bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneously enhanced impact strength and dielectric properties of an epoxy resin modified with EHTPB liquid rubber
Authors: Zhou Wenying , Li Xu , Cao Dan , Li Ying , Zhang Caihua , Li Zhen , Chen Fuxin , Li Ting , Cai Huiwu , Dang Zhi‐Min
Published: June 2020

To simultaneously improve the impact strength and dielectric properties of cured epoxy (EP), herein we explore liquid rubber toughened EP based on a nonpolar epoxidized hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (EHTPB), where the rubber is covalently bonded to the EP. Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance proved the chemical reaction between EHTPB and EP, which makes the immiscible EHTPB‐EP blend change to compatible one. The results indicate that both the impact strength and dielectric properties can be visibly enhanced with the addition of EHTPB and the maximum values are obtained at 10 phr of EHTPB loading. The improved mechanical toughness can be ascribed to the extensive shear yielding induced by the uniformly dispersed EHTPB domains and the enhanced interfacial compatibility between the two components. Moreover, the enhanced electrical resistivity and dielectric breakdown strength as well as the reduced dielectric constant and loss for the EHTPB‐EP can be attributed to the combination of the excellent insulating properties of HTPB and dielectrically favorable interfaces. Therefore, the EHTPB‐EP with a concurrent improvement in impact strength and dielectric properties can be used as promising insulating materials for high‐frequency microelectronics and high‐voltage electrical equipment.
Natural graphite reinforced fluoroelastomer composites: Morphological, mechanical, thermal, dielectric, and solvent transport studies
Authors: Moni Grace , Mayeen Anshida , George Soney C.
Published: June 2020

Fluoroelastomer (FKM) composite embedded with natural graphite (NG) was prepared and its thermal, mechanical, dielectric, and solvent transport properties were explored as a function of NG loading. The morphology of the composites was done by AFM, SEM, and TEM analysis, and XRD provides the structural analysis. The composite with 20 phr of NG content showed the highest tensile properties and thermal stability and was supported by fracture surface SEM analysis. Enhancement in polymer‐filler interaction in the composite was further confirmed by the increase in Tg value obtained from DSC analysis. The dielectric permittivity value showed tremendous increment by 30 phr of NG addition with decreased dielectric loss. The resistance to solvent uptake with increase in NG loading by the formation of tortuous pathway is also a clear evidence for the exfoliation of the graphite flakes in the FKM matrix. Better inclusion of NG in FKM matrix efficiently enhanced the thermal, mechanical, dielectric and the transport properties of the composites.
Combination of Vancomycin or Daptomycin and Beta‐lactam Antibiotics: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Kale‐Pradhan Pramodini B. , Giuliano Christopher , Jongekrijg Annelise , Rybak Michael J.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Observational and randomized controlled trials of the combination of vancomycin or daptomycin with a beta‐lactam (BL) in patients with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia have shown conflicting results on patient outcomes.

Objectives

The primary purpose of this meta‐analysis was to compare clinical failure with the combination of vancomycin or daptomycin with a BL versus vancomycin or daptomycin monotherapy in MRSA bacteremia or endocarditis.

Methods

A systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and meeting proceedings was conducted from inception through February 11, 2020, to identify relevant studies. The primary outcome was clinical failure and secondary outcomes were mortality, nephrotoxicity, and bacteremia. The meta‐analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta Analysis (version 3.0) with a random effects model. Outcomes were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Nine studies of 1636 patients receiving vancomycin or daptomycin monotherapy versus the combination of vancomycin or daptomycin plus BL for MRSA bacteremia were included. Results showed combination therapy was associated with significantly lower clinical failure rates (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39–0.79, I2 = 26.22%, p=0.001). Improvement in clinical failure was driven by lower rates of bacteremia relapse and persistence. However, no difference was seen with mortality.

Conclusions

Combination therapy with vancomycin or daptomycin plus BL for MRSA bacteremia showed lower clinical failure rates, however, no significant difference was seen in mortality.
Registration of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) sources of resistance to Hessian fly
Authors: Daba Sintayehu D. , Nemacheck Jill A. , Ohm Herbert W. , Bockelman Harold E. , Williams Christie E. , Mohammadi Mohsen
Published: June 2020

Hessian fly is among the major pests of wheat (Triticum spp.) around the world. We evaluated 18 tetraploid (4X) or durum accessions [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.) van Slageren], which were sourced from the USDA‐ARS National Small Grains Collection. Two of the most virulent strains of Hessian fly, vH9 and Biotype L, were used to assess the reaction of germplasm to larval attack. A susceptible hexaploid wheat accession (CItr 17790, also known as ‘Len’) and a resistant tetraploid wheat accession (PI 134942, which is a donor of resistance gene H33), were included as controls during the test. We confirmed previously reported resistant germplasm and identified two novel germplasm accessions that exhibited a clear resistance against vH9 and Biotype L infestation. The data showed that Trigo 87 (Reg. no. GP‐1046, PI 519832, a durum accession from Lebanon) and Iumillo (Reg. no. GP‐1047, PI 519716, a durum accession from India) are both resistant to vH9 infestation. In addition, Trigo 87 is also resistant to Biotype L infestation, while the resistance of Iumillo to Biotype L was inconclusive. These wheat lines can be used directly in durum breeding programs. Moreover, the resistance genes can be transferred to hexaploid wheat backgrounds for use especially in the eastern and southeastern United States, where few options for resistance are available.
Childhood rare lung disease in the 21st century: “‐omics” technology advances accelerating discovery
Authors: Vece Timothy J. , Wambach Jennifer A. , Hagood James S.
Published: June 2020

