bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of macro polypropylene fiber and basalt fiber on impact resistance of basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer‐reinforced concrete
Authors: Wang Qingxuan , Ding Yining , Zhang Yulin , Castro Cecilia
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the effect of macro nonmetallic fibers (i.e., polypropylene fibers and basalt fibers) on the impact response of basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer‐reinforced concrete (FRP‐RC) discs is experimentally investigated using a self‐developed drop‐weight impact test device. The plain concrete and conventional steel‐reinforced concrete samples are explored as references. The impact resistance and failure behaviors are analyzed. Statistical analyses for first‐crack strength and failure strength are performed. The composite effect of basalt FRP bars and macro nonmetallic fibers on the impact energy at failure is also compared. The results indicate that the behaviors under impact load, that is, failure strength, crack number, the indent diameter, and penetration depth of the shriveled area, are greatly improved by adding of macro nonmetallic fibers, in particular macro polypropylene fibers. Additionally, the incorporation of these fibers into the basalt FRP‐RC transforms the brittle failure mode into a well ductile failure mode. Two‐parameter Weibull models are fitted by graphical methods and used to characterize the first crack strength and failure strength distributions. Reliability functions for first crack strength and for failure strength are estimated and failure strength can be predicted from first‐crack strength by using a linear regress model. The hybrid use of basalt FRP bars and macro nonmetallic fibers demonstrates a positive synergetic effect on the impact energy at failure.
Twistor strings for $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 8 supergravity
Authors: Skinner David
Published: April 2020

Abstract

This paper presents a worldsheet theory describing holomorphic maps to twistor space with

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

fermionic directions. The theory is anomaly free when

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 8. Via the Penrose transform, the vertex operators correspond to an

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 8 Einstein supergravity multiplet. In the first instance, the theory describes gauged supergravity in AdS4. Upon taking the flat space, ungauged limit, the complete classical S-matrix is recovered from worldsheet correlation functions.
High-throughput synthetic rescue for exhaustive characterization of suppressor mutations in human genes
Authors: Kobaisi Farah , Fayyad Nour , Sulpice Eric , Badran Bassam , Fayyad-Kazan Hussein , Rachidi Walid , Gidrol Xavier
Published: April 2020

Inherited or acquired mutations can lead to pathological outcomes. However, in a process defined as synthetic rescue, phenotypic outcome created by primary mutation is alleviated by suppressor mutations. An exhaustive characterization of these mutations in humans is extremely valuable to better comprehend why patients carrying the same detrimental mutation exhibit different pathological outcomes or different responses to treatment. Here, we first review all known suppressor mutations’ mechanisms characterized by genetic screens on model species like yeast or flies. However, human suppressor mutations are scarce, despite some being discovered based on orthologue genes. Because of recent advances in high-throughput screening, developing an inventory of human suppressor mutations for pathological processes seems achievable. In addition, we review several screening methods for suppressor mutations in cultured human cells through knock-out, knock-down or random mutagenesis screens on large scale. We provide examples of studies published over the past years that opened new therapeutic avenues, particularly in oncology.
The flake graphite prospect of Piippumäki—an example of a high-quality graphite occurrence in a retrograde metamorphic terrain in Finland
Authors: Palosaari J , Latonen R-M , Smått J-H , Raunio S , Eklund O
Published: April 2020

The flake graphite occurrence in Piippumäki, Eastern Finland, as indicated by an airborne electromagnetic anomaly, was located during fieldwork by electromagnetic measurements with Slingram. The anomaly is approximately 0.1 × 1 km in size. The flake graphite is hosted by quartz-feldspar gneiss and amphibolite that have been subjected to retrograde metamorphism. This is observed in thin sections as granulite facies (garnet + cordierite + sillimanite + melt) regressing to greenschist facies (epidote, chlorite, albite, and white mica). The graphite (up to 1 mm large flakes) is found in graphite-bearing layers in the gneiss, and to a minor extent disseminated in the amphibolite. The average total sulfur (TS) is 0.33%, total carbon (TC) is 6.49%, and the average content of graphitic carbon (Cg) is 6.41% for the analyzed graphite-bearing rocks. SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy were used for analyzing the flake graphite, indicating that the graphite is almost defect-free, of high quality, and has not been affected by the retrograde metamorphism. The peak metamorphic temperature of 737 °C was determined by a Raman thermometer, and no temperatures of greenschist facies were observed. A pseudosection was constructed from whole-rock chemical composition and indicated equilibration at ca 5 kbar and 740 °C, which corresponds to the observed mineral assemblages.
Can Gold be an Effective Catalyst for the Deacon Reaction?
Authors: Malta Grazia , Dawson Simon R. , Pattisson Samuel , Edwards Miles M. , Freakley Simon J. , Dummer Nicholas F. , Schwab Ekkehard , Bender Michael , Teles J. Henrique , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: April 2020

The Deacon reaction is an important industrial process for the oxidation of hydrogen chloride, thereby enabling chlorine to be recycled. As gold is an efficient catalyst for reactions involving hydrogen chloride and oxygen, we have studied the use of gold as a potential catalyst for the Deacon reaction. Unfortunately, gold displays only limited activity; however, this is markedly increased if hydrogen is cofed as a reactant.

