For monohalide perovskites this problem is eliminated, making these materials especially promising wide bandgap absorbers for tandem solar cells.
Fast and Stable Proton Conduction in Heavily Scandium‐Doped Polycrystalline Barium Zirconate at Intermediate Temperatures
Authors: Hyodo Junji , Kitabayashi Koki , Hoshino Kenta , Okuyama Yuji , Yamazaki Yoshihiro
Published: May 2020

The environmental benefits of fuel cells and electrolyzers have become increasingly recognized in recent years. Fuel cells and electrolyzers that can operate at intermediate temperatures (300–450 °C) require, in principle, neither the precious metal catalysts that are typically used in polymer‐electrolyte‐membrane systems nor the costly heat‐resistant alloys used in balance‐of‐plant components of high‐temperature solid oxide electrochemical cells. These devices require an electrolyte with high ionic conductivity, typically more than 0.01 S cm−1, and high chemical stability. To date, however, high ionic conductivities have been found in chemically unstable materials such as CsH2PO4, In‐doped SnP2O7, BaH2, and LaH3−2xOx. Here, fast and stable proton conduction in 60‐at% Sc‐doped barium zirconate polycrystal, with a total conductivity of 0.01 S cm−1 at 396 °C for 200 h is demonstrated. Heavy doping of Sc in barium zirconate simultaneously enhances the proton concentration, bulk proton diffusivity, specific grain boundary conductivity, and grain growth. An accelerated stability test under a highly concentrated and humidified CO2 stream using in situ X‐ray diffraction shows that the perovskite phase is stable over 240 h at 400 °C under 0.98 atm of CO2. These results show great promises as an electrolyte in solid‐state electrochemical devices operated at intermediate temperatures.
Pods as sails but not as boats: dispersal ecology of a habitat‐restricted desert milkvetch
Authors: Houghton Sydney , Stevens Michael T. , Meyer Susan E.
Published: May 2020

Premise

Adaptive seed dispersal mechanisms are fundamental to plant fitness, but dispersal advantage is scale‐dependent. We tested the hypothesis that informed dispersal in response to an environmental cue enables dispersal by wind on a local scale for Astragalus holmgreniorum, a desert species restricted to swales and wash skirts with overland flow, but prevents longer‐distance dispersal by water into unfavorable wash habitats.

Methods

Pod biomechanics in A. holmgreniorum lead to major shape modifications with changes in moisture content. We performed laboratory experiments to examine the interaction of pod shape with wind and water, and conducted field experiments in A. holmgreniorum habitat evaluating the roles of wind, water, and seed predators on dispersal.

Results

Dry pods exhibit a flattened crescent shape with partial dehiscence that facilitated wind dispersal by ground tumbling and seed scattering in laboratory experiments. Rain simulation experiments showed that even small precipitation events returned wetted pods to their cylindrical shape and opened the dorsal suture, exposing the seeds. In the field experiments, dry pods were moved locally by wind, whereas rain caused pod opening and washing out of seeds in place. Seed predators had minimal effect on pod movement.

Conclusions

Astragalus holmgreniorum exhibits pod structural remodeling in response to environmental change in a striking and novel demonstration of informed dispersal. Wind‐driven movement of dry pods facilitates local seed dispersal, but rain causes pods to open and release seeds, ensuring that they are not transported out of suitable habitats and into active washes where they would be lost from the seed bank.
Ectopia lentis in Loeys‐Dietz syndrome type 4
Authors: Braverman Alan C. , Blinder Kevin J. , Khanna Sangeeta , Willing Marcia
Published: May 2020