Childhood rare lung diseases comprise a large number of heterogeneous respiratory disorders that are individually rare but are collectively associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resource utilization. Although the genetic mechanisms for several of these disorders have been elucidated, the pathogenesis mechanisms for others remain poorly understood and treatment options remain limited. Childhood rare lung diseases are enriched for genetic etiologies; identification of the disease mechanisms underlying these rare disorders can inform the biology of normal human lung development and has implications for the treatment of more common respiratory diseases in children and adults. Advances in “‐omics” technology, such as genomic sequencing, clinical phenotyping, biomarker discovery, genome editing, in vitro and model organism disease modeling, single‐cell analyses, cellular imaging, and high‐throughput drug screening have enabled significant progress for diagnosis and treatment of rare childhood lung diseases. The most striking example of this progress has been realized for patients with cystic fibrosis for whom effective, personalized therapies based on CFTR genotype are now available. In this chapter, we focus on recent technology advances in childhood rare lung diseases, acknowledge persistent challenges, and identify promising new technologies that will impact not only biological discovery, but also improve diagnosis, therapies, and survival for children with these rare disorders.
Visuomotor reaction time and dynamic balance in children with cystic fibrosis and non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: A case‐control study
Authors: Dik Jan , Saglam Melda , Tekerlek Haluk , Vardar‐Yagli Naciye , Calik‐Kutukcu Ebru , Inal‐Ince Deniz , Arikan Hulya , Eryilmaz‐Polat Sanem , Dogru Deniz
Published: June 2020

Objective

Extrapulmonary involvement such as balance and reaction time is unclear in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate visuomotor reaction time (VMRT) and dynamic balance in children with CF and non‐CF bronchiectasis compared to healthy children.

Design/Methods

Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. All children were evaluated with pulmonary function test (PFT) using a spirometer, incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) for exercise capacity, Fitlight Trainer for VMRT, and functional reach test (FRT) for dynamic balance.

Results

Fourteen children with CF (10.71 ± 2.94 years, 7 females), 17 children with non‐CF bronchiectasis (12.75 ± 2.81 years, 8 females), and 21 healthy children (11.36 ± 3.28 years, 11 females) were included. Children with CF had longer total VMRT (P = .027), poorer FRT performance (P = .001), and shorter ISWT distances (P = .03) compared to the children with non‐CF bronchiectasis and controls. Although total VMRT was longest in the CF group, there was no significant difference in mean VMRT among the CF, non‐CF bronchiectasis, and control groups (P > .05).

Conclusion

Dynamic balance and VMRT show greater impairment in children with CF than in children with non‐CF bronchiectasis compared to healthy controls. Our findings suggest that VMRT and dynamic balance should be taken into consideration for assessments and exercise programs in pulmonary rehabilitation.
Assessment of selected larvicides for the control of Culex pipiens biotype pipiens and Culex pipiens biotype molestus under laboratory and semi‐field conditions
Authors: Rumbos Christos I , Athanassiou Christos G
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The insecticidal efficacy of selected mosquito larvicides [teflubenzuron, S‐methoprene, diflubenzuron, temephos, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)], applied alone or in combination, against two Culex pipiens biotypes, Cx. p. pipiens and Cx. p. molestus, was compared under laboratory and semi‐field conditions. Registered larvicides were evaluated at the label dose, whereas those not registered for mosquito control were tested at the label dose per area, i.e. as plant protection products. Teflubenzuron and temephos were also evaluated at half the label dose, alone or in combination with a non‐ionic surfactant. Larval mortality and adult emergence were assessed after 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 16 and 20 days of exposure.

