bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximizing the strength of calcium sulfate for structural bone grafts
Authors: Cavelier Sacha , Tanzer Michael , Barthelat Francois
Published: January 2020

Calcium sulfate (CS) combines remarkable properties of biodegradability, biocompatibility, and osteoconductivity but its low strength limits the range of its applications in orthopaedic surgery. In this study we have addressed this limitation by optimizing the fabrication process for pure CS, and by using mechanical testing procedures which are relevant for load carrying, or structural bone grafts (flexural tests in hydrated condition). By optimizing the processing parameters (pressure during setting, CS powder to water ratio, saturated solution) we produced CS samples with the highest flexural strength ever reported in hydrated conditions. Once these optimal conditions are used, the addition of “reinforcing” inclusions in the material decreased its strength because these inclusions actually act as defects instead of reinforcements. In addition, the CS can be formed in precise shapes while maintaining optimal processing conditions and provided a strength similar to that of bone with the same dimensions. Dense and porous materials can be combined to duplicate the trabecular and cortical architecture of long bones, with only a small loss of overall strength.
Stimulating pyruvate dehydrogenase complex reduces itaconate levels and enhances TCA cycle anabolic bioenergetics in acutely inflamed monocytes
Authors: Zhu Xuewei , Long David , Zabalawi Manal , Ingram Brian , Yoza Barbara K. , Stacpoole Peter W. , McCall Charles E.
Published: January 2020

The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC)/pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) axis directs the universal survival principles of immune resistance and tolerance in monocytes by controlling anabolic and catabolic energetics. Immune resistance shifts to immune tolerance during inflammatory shock syndromes when inactivation of PDC by increased PDK activity disrupts the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle support of anabolic pathways. The transition from immune resistance to tolerance also diverts the TCA cycle from citrate-derived cis-aconitate to itaconate, a recently discovered catabolic mediator that separates the TCA cycle at isocitrate and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). Itaconate inhibits succinate dehydrogenase and its anabolic role in mitochondrial ATP generation. We previously reported that inhibiting PDK in septic mice with dichloroacetate (DCA) increased TCA cycle activity, reversed septic shock, restored innate and adaptive immune and organ function, and increased survival. Here, using unbiased metabolomics in a monocyte culture model of severe acute inflammation that simulates sepsis reprogramming, we show that DCA-induced activation of PDC restored anabolic energetics in inflammatory monocytes while increasing TCA cycle intermediates, decreasing itaconate, and increasing amino acid anaplerotic catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Our study provides new mechanistic insight that the DCA-stimulated PDC homeostat reconfigures the TCA cycle and promotes anabolic energetics in monocytes by reducing levels of the catabolic mediator itaconate. It further supports the theory that PDC is an energy sensing and signaling homeostat that restores metabolic and energy fitness during acute inflammation.
A concisely automated synthesis of TSPO radiotracer [18F]FDPA based on spirocyclic iodonium ylide method and validation for human use
Authors: Wang Lu , Yao Shaobo , Tang Ruikun , Zhu Honghao , Zhang Lingling , Gong Jian , Chen Qiusong , Collier Thomas Lee , Xu Hao , Liang Steven H.
Published: January 2020

Fluorine‐18 labeled N,N‐diethyl‐2‐(2‐(4‐(2‐fluoroethoxy)phenyl)‐5,7‐dimethylpyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidin‐3‐yl)acetamide ([18F]FDPA) is a potent and selective radiotracer for positron‐emission tomography (PET) imaging of the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO). Our previous in vitro and in vivo evaluations have proven that this tracer is promising for further human translation. Our study addresses the need to streamline the automatic synthesis of this radiotracer to make it more accessible for widespread clinical evaluation and application. Here, we successfully demonstrate a one‐step radiolabeling of [18F]FDPA based on a novel spirocyclic iodonium ylide (SCIDY) precursor using tetra‐n‐butyl ammonium methanesulfonate (TBAOMs), which has demonstrated the highest radiochemical yields and molar activity from readily available [18F]fluoride ion. The nucleophilic radiofluorination was completed on a GE TRACERlab FX2 N synthesis module, and the formulated [18F]FDPA was obtained in nondecay corrected (n.d.c) radiochemical yields of 15.6 ± 4.2%, with molar activities of 529.2 ± 22.5 GBq/μmol (14.3 ± 0.6 Ci/μmol) at the end of synthesis (60 minutes, n = 3) and validated for human use. This methodology facilitates efficient synthesis of [18F]FDPA in a commercially available synthesis module, which would be broadly applicable for routine production and widespread clinical PET imaging studies.
A meta‐analytic test of the differential pathways linking ethical leadership to normative conduct
Authors: Peng Ann C. , Kim Dongkyu
Published: January 2020

