bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability modeling for consecutive k‐out‐of‐n: F systems with local load‐sharing components subject to dependent degradation and shock processes
Authors: Guo Jianbin , Shen Yongguang , Lu Zhenping , Che Haiyang , Liu Zhuo , Zeng Shengkui
Published: March 2020

Traditional k‐out‐of‐n models assume that the components are independent, while recent research studies assume that the components are dependent caused by global load‐sharing characteristic. In this paper, we investigate the consecutive k‐out‐of‐n systems with dependent components by local load‐sharing characteristic. The work load and shock load on failed components will be equally shared by adjacent components, so the components tend to fail consecutively. Consequently, the components degradation processes may be diverse, since their degradation rate (dependent on work load) and abrupt degradation (dependent on shock load) become unequal because of local load‐sharing effect. Furthermore, the system failure will be path‐dependent on the failure sequences of components, which results in that the same system states may have different system failure probabilities. This new dependence makes the system reliability model more complex. In this work, an analytical model that can be solved numerically is derived to compute the reliability with this complex dependence. The developed model is demonstrated by a cable‐strut system in the suspension bridge. The results show that the reliability decreases significantly when the new dependence is considered.
Generalized linear model based monitoring methods for high‐yield processes
Authors: Mahmood Tahir
Published: March 2020

Emerge in technology brought well‐organized manufacturing systems to produce high‐quality items. Therefore, monitoring and control of products have become a challenging task for quality inspectors. From these highly efficient processes, produced items are mostly zero‐defect and modeled based on zero‐inflated distributions. The zero‐inflated Poisson (ZIP) and zero‐inflated Negative Binomial (ZINB) distributions are the most common distributions, used to model the high‐yield and rare health‐related processes. Therefore, data‐based control charts under ZIP and ZINB distributions (i.e., Y‐ZIP and Y‐ZINB) are proposed for the monitoring of high‐quality processes. Usually, with the defect counts, few covariates are also measured in the process, and the generalized linear model based on the ZIP and ZINB distributions are used to estimate their parameters. In this study, we have designed monitoring structures (i.e., PR‐ZIP and PR‐ZINB) based on the ZIP and ZINB regression models which will provide the monitoring of defect counts by accounting the single covariate. Further, proposed model‐based charts are compared with the existing data‐based charts. The simulation study is designed to access the performance of monitoring methods in terms of run length properties and a case study on the number of flight delays between Atlanta and Orlando during 2012–2014 is also provided to highlight the importance of the stated research.
Achieving the environmental profits of green supplier integration: The roles of supply chain resilience and knowledge combination
Authors: Ji Lei , Yuan Chunlin , Feng Taiwen , Wang Chen
Published: March 2020

Most previous studies have focused on the direct impact of green supplier integration on environmental performance, and treated this relationship as a “black box.” To address this research gap, this study explores how green supplier integration affects environmental performance via supply chain resilience, and the moderating role of knowledge combination on the link between green supplier integration and supply chain resilience. Drawing on natural resource‐based view and knowledge‐based view, we develop four hypotheses and examine these hypotheses using two‐waved data from 206 Chinese manufacturing firms. We find that green supplier integration has positive effects on both proactive dimension and reactive dimension of supply chain resilience. Proactive dimension and reactive dimension of supply chain resilience partially mediate the link between green supplier integration and environmental performance. In addition, knowledge combination strengthens the positive impact of green supplier integration on reactive dimension of supply chain resilience. These findings suggest that supply chain resilience and knowledge combination cannot be overlooked when firms expect to gain environmental profits by conducting green supplier integration.
Segregated Nanocompartments Containing Therapeutic Enzymes and Imaging Compounds within DNA‐Zipped Polymersome Clusters for Advanced Nanotheranostic Platform
Authors: Meyer Claire E. , Liu Juan , Craciun Ioana , Wu Dalin , Wang Hui , Xie Mingqi , Fussenegger Martin , Palivan Cornelia G.
Published: March 2020

Nanotheranostics is an emerging field that brings together nanoscale‐engineered materials with biological systems providing a combination of therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. However, current theranostic nanoplatforms have serious limitations, mainly due to a mismatch between the physical properties of the selected nanomaterials and their functionalization ease, loading ability, or overall compatibility with bioactive molecules. Herein, a nanotheranostic system is proposed based on nanocompartment clusters composed of two different polymersomes linked together by DNA. Careful design and procedure optimization result in clusters segregating the therapeutic enzyme human Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) and fluorescent probes for the detection unit in distinct but colocalized nanocompartments. The diagnostic compartment provides a twofold function: trackability via dye loading as the imaging component and the ability to attach the cluster construct to the surface of cells. The therapeutic compartment, loaded with active DDC, triggers the cellular expression of a secreted reporter enzyme via production of dopamine and activation of dopaminergic receptors implicated in atherosclerosis. This two‐compartment nanotheranostic platform is expected to provide the basis of a new treatment strategy for atherosclerosis, to expand versatility and diversify the types of utilizable active molecules, and thus by extension expand the breadth of attainable applications.
Das Schweißen alter Flussstähle
Authors: Sieber Lars , Flederer Holger , Kilian André
Published: March 2020

Im Zuge der Instandsetzung oder Verstärkung von Bestandstragwerken aus Flussstahl stellt üblicherweise Schrauben oder Nieten das bevorzugte Fügeverfahren dar. In vielen Fällen ist es jedoch konstruktionsbedingt günstiger, auf Schweißen als Fügeverfahren zurückzugreifen. Aufgrund der speziellen Eigenschaften alter Flussstähle sind bei Schweißungen besondere Problemstellungen zu beachten. Die Schweißeignung von Flussstählen wird durch ihre inhomogene Gefügestruktur mit stark streuender chemischer Zusammensetzung, Verunreinigungen und Einschlüssen, Seigerungen sowie durch ihre eingeschränkte Werkstoffzähigkeit beeinträchtigt.