RESULTS

In all cases, PDMS showed complete (100%) larval control after 3 days of exposure against both biotypes. With temephos, all larvae were dead after 1 day of exposure, even at half the label dose. For teflubenzuron, mortality reached 100% at the end of the bioassays and adult emergence was avoided completely, whereas for diflubenzuron, mortality was close to 100% at the end of the trials. By contrast, in S‐methoprene‐treated water, control was below the 90% mortality threshold for both biotypes. In semi‐field trails, in all treatments with Bti, all larvae of both biotypes were dead after 1 day of exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our data, and with the exception of S‐methoprene, the larvicides tested remained below the threshold for effective treatment against larvae of Cx. p. pipiens and Cx. p. molestus for the entire duration of the study. Most of the larvicides tested showed high levels of efficacy against Cx. p. pipiens and Cx. p. molestus larvae in laboratory and semi‐field bioassays. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Electron ionization induced fragmentation of fluorinated derivatives of bisphenols
Authors: Caban Magda , Stepnowski Piotr
Published: June 2020

Rationale

Fluorinated derivatization agents allow for the identification and quantification of emerging pollutants with high sensitivity, yet details of their potential applications using electron ionization are lacking. The fluorine atom itself does not effectively participate in electron ionization. Furthermore, limited information exists regarding the effect of fluorine during electron ionization‐induced fragmentation. To fill this gap, this report presents the fragmentation pathways of the fluorinated derivatives of ten bisphenol analogues as exemplary emerging pollutants.

Methods

The bisphenols were derivatized by the acetylation reagent trifluoroacetic anhydride and a new silylation reagent, namely dimethyl(3,3,3‐trifluoropropyl)silyldiethylamine (DIMETRIS; previously applied for the analysis of selected pharmaceuticals in environmental samples), and analyzed using GC/MS (electron ionization, 70 eV). Deuterated bisphenol A was added to the group of analytes to confirm the proposed fragmentation pathways.

Results

The specific chemical structure of bisphenols gives the possibility of several resonance hybrids of C‐centered radicals. This, in turn, results in several fragmentation pathways, unique for each resonance hybrid. Sequential losses of radicals and neutral fragments were observed in both types of derivative, with final stable carbenium ions. McLafferty‐type rearrangements were observed between the native structure of the analytes and the introduced substituents. The gamma‐shift of F onto Si in the Si(CH2)2CF3 substituent is proposed to explain the loss of the fragment with a mass of 78 u.

Conclusions

Both types of derivatization reagent used were found to be applicable, although the use of DIMETRIS was limited for high‐mass bisphenols. The introduction of fluorine by derivatization brings benefits for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of bisphenol‐type compounds using GC/MS because of the presence of characteristic ions in the mass spectra.
Mesenchymal stromal cells pretreated with pro-inflammatory cytokines promote skin wound healing through VEGFC-mediated angiogenesis
Authors: Zhu Mengting , Chu Yunpeng , Shang Qianwen , Zheng Zhiyuan , Li Yanan , Cao Lijuan , Chen Yongjing , Cao Jianchang , Lee Oscar K. , Wang Ying , Melino Gerry , Lv Guozhong , Shao Changshun , Shi Yufang
Published: June 2020

Skin is the largest organ of the human body. Skin wound is one of the most common forms of wound. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been used to aid skin wound healing via their paracrine factors. Because the secretome of MSCs can be greatly enriched and amplified by treatment with IFN-γ and TNF-α (IT), we here tested whether supernatant derived from MSCs pretreated with IT, designated as S-MSCs-IT, possesses improved wound healing effect by using a murine model of cutaneous excision, S-MSCs-IT was found to be more potent in promoting angiogenesis, constricting collagen deposition and accelerating wound closure than control supernatant (S-MSCs) during the healing of skin wound. VEGFC, but not VEGFA, was greatly upregulated by IT and was found to be a key factor in mediating the improved wound healing effect of S-MSCs-IT. Our results indicate that the beneficial paracrine effect of MSCs on wound healing can be enhanced by pretreatment with inflammatory cytokines. IT treatment may represent a new strategy for optimizing the therapeutic effect of MSCs on skin injuries.
The post‐embryonic ontogeny of the early Cambrian trilobite Estaingia bilobata from South Australia: trunk development and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Holmes James D. , Paterson John R. , García‐Bellido Diego C.
Published: June 2020

Trilobites are one of the most diverse and abundant fossil groups from the early Palaeozoic, and as such are useful for answering important questions about early animal evolution, including developmental processes. Ontogenetic information for a large number of trilobite species has been published, but cases where multiple articulated specimens are known across the full range of developmental stages are rare. The early Cambrian (Series 2, Stage 4) Emu Bay Shale biota from Kangaroo Island (South Australia) is numerically dominated by trilobites, particularly articulated specimens of the ellipsocephaloid Estaingia bilobata, which are present in densities of >600 individuals per square metre on certain bedding planes. Here we describe the essentially complete post‐embryonic ontogenetic series of E. bilobata from the Emu Bay Shale, and investigate patterns of growth relating to articulation and segmentation in this early Cambrian arthropod. Estaingia bilobata exhibits the hypoprotomeric mode of growth, with the epimorphic phase (the cessation of trunk segment generation) reached prior to the onset of the holaspid period. The meraspid pygidium had an extended equilibrium period in which anterior segment release into the thorax was matched by subterminal segment generation. Previously undocumented morphological features of E. bilobata, including the hypostome and bispinose pleural tips in holaspides, are also described. The growth characteristics and morphological features of E. bilobata documented herein strengthen close phylogenetic relationships between the Estaingiidae, Ellipsocephalidae and Xystriduridae.
Effects of Al Addition on the Reaction between High‐Manganese Steel and CaO–SiO2–Al2O3–MgO Slag
Authors: Yu Huixiang , Yang Dexin , Li Muming , Zhang Ni
Published: June 2020