We test how ethical leadership influences normatively (in)appropriate work behavior through distinct mediating pathways, including one's exchange relationship with the leader, ethical culture, and identification with the organization. Our study also controls for transformational leadership as a predictor and trust in leader as a nonhypothesized alternative mechanism. We test our hypotheses using meta‐analytic structural equation modeling based on our meta‐analysis of 301 independent samples (N = 103,354) and relevant meta‐analytic correlations reported in previous research. Supporting our prediction, we found that leader–member exchange, which represents social exchange theory, was the most potent mechanism that accounts for the positive relationship between ethical leadership and task performance. In contrast, ethical culture, which assesses a social learning mechanism, is the strongest predictor of counterproductive behavior. In addition, all three hypothesized mediators each contribute to understanding the positive relationship between ethical leadership and organizational citizenship behavior, although the indirect effect via organizational identification was the weakest. The findings hold after controlling for job satisfaction as another mediator parallel to the theoretical ones. Our results contribute to a precise theory about ethical leadership by differentiating the processes through which it affects employee behavior.
Biochar's cost constraints are overcome in small‐scale farming on tropical soils in lower‐income countries
Authors: Robb Samuel , Joseph Stephen , Abdul Aziz Ammar , Dargusch Paul , Tisdell Clement
Published: January 2020

Biochar has been lauded for its potential to mitigate climate change, increase crop yields, and reverse land degradation in tropical agricultural systems. Despite its benefits, confusion persists about whether the use of biochar is financially feasible as a soil ameliorant. A comprehensive review of previous studies of biochar's financial feasibility was performed (33 relevant publications). Financial performance appraisal (US$ Mg−1 biochar) and greenhouse gas abatement cost estimates (US$ Mg−1 CO2e) were used to gauge the financial feasibility of the biochar scenarios within each publication. Ordinary least squares multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the predictive capacity of scenario financial feasibility as dependent on variables including national income levels, climatic conditions, pyrolysis technology scales, and pyrolysis capabilities. Analysis revealed that scenarios where biochar was applied targeting yield increases in high‐value crops in tropical locations with low incomes and biochar‐focused small‐scale production, were overall significant predictors of biochar scenario financial feasibility. We find that the average abatement cost of biochar applied in ‘lower‐income countries’ is −US$ 58 Mg−1 CO2e (financially feasible) compared with +US$ 93 Mg−1 CO2e in ‘higher‐income countries’ (not financially feasible). Climate policies of lower‐income countries in tropical climates should consider biochar as an input for small‐scale climate smart agriculture to address land degradation in tropical agricultural systems. Based on recent evidence it is suggested that biochar fertilizers, a value‐added biochar product, could present a commercially feasible pathway for biochar value‐chain development in higher‐income countries.
Precisely Synthesized Sequence‐Controlled Amino Acid–Derived Vinyl Polymers: New Insights into Thermo‐Responsive Polymer Design
Authors: Yamano Tsukasa , Higashi Nobuyuki , Koga Tomoyuki
Published: January 2020

Thermo‐responsive block copolymers are of great interest in biomedical and nanotechnological fields. These polymers achieve a versatile and complex responsiveness through a sophisticated and intricate combination of different thermo‐responsive blocks. While their utility is clear, the fundamental design principles of such vinyl polymers are not yet thoroughly understood. Herein, a precise synthesis of sequence‐controlled amino‐acid‐derived vinyl polymers and their unique thermal response in water are reported. Seven distinct block (random) copolymers that contain two kinds of amino acid blocks (poly(N‐acryloyl alanine(A)‐ or glycine(G)‐methyl ester)) with the same total chain length (degree of polymerization [DP] ≈30) and chemical composition (A/G ≈1), but with systematic variations in the block sequence and length, with an accuracy target of DP ± 1, are prepared. By specifying the primary structure, the thermal responses including transition temperature, thermo‐sensitivity, and microenvironment in the dehydrated state can be finely tuned. These findings offer new directions in the design of structurally and functionally diverse thermo‐responsive vinyl polymers.
Existence, compactness, and connectedness of solution sets to nonlocal and impulsive Cauchy problems
Authors: Chang Jung‐Chan
Published: January 2020

In this paper, by using some well‐known inequalities and Schaefer fixed point theorem, we show existence results for impulsive Cauchy problems with nonlocal conditions. The compactness of solution sets can be shown in some certain conditions. Moreover, connectedness of solution sets to impulsive Cauchy problems is shown.
Radikale durch Licht – molekularer Baukasten für komplexe Moleküle
Authors: Huy Peter
Published: January 2020

Mit sichtbarem Licht lassen sich in Gegenwart bestimmter Katalysatoren Radikale bei Raumtemperatur erzeugen. Bisher waren diese Methoden auf Radikale begrenzt, die durch elektronenziehende Substituenten stabilisiert sind. Neuerdings sind auch nicht stabilisierte Radikale aus Alkoholen und Aminen zugänglich.
Weniger Gummiabfälle
Authors: Gschwind Larissa , Jordan Carmen‐Simona
Published: January 2020

Die Devulkanisierung – kombiniert mit der Aktivierung des Kautschuks in einem kontinuierlichen Verfahren – ist eine vielversprechende Methode, um ein Recyclingmaterial zu einem Rohstoffersatz zu verarbeiten. Ein neues Verfahren liefert chemisch aktive Gummimehlpartikel für Dämmstoffe.
Was der Holleman nicht verrät
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: January 2020

Nach einem Jahr voller Elementerätsel ist es Zeit für einen Rückblick, einige Auflösungen und eine gute Nachricht.
Das verdienen US‐Chemiker
Authors: Tomann Rebecca
Published: January 2020