Loeys‐Dietz syndrome is a heritable disorder of the connective tissue leading to multisystem involvement including craniofacial features, skeletal abnormalities, cutaneous findings and early‐onset and aggressive disease of the aorta and its branches. There are multiple types of Loeys‐Dietz syndrome related to pathogenic variants in TGFBR1, TGFBR2, SMAD3, TGFB2, and TGFB3. Individuals with Loeys‐Dietz syndrome may be misdiagnosed as having Marfan syndrome due to shared phenotypic features and aortic root dilation. However, ectopia lentis has been an important discriminating feature, being unique to Marfan syndrome and not reported to be associated with Loeys‐Dietz syndrome. We report the case of a 46‐year‐old woman with Loeys‐Dietz syndrome type 4 due to a pathogenic variant in TGFB2 who was diagnosed with ectopia lentis at age 44. The patient underwent whole exome sequencing and no other pathogenic variants were found to explain the ectopia lentis. Our findings indicate that ectopia lentis may be an uncommon finding in Loeys‐Dietz syndrome type 4 and emphasize the importance of genetic testing in familial thoracic aortic aneurysm disease.
LncRNA TMPO‐AS1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion through sponging miR‐329‐3p to stimulate FOXK1‐mediated AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Guo Xiaobo , Wang Yun
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death worldwide. Numerous analyses have revealed the abnormal expression of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HCC cells. This study aims to explore biological functions of lncRNA TMPO‐AS1 (TMPO antisense RNA 1) in HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration.

Methods

The gene expression in HCC tissues and cell lines were measured by qRT‐PCR. The role of TMPO‐AS1 in HCC was confirmed by CCK‐8, colony formation, TUNEL, transwell and western blot as well as by in vivo experiments. RNA pull down and luciferase reporter assays were utilized to prove the binding relationship between TMPO‐AS1/FOXK1 (forkhead box K1) andmiR‐329‐3p. Rescue assays elucidated the regulatory effects of TMPO‐AS1/miR‐329‐3p/FOXK1/AKT/mTOR pathway on cellular activities in HCC.

Results

TMPO‐AS1was upregulated in HCC tissues and cells and its depletion inhibits HCC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT process as well as tumor growth. Furthermore, TMPO‐AS1 could bind with miR‐329‐3p, which suppressed HCC cell proliferation. FOXK1 served as the target gene of miR‐329‐3p and TMPO‐AS1 upregulated FOXK1 by sponging miR‐329‐3p in HCC cells. Additionally, FOXK1 overexpression or miR‐329‐3p inhibitor neutralized the repressing effects of TMPO‐AS1 knockdown on HCC development. Finally, it verified that TMPO‐AS1 could regulate AKT/mTOR pathway via FOXK1 to promote HCC.

Conclusion

TMPO‐AS1 contributes to HCC progression by sponging miR‐329‐3p to activate FOXK1‐mediated AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
A New Methodology for Quantifying the Surface Crystallography of Particles from their Tomographic Reconstruction: Application to Pd Nanoparticles Embedded in a Mesoporous Silica Shell
Authors: Baaziz Walid , Valette Sébastien , Gay Anne‐Sophie , Hirlimann Charles , Ersen Ovidiu
Published: May 2020

In this work, we propose an experimental approach allowing for the identification and the subsequent quantification of nanoparticles crystallographic facets, based on 3D data obtained using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The particle shape and faceting can be determined using Electron Tomography (ET) combined with High‐Resolution TEM (HR‐TEM). The quantitative analysis of faceting is carried out on the particles 3D models using a geometrical approach that automatically detects planar regions on particle boundaries. In order to check the reliability of our approach, we analyzed palladium particles confined inside or located at the outer surface of a mesoporous silica shell (Pd@SiO2) after an annealing treatment at 250 °C under hydrogen for 12 hours. From the materials perspective, the aim of the current work is to investigate the encapsulation effect of silica (SiO2) shells on the change in morphology and faceting of palladium nanoparticles during such annealing treatment.
A Novel CuBi2O4/BiOBr Direct Z‐scheme Photocatalyst For Efficient Antibiotics Removal: Synergy of Adsorption and Photocatalysis on Degradation Kinetics and Mechanism Insight
Authors: Huang Shushu , Wang Guodong , Liu Jiaqi , Du Chunfang , Su Yiguo
Published: May 2020