High‐manganese steel has garnered much attention in recent years. Precise control on steel composition and improvement of cleanliness are very important for the commercial production of this steel grade. Herein, the effect of Al addition on steel and slag compositions as well as inclusions of high‐manganese steel is investigated by slag–steel reaction. The results show that Al content in steel decreases, Si increases greatly, and Mn increases a little after Al addition. Correspondingly, the content of Al2O3 in slag increases and SiO2 and MnO decrease compared with those without Al additions. All these phenomena indicate that Al instead of Mn reacts with SiO2 in slag during the slag–steel reaction after Al addition. The compositions of the final slags are close to the saturation lines of (Mn, Mg)O and MgO after the slags react with Fe–xMn (x = 10, 20 mass%) and Fe–xMn–1Al (x = 10, 20 mass%) steels. After Al addition, the inclusions in steel also change, with the main component from MnO to MgO, the shape from spherical to faceted, and the inclusion size showing an increasing trend.
Late globalization and evolution, episodes and epochs of industries: Evidence from Danish textile and fashion industry, 1945–2015
Authors: Turcan Romeo V. , Boujarzadeh Behnam , Dholakia Nikhilesh
Published: June 2020

This paper explores the conceptual terrain of what we term late globalization. The late globalization phenomena are multilevel and multidimensional; this paper offers an initial portal into these phenomena. Understanding late globalization would provide academic insights and help in shaping practices at international, national, sectoral, and corporate levels. The paper follows a macro‐conceptual to a micro‐empirical path to provide illustrative empirical evidence. Studying the emergence and evolution of Danish Textile and Fashion Industry (DTFI) between 1945 and 2015—a quintessential sector for globalization—allows the examination of several interrelated issues: critical events, impediments, pressures, and turning points that shaped DTFI; main institutional players that motivated key policy changes in and evolution of DTFI; and effects of late globalization on size, mission, location, knowledge, growth, and structure of DTFI. This longitudinal case study of the development of the DTFI brings to the fore key features that shape late globalization at the sectoral‐national level: government industrial policies toward domestic and foreign players in an industry, global competition that shapes and continually reshapes (cost as well as quality‐driven) location of key value chain activities (and the concomitant global distribution of core competencies and skills), and the growing role of information technologies that enable globally‐dispersed value chains to function in cohesive and unified ways. Late globalization has additional levels and dimensions; and we point to implications for future research.
Critical success factors determining performance of cross‐border acquisition: Evidence from the African telecom market
Authors: Dhir Sanjay , Rajan Rishabh , Ongsakul Viput , Owusu Richard Afriyie , Ahmed Zafar U.
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the factors affecting Bharti Airtel's cross‐border postacquisition performance in an African market. This study describes the relationships among various factors such as technical capability, affiliated firm's absorptive capacity, and organizational learning capabilities, which determine the successful operations of the Zain acquisition deal in South Africa. This paper adopts a qualitative approach to identify factors that influence the postacquisition performance. Seven factors are identified based on the literature. Consequently, it has become a necessity to encapsulate these factors in suitable proportions. In this study, we have developed a total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) to analyze the postacquisition performance of Bharti Airtel in South Africa. Our research has highlighted six dynamic factors (organizational learning capability, knowledge management, technology capability, technology relatedness, acquirer's absorptive capacity, and national culture difference) that affect the firm's postacquisition performance. The interpretive structural model (ISM) and total interpretive structural model for postacquisition performance are built‐up. The developed TISM will support academics and practitioners to develop their understanding of acquisition performance of parent companies in the context of telecom business in the South African market.
Scaling factors in HYDRUS to simulate a reduction in hydraulic conductivity during infiltration from recharge wells and infiltration basins
Authors: Glass Jana , Šimůnek Jiří , Stefan Catalin
Published: June 2020

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) represents a promising technique to cope with increasing water stress worldwide. However, it can be challenging to operate MAR systems, especially concerning clogging. Clogging reduces the infiltration capacity and system efficiency of a MAR facility. Processes that cause clogging are difficult to quantify and assess, and their simulations in MAR schemes have so far been limited. The variably saturated water flow model HYDRUS‐2D was therefore modified to include time‐variable hydraulic conductivities to more realistically represent clogging at the infiltration interface of infiltration basins and recharge wells. An exponential function with a time‐variable scaling factor was implemented into HYDRUS to vary the soil hydraulic conductivity over time during simulations. The new approach was tested, in combination with the reservoir boundary condition, by simulating two‐dimensional cross‐sections of two three‐dimensional laboratory experiments representing recharge from infiltration basins and injection wells. With the help of the time‐variable scaling factor, the increasing ponding depth in both experiments due to progressive clogging was reproduced. Hypothetical simulations with various well configurations, soils, and injection rates indicate that clogging influences the infiltration volumes and subsurface infiltration area, which should be considered during the planning of MAR systems. The approach can be used to evaluate the resulting infiltration capacity numerically and to help with the operation and design of MAR facilities. However, further research is required to fully understand and integrate the processes that lead to clogging at MAR facilities into numerical simulations.
tRNA methylation: An unexpected link to bacterial resistance and persistence to antibiotics and beyond
Authors: Hou Ya‐Ming , Masuda Isao , Foster Leonard J.
Published: June 2020