Im Rahmen von Forschungsvorhaben an der Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft in Dresden wurden schweißtechnisch gesicherte Grundlagen für das Schweißen alter Flussstähle erarbeitet, die sowohl die Erprobung verschiedener Schweißzusatzwerkstoffe und ‐verfahren als auch die zielgerichtete Steuerung der Verfahrensparameter umfassen. In der vorliegenden Veröffentlichung werden die Ergebnisse der umfangreichen experimentellen und analytischen Untersuchungen zur Schweißeignung von alten Flussstählen vorgestellt. Abschließend wird über erste praktische Anwendungen der Erkenntnisse bei der Sanierung zweier Stahlbrücken berichtet.
Synergistic Effect of Charged Amino Acid Combined with Dry Heating Treatment on Physicochemical Properties and In Vitro Digestibility of Cornstarch
Authors: Jiang Hui , Wang Yu‐Sheng , Zhang Xing , Chen Hai‐Hua
Published: March 2020

To improve processability and nutritional properties, normal cornstarch is modified by dry heating treatment (DHT) at different heating temperatures (70, 100, and 130 °C) for different heating times (0, 2, 12, 48 h) after mixing with various amino acid types (aspartic acid and lysine). The combination treatment effectively retards the starch digestibility. Among all samples, the rapidly digestible starch content of lysine–cornstarch mixture after being heated at 130 °C for 12 h is the lowest (14.1%), which decreases by 13% as compared to cornstarch. The gelatinization temperatures, gelatinization enthalpy, and relative crystallization of the combination treated cornstarch increases while no significant changes are observed in the X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of those starches. With increasing DHT temperature or prolonged DHT time, the viscosity of the heated aspartic acid–cornstarch mixture decreases, while that of the heated lysine–cornstarch mixture increases. Cluster analysis indicates that there are obvious differences between the samples with added aspartic acid and adding lysine. The combination treatment at 130 °C shows a more significant effect on the properties of AA‐CS.
Influence of long‐term creep on prestressed concrete beams in relation to deformations and structural resistance: Experiments and modeling
Authors: Reybrouck Nicky , Van Mullem Tim , Taerwe Luc , Caspeele Robby
Published: March 2020

Realistic structural models incorporating the time‐dependent effects of concrete are essential in order to make accurate predictions of the time‐dependent deflections at any time of the service life. Experimental databases are used to calibrate and validate existing models for creep and shrinkage available in international standards. However, extensive research campaigns on large‐scale prestressed beams are scarce. In 1967–1985, a research program comprising a unique set of long‐term experimental data on concrete beams was conducted in joint collaboration with four Belgian research institutes to determine the influence of creep and shrinkage on the long‐term behavior of reinforced and prestressed concrete members. The main aim of the final part of the research campaign was the determination of the long‐term behavior of prestressed and partially prestressed beams subjected to permanent loads, considering the influence of the magnitude of the loads, the degree of prestressing, the shape of the cross‐section, the type of prestressing and the stress conditions. This paper reports on the obtained unique set of long‐term tests. Additionally, also information related to the creep and shrinkage data of prisms and the results of the static tests in a four‐point bending configuration until failure at the age of 28 days and 5 years are presented in this paper. The measurements of the prestressed members are compared with a simplified calculation method based on the direct stiffness method, which accounts for aging, creep, and shrinkage. The proposed simplified calculation model allows fast and accurate predictions of strains, stresses, and deflections as a function of time. The results show that the direct stiffness method in combination with the current models of EN1992‐1‐1 and fib Model Code 2010 can predict the long‐term behavior of concrete beams in good agreement with the available experimental data. The research allows to develop more accurate calculation guidelines with respect to the evolution of deflections, concrete deformations and stresses of prestressed beams as function of the prestress‐degree, shape of the cross‐section, and the type of prestressing.
P2Y1‐like nucleotide receptors—Structures, molecular modeling, mutagenesis, and oligomerization
Authors: Neumann Alexander , Müller Christa E. , Namasivayam Vigneshwaran
Published: March 2020