A novel direct Z‐scheme CuBi2O4/BiOBr heterostructural photocatalyst was developed aiming to modulate the adsorption ability and photocatalytic degradation performance toward antibiotics. Tetracycline as the model antibiotics was found to show pH value and temperature dependent adsorption capacity over CuBi2O4/BiOBr. The adsorption process was fitted to Pseudo‐second‐order and Elovich kinetic models and adsorption isotherm was followed Freundich isotherm model. Junction of CuBi2O4 and BiOBr can modulate the surface feature and interfacial interactions, leading to direct Z‐scheme charge kinetics for improved photocatalytic activity. The adsorptive capability and photocatalytic performance of CuBi2O4/BiOBr heterojunction showed great improvement in comparison with pristine CuBi2O4 and BiOBr. The mineralization process and intermediates for tetracycline degradation were identified by total organic carbon analysis and liquid chromatograph‐tandem mass spectrometry. Plausible transformation pathway and photocatalytic mechanism were proposed. Radical trapping experiments indicated that photogenerated holes and ⋅O2−active species played crucial roles in photocatalytic tetracycline decomposition.
Local stability of partially restrained rectangular tubes subject to shear, compression, and bending
Authors: Bedair Osama
Published: May 2020

Abstract

This paper investigates local stability of tube sections subject to shear, compression, and bending. A closed form expression is proposed by idealizing the tube components as partially restrained against rotation and in‐plane translation. The derived expression is validated for limiting conditions with existing design expressions that are available in engineering standards. It is shown that the buckling stress may differ by 38% due to the rotational and lateral restraints. The proposed expressions can be utilized by practitioners to compute buckling load for various applied stress ratios with reasonable accuracy.
Die Entwicklung der Verfahrenstechnik an der TU Kaiserslautern
Authors: Antonyuk Sergiy , Bart Hans-Jörg , Hasse Hans , Ripp Marcus , Ripperger Siegfried , Ulber Roland
Published: May 2020

Im Jahr 1970 wurde die Doppeluniversität Kaiserslautern‐Trier gegründet, aus der 1975 die beiden eigenständigen Universitäten Trier und Kaiserslautern hervorgingen. Um den Schwerpunkt der Universität Kaiserslautern in den Ingenieurwissenschaften zu betonen, wurde diese 2003 in „Technische Universität Kaiserslautern” umbenannt. In den 50 Jahren ihres Bestehens war der Aufbau und die Weiterentwicklung der Verfahrenstechnik einer der Schwerpunkte des Fachbereiches Maschinenbau und Verfahrenstechnik. Der Artikel beleuchtet diesen Entwicklungsweg und stellt die damaligen und aktuellen Forschungsgebiete der vier verfahrenstechnischen Lehrstühle der TU Kaiserslautern vor.
Wenn Fressen nicht mehr satt macht
Authors: Tetsch Larissa
Published: May 2020

Käfer und Schmetterlingsraupen können ganze Pflanzen kahlfressen. Doch viele Pflanzen wehren sich, etwa indem sie die Verdauung der Fressfeinde hemmen. Die Süßkartoffel produziert ein flüchtiges Homoterpen, um ihre Nachbarn vor gefräßigen Insekten zu warnen und dazu anzuregen, die Verteidigung anzuwerfen.
Are the atrial natriuretic peptides a missing link predicting low‐voltage areas in atrial fibrillation? Introducing the novel biomarker‐based atrial fibrillation substrate prediction (ANP) score
Authors: Seewöster Timm , Büttner Petra , Zeynalova Samira , Hindricks Gerhard , Kornej Jelena
Published: May 2020

Background

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), left atrial (LA) enlargement, and the presence of low‐voltage areas (LVAs) indicate an advanced disease stage. NT‐proANP is a biomarker, which is significantly higher in both phenotypes. Prediction of LVAs before catheter ablation could impact the prognosis and therapeutical management in AF patients.

Objective

The aim of this study was to (a) analyze the predictive value of a novel biomarker‐based AF substrate prediction score, and (b) compare it with DR‐FLASH and APPLE scores.