A major threat to public health is the resistance and persistence of Gram‐negative bacteria to multiple drugs during antibiotic treatment. The resistance is due to the ability of these bacteria to block antibiotics from permeating into and accumulating inside the cell, while the persistence is due to the ability of these bacteria to enter into a nonreplicating state that shuts down major metabolic pathways but remains active in drug efflux. Resistance and persistence are permitted by the unique cell envelope structure of Gram‐negative bacteria, which consists of both an outer and an inner membrane (OM and IM, respectively) that lay above and below the cell wall. Unexpectedly, recent work reveals that m1G37 methylation of tRNA, at the N1 of guanosine at position 37 on the 3′‐side of the tRNA anticodon, controls biosynthesis of both membranes and determines the integrity of cell envelope structure, thus providing a novel link to the development of bacterial resistance and persistence to antibiotics. The impact of m1G37‐tRNA methylation on Gram‐negative bacteria can reach further, by determining the ability of these bacteria to exit from the persistence state when the antibiotic treatment is removed. These conceptual advances raise the possibility that successful targeting of m1G37‐tRNA methylation can provide new approaches for treating acute and chronic infections caused by Gram‐negative bacteria.

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems
Boundary optimal control of a dynamic frictional contact problem
Authors: Peng Zijia , Gamorski Piotr , Migórski Stanisław
Published: June 2020

In this paper we study boundary optimal control of an evolutionary system governed by a history‐dependent variational‐hemivariational inequality. The inequality is a weak formulation of a dynamic frictional contact problem for a viscoelastic body with a multivalued normal damped response condition and a simplified version of the Coulomb law of dry friction. A continuous dependence result for the solution map is proved and the existence of optimal solutions to the control problem is established.
Analytical study of exciting forces acting on a rigid sphere in a fluid with flexible base surface
Authors: Das Lopamudra , Mohapatra Smrutiranjan
Published: June 2020

A three‐dimensional problem of wave diffraction by a neutrally buoyant immersed sphere in a fluid having a flexible bottom surface is studied within the framework of linear potential theory. The flexible base surface of the fluid is modelled as a narrow flexible sheet and it follows on the Euler‐Bernoulli bar condition. The impact of the free‐surface tension is ignored. In such circumstances, the time‐harmonic proliferating waves with two distinct wavenumbers propagate in the fluid for any specific frequency. The proliferating waves having higher wavenumber spread along the flexible bottom surface, say, flexural mode and the proliferating waves having smaller wavenumber spread along the free‐surface of the fluid, say, free‐surface mode. By applying the multipole technique, we acquire the analytical solution for the issue of wave diffraction by a rigid sphere immersed in a fluid having flexible bottom surface. This technique reduces the boundary value problem to the solution of an infinite number of algebraic linear non‐homogeneous equations which can easily resolve numerically by any conventional technique. The exciting forces acting on the submerged sphere along the horizontal and vertical directions in the fluid are estimated in the case of both the flexural and free‐surface wave modes. These forces are plotted graphically for several immersion depths of the rigid sphere and the rigidity factors of the flexible base surface of the fluid.
Current practice in the management of acromioclavicular joint dislocations; a national survey in the Netherlands
Authors: De Rooij Philippe P. , Van Lieshout Esther M. M. , Schurink Ivo J. , Verhofstad Michael H. J. ,   ACJ injury study group
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate current practice in the management of acromioclavicular joint dislocations in the Netherlands.

Methods

A 36-item literature-based and expert consensus survey was developed. If available, one orthopaedic and one trauma surgeon for every hospital (n = 82) in the Netherlands was asked to complete the online questionnaire. Only complete data sets were included in the analysis. Descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results

Of 149 invited surgeons, 106 (71%) fully completed the survey. The diagnosis of ACJ injury was mainly based on physical examination (91%) and radiographs (95%). The vast majority of patients with ACJ injuries was treated non-operatively. The decision for operative treatment was mainly based on the surgeon’s experience and available literature. Patient-related factors that contributed most to the decision to operate or not, were mainly functional needs and age. Cosmesis and gender contributed less to this decision. Rockwood II and III ACJ injuries were usually treated non-operatively, whereas Rockwood IV and V ACJ injuries were usually treated operatively. For primary and secondary operative treatment, a flexible implant was preferred over rigid fixation techniques. All respondents agreed that nonoperative treatment of Rockwood II ACJ injuries leads to satisfactory results and that secondary operative treatment is only rarely required. Also the majority of patients with Rockwood III ACJ injuries is treated non-operatively, although failure rates are considered higher.