Graphic Abstract
Root foraging and avoidance in hyperaccumulator and excluder plants: a rhizotron experiment
Authors: Tognacchini Alice , Salinitro Mirko , Puschenreiter Markus , van der Ent Antony
Published: April 2020

Aims

Metal hyperaccumulation is a rare phenomenon described for an increasing number of plant taxa. In this study we investigated the root growth responses of the well-known nickel, zinc, cadmium hyperaccumulatorNoccaea caerulescensand of the metal tolerant (non-accumulator)Stellaria media, in order to observe root foraging vs avoidance responses to nickel. 

Methods

To allow for observations of root growth and foraging preferences, two accessions ofNoccaea caerulescensand two accessions ofStellaria mediaorginating from high nickel and low nickel habitats were grown in rhizotrons with localized nickel enrichment.

Results

The root density in the control and nickel-enriched soil areas in the rhizotrons with differentN. caerulescensaccessions had distinct responses: moderate nickel avoidance was recorded for the non-nickel accession, while a clear foraging response was observed inN. caerulescensfrom the nickel accession. In contrast, nickel rooting avoidance was observed for bothS. mediaaccessions and was more pronounced in the non-nickel accession.

Conclusions

This study shows thatN. caerulescensoriginating from different accessions responded differently to soil nickel enrichment, with the nickel accession ofN. caerulescensactively foraging for nickel, suggesting a physiological adaptation and demand for this metal. In contrast, a clear nickel avoidance response by a metal tolerant species, S. media, was observed in this study, a phenomenon which has not been previously described; this suggests that root avoidance responses might play a role in the adaptation of metal tolerant species to Ni-rich soils.
Furfural production from xylose and birch hydrolysate liquor in a biphasic system and techno-economic analysis
Authors: Gómez Millán Gerardo , Bangalore Ashok Rahul Prasad , Oinas Pekka , Llorca Jordi , Sixta Herbert
Published: April 2020

Furfural has been highlighted as one of the top ten most rewarding bio-based building blocks by the US Department of Energy. In this study, furfural was produced from xylose and birch hydrolysate liquor employing a batch reactor in a biphasic system. The formation of furfural was conducted under auto-catalyzed conditions. 2-sec-Butylphenol was used as extractant to promptly extract furfural from the aqueous phase in order to minimize furfural degradation reactions. The effect of time, temperature, and organic-to-aqueous phase ratio were investigated. The maximum furfural yields from xylose and birch hydrolysate liquor as feedstock under auto-catalyzed conditions when employing 2-sec-butylphenol (SBP) were 59 mol% and 54 mol%, respectively. In the monophasic system when using hydrolysate, 46% furfural was yielded. Based on a techno-economic analysis carried out for furfural, the total investment cost for a plant integrated with an existing pulp mill or bio-refinery is estimated as 14 M€. The minimum selling price of furfural found to be 1.62 € kg−1. With a furfural selling price of 1.93 € kg−1, the payback period is approximately 5 years and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 20.7% is achieved at the end of the project lifetime.
Krise der liberalen Demokratie? Nein! Krise des individualistischen Liberalismus
Authors: Höntzsch Frauke
Published: April 2020

The current crisis of liberal democracy is actually a crisis of individualistic liberalism as recent literature shows by its analysis and more often by its example. Whilst social inequality by many authors is seen as main source of the crisis, it is only the consequence of a contradiction inherent in individualistic liberalism: Equal individual liberty leads to social and in the consequence to political inequality because of the inevitable differences in the use of that individual liberty. However, political equality is a necessary condition of individual liberty as a reciprocal right. Therefore, it is necessary to overcome a purely individualistic understanding of liberty that threatens not only democracy but individual liberty itself.
Using video-stimulated recall to understand the reflections of ambitious social studies teachers
Authors: Martinelle Rob
Published: April 2020

This multiple-case study sought to understand what ambitious history teachers focus their reflections on throughout a unit of study. Through video-stimulated recall methodology, reflective interviews were conducted with participants in four different schools within the same high-poverty public school district. The study built upon findings from research on ambitious teachers and found that teachers fixated on a range of problems while reflecting, among them: students” historical thinking, cultural relevant pedagogy, and their framing of history through essential questions. That the teachers focused on these issues could be linked to their values and broader educational aims.
Attachment Insecurity and Sexual and Relational Experiences in Saudi Arabian Women: The Role of Perceived Partner Responsiveness and Sexual Assertiveness
Authors: Attaky Atia , Kok Gerjo , Dewitte Marieke
Published: April 2020

Background

Attachment and intimacy play an important role in shaping sexual and relational experiences. Yet, their interrelation has rarely been investigated in the context of sexual problems and never been tested in Saudi Arabian women.

Aim

The present study examined the interrelations of attachment orientation and sexual function, distress, satisfaction, and relational satisfaction in a sample of Saudi Arabian women and explored whether this link can be explained by 2 important aspects of (sexual) intimacy, namely perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) and sexual assertiveness.

Method

This is a cross-sectional, observational study in a sample of 50 heterosexual women with sexual problems and 50 control women without problems, who completed an Arabic version of questionnaires on attachment orientation, sexual assertiveness, PPR, relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, sexual distress, and sexual function.