Die Gehälter für Chemiker in den USA sind in der Industrie gestiegen, an den Hochschulen gesunken. Am besten bezahlt die Industrie Chemieingenieure.
The Antennae Challenge
Authors: Haloui Hatim , Müller Dirk
Published: January 2020

The high frequency antennae and circuits that enable 5G connectivity require more complex shapes and finer details than earlier devices but USP lasers enable these patterns to be created in a single dry process that can cut copper, insulator and adhesive layers without any thermal damage.
Automatic Selection of Picosecond or Femtosecond Lasers
Authors: Pauli Anton , Frede Maik
Published: January 2020

The demand for components of high quality in large quantities and the shift of value chains to regions with low production costs are putting competitive pressure on many manufacturing operations. Often the only way to absorb this is through faster manufacturing methods. This however requires modern technologies with a high degree of automation, which seem oversized for small to midsize enterprises (SMEs) in particular. Frequently, the procurement costs, for instance for ultra‐short pulse laser systems, are simply too high. GFH and Neolase jointly developed a cost‐effective, cross‐industry solution under the Horizon 2020 EU subsidy program: the “Smart Modular All‐in‐One Robust Laser Machining Tool” – SMAART.
Reliability Allocation for Series‐Parallel Systems subject to Potential Propagated Failures
Authors: Cao Yingsai , Liu Sifeng , Fang Zhigeng , Dong Wenjie
Published: January 2020

To analyze the dependent failures in the early stage of system development, this paper considers the potential propagated failures in the reliability allocation process. Factors which can be used to not only measure the component importance but also to reflect the influence brought by propagated failures are proposed. Specifically, cooperative game theory is introduced to explore how the propagated failures affect the failure severity level. Failure rates are obtained by using the Alpha Factor Model with the consideration of dependence among components. Reliability improvement rate is also developed to proportionally assign the target improvement of system reliability to the corresponding components. Furthermore, reliability allocation frameworks for series, parallel and series‐parallel systems are designed respectively to make the proposed model meet a wide range of applications. An illustrative example of a hydraulic cooling system is presented to show how the proposed approach is applied. The allocation results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve a valid reliability improvement with the minimum error.
Comprehensive analysis of oat avenanthramides using hybrid quadrupole‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry: Possible detection of new compounds
Authors: Jágr Michal , Dvořáček Václav , Čepková Petra Hlásná , Doležalová Jana
Published: January 2020

Rationale

Avenanthramides (AVNs) are constituents unique to oats and have many outstanding health benefits. AVNs are antioxidants and possess anti‐inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial activity. The number of known AVNs increased recently because of the latest developments in high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS) techniques.

Methods

Oat seed extract from 10 oat cultivars was analysed using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS) with positive heated electrospray ionization.

Results

Thirty‐five AVNs were identified and characterized in seed extracts, and the structures of 10 novel AVNs were tentatively elucidated, among which were AVNs bearing a cinamoyl or sinapoyl moiety. These AVNs are reported in oats for the first time. The method was validated using AVN standards (AVNs 2c, 2f and 2p), with limits of detection and quantitation at low picomole levels. Recovery of AVN standards varied from 83% to 106%, and relative standard deviations ranged from 2% to 9%. The total AVNs in the selected oat varieties ranged from 36.0 to 302.5 μg/g (dry weight), with AVN 2c, AVN 2f and AVN 2p representing approximately 65%–70% of that total.

Conclusions

Our comprehensive method for detecting the full avenanthramide spectrum can contribute to better understanding the chemical and biological properties of individual AVNs for utilization in developing new oat cultivars and novel functional foods.
A new method for performance analysis in nonlinear dimensionality reduction
Authors: Liang Jiaxi , Chenouri Shojaeddin , Small Christopher G.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we develop a local rank correlation (LRC) measure which quantifies the performance of dimension reduction methods. The LRC is easily interpretable, and robust against the extreme skewness of nearest neighbor distributions in high dimensions. Some benchmark datasets are studied. We find that the LRC closely corresponds to our visual interpretation of the quality of the output. In addition, we demonstrate that the LRC is useful in estimating the intrinsic dimensionality of the original data, and in selecting a suitable value of tuning parameters used in some algorithms.
Tree aggregation for random forest class probability estimation
Authors: Sage Andrew J. , Genschel Ulrike , Nettleton Dan
Published: January 2020

In random forest methodology, an overall prediction or estimate is made by aggregating predictions made by individual decision trees. Popular implementations of random forests rely on different methods for aggregating predictions. In this study, we provide an empirical analysis of the performance of aggregation approaches available for classification and regression problems. We show that while the choice of aggregation scheme usually has little impact in regression, it can have a profound effect on probability estimation in classification problems. Our study illustrates the causes of calibration issues that arise from two popular aggregation approaches and highlights the important role that terminal nodesize plays in the aggregation of tree predictions. We show that optimal choices for random forest tuning parameters depend heavily on the manner in which tree predictions are aggregated.
Creation of Active Sites in MOF‐808(Zr) by a Facile Route for Oxidative Desulfurization of Model Diesel Oil
Authors: Gu Yulong , Ye Gan , Xu Wei , Zhou Wei , Sun Yinyong
Published: January 2020