Conclusion

This survey showed a significant individual variation on diagnosis and treatment strategies among surgeons in the Netherlands. The majority of the Dutch surgeons concern a flexible implant the best available technique for patients who require operative treatment.
Micromachining of hardened hot-work tool steel: effects of milling strategies
Authors: Balázs Barnabás Zoltán , Jacsó Ádám , Takács Márton
Published: June 2020

Recently, micro-milling has been one of the most important technologies to produce miniature components, because optional geometrical structures can be machined with a high material removal rate. In terms of conventional dimensions, dynamic milling definitely signals the direction of development in modern technologies: dynamic milling results in higher productivity, better thermal circumstances, and increased tool life. The current paper gives a summary of the possible applications of dynamic milling tool paths in the case of micromachining. The major problems of this technology are the issue of minimum chip thickness and relatively large tool deformation. Different milling strategies, i.e. up milling and down milling, will be compared in detail. A systematic series of experiments were performed in order to generate data for the investigation. A special measuring system was established to perform related data collection. The experiments were carried out on a 5-axis micromachining centre using a tool steel workpiece with a hardness of 50 HRC. Based on the results of the experiments, the force components and the vibrations were also analysed at different radial depths of cut and different feed per tooth values, where productivity was also an important factor. It was found that dynamic milling can be applied in micro sizes, too. It is concluded that in the case of small contact angles, setting as high a feed per tooth value as 23.52 μm is also justified. During the investigation, optimal cutting parameters were also determined within the applied parameter range, these are ae = 34.80%, fz = 8.28 μm, and the use of the down milling strategy.
International confidence spillovers and business cycles in small open economies
Authors: Brzoza-Brzezina Michał , Kotłowski Jacek
Published: June 2020

The economic literature has for a long time been looking for explanations of a very strong international correlation of business cycles. This paper shows empirically that common fluctuations can to some degree be the effect of confidence shocks being transmitted internationally. We focus on a large (euro area) and a small, nearby economy (Poland). Our results show that euro area confidence fluctuations account for approximately 40–70% of business cycle fluctuations both in the euro area and in Poland. More importantly, their transmission happens not only via traditional channels (e.g., by confidence affecting euro area GDP and then Polish GDP via trade), but to a large extent occurs directly (e.g., by news spreading via media).
Phase I trial evaluating safety and efficacy of intratumorally administered inflammatory allogeneic dendritic cells (ilixadencel) in advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Fröbom Robin , Berglund Erik , Berglund David , Nilsson Inga-Lena , Åhlén Jan , von Sivers Karin , Linder-Stragliotto Christina , Suenaert Peter , Karlsson-Parra Alex , Bränström Robert
Published: June 2020

Background

The majority of patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) develop resistance to imatinib, and subsequent treatments have limited efficacy. Ilixadencel (allogeneic inflammatory dendritic cells) is a cell-based immune primer injected intratumorally that previously has been clinically investigated in metastatic renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

The trial was a single arm phase I trial assessing safety and efficacy of ilixadencel in subjects with progressing advanced/metastatic GIST despite ongoing treatment with second or later lines of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Three patients were progressing while on sunitinib (second line), one on regorafenib (third line), and two on pazopanib (fourth line). TKI treatment was maintained throughout, while two intratumoral injections of ilixadencel (10 × 106viable and HLA-DR expressing cells per dose) were administered.

Results

No severe adverse events were found to be related to ilixadencel administration. Four patients showed continued tumor progression at 3 months per RECIST 1.1 and Choi criteria. One patient (on third line regorafenib) had stable disease for 9 months and another patient (on second line sunitinib) had stable disease at end of study (12 months) as per RECIST 1.1. These two patients developed a partial response as per Choi criteria with a duration of 3 and 6 months, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.0 months.

Conclusion

Ilixadencel treatment presented an acceptable safety profile among advanced GIST patients who developed resistance to TKI. Encouraging radiological tumor responses were detected in 33% of treated patients, supporting further investigation.

Clinical trial registrationwww.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT: 02432846; registration date: February 22, 2016.
Ringed seal (Pusa hispida) diet on the west coast of Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway: during a time of ecosystem change
Authors: Bengtsson O. , Lydersen C. , Kovacs K. M. , Lindström U.
Published: June 2020