Results

We found that both attachment anxiety and sexual refusal showed a significant association with the level of sexual function, sexual distress, and sexual satisfaction (P < .01) in the clinical group. No mediating effects of sexual refusal were found. In the control group, sexual function, sexual distress, and sexual satisfaction were predicted by attachment avoidance (P < .01). Level of sexual function was also predicted by sexual initiation (P < .05). PPR fully mediated the association between attachment anxiety and relational satisfaction in the clinical group (P < .01), while in the control group the link between attachment avoidance and relational satisfaction was only partially mediated by PPR (P < .01).

Strengths & Limitations

This study offers unique information on relational and sexual functioning in a culture in which sexual expression and intimate behavior are restricted, particularly in women.

Clinical Implications

Perceiving the partner as being more responsive is an important target of intervention to increase satisfaction with the relationship.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that attachment anxiety and low sexual assertiveness, as indicated by lower tendencies to refuse sex when not desired, play a significant role in predicting negative sexual experiences in women who cope with sexual difficulties.
Automatic regime detection for Rotor Track and Balance using vibration only sensor data
Authors: Asher M. , Toshkova D. , Lieven N.
Published: April 2020

Rotor Track and Balance (RTB) is an important part of regular helicopter maintenance. The ability to perform this service assessment during normal operations, rather than with a series of explicit RTB flights, would greatly reduce the time the vehicle is non-operational and the maintenance costs associated with these flights and adjustments. This paper presents a novel methodology for identifying the RTB-related flight regimes, using a minimal number of vibration signals and comparing these to repeatable and stable characteristic vibration profiles. The technique is stable, with an 81% success in correct identification of the flight regime, when applied to a whole flight with a number of unknown regime events. The method can be run in real time, making it an effective way of identifying periods of flight that are suitable for RTB measurements. A new technique for visually representing any real-time flight signal, such as vibration, is also presented.
Communicating Scientific Choices in a Multilingual EU: The Position of “Third Parties” in EU Agencies’ Technical Assessments
Authors: MONICA Alessia
Published: April 2020

Frequently, decisions related to health protection are taken directly on the basis of scientific assessment and they are not clearly understood, as is highlighted in the Xylella example. Therefore, this article suggests that coherent processing of information in risk assessment may allow also a “third party” (who has not already expressed a specific interest in the procedure) to participate. In order to truly grasp the EU administration, an accountable way of communicating is helpful. Therefore, communication around the democratic process might be based on EU administrative principles and rules supporting a composite administrative system: it must not neglect the implications of compliance with the multilingual principle and its consequences for EU law, which would also lead to greater trust in risk assessment.
Hard Protection through Soft Courts? Non-Refoulement before the United Nations Treaty Bodies
Authors: Çalı Başak , Costello Cathryn , Cunningham Stewart
Published: April 2020

This Article comparatively analyses how the prohibition of refoulement is interpreted by United Nations Treaty Bodies (UNTBs) in their individual decision-making, where we suggest they act as “soft courts.” It asks whether UNTBs break ranks with or follow the interpretations of non-refoulement of the European Court of Human Rights. This investigation is warranted because non-refoulement is the single most salient issue that has attracted individual views from UNTBs since 1990. Moreover, our European focus is warranted as nearly half of the cases concern states that are also parties to the European Convention on Human Rights. Based on a multi-dimensional analysis of non-refoulement across an original dataset of over 500 UNTB non-refoulement cases, decided between 1990–2020, as well as pertinent UNTB General Comments, the Article finds that whilst UNTBs, at times, do adopt a more progressive position than their “harder” regional counterpart, there are also instances where they closely follow the interpretations of the European Court of Human Rights and, on occasion, adopt a more restrictive position. This analysis complicates the view that soft courts are likely to be more progressive interpreters than hard courts. It further shows that variations in the interpretation of non-refoulement in a crowded field of international interpreters present risks for evasion of accountability, whereby domestic authorities in Europe may favor the more convenient interpretation, particularly in environments hostile to non-refoulement.
The Right to Perform Rescue at Sea: Jurisprudence and Drowning
Authors: Mann Itamar
Published: April 2020

Framing largescale migrant drownings as violations of international law has so far not been a straightforward task. The failures of doing so, both in scholarship and in activism, have often revealed important limitations of international law, and a form of rightlessness that is hard-wired in it. Through an assessment of arguments about drowning, framed in the vocabularies of the right to life, refugee law, the law of the sea, and international criminal law, difficulties surrounding the notion of jurisdiction persist: The maritime space has often functioned as a kind of “legal black hole.” Considering such difficulties, this Article suggests that shifting the focus from migrant rights to the civil and political rights of volunteers coming to the rescue, may help in closing the accountability gap. It thus seeks to articulate and conceptualize a form of maritime civil disobedience among rescue volunteers, which may provide the link for eliminating migrant rightlessness at sea.
Subjective Well-being, Personality, and Loneliness as Correlates of Saudade: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Neto Félix , Mullet Etienne
Published: April 2020