Methods

Patients undergoing first AF catheter ablation were included. LA volume (LAV) was analyzed prior to ablation using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Blood plasma samples from the femoral vein were collected before AF ablation. NT‐proANP was analyzed using commercially available assays. LVAs were determined using high‐density maps during catheter ablation and defined as <0.5 mV. The novel ANP score (one point for Age ≥ 65 years, NT‐proANP > 17 ng/mL, and Persistent AF) was calculated at baseline.

Results

The study population included 156 AF patients (64 ± 10 years, 65% males, 61% persistent AF, 28% LVAs). The cut‐off ANP score ≥ 2 demonstrated 77% sensitivity and 70% specificity. On logistic regression (odds ratio [OR] 3.469) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis (area under the curve [AUC] 0.778, P < .001), the ANP score significantly predicted LVAs presence. There were no differences between novel ANP score – which is a new one ‐ is described in the Abstract; with APPLE (AUC 0.718, P = .378) and DR‐FLASH (AUC 0.766, P = .856) scores.

Conclusions

The novel biomarker‐based ANP score demonstrates good prediction of LVAs.
Bioequivalence and Bioavailability of an Orodispersible Tablet of Sildenafil Citrate in Healthy Chinese Male Subjects
Authors: Lv Yuan , Luo Bin‐yu , LaBadie Robert R. , Zhu Hua , Feng Yan , Ernst Cynthia , Crownover Penelope H. , Liang Yali , Zhao Qinying
Published: May 2020

Sildenafil citrate is approved to treat erectile dysfunction. An orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) of sildenafil citrate that does not require swallowing or administration with fluids has been developed. The bioequivalence and bioavailability of sildenafil citrate ODT (50 mg) without and with water were compared with conventional sildenafil citrate tablets (50 mg) in an open‐label, randomized crossover study. Healthy Chinese male subjects (n = 36) were allocated to 1 of 6 sildenafil citrate treatment sequences under fasted conditions, and plasma samples for determination of sildenafil concentrations were collected predose through 14 hours postdose. Bioequivalence was demonstrated for sildenafil citrate ODT administered without water relative to the sildenafil citrate tablet administered with water; 90%CIs for the ratios of adjusted geometric means for sildenafil AUClast, Cmax, and AUCinf (ratio, 101.41%; 90%CI, 95.49%‐107.70%; ratio, 93.55%; 90%CI, 84.15%‐104.00%; and ratio, 101.03%; 90%CI, 94.80%‐107.66%; respectively) were wholly contained within the bioequivalence acceptance range of 80% to 125%, indicating bioequivalence criteria were met. Relative bioavailability of sildenafil citrate ODT administered with water to the sildenafil citrate tablet (50 mg) administered with water was 97.10%, 91.43%, and 97.09% with respect to sildenafil AUClast, Cmax, and AUCinf, respectively (90%CI, 91.43%‐03.12%, 82.25%‐101.65%, and 90.90%‐103.71%, respectively). Both sildenafil citrate formulations were generally well tolerated in healthy Chinese men. Sildenafil citrate ODT administered without or with water was bioequivalent to or met bioequivalence criteria compared with conventional sildenafil citrate tablets administered with water under fasted conditions in healthy Chinese men, thus offering a convenient alternative method of oral administration.
Changes in water quality related to permafrost thaw may significantly impact zooplankton in small Arctic lakes
Authors: Vucic Jasmina M. , Gray Derek K. , Cohen Rachel S. , Syed Maariyah , Murdoch Alyssa D. , Sharma Sapna
Published: May 2020