MOF‐808(Zr) as an important member of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) has attracted much attention due to its good stability, large surface area and rich zirconium metal centers. However, Zr sites in the structure of MOF‐808(Zr) are inactive in many catalytic reactions due to they are well coordinated with organic ligands like 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC) and formate anions. Thus, removing formate anions have been attempted to create more active sites in the structure for many reactions while maintaining the structural stability. In this work, we report that the formate ligands in MOF‐808(Zr) can be facilely removed by the treatment in hot ethanol for 4 h. The obtained material as a heterogeneous catalyst exhibited superior catalytic activity in the oxidative desulfurization (ODS) reaction of dibenzothiophene (DBT) compared with reported MOFs catalysts. The conversion of DBT in model diesel oil could reach >99 % within a reaction time of 20 min at 323 K, which is five times as that over parent MOF‐808(Zr). As a result, the sulfur content was decreased from 1000 ppm to less than 10 ppm. Such catalytic performance should be mainly attributed to the creation of more active sites in the structure of MOF‐808(Zr) after the removal of formate anions.
Structural Refinement and Optoelectronic Properties of (MoxTi1‐2xO2‐δ)1‐y(RGO)y Nanocomposites and Their Photovoltaic Studies with Natural Pigments as Sensitizers
Authors: Dhodamani Ananta G. , More Krantiveer V. , Mullani Sajid B. , Deshmukh Shamkumar P. , Koli Valmiki B. , Panda Dillip K. , Delekar Sagar D.
Published: January 2020

In the present investigation, the optoelectronic properties of the binary TiO2/RGO nanocomposites modified through the insertion Mo(VI) ions and thereafter these ternary nanocomposites (NCs) have been tested for I–V measurements using natural pigments as sensitizers. Initially, a series of (MoxTi1‐2xO2‐δ)1‐y(RGO)y [x=0.5 to 3.0 mol %; y=0.75 wt.%] NCs was prepared by using in‐situ chemical approach. XRD Rietveld refinement reveals the formation of single phase only with substitution of two Ti(IV) ions by single Mo(VI) ions in the ternary NCs. After the well characterizations, these NCs are deposited on the FTO substrate using binder‐free doctor blade technique and then these are sensitized with N719 dyes (model protocol) as well as natural pigments and measured under solar simulator for knowing the photovoltaic performances. Among the different photoelectrodes, I–V and IPCE measurements of (Mo0.100Ti0.980O1.990)0.925(RGO)0.075 NCs sensitized with N719 showing the highest power conversion efficiency of 7.58% which is higher to that of TiO2/RGO (η=5.81%) based photoelectrodes. For the optimized photoelectrode composition with N719, natural pigment Betalain based dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) show the highest efficiency of 2.23% which opposes to an efficiency of 0.38, 1.29, and 1.13% for Lawsone, Curcumin and Anthocyanin sensitized DSSCs, respectively.
Branched Ligand Ethyl 2‐Mercaptopropionate as a Stabilizer for CdTe Quantum Dots and its use as a Cu2+ Ions Probe in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Choudhary Yogesh S. , Gomathi N.
Published: January 2020

In the present work, we explored the possibility of using a novel stabilizing ligand namely ethyl 2‐mercaptopropionate for the synthesis of CdTe quantum dots (QDs). The QDs were synthesized and stabilized by the ligand and it was realized to be emitting at 560 nm. Extensive microscopic and photo physical characterization were carried out in order to unearth the nature of the QDs synthesized. Interestingly, it was observed that, the photoluminescence emission of as synthesized QDs were getting quenched linearly in the presence of Cu2+, which prompt us to make use of these QDs for the detection of Cu2+ ions in aqueous media. A detailed mechanism of quenching was also proposed. The linear range over which the QDs was selective to Cu2+ ions was from 0.5 nM to 129.5 nM with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.5 nM providing a pathway for the QDs based Cu2+ probe.
H2O‐Etchant‐Promoted Synthesis of High‐Quality Graphene on Glass and Its Application in See‐Through Thermochromic Displays
Authors: Xie Huanhuan , Cui Kejian , Cui Lingzhi , Liu Bingzhi , Yu Yue , Tan Congwei , Zhang Yingying , Zhang Yanfeng , Liu Zhongfan
Published: January 2020

Direct growth of graphene on glass can bring an innovative revolution by coupling the complementary properties of traditional glass and modern graphene (such as transparency and conductivity), offering brand new daily‐life related applications. However, preparation of high‐quality graphene on nonmetallic glass is still challenging. Herein, the direct route of low sheet resistance graphene on glass is reported by using in situ‐introduced water as a mild etchant and methane as a carbon precursor via chemical vapor deposition. The derived graphene features with large domain sizes and few amorphous carbon impurities. Intriguingly, the sheet resistance of graphene on glass is dramatically lowered down to ≈1170 Ω sq−1 at the optical transmittance ≈93%, ≈20% of that derived without the water etchant. Based on the highly conductive and optical transparent graphene on glass, a see‐through thermochromic display is thus fabricated with transparent graphene glass as a heater. This work can motivate further investigations of the direct synthesis of high‐quality graphene on functional glass and its versatile applications in transparent electronic devices or displays.
Waste management from the perspective of circularity of materials
Authors: Lazzarotti Fábio , Roman Darlan , Sehnem Simone , Bencke Fernando Fantoni , Sommer Analisa Tiburski
Published: January 2020