The P2Y receptors (P2YRs) are G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) consisting of eight members, subdivided into two groups, P2Y1‐ and P2Y12‐like receptor subtypes. They are activated by extracellular nucleotides and represent current (P2Y2, P2Y12) or potential future drug targets. The chemical nature of the highly polar endogenous agonists represents a challenge in the discovery and design of potent and bioavailable compounds. A number of mutants and several homology models of P2YR subtypes have been created and updated on the basis of the recently published X‐ray crystal structures of the human P2Y1 and P2Y12Rs. The models were used for prediction of the binding sites of agonists and antagonists, and mutants were constructed for confirmation. Pharmacological data on mutants published for the P2Y1‐like receptors (P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4, P2Y6, and P2Y11R) were evaluated to analyze the role of specific amino acids and that of corresponding amino acid residues in related P2Y receptor subtypes. In several P2YR subtypes, an ionic lock between extracellular loop 2 and transmembrane region VII was postulated to be essential for agonist‐induced receptor activation. Mutagenesis and homology modeling data suggest that the nucleotide antagonist (1′R,2′S,4′S,5′S)‐4‐(2‐iodo‐6‐methylaminopurin‐9‐yl)‐1‐[(phosphato)methyl]‐2‐(phosphato)bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane (MRS2500), which was co‐crystallized with the human P2Y1R, binds differently from agonistic nucleotides to a site partly overlapping with that of orthosteric agonists. Hetero‐oligomerization of P2YRs with other P2YR subtypes or other GPCRs may allosterically modulate receptor‐ligand interactions and/or G protein coupling. The collected information will contribute to the understanding of the architecture of P2Y1‐like nucleotide receptors and will consequently be useful for the design of novel agonists and antagonists.

This article is categorized under:

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Free Energy Methods

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Interactions

Software > Molecular Modeling
Observability of the ambient conditions in model‐based estimation for wind farm control: A focus on static models
Authors: Doekemeijer Bart , van Wingerden Jan‐Willem
Published: March 2020

Wind farm control (WFC) algorithms rely on an estimate of the ambient wind speed, wind direction, and turbulence intensity in the determination of the optimal control setpoints. However, the measurements available in a commercial wind farm do not always carry sufficient information to estimate these atmospheric quantities. In this paper, a novel measure (“observability”) is introduced that quantifies how well the ambient conditions can be estimated with the measurements at hand through a model inversion approach. The usefulness of this measure is shown through several case studies. While the turbine power signals and the inter‐turbine wake interactions provide information on the wind direction, the case studies presented in this article show that there is a strong need for wind direction measurements for WFC to sufficiently cover observability for any ambient condition. Further, generally, more wake interaction leads to a higher observability. Also, the mathematical framework presented in this article supports the straightforward notion that turbine power measurements provide no additional information compared with local wind speed measurements, implying that power measurements are superfluous. Irregular farm layouts result in a higher observability due to the increase in unique wake interaction. The findings in this paper may be used in WFC to predict which ambient quantities can (theoretically) be estimated. The authors envision that this will assist in the estimation of the ambient conditions in WFC algorithms and can lead to an improvement in the performance of WFC algorithms over the complete envelope of wind farm operation.
Niobium, Tantalum, and Tungsten Doped Tin Dioxides as Potential Support Materials for Fuel Cell Catalyst Applications
Authors: Stöwe Klaus , Weber Maximilian
Published: March 2020

We report here on potential candidates based on the oxides SnO2, Nb2O5, Ta2O5, and WO3 as alternative support materials for precious metal catalysts with high stability under highly acidic conditions and elevated temperatures as well as sufficient electric conductivity (EC) for application in PEMFCs. To increase the low conductivity of these wide bandgap binary oxides we investigated the mutual doping of these elements and report here on the doping of SnO2 with W, Nb and Ta in the doping range of 0–15 mol‐% metal component. Powder samples were prepared by an optimized sol‐gel method based on an acetate route. The samples were characterized by PXRD, TGA as well as 4‐point van der Pauw EC measurements. Rietveld refinement of the PXRD pattern over the doping range revealed solid solution formation and anomalies in the lattice parameter changes of the rutile‐type structure. As explanation for these observations internal redox reactions between Ta5+/Ta4+ and Sn4+/Sn2+ were proposed and possibilities to reduce the electrostatic repulsion between cations on introduction of anion vacancies into the crystal structure were discussed.
Symmetries in A-type little string theories. Part II. Eisenstein series and generating functions of multiple divisor sums
Authors: Bastian Brice , Hohenegger Stefan
Published: March 2020

Abstract

We continue our study of symmetries of a class of little string theories of A-type, which are engineered by N parallel M5-branes probing a flat transverse space. Extending the analysis of the companion paper [1], we discuss the part of the free energy that is sensitive to the details of the 𝔞N−1 gauge structure, by computing explicit series expansions for the cases N = 2, 3, 4. Based on these examples, we find a class of functions that we conjecture to resum whole sectors in the instanton expansion of the free energy and which combine in a natural manner its modular properties as well as the gauge symmetry. These functions have previously been introduced in the literature as the generating functions of multi-divisor sums and in the case N = 2 can also be cast into the form of a generalised Eisenstein series. We use these resummed contributions to the free energy to perform a number of non-trivial consistency checks for our results.
Minimal surfaces and weak gravity
Authors: Demirtas Mehmet , Long Cody , McAllister Liam , Stillman Mike
Published: March 2020