Saudade is a psychological reaction to the absence of significant others or familiar places. The correlates of the experience of saudade were examined using a sample of Portuguese adults. Two hundred and twenty-seven participants of both genders, aged 20–65, were presented with (a) the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), (b) the Positive and Negative Affect Schedules (PANAS), (c) the brief Loneliness Scale (ULS-6), (d) the Neo Five-Factor Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI), and (e) an experience of saudade two-item scale. Experience of saudade was more often reported by females than by males, and positively correlated with negative affect, loneliness, and neuroticism.
When Gods Become Bureaucrats
Authors: Cole Richard
Published: April 2020

Even gods are not always above bureaucracy. Societies very different from each other have entertained the idea that the heavens might be arranged much like an earthly bureaucracy, or that mythological beings might exercise their power in a way that makes them resembles bureaucrats. The best-known case is the Chinese “celestial bureaucracy,” but the idea is also found in (to take nearly random examples) Ancient Near Eastern cosmology, the Hebrew Bible, Late Antiquity, and modern popular culture. The primary sources discussed in this essay pertain to an area of history where bureaucracy was historically underdeveloped, namely medieval Scandinavia. Beginning with the Glavendrup runestone from the 900s, I examine a way of thinking about divine power that seems blissfully bureaucracy-free. Moving forwards in time to Adam of Bremen’s description of the temple at Uppsala (1040s–1070s), I find traces of a tentative, half-formed bureaucracy in the fading embers of Scandinavian paganism. In the 1220s, well into the Christian era, I find Snorri Sturluson concocting a version of Old Norse myth which proposes a novel resolution between the non-bureaucratic origins of his mythological corpus and the burgeoning bureacratization of High Medieval Norway. Although my focus is on medieval Scandinavia, transhistorical comparisons are frequently drawn with mythological bureaucrats from other times and places. In closing, I synthesise this comparative material with historical and anthropological theories of the relationship between bureaucracy and the divine.
Trichotillomania—psychopathological correlates and associations with health-related quality of life in a large sample
Authors: Bezerra Andre P. , Machado Myrela O. , Maes Michel , Marazziti Donatella , Nunes-Neto Paulo R. , Solmi Marco , Firth Joseph , Husain M. Ishrat , Brunoni Andre R. , Kurdyak Paul , Smith Lee , Alavi Afsaneh , Piguet Vincent , Carvalho André F.
Published: April 2020

Background

Relatively few studies have assessed the prevalence, correlates, and independent impact on quality of life (QoL) of trichotillomania (TTM) in large samples.

Methods

Consecutive participants (N = 7639) were recruited from a cross-sectional web-based study. Sociodemographic data were collected and several validated self-reported mental health measures were completed (Minnesota Impulsive Disorders Interview, Hypomania checklist, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Early Trauma Inventory Self Report–Short Form, and the Symptom Checklist-90–Revised Inventory). Health-related QoL was assessed with the World Health Organization QoL abbreviated scale (WHOQOL-Bref). Multivariable models adjusted associations to potential confounders.

Results

The sample was predominantly composed of young females (71.3%; mean age: 27.2 ± 7.9 years). The prevalence of probable TTM was 1.4% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.2-1.7), and was more common among females. Participants with probable TTM had a greater likelihood of having co-occurring probable depression (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] = 1.744; 95% CI: 1.187-2.560), tobacco (ORadj = 2.250; 95% CI: 1.191-4.250), and alcohol (ORadj = 1.751; 95% CI: 1.169-2.621) use disorders. Probable TTM was also independently associated with suicidal ideation (ORadj = 1.917; 95% CI: 1.224-3.003) and exposure to childhood sexual abuse (ORadj = 1.221; 95% CI: 1.098-1.358). In addition, a positive screen for TTM had more impaired physical and mental QoL.

Conclusions

TTM was associated with a positive screen for several psychiatric comorbidities as well as impaired physical and psychological QoL. Efforts towards the recognition and treatment of TTM across psycho-dermatology services are warranted.
IAPT and the internet: the current and future role of therapist-guided internet interventions within routine care settings
Authors: Thew Graham R.
Published: April 2020

Compared with the traditional face-to-face format, therapist-guided internet interventions offer a different approach to supporting clients in learning skills to manage and overcome mental health difficulties. Such interventions are already in use within IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) and other routine care settings, but given their potential to deliver treatment more efficiently and therefore increase availability and access to evidence-based interventions, their use is likely to increase significantly over the coming years. This article outlines what is meant by therapist-guided internet interventions and why an online format is thought to be advantageous for clients, therapists, services, and communities more broadly. It reviews the current evidence in the context of common therapist beliefs about internet-based treatment. It aims to identify gaps where further research is required, particularly in relation to the broader implementation of these treatments in IAPT and other routine clinical services. Specifically, it emphasises the importance of choosing the right programmes, providing adequate therapist training in their use, and considering practical and organisational issues, all of which are likely to determine the success of implementation efforts.

Key learning aims

(1)

To understand what therapist-guided internet interventions are and their potential advantages.

(2)

To understand the current evidence base for these interventions.