Rising temperatures are leading to permafrost thaw over vast areas of the northern hemisphere. In the Canadian Arctic, permafrost degradation is causing significant changes in surface water quality due to the release of solutes that can alter conductivity, water clarity, and nutrient levels. For this study, we examined how changes in water quality associated with permafrost thaw might impact zooplankton, a group of organisms that play an important role in the food web of Arctic lakes. We conducted a biological and water quality survey of 37 lakes in the Mackenzie Delta region of Canada’s Northwest Territories. We then used this data set to develop models linking variation in the abundance, diversity, and evenness of zooplankton communities to physicochemical, biological, and spatial variables. Subsequently, we used these models to predict how zooplankton communities might respond as water quality is altered by permafrost thaw. Our models explained 47%, 68%, and 69% of the variation in zooplankton abundance, diversity, and evenness, respectively. Importantly, the most parsimonious models always included variables affected by permafrost thaw, such as calcium and conductivity. Predictions based on our models suggest significant increases in zooplankton abundance (1.6–3.6 fold) and decreases in diversity (1.2–1.7 fold) and evenness (1.1–1.4 fold) in response to water quality changes associated with permafrost thaw. These changes are in line with those described for significant perturbations such as eutrophication, acidification, and the introduction of exotic species such as the spiny water flea (Bythotrephes). Given their important role in aquatic food webs, we expect these changes in zooplankton communities will have ramifications for organisms at higher (fish) and lower (phytoplankton) trophic positions in Arctic lakes.
Management of heart failure patients with COVID‐19: a joint position paper of the Chinese Heart Failure Association & National Heart Failure Committee and the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Zhang Yuhui , Coats Andrew J.S. , Zheng Zhe , Adamo Marianna , Ambrosio Giuseppe , Anker Stefan D. , Butler Javed , Xu Dingli , Mao Jingyuan , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Bai Ling , Mebazaa Alexandre , Ponikowski Piotr , Tang Qizhu , Ruschitzka Frank , Seferovic Petar , Tschöpe Carsten , Zhang Shuyang , Gao Chuanyu , Zhou Shenghua , Senni Michele , Zhang Jian , Metra Marco
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is causing considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Multiple reports have suggested that patients with heart failure (HF) are at a higher risk of severe disease and mortality with COVID‐19. Moreover, evaluating and treating HF patients with comorbid COVID‐19 represents a

formidable clinical challenge as symptoms of both conditions may overlap and they may potentiate each other. Limited data exist regarding comprehensive management of HF patients with concomitant COVID‐19. Since these issues pose serious new challenges for clinicians worldwide, HF specialists must develop a structured approach to the care of patients with COVID‐19 and be included early in the care of these patients. Therefore, the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology and the Chinese Heart Failure Association & National Heart Failure Committee conducted web‐based meetings to discuss these unique clinical challenges and reach a consensus opinion to help providers worldwide deliver better patient care. The main objective of this position paper is to outline the management of HF patients with concomitant COVID‐19 based on the available data and personal experiences of physicians from Asia, Europe and the United States.
Development, characterization, and application of a 2‐Compartment system to investigate the impact of pH inhomogeneities in large‐scale CHO‐based processes
Authors: Paul Katrin , Böttinger Katharina , Mitic Bernd M. , Scherfler Georg , Posch Christoph , Behrens Dirk , Huber Christian G. , Herwig Christoph
Published: May 2020

Large‐scale bioreactors for the production of monoclonal antibodies reach volumes of up to 25 000 L. With increasing bioreactor size, mixing is however affected negatively, resulting in the formation of gradients throughout the reactor. These gradients can adversely affect process performance at large scale. Since mammalian cells are sensitive to changes in pH, this study investigated the effects of pH gradients on process performance. A 2‐Compartment System was established for this purpose to expose only a fraction of the cell population to pH excursions and thereby mimicking a large‐scale bioreactor. Cells were exposed to repeated pH amplitudes of 0.4 units (pH 7.3), which resulted in decreased viable cell counts, as well as the inhibition of the lactate metabolic shift. These effects were furthermore accompanied by increased absolute lactate levels. Continuous assessment of molecular attributes of the expressed target protein revealed that subunit assembly or N‐glycosylation patterns were only slightly influenced by the pH excursions. The exposure of more cells to the same pH amplitudes further impaired process performance, indicating this is an important factor, which influences the impact of pH inhomogeneity. This knowledge can aid in the design of pH control strategies to minimize the effects of pH inhomogeneity in large‐scale bioreactors.
Temperature‐dependent analysis of crosstalk and delay uncertainty in multilayer graphene nanoribbon interconnects
Authors: Mona Chanu Waikhom , Das Debaprasad
Published: May 2020