Abstract

We show that the Weak Gravity Conjecture (WGC) implies a nontrivial upper bound on the volumes of the minimal-volume cycles in certain homology classes that admit no calibrated representatives. In compactification of type IIB string theory on an orientifold X of a Calabi-Yau threefold, we consider a homology class [Σ] ∈ H4(X, ℝ) represented by a union Σ∪ of holomorphic and antiholomorphic cycles. The instanton form of the WGC applied to the axion charge [Σ] implies an upper bound on the action of a non-BPS Euclidean D3-brane wrapping the minimal-volume representative Σmin of [Σ]. We give an explicit example of an orientifold X of a hypersurface in a toric variety, and a hyperplane H ⊂ H4(X, ℝ), such that for any [Σ] ∈ H that satisfies the WGC, the minimal volume obeys Vol (Σmin) ≪ Vol(Σ∪): the holomorphic and antiholomorphic components recombine to form a much smaller cycle. In particular, the sub-Lattice WGC applied to X implies large recombination, no matter how sparse the sublattice. Non-BPS instantons wrapping Σmin are then more important than would be predicted from a study of BPS instantons wrapping the separate components of Σ∪. Our analysis hinges on a novel computation of effective divisors in X that are not inherited from effective divisors of the toric variety.
Health-related quality of life after open and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Kretschmer Alexander , Bischoff Robert , Chaloupka Michael , Jokisch Friedrich , Westhofen Thilo , Weinhold Philipp , Strittmatter Frank , Becker Armin , Buchner Alexander , Stief Christian G.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Introduction of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has revolutionized the therapeutic landscape of organ-confined prostate cancer (PCa). However, comparative analyses focused on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after RARP and open retropubic prostatectomy (ORP) are sparse.

Methods

In the current retrospective analysis,inclusion criteria encompassed PSA ≤ 10 ng/ml, ≤ pT2c, ISUP ≤ 3, age ≤ 65 years, and preoperative continence. A propensity score-matched patient cohort [n = 418 (ORP: 209, RARP: 209)] was created and HRQOL was prospectively assessed based on validated questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30) preoperatively, 3 months, 12 months, and 24 months postoperatively. Primary endpoint was good general HRQOL based on previously published cut-off values. Erectile function was measured via IIEF-5, urinary continence via ICIQ-SF questionnaire. Multivariable analysis included binary logistic regression models (p < 0.05).

Results

Open retropubic prostatectomy and RARP cohorts were well balanced. General HRQOL was significantly higher for ORP compared to RARP after 3 months (70.1 vs. 61.6, p = 0.001), but not at the remaining follow-up time points. There were no significant differences for the remaining QLQ-C30 functioning and symptom scores. In multivariable analysis stratified for IIEF-5 and ICIQ-SF scores and surgeon experience, RARP could be confirmed as a marginally independent predictor for lower ratios of good general HRQOL after 3 months (OR 0.464, 95% CI 0.215–0.999; p = 0.050) without any differences at the remaining time points.

Conclusions

The current study addresses various HRQOL outcomes over a postoperative period of up to 2 years in a homogenous propensity score-matched contemporary cohort. Marginally better general HRQOL outcomes could be detected for ORP compared to RARP 3 months postoperatively.
How can 30–60-day ISO move from the South China Sea to Southern China?
Authors: Zheng Bin , Huang Yanyan , Li Chunhui , Lin Ailan
Published: March 2020

In the present study, the northward-propagating intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs) over the South China Sea (SCS) during the summer monsoon season are divided into two types. One is the northward propagation of ISOs confined in the SCS (defined as P1-ISO), another for ISOs moving from the SCS to Southern China (SC) defined as P2-ISO. The spatial and temporal structures of the two types of ISOs are compared based on the analysis of the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis datasets. It is found that a significant difference appears in the heat flux anomalies over SC that is attributed to the cloud-radiation effect. A mechanism associated with the changes in the convective instability is proposed to understand the cause of the northward propagation of the ISO from the SCS to SC. For the P1-ISO, a more precipitation over SC leads to a less surface solar radiation and then a cold land surface temperature (LST), which induces an increase of static stability via surface longwave radiation and sensible heat flux. Whereas the total contribution to the convective instability changes does create an unfavorable for ISOs propagating northward, the moisture convergence, mainly controlled by the baroclinic vorticity advection effect, may contribute to an increase of convective instability that favors the ISOs moving northward. For the P2-ISO, a less precipitation over SC results in a more shortwave radiation reaching the ground that induces a warm LST, and thus leading to a warm low-level air temperature and destabilizing the atmosphere ahead of the convection. Moreover, the moisture convergence, dominated by the warm low-level air temperature, also contributes to the increase of convective instability. Thus the convective instability increment should favor the ISOs moving northward. It is worth noting that the baroclinic vorticity advection and moisture advection are not essential for ISOs propagating from the SCS to SC.
Predictors of the regional variation of prostatectomy or radiotherapy: evidence from German cancer registries
Authors: Medenwald Daniel , Ferencz Julia , Vordermark Dirk
Published: March 2020

Objective

To assess the association of public health parameters with the regional variation in the initial treatment for prostate cancer.