(3)

To learn where further research is needed with regard to both the interventions themselves, and to their broader implementation in IAPT.
European agricultural policy requires a stronger performance framework to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Scown Murray W. , Nicholas Kimberly A.
Published: April 2020

Non-technical summary

Agriculture provides many benefits to people, such as producing food and creating jobs in rural areas, but it can also have negative impacts on the environment. We analysed existing monitoring indicators for the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to evaluate whether the CAP is effectively achieving multiple social and environmental goals. We found that the current CAP monitoring system is unable to balance many potentially competing goals because its indicators are biased towards a few objectives. We suggest the European Union and its Member States adopt a broader set of indicators covering clear targets when the policy is reformed after 2020.
On the Production of Ionospheric Irregularities Via Kelvin‐Helmholtz Instability Associated with Cusp Flow Channels
Authors: Spicher Andres , Deshpande Kshitija , Jin Yaqi , Oksavik Kjellmar , Zettergren Matthew D. , Clausen Lasse B. N. , Moen Jøran I. , Hairston Marc R. , Baddeley Lisa
Published: April 2020

We present a multi‐instrument multiscale study of a channel of enhanced, inhomogeneous flow in the cusp ionosphere occurring on November 30, 2014. We provide evidence that strong Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) phase scintillations indices (σϕ>0.5 rad) can arise from such events, indicating that they are important in the context of space weather impacts on technology. We compare in detail two‐dimensional maps of ionospheric density, velocity, and temperatures obtained by the European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association Svalbard Radar with scintillation indices detected from a network of four GNSS receivers around Svalbard and examine the different sources of free energy for irregularity creation. We observe that the strongest phase scintillations occur on the poleward side of the flow channel in a region of sheared plasma motion and structured low‐energy particle precipitation. As inhomogeneous plasma flows are evident in our observations, we perform a quantitative, nonlinear analysis of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI) and its impact on phase scintillations using numerical simulations from the first principles‐based Geospace Environment Model of Ion‐Neutral Interactions and Satellite‐beacon Ionospheric‐scintillation Global Model of the upper Atmosphere. Using representative values consistent with the radar data, we show that KHI can efficiently create density structures along with considerable scintillations and is thus likely to contribute significantly under similar conditions, which are frequent in the cusp.
Intergeneric Differences in Trophic Status of Scleractinian Corals From Weizhou Island, Northern South China Sea: Implication for Their Different Environmental Stress Tolerance
Authors: Xu Shendong , Yu Kefu , Zhang Zhinan , Chen Biao , Qin Zhenjun , Huang Xueyong , Jiang Wei , Wang Yixuan , Wang Yinghui
Published: April 2020

The knowledges of trophic status (i.e., autotrophy/heterotrophy) of corals are helpful for understanding the mechanisms driving their environmental stress tolerance and bleaching resilience. We conducted this study to elucidate the differences in trophic status among corals of different genera and then explore the implication of trophic status for their different environmental stress tolerance. In this study, 117 coral samples including five genera (i.e., relatively stress‐tolerant massive genera Porites, Favites, and Favia and relatively vulnerable plating genus Pavona and branching genus Acropora) were collected from Weizhou Island, northern South China Sea. The symbiotic zooxanthellae density, δ13C of host tissues (δ13Ch), and symbiotic zooxanthellae (δ13Cz) were measured. Besides, the difference in values between δ13Ch and δ13Cz (i.e., △h‐z 13C) was analyzed. Our results indicated that both zooxanthellae density and δ13Cz values of Porites, Favites, and Favia are higher than that of Pavona and Acropora and indicate that autotrophic photosynthesis intensity of symbiotic zooxanthellae of Porites, Favites, and Favia is higher than that of Pavona and Acropora. Besides, both δ13Ch and △h‐z 13C of Porites, Favites, and Favia are lower than that of Pavona and Acropora and indicate a higher contribution of heterotrophic predation to the coral host of Porites, Favites, and Favia. These comparisons suggest that trophic status of relatively stress‐tolerant Porites, Favites, and Favia is more plasticity than vulnerable Pavona and Acropora, which is conducive to maintain a positive energy budget. This is one of important factors leading to different environmental stress tolerance and bleaching resilience among corals of different genera.
An open source and reduce expenditure ROS generation strategy for chemodynamic/photodynamic synergistic therapy
Authors: Liu Conghui , Cao Yu , Cheng Yaru , Wang Dongdong , Xu Tailin , Su Lei , Zhang Xueji , Dong Haifeng
Published: April 2020

The therapeutic effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-involved cancer therapies is significantly limited by shortage of oxy-substrates, such as hypoxia in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and insufficient hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Here, we report a H2O2/O2 self-supplying nanoagent, (MSNs@CaO2-ICG)@LA, which consists of manganese silicate (MSN)-supported calcium peroxide (CaO2) and indocyanine green (ICG) with further surface modification of phase-change material lauric acid (LA). Under laser irradiation, ICG simultaneously generates singlet oxygen and emits heat to melt the LA. The exposed CaO2 reacts with water to produce O2 and H2O2 for hypoxia-relieved ICG-mediated PDT and H2O2-supplying MSN-based CDT, acting as an open source strategy for ROS production. Additionally, the MSNs-induced glutathione depletion protects ROS from scavenging, termed reduce expenditure. This open source and reduce expenditure strategy is effective in inhibiting tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo, and significantly improves ROS generation efficiency from multi-level for ROS-involved cancer therapies.
Inhibition of HDAC6 activity protects dopaminergic neurons from alpha-synuclein toxicity
Authors: Francelle Laetitia , Outeiro Tiago F. , Rappold Gudrun A.
Published: April 2020