In this article, we have analyzed delay uncertainty due to crosstalk in multilayer graphene nanoribbon (MLGNR) interconnects. Crosstalk is a challenging problem in deep‐sub‐micron and nanometer designs. In this work, we have analyzed the crosstalk delay with a wide variation in chip operating temperature. The mean free path is modeled as a function of temperature. Furthermore, the resistance of MLGNR interconnect system is modeled. Crosstalk delay analysis is performed for both top‐contact MLGNR and side‐contact MLGNR (SC‐MLGNR) interconnects and compared the results with that of the traditional Cu interconnects. The analysis has been carried out for different interconnect widths 11, 16, and 22 nm and lengths 10, 50, and 100 μm for three different chip operating temperatures 233, 300, and 398K. The decrease in rise/fall delay (speed up) and increase in rise/fall time delay (slow down) are modeled. Finally, the delay uncertainty is modeled for different interconnect systems. The percentage change in delay values for speed up and slow down cases are −23.4%, −29.8% and 114.4%, 161.9%, respectively, for 10μm SC‐MLGNR interconnect. It is shown that the delay uncertainty is significantly less in SC‐MLGNR interconnects and with the advancement of technology the performance is improved as compared with copper interconnects.
Optimization of secondary user capacity in a centralized cooperative cognitive radio network with primary user under priority
Authors: Debnath Sanjoy , Rai Chandrashekhar , Sen Debarati , Baishya Srimanta , Arif Wasim
Published: May 2020

The primary objective of cognitive radio is to maximize the spectrum utilization and the capacity of secondary users under standard parametric constraints. The radiometer, or energy detection, is one of the convenient methods of spectrum sensing under a cooperative communication framework. However, the selection of a suitable threshold is a major issue in order to optimize the secondary user capacity considering primary user on priority. In this article, we investigate a double threshold energy detection scheme and obtain an analytical model for optimum thresholding in diverse fading conditions under the constraint of the probability of detection. We use a meta‐heuristic optimization algorithm, namely, the particle swarm optimization with an aging leader and challengers, to observe the effect of varying threshold levels in fusion region, signal to noise ratio (SNR) levels of primary user, and calculate the normalized achievable capacity of secondary user for various fading channels. The results show that, with increasing value of threshold within the decision region, the probability of detection decreases while the normalized secondary user capacity is enhanced. Conversely, the probability of detection increases and the normalized secondary user capacity decreases with increasing values of the SNR level. We also observe the effect of receiver diversity with maximal ratio combining for Nakagami‐m fading channel coefficients. The result shows that the probability of detection and normalized capacity decrease with an increase of the number of receiver branches.
COX‐2/PGE2 axis regulates hippocampal BDNF/TrkB signaling via EP2 receptor after prolonged seizures
Authors: Yu Ying , Jiang Jianxiong
Published: May 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify the signaling pathway that is immediately triggered by status epilepticus (SE) and in turn contributes to the excessive brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin‐related kinase receptor B (TrkB) signaling within the hippocampus.

Methods

We used quantitative PCR, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blot analysis to examine gene expression at both mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus following prolonged SE in mice and rats. Three classical animal models of SE were utilized in the present study to avoid any model‐ or species‐specific findings.

Results

We showed that both cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and BDNF in the hippocampus were rapidly upregulated after SE onset; however, the induction of COX‐2 temporally preceded that of BDNF. Blocking COX‐2 activity by selective inhibitor SC‐58125 prevented BDNF elevation in the hippocampus following SE; prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a major product of COX‐2 in the brain, was sufficient to stimulate hippocampal cells to secrete BDNF, suggesting that a PGE2 signaling pathway might be directly involved in hippocampal BDNF production. Inhibiting the Gαs‐coupled PGE2 receptor EP2 by our recently developed selective antagonist TG6‐10‐1 decreased the SE‐triggered phosphorylation of the cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) and activation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling in the hippocampus.