Methods

We used data from German epidemiologic cancer registries for the years 2009–2013. Presence of a certified cancer center, a radiotherapy and/or urology institution, the district-specific GDP, and population density were used as predictors. Patients with indication for adjuvant treatment were excluded (T3b). Only districts with defined quality criteria were eligible. We used general linear mixed models (equivalent to logistic regression) with a covariance matrix weighted by the Euclidean distances between districts. Models were adjusted for age, grading, and TNM stage. We performed sensitivity analyses by imputing missing data with multiple imputation and considering extreme case scenarios. We applied inverse probability weighting to account for missing values.

Results

When radiotherapy/surgery is compared to neither treatment, the probability for the latter was higher in East than in West Germany (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.43–2.02). The same was true for districts with both, a radiotherapy and urologic treatment facility (OR 1.43, 1.19–1.72). Analyzing radiotherapy vs. surgery, the probability for prostatectomy was inversely associated with the presence of a radiotherapy unit when compared to districts with neither treatment facility (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38–0.73). Patients treated in East Germany were more likely to receive a surgical treatment (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.08–1.66). Sensitivity analyses revealed no relevant change of effect estimates.

Conclusion

Treatment differs between East and West Germany and is associated with the presence of a radiotherapy or urology clinic.
In situ observation of the percolation threshold in multiphase magma analogues
Authors: Colombier M. , Wadsworth F. B. , Scheu B. , Vasseur J. , Dobson K. J. , Cáceres F. , Allabar A. , Marone F. , Schlepütz C. M. , Dingwell D. B.
Published: March 2020

Magmas vesiculate during ascent, producing complex interconnected pore networks, which can act as outgassing pathways and then deflate or compact to volcanic plugs. Similarly, in-conduit fragmentation events during dome-forming eruptions create open systems transiently, before welding causes pore sealing. The percolation threshold is the first-order transition between closed- and open-system degassing dynamics. Here, we use time-resolved, synchrotron-source X-ray tomography to image synthetic magmas that go through cycles of opening and closing, to constrain the percolation threshold ΦC at a range of melt crystallinity, viscosity and overpressure pertinent to shallow magma ascent. During vesiculation, we observed different percolative regimes for the same initial bulk crystallinity depending on melt viscosity and gas overpressure. At high viscosity (> 106 Pa s) and high overpressure (~ 1–4 MPa), we found that a brittle-viscous regime dominates in which brittle rupture allows system-spanning coalescence at a low percolation threshold (ΦC~0.17) via the formation of fracture-like bubble chains. Percolation was followed by outgassing and bubble collapse causing densification and isolation of the bubble network, resulting in a hysteresis in the evolution of connectivity with porosity. At low melt viscosity and overpressure, we observed a viscous regime with much higher percolation threshold (ΦC > 0.37) due to spherical bubble growth and lower degree of crystal connection. Finally, our results also show that sintering of crystal-free and crystal-bearing magma analogues is characterised by low percolation thresholds (ΦC = 0.04 – 0.10). We conclude that the presence of crystals lowers the percolation threshold during vesiculation and may promote outgassing in shallow, crystal-rich magma at initial stages of Vulcanian and Strombolian eruptions.
Fractional Sobolev metrics on spaces of immersions
Authors: Bauer Martin , Harms Philipp , Michor Peter W.
Published: March 2020

We prove that the geodesic equations of all Sobolev metrics of fractional order one and higher on spaces of diffeomorphisms and, more generally, immersions are locally well posed. This result builds on the recently established real analytic dependence of fractional Laplacians on the underlying Riemannian metric. It extends several previous results and applies to a wide range of variational partial differential equations, including the well-known Euler–Arnold equations on diffeomorphism groups as well as the geodesic equations on spaces of manifold-valued curves and surfaces.
Models for predicting impact sensitivity of energetic materials based on the trigger linkage hypothesis and Arrhenius kinetics
Authors: Jensen Tomas L. , Moxnes John F. , Unneberg Erik , Christensen Dennis
Published: March 2020

In order to predict the impact sensitivity of high explosives, we designed and evaluated several models based on the trigger linkage hypothesis and the Arrhenius equation. To this effect, we calculated the heat of detonation, temperature of detonation, and bond dissociation energy for 70 energetic molecules. The bond dissociation energy divided by the temperature of detonation proved to be a good predictor of the impact sensitivity of nitroaromatics, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.81. A separate Bayesian analysis gave similar results, taking model complexity into account. For nitramines, there was no relationship between the impact sensitivity and the bond dissociation energy. None of the models studied gave good predictions for the impact sensitivity of liquid nitrate esters. For solid nitrate esters, the bond dissociation energy divided by the temperature of detonation showed promising results (R2 = 0.85), but since this regression was based on only a few data points, it was discredited when model complexity was accounted for by our Bayesian analysis. Since the temperature of detonation correlated with the impact sensitivity for nitroaromatics, nitramines, and nitrate esters, we consider it to be one of the leading predictive factors of impact sensitivity for energetic materials.
Determining Haemodynamic Wall Shear Stress in the Rabbit Aorta In Vivo Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Image Velocimetry
Authors: Riemer K. , Rowland E. M. , Leow C. H. , Tang M. X. , Weinberg P. D.
Published: March 2020