Global warming is causing Atlantification of water masses and concomitant changes in food webs in the Barents Sea region. To determine whether changes that have been documented at lower trophic levels are impacting the diet of ringed seals (Pusa hispida) gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) from 99 coastal-feeding ringed seals, collected in western Spitsbergen, Svalbard, were analysed via identification of hard-parts. The study animals were shot in spring (n = 30; April–July) or autumn (n = 69; August–October) during four consecutive years (2014–2017). Thirty different prey types were identified, but most seals (55.6%) had consumed between 2 and 4 different types of prey. Polar cod (Boreogadus saida) dominated the diet of the ringed seals in terms of relative biomass (Bi = 60.0%) and frequency of occurrence (FOi = 86.9%), followed by pricklebacks (Stichaeidae;Bi = 23.4%;FOi = 79.8%). Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that year was the only significant predictor explaining variance in autumn diet composition (RDA,F3 = 4.96,AIC = − 76.49,p ≤ 0.0050; blubber content and maturity/sex group were not significant). Blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) occurred in the diet in small quantities; this Atlantic fish species has not previously been documented in the ringed seals’ diet. Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) had the highestBi(9.2%) among Atlantic prey types. However, despite major changes in the last decade in the fish and zooplankton community in western Svalbard, and consumption of a few Atlantic prey types, the ringed seals’ diet in Svalbard continues to be dominated by Arctic prey, especially polar cod.
The effects of communication on the occurrence of the tyranny of the majority under voting by veto
Authors: Sauermann Jan
Published: June 2020

The tyranny of the majority is one of the most frequently discussed problems of democracy in political theory. It arises when winning majorities are fixed and permanent, and there are no checks on the majority’s ability to dominate the minority. In this paper, I investigate the effects of communication on the occurrence of majority domination. Theoretically, communication cuts both ways. On the one hand, forming and maintaining a coalition requires coordination between individuals, which is barely accomplishable without opportunities to communicate. On the other hand, communication strengthens prosocial orientations in groups and should thus prevent the permanent exclusion of minorities. I argue that publicity of communication is crucial. The prosocial effects of communication dominate when communication is public whereas exclusive majorities form under private communication. I test my claim in a series of laboratory experiments where five-member committees make distributional decisions using the voting mechanism ‘voting by veto’. Compared to a baseline treatment without communication, groups distribute benefits more equally when they have the opportunity to communicate in a public chat. When communication is private, however, majoritarian coalitions form that exclude a minority of group members from the distribution of benefits.
The biodiversity - N cycle relationship: a 15N tracer experiment with soil from plant mixtures of varying diversity to model N pool sizes and transformation rates
Authors: Lama Soni , Kuhn Thomas , Lehmann Moritz F. , Müller Christoph , Gonzalez Odette , Eisenhauer Nico , Lange Markus , Scheu Stefan , Oelmann Yvonne , Wilcke Wolfgang
Published: June 2020

We conducted a 15N tracer experiment in laboratory microcosms with field-fresh soil samples from a biodiversity experiment to evaluate the relationship between grassland biodiversity and N cycling. To embrace the complexity of the N cycle, we determined N exchange between five soil N pools (labile and recalcitrant organic N, dissolved NH4+ and NO3− in soil solution, and exchangeable NH4+) and eight N transformations (gross N mineralization from labile and recalcitrant organic N, NH4+ immobilization into labile and recalcitrant organic N, autotrophic nitrification, heterotrophic nitrification, NO3− immobilization, adsorption of NH4+) expected in aerobic soils with the help of the N-cycle model Ntrace. We used grassland soil of the Jena Experiment, which includes plant mixtures with 1 to 60 species and 1 to 4 functional groups (legumes, grasses, tall herbs, small herbs). The 19 soil samples of one block of the Jena Experiment were labeled with either 15NH4+ or 15NO3- or both. In the presence of legumes, gross N mineralization and autotrophic nitrification increased significantly because of higher soil N concentrations in legume-containing plots and high microbial activity. Similarly, the presence of grasses significantly increased the soil NH4+ pool, gross N mineralization, and NH4+ immobilization, likely because of enhanced microbial biomass and activity by providing large amounts of rhizodeposits through their dense root systems. In our experiment, previously reported plant species richness effects on the N cycle, observed in a larger-scale field experiment within the Jena Experiment, were not seen. However, specific plant functional groups had a significant positive impact on the N cycling in the incubated soil samples.
Mild traumatic brain injury recovery: a growth curve modelling analysis over 2 years
Authors: Carroll Ellen L. , Outtrim Joanne G. , Forsyth Faye , Manktelow Anne E. , Hutchinson Peter J. A. , Tenovuo Olli , Posti Jussi P. , Wilson Lindsay , Sahakian Barbara J. , Menon David K. , Newcombe Virginia F. J.
Published: June 2020

Background

An improved understanding of the trajectory of recovery after mild traumatic brain injury is important to be able to understand individual patient outcomes, for longitudinal patient care and to aid the design of clinical trials.

Objective

To explore changes in health, well-being and cognition over the 2 years following mTBI using latent growth curve (LGC) modelling.

Methods

Sixty-one adults with mTBI presenting to a UK Major Trauma Centre completed comprehensive longitudinal assessment at up to five time points after injury: 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years.

Results

Persisting problems were seen with neurological symptoms, cognitive issues and poor quality of life measures including 28% reporting incomplete recovery on the Glasgow Outcome Score Extended at 2 years. Harmful drinking, depression, psychological distress, disability, episodic memory and working memory did not improve significantly over the 2 years following injury. For other measures, including the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms and Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI), LGC analysis revealed significant improvement over time with recovery tending to plateau at 3–6 months.