Significance

The molecular mechanisms whereby BDNF/TrkB signaling is upregulated in the hippocampus by SE largely remain unknown. Our findings suggest that COX‐2 via the PGE2/EP2 pathway regulates hippocampal BDNF/TrkB activity following prolonged seizures. EP2 inhibition by our bioavailable and brain‐permeable antagonists such as TG6‐10‐1 might therefore provide a novel strategy to suppress the abnormal TrkB activity, an event that can sufficiently trigger pathogenic processes within the brain including acquired epileptogenesis.
Risk factors for cholecystitis after stent placement in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction
Authors: Takinami Masaki , Murohisa Gou , Yoshizawa Yashiro , Shimizu Erina , Nagasawa Masamichi
Published: May 2020

Background /Purpose

Limited data are available for acute cholecystitis after Self‐Expandable Metallic Stent (SEMS) placement in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction. We aimed to identify risk factors for cholecystitis.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single‐center study of 280 patients (336 stents) who received endoscopic SEMS placement between May 2005 and April 2016. Clinical records were used to perform risk factor analyses.

Results

Of 336 SEMS placement procedures, 25 (7.4%) led to development of cholecystitis. Logistic regression analysis revealed three independent risk factors: covered SEMS (P = .014), tumor involvement to the cystic duct (P = .017), and presence of gallstones (P = .022). Median time to cholecystitis onset was shorter with covered SEMS than with uncovered SEMS (P = .034), and in patients with pancreatic cancer compared to those with other cancers (P = .001). Severe cholecystitis developed within 30 days after covered SEMS placement in three patients with pancreatic cancer without tumor involvement to the cystic duct.

Conclusions

Use of covered SEMS might be a risk factor for cholecystitis onset within 30 days after placement. Clinicians should be aware of the risk for severe cholecystitis after covered SEMS placement, even if the tumor does not invade the cystic duct.
Multiparametric MRI Radiomic Model for Preoperative Predicting WHO/ISUP Nuclear Grade of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Qiong , Liu Yu‐jia , Dong Di , Bai Xu , Huang Qing‐bo , Guo Ai‐tao , Ye Hui‐yi , Tian Jie , Wang Hai‐yi
Published: May 2020

Background

Nuclear grade is of importance for treatment selection and prognosis in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Purpose

To develop and validate an MRI‐based radiomic model for preoperative predicting WHO/ISUP nuclear grade in ccRCC.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 379 patients with histologically confirmed ccRCC. Training cohort (n = 252) and validation cohort (n = 127) were randomly assigned.

Field Strength/Sequence

Pretreatment 3.0T renal MRI. Imaging sequences were fat‐suppressed T2WI, contrast‐enhanced T1WI, and diffusion weighted imaging.

Assessment

Three prediction models were developed using selected radiomic features, radiomic and clinicoradiologic characteristics, and a model containing only clinicoradiologic characteristics. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) were used to assess the predictive performance of these models in predicting high‐grade ccRCC.

Statistical Tests

The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) method were used for the selection of radiomic features and clinicoradiologic characteristics, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop the radiomic signature of radiomic features and clinicoradiologic model of clinicoradiologic characteristics.

Results

The radiomic signature showed good performance in discriminating high‐grade (grades 3 and 4) from low‐grade (grades 1 and 2) ccRCC, with sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 77.3%, 80.0%, and 0.842, respectively, in the validation cohort. The radiomic model, combining radiomic signature and clinicoradiologic characteristics, displayed good predictive ability for high‐grade with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 63.6%, 93.3%, and 88.2%, respectively, in the validation cohort. The radiomic model showed a significantly better performance than the clinicoradiologic model (P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

Multiparametric MRI‐based radiomic model can predict WHO/ISUP grade in patients with ccRCC with satisfying performance, and thus could help the physician to improve treatment decisions.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

2