The neuropathological hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease include preferential vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta, and accumulation of intraneuronal protein inclusions known as Lewy bodies. These inclusions contain, among other proteins, aggregated alpha-synuclein and histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6). In our study we found that selective inhibition of HDAC6 activity by Tubastatin A has protective effects in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease. We provide evidence that this protection may be due to the activation of chaperone-mediated autophagy through the up-regulation of key members of this pathway. Moreover, Tubastatin A significantly inhibited the expression of a toxic form of alpha-synuclein that is phosphorylated at serine position 129. Tubastatin A treatment also permitted to partially modulate neuroinflammation. Taken together, our study highlights the neuroprotective effects of Tubastatin A in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease and provides mechanistic insight in Tubastatin A-mediated protection against alpha-synuclein toxicity and substantia nigra degeneration. These findings are of potential therapeutic value in Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies.
Author Correction: Roles of GalNAc-disialyl Lactotetraosyl Antigens in Renal Cancer Cells
Authors: Tsuchida Akiko , Senda Motohiro , Ito Akihiro , Saito Seiichi , Kiso Makoto , Ando Takayuki , Harduin-Lepers Anne , Matsuda Akio , Furukawa Keiko , Furukawa Koichi
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Pre-operative simulation using a three-dimensional printing model for surgical treatment of old and complex tibial plateau fractures
Authors: Shen Sheng , Wang PeiZhao , Li XiaoYong , Han Xu , Tan HongLue
Published: April 2020

To investigate the clinical efficacy of pre-operative simulation using a three-dimensional (3D) printing model for surgical treatment of old and complex tibial plateau fractures. Forty-two patients with old and complex tibial plateau fractures were retrospectively reviewed from January 2014 to January 2018, which were divided into a conventional planning group (n = 22) and a planning with 3D printing group (n = 20). In the planning with 3D printing group, preoperative equal-ratio fracture models prepared using the 3D printing technique were used to perform pre-operative simulation and guide the real surgical operation. In the conventional planning group, the operation was performed based on pre-operative computed tomography (CT) images. Surgery duration, blood loss and the number of fluoroscopy during operations were recorded. During follow-up, the quality of fracture reduction and complications were also recorded. Knee functions were evaluated using the hospital for special surgery (HSS) scoring system. The operation time, blood loss and the number of fluoroscopy during operation in the planning with 3D printing group were less than that in the conventional planning group (P < 0.01). All patients were followed up for mean of 24.38 ± 7.62 months. The rate of excellent fracture reduction in the planning with 3D printing group and conventional planning group was 75% and 45.45%, respectively (P = 0.05). The complication rate was 15% in the planning with 3D printing group and 31.82% in the conventional planning group. At the final follow-up evaluation, the mean HSS score was 86.05 ± 7.67 in the planning with 3D printing group and 79.09 ± 6.75 in the conventional planning group (P = 0.003). The rate of excellent results in the planning with 3D printing group was 70% and in the conventional planning group was 45.45% (P = 0.083). In conclusion, pre-operative simulation using a 3D printing model may be helpful for the treatment of old and complex tibial plateau fractures, which may be conducive to the pre-operative planning and to making the surgical procedure accurate and personalized. However, its clinical effectiveness need to be further assessed by a prospective randomized-controlled study.
Probing the structural evolution and electronic properties of divalent metal Be2Mgn clusters from small to medium-size
Authors: Zhang Feige , Zhang Hairong , Xin Wang , Chen Peng , Hu Yanfei , Zhang Xiaoyi , Zhao Yaru
Published: April 2020

Bimetallic clusters have aroused increased attention because of the ability to tune their own properties by changing size, shape, and doping. In present work, a structural search of the global minimum for divalent bimetal Be2Mgn (n = 1–20) clusters are performed by utilizing CALYPSO structural searching method with subsequent DFT optimization. We investigate the evolution of geometries, electronic properties, and nature of bonding from small to medium-sized clusters. It is found that the structural transition from hollow 3D structures to filled cage-like frameworks emerges at n = 10 for Be2Mgn clusters, which is obviously earlier than that of Mgn clusters. The Be atoms prefer the surface sites in small cluster size, then one Be atom tend to embed itself inside the magnesium motif. At the number of Mg larger than eighteen, two Be atoms have been completely encapsulated by caged magnesium frameworks. In all Be2Mgn clusters, the partial charge transfer from Mg to Be takes place. An increase in the occupations of the Be-2p and Mg-3p orbitals reveals the increasing metallic behavior of Be2Mgn clusters. The analysis of stability shows that the cluster stability can be enhanced by Be atoms doping and the Be2Mg8 cluster possesses robust stability across the cluster size range of n = 1–20. There is s-p hybridization between the Be and Mg atoms leading to stronger Be-Mg bonds in Be2Mg8 cluster. This finding is supported by the multi-center bonds and Mayer bond order analysis.
Retraction Note: Modified box dimension and average weighted receiving time on the weighted fractal networks
Authors: Dai Meifeng , Sun Yanqiu , Shao Shuxiang , Xi Lifeng , Su Weiyi
Published: April 2020