The purpose of the study was to analyze the social phenomenon of collecting animal carcasses from rural properties using the perspective of the ecological modernization theory. The results show that the success of the Recolhe pilot project is associated with users’ engagement in environmental awareness, environmental regulations, sanitary and environmental risk management, minimization of labor in rural properties, and municipal legal pressures.
The doubled geometry of nilmanifold reductions
Authors: Chaemjumrus N. , Hull C.M.
Published: January 2020

Abstract

A class of special holonomy spaces arise as nilmanifolds fibred over a line interval and are dual to intersecting brane solutions of string theory. Further dualities relate these to T-folds, exotic branes, essentially doubled spaces and spaces with R-flux. We develop the doubled geometry of these spaces, with the various duals arising as different slices of the doubled space.
Anatomy of deconfinement
Authors: Hanada Masanori , Jevicki Antal , Peng Cheng , Wintergerst Nico
Published: January 2020

Abstract

In the weak coupling limit of SUN Yang-Mills theory and the O(N) vector model, explicit state counting allows us to demonstrate the existence of a partially deconfined phase: M of N colors deconfine, and

$$ \frac{M}{N} $$

M
N

gradually grows from zero (confinement) to one (complete deconfinement). We point out that the mechanism admits a simple interpretation in the form of spontaneous breaking of gauge symmetry. In terms of the dual gravity theory, such breaking occurs during the formation of a black hole. We speculate whether the breaking and restoration of gauge symmetry can serve as an alternative definition of the deconfinement transition in theories without center symmetry, such as QCD. We also discuss the role of the color degrees of freedom in the emergence of the bulk geometry in holographic duality.
Four-particle scattering amplitudes in QCD at NNLO to higher orders in the dimensional regulator
Authors: Ahmed Taushif , Henn Johannes , Mistlberger Bernhard
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We compute all helicity amplitudes for four particle scattering in massless QCD with n

f
fermion flavours to next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) in perturbation theory. In particular, we consider all possible configurations of external quarks and gluons. We evaluate the amplitudes in terms of a Laurent series in the dimensional regulator to the order required for future next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N3LO) calculations. The coefficients of the Laurent series are given in terms of harmonic polylogarithms that can readily be evaluated numerically. We present our findings in the conventional dimensional regularisation and in the t’Hooft-Veltman schemes.
Introduction to the multi-author review on macular degeneration
Authors: Kauppinen Anu
Published: January 2020

Prolonged life expectancies contribute to the increasing prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that is already the leading cause of severe vision loss among the elderly in developed countries. In dry AMD, the disease culminates into vast retinal atrophy, whereas the wet form is characterized by retinal edema and sudden vision loss due to neovascularization originating from the choroid beneath the Bruch’s membrane. There is no treatment for dry AMD and despite intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that suppress the neovessel formation, also wet AMD needs new therapies to prevent the disease progression and to serve patients lacking of positive response to current medicines. Knowledge on disease mechanisms is a prerequisite for the drug development, which is hindered by the multifactorial nature of AMD. Numerous distinguished publications have revealed AMD mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level and in this multi-author review, we take a bit broader look at the topic with some novel aspects.
Seltene Gefahr eines Kompartmentsyndroms bei arthroskopischer Versorgung der Tibiaplateaufraktur
Authors: Schitz Florian , Schabus Rudolf
Published: January 2020

Frakturen des Tibiaplateaus gehen häufig mit Begleitverletzungen (z. B. vorderes Kreuzband, Seitenbänder, Meniskus) sowie einer komplexen Beteiligung der Gelenkflächen einher. Die Therapie erfolgt in der Regel durch eine operative Versorgung mittels winkelstabiler Platten. In diesem Beitrag wird der Fall einer 61-jährigen Patientin nach Sturz in der häuslichen Umgebung beschrieben, bei dem sie sich eine Fraktur des vorderen Tibiakopfes und der medialen Femurkondyle mit einer multiligamentären Ruptur sowie eine Lappenruptur des lateralen Meniskus zuzog, sodass die Indikation für eine arthroskopische Operation bestand. Aufgrund der Gefahr eines Kompartmentsyndroms musste der Eingriff jedoch vorzeitig abgebrochen werden. Im Anschluss wurde die Patientin erfolgreich mit einer Knietotalendoprothese versorgt. Das Kompartmentsyndrom stellt eine sehr seltene, aber ernsthafte Komplikation der Arthroskopie dar. Eine gute invasive Therapieoption ist die Fasziotomie, wobei deren Indikation u. a. vom Druck des Kompartiments abhängt. Genaue Richtlinien bezüglich der Behandlung des Kompartmentsyndroms liegen noch nicht vor. Die Therapie sollte in erster Linie patientenorientiert erfolgen.
Malnutrition in Acute Care Surgery Patients in Rwanda
Authors: Abahuje Egide , Niyongombwa Irenee , Karenzi David , Bisimwa Jeanne D’ Arc , Tuyishime Eugene , Ntirenganya Faustin , Rickard Jennifer
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Malnutrition is prevalent in hospitalized surgical patients and has been shown to significantly alter outcomes including length of hospital stay, complications, and mortality. Different tools for nutrition assessment were developed and are being used. The aim of this study was to characterize the nutritional status of acute care surgery patients, determine risk factors for malnutrition, and describe outcomes in patients with malnutrition.