Abnormal blood flow and wall shear stress (WSS) can cause and be caused by cardiovascular disease. To date, however, no standard method has been established for mapping WSS in vivo. Here we demonstrate wide-field assessment of WSS in the rabbit abdominal aorta using contrast-enhanced ultrasound image velocimetry (UIV). Flow and WSS measurements were made independent of beam angle, curvature or branching. Measurements were validated in an in silico model of the rabbit thoracic aorta with moving walls and pulsatile flow. Mean errors over a cardiac cycle for velocity and WSS were 0.34 and 1.69%, respectively. In vivo time average WSS in a straight segment of the suprarenal aorta correlated highly with simulations (PC = 0.99) with a mean deviation of 0.29 Pa or 5.16%. To assess fundamental plausibility of the measurement, UIV WSS was compared to an analytic approximation derived from the Poiseuille equation; the discrepancy was 17%. Mapping of WSS was also demonstrated in regions of arterial branching. High time average WSS (TAWSSxz = 3.4 Pa) and oscillatory flow (OSIxz = 0.3) were observed near the origin of conduit arteries. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that contrast-enhanced UIV is capable of measuring spatiotemporal variation in flow velocity, arterial wall location and hence WSS in vivo with high accuracy over a large field of view.
Insights into the pH-dependent, extracellular sucrose utilization and concomitant levan formation by Gluconobacter albidus TMW 2.1191
Authors: Jakob Frank , Gebrande Clara , Bichler Regina M. , Vogel Rudi F.
Published: March 2020

Many bacteria and archaea produce the polydisperse fructose polymer levan from sucrose upon biofilm formation via extracellular levansucrases (EC 2.4.1.10). We have investigated levansucrase-release and -activities as well as molecular size of the levan formed by the acetic acid bacterium Gluconobacter albidus TMW 2.1191 at varying environmental pH conditions to obtain insight in the ecological role of its constitutively expressed levansucrase and the produced levan. A buffer system was established enabling the recovery of levansucrase-containing supernatants from preincubated cell suspensions at pH 4.3–pH 5.7. The enzyme solutions were used to produce levans at different pH values and sucrose concentrations. Finally, the amounts and size distributions of the produced levans as well as the corresponding levansucrase activities were determined and correlated with each other. The data revealed that the levansucrase was released into the environment independently of its substrate sucrose, and that more levansucrase was released at pH ≥ 5.0. The glucose release and formation of high molecular weight levans (> 3.5 kDa) from 0.1 M initial sucrose was comparable between pH ~ 4.3–5.7 using equal amounts of released levansucrase. Hence, this type of levansucrase appears to be structurally adapted to changes in the extracellular pH and to exhibit a similar total activity over a wide acidic pH range, while it produced higher amounts of larger levan molecules at higher production pH and sucrose concentrations. These findings indicate the physiological adaptation of G. albidus TMW 2.1191 to efficient colonisation of sucrose-rich habitats via released levansucrases despite changing extracellular pH conditions in course of acid formation.
Adsorption of phenylurea herbicides by tropical soils
Authors: Agbaogun Babatunde Kazeem , Fischer Klaus
Published: March 2020

The distribution of pesticides in soils with consequences for their mobility, bioavailability and water contamination is mainly ruled by sorption processes. Such processes are seldom investigated in tropical soils. Thus, specific interactions between tropical soils and most pesticides are widely unknown. Furthermore, the question arises whether the same factors govern adsorption in tropical and temperate soils. Thus, the sorption behaviour of five phenylurea herbicides (PUHs) was studied in eighteen differently composed soils originating from southwestern Nigeria. Sorption data were obtained by equilibrating the soil samples with 0.01 M CaCl2 solutions spiked with increasing concentrations of the target PUHs. The equilibrium data fitted well to the Freundlich isotherm equation (R2 ≥ 0.96), delivering the corresponding parameters (Kf and n). Linear distribution coefficients (Kd) were also calculated. The Pearson correlation was used to identify the specific soil and herbicide properties that have statistically significant correlations with sorption parameters. High correlations were established for various soil properties (pH, cation exchange capacity, organic carbon content, content of amorphous Fe and Mn oxides, clay/silt mass proportions) as well as molecular descriptors (octanol-water partition coefficient (log Kow) and molecular mass (Mw)) of the moderately hydrophobic herbicides. Monuron, chlorotoluron and isoproturon showed higher affinities for soil than previously reported. The gathered knowledge might assist in the assessment and in the precautionary avoidance of potential risks generated by these compounds in tropical soils.
On an equation arising in the boundary-layer flow of stretching/shrinking permeable surfaces
Authors: Merkin J. H. , Pop I.
Published: March 2020