Interpretation

Significant impairment may persist as late as 2 years after mTBI despite some recovery over time. Longitudinal analyses which make use of all available data indicate that recovery from mTBI occurs over a longer timescale than is commonly believed. These findings point to the need for long-term management of mTBI targeting individuals with persisting impairment.
Age differences in diffusion model parameters: a meta-analysis
Authors: Theisen Maximilian , Lerche Veronika , von Krause Mischa , Voss Andreas
Published: June 2020

Older adults typically show slower response times in basic cognitive tasks than younger adults. A diffusion model analysis allows the clarification of why older adults react more slowly by estimating parameters that map distinct cognitive components of decision making. The main components of the diffusion model are the speed of information uptake (drift rate), the degree of conservatism regarding the decision criterion (boundary separation), and the time taken up by non-decisional processes (i.e., encoding and motoric response execution; non-decision time). While the literature shows consistent results regarding higher boundary separation and longer non-decision time for older adults, results are more complex when it comes to age differences in drift rates. We conducted a multi-level meta-analysis to identify possible sources of this variance. As possible moderators, we included task difficulty and task type. We found that age differences in drift rate are moderated both by task type and task difficulty. Older adults were inferior in drift rate in perceptual and memory tasks, but information accumulation was even increased in lexical decision tasks for the older participants. Additionally, in perceptual and lexical decision tasks, older individuals benefitted from high task difficulty. In the memory tasks, task difficulty did not moderate the negative impact of age on drift. The finding of higher boundary separation and longer non-decision time in older than younger adults generalized over task type and task difficulty. The results of our meta-analysis are consistent with recent findings of a more pronounced age-related decline in memory than in vocabulary performance.
HPV caught in the tetraspanin web?
Authors: Finke Jérôme , Hitschler Lisa , Boller Klaus , Florin Luise , Lang Thorsten
Published: June 2020

Tetraspanins are master organizers of the cell membrane. Recent evidence suggests that tetraspanins themselves may become crowded by virus particles and that these crowds/aggregates co-internalize with the viral particles. Using microscopy, we studied human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16-dependent aggregates on the cell surface of tetraspanin overexpressing keratinocytes. We find that aggregates are (1) rich in at least two different tetraspanins, (2) three-dimensional architectures extending up to several micrometers into the cell, and (3) decorated intracellularly by filamentous actin. Moreover, in cells not overexpressing tetraspanins, we note that obscurin-like protein 1 (OBSL1), which is thought to be a cytoskeletal adaptor, associates with filamentous actin. We speculate that HPV contact with the cell membrane could trigger the formation of a large tetraspanin web. This web may couple the virus contact site to the intracellular endocytic actin machinery, possibly involving the cytoskeletal adaptor protein OBSL1. Functionally, such a tetraspanin web could serve as a virus entry platform, which is co-internalized with the virus particle.
Gauging the stakeholders’ perspective: towards PPP in building sectors and housing
Authors: Batra Ritika
Published: June 2020

While Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is widely adopted across various sectors, it raises a question on its meagre utilisation in the housing sector. This paper, therefore, gauges the perspective of the stakeholders in the building industry towards the application of PPP in various building sectors together with housing. It assesses the performance reliability of PPP for housing by learning possible take-aways from other sectors. The role of key stakeholders in the industry becomes highly responsible for an informed understanding and decision-making. To this end, a two-tier investigation was conducted including surveys and expert interviews, with several stakeholders in the PPP industry in Europe, involving the public sector, private sector, consultants, as well as other community/user representatives. The survey results demonstrated the success rate with PPPs, major factors important for PPPs such as profitability or end-user acceptability, the prevalent practices and trends in the PPP world, and the majority of support expressed in favour of the suitability of PPP for housing. The interviews added more detailed dimensions to the understanding of the PPP industry, its functioning and enabling the formation of a comprehensive outlook. The results present the perspective, approaches, and experiences of stakeholders over PPP practices, current trends and scenarios and their take on PPP in housing. It shall aid in understanding the challenges prevalent in the PPP approach for implementation in housing and enable the policymakers and industry stakeholders to make provisions for higher uptake to accelerate housing provision.
Blasphemy in an Age of Corroding Secularity
Authors: Doomen Jasper
Published: June 2020

‘Sacred’ may be defined in various ways, depending on one’s worldview. In a pluralistic society, a single perspective from which to decide what is sacred seems absent. Yet certain elements are taken to be sacred such that they transcend individual worldviews. Their inviolability entails blasphemy laws, where ‘blasphemy’ extends beyond what is traditionally considered religious, since ‘religion’ itself is not clearly demarcated either. The interests of the sacred may be protected by blasphemy laws, but the downside of such laws is that the freedom of expression is compromised. A balanced view is necessary to accommodate these conflicting interests.