Methods

This was a prospective, descriptive study of malnutrition in acute care surgery patients at CHUK. Over a 6‐month time period, we collected data on demographics, diagnosis, operation, and patient outcomes. We assessed the incidence of malnutrition using the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) guidelines and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). We reported frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and median and interquartile range (IQR) for continuous variables.

Results

We analyzed data for 279 acute care surgery patients. Most (n = 209, 73%) patients were male. The median duration of symptoms was 5 days (IQR 2, 14). The most common diagnoses were trauma (n = 83, 30%), intestinal obstruction (n = 76, 27%), and peritonitis (n = 49, 18%). Most (n = 210, 73%) patients underwent operation. The median length of hospital stay was 6 days (IQR 4, 11). Using ASPEN guidelines, 99 (35%) patients had evidence of malnutrition on hospital admission and 76 (27%) had evidence of malnutrition using SGA. After 1 week of hospital stay, 48 (41%) patients had evidence of malnutrition. Overall mortality was 3%, with higher mortality seen in patients with malnutrition (8% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.001). The length of hospital stay was longer in patients with malnutrition on hospital admission (6 days vs. 5 days, p = 0.044).

Conclusions

Acute care surgical patients present to the hospital at high‐risk for malnutrition. Efforts are needed to ensure that surgical patients receive adequate nutrition support to improve patient outcomes and minimize complications.
Circulating P-Selectin Glycoprotein Ligand 1 and P-Selectin Levels in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
Authors: Horváth P. , Lázár Z. , Gálffy G. , Puskás R. , Kunos L. , Losonczy Gy. , Mészáros M. , Tárnoki Á. D. , Tárnoki D. L. , Bikov A.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxia which induces inflammation in blood vessels leading to the development of cardiovascular comorbidities. Several studies implicated the role of P-selectin in vascular inflammation of OSA. P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) is the main activator for P-selectin and is involved in immune cell trafficking. However, PSGL-1 has not been analyzed in OSA. The aim of the study was to investigate plasma PSGL-1 and P-selectin levels to have a deeper understanding on their interaction in obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods

Fifty-one untreated patients with OSA and 42 non-OSA controls were recruited. Plasma PSGL-1 levels were determined in evening and morning samples, P-selectin levels were analyzed in morning samples using commercially available ELISA kits. Polysomnography was performed in all participants. OSA was defined by an apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 5/h.

Results

PSGL-1 levels did not differ between controls and OSA patients either in the evening or in the morning. Although, there was no difference between controls (16.9/6.8–40.8 ng/ml) and patients with OSA (19.6/8.4–56.8, p = 0.24), patients with severe OSA had increased plasma P-selectin levels (25.6/8.4–56.8 ng/ml) compared to mild OSA patients (14.1/8.5–35.3 ng/ml, p = 0.006) and controls (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

P-selectin expression relates to disease severity suggesting a pathophysiological role in endothelial cell activation. PSGL-1 levels are unaltered in OSA, suggesting an alternative activation pathway for P-selectin in OSA.
One size does not fit all: understanding individual living kidney donor risk
Authors: Asgari Elham , Hilton Rachel M.
Published: January 2020

Living donor kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) but confers a risk upon the donor, both in the short term and many years after donation. While perioperative mortality is low and longevity does not appear to be adversely affected, there are small increases in the risk of other important morbidities. The overall risk of ESKD among donors is low but appears to be three- to five-fold higher than among healthy non-donors, and this relative risk is even higher among donors of African ancestry. For these individuals, apolipoprotein L1 genotyping may be helpful. Kidney donors also have an increased risk of developing hypertension post-donation and a modestly increased risk of developing gout. Living kidney donation also increases the risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia while not affecting other important pregnancy outcomes. As our understanding of donor risk grows, it is important to counsel prospective donors according to their individual risk and so obtain better informed donor consent. As knowledge advances, it is also important that all clinicians who manage kidney transplant candidates have an up to date understanding of donor risk to inform shared decision making.
A regulated synthetic operon facilitates stable overexpression of multigene terpenoid pathway in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Abdallah Ingy I , Xue Dan , Pramastya Hegar , van Merkerk Ronald , Setroikromo Rita , Quax Wim J
Published: January 2020

The creation of microbial cell factories for sustainable production of natural products is important for medical and industrial applications. This requires stable expression of biosynthetic pathways in a host organism with favorable fermentation properties such as Bacillus subtilis. The aim of this study is to construct B. subtilis strains that produce valuable terpenoid compounds by overexpressing the innate methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway. A synthetic operon allowing the concerted and regulated expression of multiple genes was developed. Up to 8 genes have been combined in this operon and a stably inherited plasmid-based vector was constructed resulting in a high production of C30 carotenoids. For this, two vectors were examined, one with rolling circle replication and another with theta replication. Theta-replication constructs were clearly superior in structural and segregational stability compared to rolling circle constructs. A strain overexpressing all eight genes of the MEP pathway on a theta-replicating plasmid clearly produced the highest level of carotenoids. The level of transcription for each gene in the operon was similar as RT-qPCR analysis indicated. Hence, that corresponding strain can be used as a stable cell factory for production of terpenoids. This is the first report of merging and stably expressing this large-size operon (eight genes) from a plasmid-based system in B. subtilis enabling high C30 carotenoid production.
Economic evaluation of the honey yield from four forest tree species and the future prospect of the forest beekeeping in Sudan
Authors: Elzaki Elsamoal , Tian Gang
Published: January 2020