In a recent paper, Al-Housseiny and Stone (J Fluid Mech 706:597–606, 2012) considered the dynamics of a stretching surface and how this interacts with the boundary-layer flow it generates. These authors discussed the cases $$c= -3$$c=-3 for an elastic sheet and $$c= -1$$c=-1 for the viscous fluid, c being representative for the stretching velocity of the sheet. The aim of the present paper is to extend the analysis of Al-Housseiny and Stone (2012) to the general values of c, to allow for both a stretching and a shrinking sheet and for the surface to be permeable through the parameter S, where $$S>0$$S>0 for the fluid withdrawal and $$S < 0$$S<0 for fluid injection. Both the cases $$S=0$$S=0 (impermeable surface) and $$S \ne 0$$S≠0 (permeable surface) are considered for both stretching surfaces and shrinking surfaces. In all these cases, asymptotic solutions are presented for large values c and S (both withdrawal and injection).
Natural course of adult-onset vitelliform lesions in eyes with and without comorbid subretinal drusenoid deposits
Authors: Wilde Craig , Awad Mary , Giannouladis Konstantinos , Lakshmanan Arun , Yeung Aaron Ming-Hon , Dua Harminder , Amoaku Winfried M. K.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Adult vitelliform lesions (AVL) are associated with age related macular degeneration (AMD) and subretinal drusenoid deposits (SRDD). We evaluated the natural course of AVL, assessing the influence of SRDD on disease progression, visual function and incidence of macular atrophy (MA) and choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVM).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2011 and March 2016. Demographic, clinical and imaging data from 26 consecutive AVL patients were analysed following case note review. Optical coherence tomography images were graded for SRDD and patients divided into those with/without SRDD. Outcomes included presenting/changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and incidence of MA/CNVM.

Results

Mean age was 78.6 ± 7.6 years. Mean follow-up was 51.5 ± 25.6 months. Twelve patients (46.2%) had SRDD at presentation with 3 more (11.5%) developing them. Subjects with SRDD were older (mean 81.7 ± 6.1 years vs 74.3 ± 7.6 years, p = 0.010). Mean presenting BCVA was worse in SRDD eyes (0.39 ± 0.31 logMAR vs 0.19 ± 0.18 logMAR, p = 0.017). Eight of 15 patients with SRDD (53.3%) developed incident MA or CNVM; higher than those with no SRDD (1/11, 9.1%; p = 0.036). Two patients (7.7%) developed full thickness macular holes.

Conclusions

Patients with AVL and SRDD likely represent an advanced pathological stage or phenotype with worse visual outcome and higher risk of MA/CNVM. Possible overlap with AMD exists. Follow-up, counselling and provisions for early detection/treatment of complications should be made. Better classification including improved understanding of phenotypic and genetic variations with reference to comorbid diseases including AMD is required. Presence of SRDD in AVL offers a dichotomous classification, indicating risk of future MA/CNVM formation.
The applications of infrared thermography in surgical removal of retained teeth effects assessment
Authors: Kasprzyk-Kucewicz Teresa , Cholewka Armand , Bałamut Karolina , Kownacki Patryk , Kaszuba Natalia , Kaszuba Michał , Stanek Agata , Sieroń Karolina , Stransky Jiri , Pasz Adam , Morawiec Tadeusz
Published: March 2020

At the beginning, applications of thermal imaging in dentistry were focused mostly on the assessment of thermal effects during filling cavities, laser treatment and inflammation of periodontal tissues. The biggest problem in thermal imaging was limiting access and rapid change of humidity when the mouth opens during measurements. However, nowadays thermal map of body surface is correlated with inflammatory state changing inner mouth. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of thermal imaging to localize the inflammation and monitor treatment effects after surgical removal of third retained molar teeth. The cohort consisted of 27 patients with referral for the surgical extraction of the third retained molar. Thermal imaging of the sagittal face was performed before and after the procedure and on the first, fourth and seventh day after the extraction. Obtained thermal maps are correlated with the third molar teeth inflammation location. Moreover, the changes of temperature in the area of both the tooth and the cheek correspond to the mechanisms of wound healing described in the literature. Obtained results were not only qualitative but also quantitative what was confirmed by statistically significant difference. It seems that thermal imaging, which is a noninvasive method, can be used to monitor treatment processes after surgical procedures, as well as on the location of inflammation.
IGF-binding proteins 3 and 4 are regulators of sprouting angiogenesis
Authors: Dallinga Marchien G. , Habani Yasmin I. , Kayser Richelle P. , Van Noorden Cornelis J. F. , Klaassen Ingeborg , Schlingemann Reinier O.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

We have previously identified insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) as essential proteins for tip cell maintenance and sprouting angiogenesis. In this study, we aim to identify other IGF family members involved in endothelial sprouting angiogenesis.

Methods

Effects on sprouting were analyzed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using the spheroid-based sprouting model, and were quantified as mean number of sprouts per spheroid and average sprout length. RNA silencing technology was used to knockdown gene expression. Recombinant forms of the ligands (IGF1 and IGF2, insulin) and the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP) 3 and 4 were used to induce excess effects. Effects on the tip cell phenotype were analyzed by measuring the fraction of CD34+ tip cells using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry in a 3D angiogenesis model. Experiments were performed in the presence and absence of serum.

Results

Knockdown of IGF2 inhibited sprouting in HUVECs, in particular when cultured in the absence of serum, suggesting that components in serum influence the signaling of IGF2 in angiogenesis in vitro. We then determined the effects of IGFBP3 and IGFBP4, which are both present in serum, on IGF2-IGF1R signaling in sprouting angiogenesis in the absence of serum: knockdown of IGFBP3 significantly reduced sprouting angiogenesis, whereas knockdown of IGFBP4 resulted in increased sprouting angiogenesis in both flow cytometry analysis and immunohistochemical analysis of the 3D angiogenesis model. Other IGF family members except INSR did not affect IGF2-IGF1R signaling.