This paper has been retracted.
Homeobox proteins are essential for fungal differentiation and secondary metabolism in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Son Sung-Hun , Son Ye-Eun , Cho He-Jin , Chen Wanping , Lee Mi-Kyung , Kim Lee-Han , Han Dong-Min , Park Hee-Soo
Published: April 2020

The homeobox domain-containing transcription factors play an important role in the growth, development, and secondary metabolism in fungi and other eukaryotes. In this study, we characterized the roles of the genes coding for homeobox-type proteins in the model organism Aspergillus nidulans. To examine their roles in A. nidulans, the deletion mutant strains for each gene coding for homeobox-type protein were generated, and their phenotypes were examined. Phenotypic analyses revealed that two homeobox proteins, HbxA and HbxB, were required for conidia production. Deletion of hbxA caused abnormal conidiophore production, decreased the number of conidia in both light and dark conditions, and decreased the size of cleistothecia structures. Overexpressing hbxA enhanced the production of asexual spores and formation of conidiophore under the liquid submerged conditions. The hbxB deletion mutant strains exhibited decreased asexual spore production but increased cleistothecia production. The absence of hbxB decreased the trehalose content in asexual spores and increased their sensitivity against thermal and oxidative stresses. The ΔhbxA strains produced more sterigmatocystin, which was decreased in the ΔhbxB strain. Overall, our results show that HbxA and HbxB play crucial roles in the differentiation and secondary metabolism of the fungus A. nidulans.
Author Correction: Applying the Jellium model to octacarbonyl metal complexes
Authors: Wang Kun , Xu Chang , Li Dan , Cheng Longjiu
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
3D deterministic lateral displacement (3D-DLD) cartridge system for high throughput particle sorting
Authors: Jusková Petra , Matthys Lionel , Viovy Jean-Louis , Malaquin Laurent
Published: April 2020

A new 3D architecture for the deterministic lateral displacement microfluidic device based on ultra-high aspect ratio arch-shaped pillars.
A novel peptide targeting gastrin releasing peptide receptor for pancreatic neoplasm detection
Authors: Tu Yuanbiao , Tao Ji , Wang Fang , Liu Peifei , Han Zhihao , Li Zhaolun , Ma Yi , Gu Yueqing
Published: April 2020

The designed novel peptide GB-6 with targeted GRPR-binding possesses more favorable pharmacokinetic properties and metabolic stability, as well as superior tumor-targeting ability in pancreatic cancer models, relative to BBN7–14.
Enantioselective Lewis base catalyzed phosphonyldifluoromethylation of allylic fluorides using a C-silyl latent pronucleophile
Authors: Zi You , Lange Markus , Vilotijevic Ivan
Published: April 2020

The first enantioselective phosphonyldifluoromethylation is enabled by the use of a latent silylated C-centered pronucleophile in the Lewis base catalyzed substitution of allylic fluorides.
Interfacial structuring of non-halogenated imidazolium ionic liquids at charged surfaces: effect of alkyl chain length
Authors: Watanabe Seiya , Pilkington Georgia A. , Oleshkevych Anna , Pedraz Patricia , Radiom Milad , Welbourn Rebecca , Glavatskih Sergei , Rutland Mark W.
Published: April 2020

Control of the interfacial structures of ionic liquids (ILs) at charged interfaces is important to many of their applications, including in energy storage solutions, sensors and advanced lubrication technologies utilising electric fields.
Two-dimensional C3N based sub-10 nanometer biosensor
Authors: Rani S. , Ray S. J.
Published: April 2020

The current observation demonstrates the usefulness of the two-dimensional C3N system as a next generation bio-sensor for the sequencing of various nucleobases, offering new leads for future developments in bioelectronics, superior sensing architectures and sustainable designs.
Temperature controlled switchable exchange bias and coercivity in spin glass/ferromagnet multilayers under tilting magnetizing
Authors: Yu Le , Li Ruijun , Hu Yong
Published: April 2020

A switch between exchange bias and coercivity is achieved through cooling.
Dispersion of high-quality boron nitride nanosheets in polyethylene for nanocomposites of superior thermal transport properties
Authors: Wang Zhengdong , Priego Paul , Meziani Mohammed J. , Wirth Kathleen , Bhattacharya Sriparna , Rao Apparao , Wang Ping , Sun Ya-Ping
Published: April 2020

Highly thermally conductive nanocomposite films of polyethylene with boron nitride nanosheets from a gentle yet effective exfoliation method.
Superior photoresponse MIS Schottky barrier diodes with nanoporous:Sn–WO3 films for ultraviolet photodetector application
Authors: Raj Marnadu , Joseph Chandrasekaran , Subramanian Maruthamuthu , Perumalsamy Vivek , Elayappan Vijayakumar
Published: April 2020