The present study is an investigation into beekeeping activity values as land use types practiced in Sudanese forests. The main objectives of the study are to estimate honey yield produced per unit area from four tree species, namely: Acacia seyal, A. nilotica, Ziziphus spina-Christi and Eucalyptus spp. Furthermore, the study aims at estimating its economic value and financial return (US$/hectare) using Return On Investment (ROI) as a decision criterion. In addition, the study aims at identifying the obstacles and constraints which this activity faces. The data were collected through interviews with 96 beekeepers in six selected production areas and a survey of market-related data. A structured questionnaire was used, and a descriptive and comparative analysis carried out. The results indicated that the average annual yield of honey/bee hives is 13 kg, ranging between 10 and 16 kg, and A. seyal showed the highest productivity. Furthermore, the results showed that 15 bee colonies/hectare is more suitable with a return rate of 780 US$/hectare annual income. This result indicates that the productivity of honey yield from forest trees has a considerable economic value and financial return. Thus, these results could be a great incentive to encourage local communities to integrate forest management.
The Effects of Hopelessness on Chronic Disease Among African Americans and Caribbean Blacks: Findings from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL)
Authors: Robinson Michael A. , Kim Irang , Mowbray Orion , Washington Tiffany
Published: January 2020

This paper examines the relationship between hopelessness on chronic disease in a national sample of African Americans (3570) and Caribbean Blacks (1438) Using the National Survey of American Life. A multivariate negative binomial regression examined whether chronic disease is associated with hopelessness, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, 13.14% of the sample reported they were highly hopeless, and 31.5% indicated they were moderately hopeless. About 19% of respondents experienced chronic disease. Bivariate associations showed that those who have ever had chronic disease significantly differed from those who did not in regard to age, gender and spirituality. Multivariate results showed that respondents who ever have had chronic disease reported significantly higher hopelessness scores than those with no chronic disease. The study findings contribute to the current body of literature by supporting findings from smaller studies on the relationship between depression and hopelessness in African Americans and Caribbean Blacks.
Use of non-integrating Zm-Wus2 vectors to enhance maize transformation
Authors: Hoerster George , Wang Ning , Ryan Larisa , Wu Emily , Anand Ajith , McBride Kevin , Lowe Keith , Jones Todd , Gordon-Kamm Bill
Published: January 2020

The use of Baby boom (Bbm) and Wuschel2 (Wus2) has made maize transformation more efficient across an increasingly wide range of inbreds. However, the benefits have come with the requirement of excising these transformation helper components to enable plant regeneration, which adds size to the T-DNA, and complexity to the transformation system. A new system with the advantages of smaller size and simplicity for the selectable marker gene-containing T-DNA is described. First, expression of Zm-Wus2 alone driven by the maize Pltp promoter (Zm-Pltppro), was determined to be sufficient to induce rapid somatic embryo formation from the scutella of maize immature embryos. It was also demonstrated that co-infecting with two strains of Agrobacterium, one with a Wus2 expression cassette, and the other with a combination of both selectable and visual marker cassettes, produced transformed T0 plants that contained only a single copy of the selectable marker T-DNA, without the integration of Wus2. Furthermore, the process was optimized by varying the ratio of the two Agrobacterium strains, and by modulating Wus2 expression to enable high-frequency recovery of selectable marker-containing T0 plants that did not contain Wus2. Several factors may have contributed to this outcome. Wus2 expression in localized cell(s) appeared to stimulate somatic embryogenesis in neighboring cells, including those that had integrated the selectable marker. In addition, in cells in which the Wus2 T-DNA did not integrate but the selectable marker T-DNA did, transient Wus2 expression stimulated somatic embryo formation and regeneration of stable T0 plants that contained the selectable marker. In addition, augmenting the Pltp promoter with three viral enhancer elements to increase Wus2 expression stimulated embryogenesis while precluding their regeneration. The phenomenon has now been designated as “altruistic transformation.”
Experimental study and modelling discharge coefficient of trapezoidal and rectangular piano key weirs
Authors: Kumar Munish , Sihag Parveen , Tiwari N. K. , Ranjan Subodh
Published: January 2020

Crest length is an important parameter in influencing the discharge handling capacity of a weir. Nonlinear weirs with longer crests are cost effective alternatives for those existing dam structures which are more susceptible to failure due to loss of storage capacity by reservoir silting problem, and insufficiency of the structure in evacuating the updated flow due to the limited space. Piano key weir is a type of nonlinear weir designed in the form of piano keys, over-hanged from both the upstream and the downstream with sloping floors founded on a base or footprint. These weirs can be easily placed over gravity dams due to smaller footprint than labyrinth weirs. The present study’s focus is on the comparative analysis of identical configurations of trapezoidal and rectangular piano key (PK) weirs. The importance of (crest length to width) L/W ratio and weir height (P) in affecting the discharge efficiency of both types of PK weirs is investigated in the experimental study. Furthermore, soft computing approaches are applied to the current data set obtained from both types of weirs by considering discharge coefficient ($$C_{\text{d}}$$Cd) as a function of dimensionless geometric variables of PK weirs. The modelling performance of random forest regression and M5 tree approach is tested in order to estimate the values of discharge coefficient. The results conclude higher predictive accuracy of random forest model over M5 tree model.
Numerical modeling of spillway aerators in high-head dams
Authors: Aydin M. Cihan , Isik Ercan , Ulu A. Emre
Published: January 2020