Conclusions

Serum components and IGF binding proteins regulate IGF2 effects on sprouting angiogenesis. Whereas IGFBP3 acts as co-factor for IGF2-IGF1R binding, IGFBP4 inhibits IGF2 signaling.
Utility and Effectiveness of the Context Manipulation Techniques: Police Investigators’ Perspectives
Authors: Hoogesteyn Katherine , Meijer Ewout , Vrij Aldert
Published: March 2020

The foremost goal of conducting an investigative interview is to obtain as much accurate information as possible. To achieve this, investigators employ a variety of interviewing techniques. Kelly et al. (Psychol Public Policy Law 19:165–178, 2013) proposed a taxonomy interviewing techniques, grouping them into six domains (i.e., Rapport and Relationship Building, Context Manipulation, Emotion Provocation, Collaboration, Confrontation/Competition, and Presentation of Evidence). In this study, we focused on assessing the Context Manipulation domain (e.g., considering seating arrangements, time of day, clothing). Specifically, we sought to examine police investigators’ use and beliefs about the effectiveness of context manipulation techniques. A sample of 81 police investigators completed the survey. Our findings provide evidence that investigators believe the interview setting to have importance and are already employing some context manipulation techniques in their practice. Techniques mentioned most often were related to seating arrangement, investigators’ clothing, and item availability for suspects (e.g., water, coffee). This survey also provides evidence that investigators are receptive to using context manipulation techniques in their practice, despite how little they are currently taught during trainings. Understanding what context manipulation techniques investigators use and believe to be useful in their interviewing practice may have implications for future training, as well as for the (re)design of interview rooms.
Temperature Impacts the Response of Coffea canephora to Decreasing Soil Water Availability
Authors: Thioune El-Hadji , Strickler Susan , Gallagher Thomas , Charpagne Aline , Decombes Patrick , Osborne Bruce , McCarthy James
Published: March 2020

Climate change is expected to result in more frequent periods of both low rainfall and above normal temperatures for many coffee growing regions. To understand how coffee reacts to such change, we studied the physiological and gene expression responses of the clonal variety C. canephora FRT07 exposed to water deficits under two different temperature regimes. Variations in the time-dependent impact of water deficits on leaf stomatal conductance and carbon assimilation were significantly different under the 27 °C and 27 °C/42 °C conditions examined. The physiological responses 24 h after re-watering were also different for both conditions. Expression analysis of genes known to respond to water deficits indicated that drought-related signaling occurred at both temperatures. Deeper insights into the response of coffee to water deficits was obtained by RNASeq based whole transcriptome profiling of leaves from early, late, and recovery stages of the 27 °C experiment. This yielded expression data for 13,642 genes and related differential expression analysis uncovered 362 and 474 genes with increased and decreased expression, respectively, under mild water deficits, and 1627 genes and 2197 genes, respectively, under more severe water deficits. The data presented, from a single clonal coffee variety, serves as an important reference point for future comparative physiological/transcriptomic studies with clonal coffee varieties with different sensitivities to water deficits and high temperatures. Such comparative analyses will help predict how different coffee varieties respond to changing climatic conditions, and may facilitate the identification of alleles associated with high and low tolerance to water deficits, enabling faster breeding of more climate-smart coffee trees.
Correction to: Fabrication of Zr-doped SnO2 nanoparticles with synergistic influence for improved visible-light photocatalytic action and antibacterial performance
Authors: Baig Ameer Baig Ali , Rathinam Vadamalar , Palaninathan Jayanthi
Published: March 2020

Unfortunately, the corresponding author name has been published incorrectly in the online published article. The correct author name is Ameer Baig Ali Baig.
Substitutes for the Non-existent Square Lattice Designs for 36 Varieties
Authors: Bailey R. A. , Cameron Peter J. , Soicher L. H. , Williams E. R.
Published: March 2020

Square lattice designs are often used in trials of new varieties of various agricultural crops. However, there are no square lattice designs for 36 varieties in blocks of size six for four or more replicates. Here, we use three different approaches to construct designs for up to eight replicates. All the designs perform well in terms of giving a low average variance of variety contrasts.

Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear online.
Fibroblast growth factor 23: are we ready to use it in clinical practice?
Authors: Bouma-de Krijger Annet , Vervloet Marc G.
Published: March 2020

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a greatly enhanced risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Over the past decade it has come clear that a disturbed calcium-phosphate metabolism, with Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 as a key hormone, is partly accountable for this enhanced risk. Numerous studies have been performed unravelling FGF23s actions and its association with clinical conditions. As FGF23 is strongly associated with adverse outcome it may be a promising biomarker for risk prediction or, even more important, targeting FGF23 may be a strategy to improve patient outcome. This review elaborates on the clinical usefulness of FGF23 measurement. Firstly it discusses the reliability of the FGF23 measurement. Secondly, it evaluates whether FGF23 measurement may lead to improved patient risk classification. Finally, and possibly most importantly, this review evaluates if lowering of FGF23 should be a target for therapy. For this, the review discusses the current evidence indicating that FGF23 may be in the causal pathway to cardiovascular pathology, provides an overview of strategies to lower FGF23 levels and discusses the current evidence concerning the benefit of lowering FGF23.