Nanoporous:Sn–WO3 film based metal–insulator–semiconductor type Schottky diodes exhibit ultra-high responsivity with higher quantum efficiency and detectivity.
Determination of the partition coefficient of isoquinoline alkaloids from Chelidonium majus by reversed phase thin layer chromatography
Authors: Czeszak Aleksandra , Resztak Matylda , Czyrski Andrzej , Nowak Izabela
Published: April 2020

Determination of the partition coefficient (log P) of alkaloids by the RP-TLC method at different pH values. Distribution coefficient (log D) values were calculated. The investigated chlorides were found to be the most lipophilic of the compounds studied.
Carbon dots-inspired fluorescent cyclodextrins: competitive supramolecular “off–on” (bio)sensors
Authors: De los Reyes-Berbel Eduardo , Ortiz-Gomez Inmaculada , Ortega-Muñoz Mariano , Salinas-Castillo Alfonso , Capitan-Vallvey Luis Fermin , Hernandez-Mateo Fernando , Lopez-Jaramillo Francisco Javier , Santoyo-Gonzalez Francisco
Published: April 2020

Fluorescent cyclodextrins (CDs) engineered by grafting the molecular fluorophore IPCA behave as carbon nanodot-appended CD “off–on” sensors of (bio)analytes and for analyzing glycosidase activity.
Biosignal-responsive polymer nanorods that specifically recognize hydrogen polysulfide (H2Sn) from reactive sulfur species
Authors: Liu Xi , Sang Wei , Ouyang Kunbing , Yan Qiang
Published: April 2020

We report a new block copolymer bearing p-fluoronitrobenzoate (FNB) pendants that is capable of responding to the H2Sn biosignal in an extraordinarily selective and sensitive manner.
Design and synthesis of lipid-mimetic cationic iridium complexes and their liposomal formulation for in vitro and in vivo application in luminescent bioimaging
Authors: Shakirova Julia R. , Sadeghi Amir , Koblova Alla A. , Chelushkin Pavel S. , Toropainen Elisa , Tavakoli Shirin , Kontturi Leena-Stiina , Lajunen Tatu , Tunik Sergey P. , Urtti Arto
Published: April 2020

Novel lipoidal Ir(iii) phosphorescent labels were embedded into liposomes and used for imaging in cells and animals.
N-Amino peptide scanning reveals inhibitors of Aβ42aggregation
Authors: Tillett Khalilia C. , Del Valle Juan R.
Published: April 2020

Structure-based design of backbone-aminated peptides affords novel β-strand mimics that inhibit amyloid-beta fibrillogenesis.
Periodic strip loaded reconfigurable half‐mode substrate integrated waveguide‐based leaky wave antennas
Authors: Singh M. , Ghosh B.
Published: April 2020

In this Letter, a reconfigurable half‐mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW)‐based leaky‐wave antenna (LWA) configuration with its edge loaded with the periodic strips is investigated. A good impedance matching is obtained using the loaded configuration. A microstrip line with a tapered‐line transition is used to feed the proposed antenna structure. Beam scanning of 24°–66° in the frequency band 9.07–11.04 GHz is achieved with the maximum gain of 14.58 dBi at the frequency 10.07 GHz with a corresponding beam direction of 48°. Thereafter, the edge of the strips is loaded in the middle with variable capacitors connected through narrow stubs to scan the beam at a fixed frequency. The variation in reflection and transmission coefficients, beam angle and antenna gain with variation in the capacitor value for the loaded configuration is investigated.
Responding to COVID-19: The UW Medicine Information Technology Services Experience
Authors: Grange Elisha S. , Neil Eric J. , Stoffel Michelle , Singh Angad P. , Tseng Ethan , Resco-Summers Kelly , Fellner B. Jane , Lynch John B. , Mathias Patrick C. , Mauritz-Miller Kristal , Sutton Paul R. , Leu Michael G.
Published: April 2020

Background UW Medicine was one of the first health systems to encounter and treat COVID-19 patients in the United States, starting in late February 2020.

Objective Here we describe the rapid rollout of capabilities by UW Medicine Information Technology Services (ITS) to support our clinical response to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide recommendations for health systems to urgently consider, as they plan their own response to this and potentially other future pandemics.

Methods Our recommendations include establishing a hospital incident command structure that includes tight integration with IT, creating automated dashboards for incident command, optimizing emergency communication to staff and patients, and preparing human resources, security, other policies, and equipment to support the transition of all nonessential staff to telework.

We describe how UW Medicine quickly expanded telemedicine capabilities to include most primary care providers and increasing numbers of specialty providers. We look at how we managed expedited change control processes to quickly update electronic health records (EHR) with new COVID-19 laboratory and clinical workflows. We also examine the integration of new technology such as tele–intensive care (ICU) equipment and improved integration with teleconferencing software into our EHR. To support the rapid preparation for COVID-19 at other health systems, we include samples of the UW Medicine's COVID-19 order set, COVID-19 documentation template, dashboard metric categories, and a list of the top 10 things your health care IT organization can do now to prepare.

Conclusion The COVID-19 response requires new and expedited ways of approaching ITS support to clinical needs. UW Medicine ITS leadership hope that by quickly sharing our nimble response to clinical and operational requests, we can help other systems prepare to respond to this public health emergency.