Due to high flow velocity, the spillway surfaces of high-head dams can expose to cavitational damage. The most effective and economical method of protection from this damage is aerated to flow using aerators. In this study, a spillway aerator of the roller-compacted concrete dam of 100 m height was analyzed using two-phase computational fluid dynamic model to overcome the cavitation damage on the spillway surface. The numerical analysis with prototype dimensions was performed for various flow conditions (5223, 3500, 1750 and 1000 m3/s of flow rate), and obtained results were compared with some experimental observation in the literature. Numerical and experimental results indicated that the cavitation occurs on the surface after a certain downstream point based on cavitation indices. The air entrainment rate and air concentrations supplied by means of the aerator were determined to avoid the cavitational damage. While the experimental results can contain considerable scale effect in terms of air entrainment rate owing to, e.g., viscous effects especially for small scales, the numerical models with prototype dimensions gave much more accurate results. In other words, it can be also mentioned that the actual aeration amount is much greater than that obtained from the model experiments. The results based on numerical analysis showed that the aerator device meet air demand to prevent the cavitation damage.
Critical Features in the Microstructural Analysis of AISI 316L Produced By Metal Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Saboori Abdollah , Toushekhah Mostafa , Aversa Alberta , Lai Manuel , Lombardi Mariangela , Biamino Sara , Fino Paolo
Published: January 2020

Directed energy deposition (DED) process is recognized as an alternative technology to produce the complex-shape AISI 316L components. The critical production step in this technology is the optimization of process parameters that can directly affect the final properties of the components. To optimize the process parameters, the residual defects of specimens produced with different combinations of process parameters are evaluated, and the optimum condition is chosen. Therefore, the residual defects assessment is a vital step in finding the optimum process parameters; therefore, this evaluation should be carried out carefully. One of the main issues in the production of AISI 316L by DED process is oxidation during the process that should be considered besides the other defects such as porosity and cracks. However, the identification between the oxides and porosities is not an easy task, and so this study aims to provide more clear insight into the evaluation of pores and oxides in DED 316L samples. The outcomes of this work show that at the best process parameters suitable for a porosity-free sample, there are some oxides that can be misinterpreted as porosity and consequently deteriorate the mechanical properties of the dense sample.
“Now what do I do?“: Toward a conceptual understanding of the effects of traumatic events on identity functioning
Authors: Waterman Alan S.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Traumas refer to relatively discrete, negatively valanced, events causing physical, economic, spiritual, and/or psychological harm with life‐altering impacts. These impacts include widely varied effects on the identity functioning of adolescents/emerging adults.

Methods

The array of possible impacts of traumatic events was considered with particular attention devoted to the identification of variables that may be predictive of particular identity‐related outcomes.

Results

A taxonomy of possible developmental impacts of traumatic events on identity functioning is developed: (a) identity resilience, (b) identity affirmation, (c) identity delay, (d) identity threat, (e) identity loss, (f) identity alteration, (g) identity replacement, (h) trauma‐shaped identity, and (i) trauma‐centered identity. A series of 11 propositions regarding the predictors of various developmental impacts is advanced. The propositions involve variables related to the nature of the traumatic event, variables related to the effects of trauma (other than identity‐related effects), person‐related variables, and variables related to the social context in which the person is functioning.

Conclusion

These propositions can serve as a research agenda for furthering our understanding of the range of effects of trauma on identity functioning.
The Evolutionary State of CEMP Stars
Authors: Andersen Johannes , Nordström Birgitta
Published: January 2020

The standard scenario for the production of carbon-enhanced extremely metal-poor (CEMP) stars requires a more massive binary companion, which has evolved through the AGB stage and transferred carbon-rich material to the surface of the surviving, likewise extremely metal-poor (EMP) star. Evidently, the binary companion plays a key role in this process.

In order to characterise the polluting star, if any, the stage of evolution of the observed star (whether RGB or AGB), and whether pulsations exist, must be known. The Gaia DR2 parallaxes and photometry should contain the answer.
Measuring spatially resolved gas-to-dust ratios in AGB stars
Authors: Wallström Sofia , Dharmawardena T. , Rodríguez Marquina B. , Scicluna P. , Srinivasan S. , Kemper F. ,   The NESS Collaboration
Published: January 2020

Gas-to-dust ratios in Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars are used to calculate gas masses from measured dust masses and vice versa, but can vary widely and are rarely directly measured. In this work, we present spatially resolved gas and dust masses for a sample of 8 nearby AGB stars, using JCMT CO-line and continuum observations, and compare them. This serves as a pilot study for the Nearby Evolved Stars Survey (NESS; PI: P. Scicluna) project which will provide similar observations of ∼400 AGB stars in a volume-limited sample.