bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantum dot-based lateral flow immunoassay for the rapid, quantitative, and sensitive detection of specific IgE for mite allergens in sera from patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Liang Zheng-Yan , Deng Yu-Qin , Tao Ze-Zhang
Published: February 2020

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) is increasing worldwide. However, the current systems used to measure levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in sera are associated with several disadvantages that limit their further application. Consequently, there is a need to develop novel highly sensitive strategies that can rapidly detect IgE in a quantitative manner. The development of such systems will significantly enhance our ability to diagnose, treat, and even prevent AR. Herein, we describe our experience of using quantum dot-based lateral flow immunoassay (QD-LFIA), combined with a portable fluorescence immunoassay chip detector (PFICD), to detect serum-specific IgE against Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der-p) and Dermatophagoides farinae (Der-f), two common mite allergens in China. Our data showed that our system could detect serum-specific levels of IgE against Der-p and Der-f as low as 0.093 IU/mL and 0.087 IU/mL, respectively. We also established a standard curve to determine serum-specific IgE concentrations that correlated well with the clinical BioIC microfluidics system. The sensitivity of our assay was 96.7% for Der-p and 95.5% for Der-f, while the specificity was 87.2% for Der-p and 85.3% for Der-f. Collectively, our results demonstrate that QD-LFIA is a reliable system that could be applied to detect serum-specific IgE in accordance with clinical demands. This QD-LFIA strategy can be applied at home, in hospitals, and in pharmacies, with reduced costs and time requirements when compared with existing techniques. In the future, this system could be developed to detect other types of allergens and in different types of samples (for example, whole blood).
Talimogene laherparepvec treatment to overcome loco-regional acquired resistance to immune checkpoint blockade in tumor stage IIIB–IV M1c melanoma patients
Authors: Fröhlich Anne , Niebel Dennis , Fietz Simon , Egger Eva , Buchner Andrea , Sirokay Judith , Landsberg Jennifer
Published: February 2020

Background

Resistance to immune checkpoint blockade and targeted therapy in melanoma patients is currently one of the major clinical challenges. With the approval of talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), oncolytic viruses are now in clinical practice for locally advanced or non-resectable melanoma. Here, we describe the usage of T-VEC in stage IVM1b-M1c melanoma patients, who achieved complete remission or stable disease upon systemic treatment but suffered from a loco-regional recurrence. To our knowledge, there are no case reports so far describing T-VEC as a means to overcome acquired resistance to immune checkpoint blockade or targeted therapy.

Methods

All melanoma patients in our department treated with T-VEC in the period of 2016–2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Data on clinicopathological characteristics, treatment response, and toxicity were analyzed.

Results

Fourteen melanoma patients were treated with T-VEC in our center. Six patients (43%) received T-VEC first-line. In eight patients (57%), T-VEC followed a prior systemic therapy. Three patients with M1b stage and one patient with M1c stage melanoma were treated with T-VEC. These patients suffered from loco-regional progress, whilst distant metastases had regressed during prior systemic treatment. 64% of patients showed a benefit from therapy with T-VEC. The durable response rate was 36%.

Conclusion

T-VEC represents an effective and tolerable treatment option. This is true not only for loco-regionally advanced melanoma patients, but also for patients with stable or regressive systemic metastases who develop loco-regionally acquired resistance upon treatment with immune checkpoint blockade or targeted therapy. A sensible selection of suitable patients seems to be crucial.
Human inflammatory dendritic cells in malignant pleural effusions induce Th1 cell differentiation
Authors: Gu Fei-fei , Wu Jing-jing , Liu Yang-yang , Hu Yue , Liang Jin-yan , Zhang Kai , Li Ming , Wang Yan , Zhang Yong-an , Liu Li
Published: February 2020

Dendritic cells are crucial for the initiation and regulation of immune responses against cancer and pathogens. DCs are heterogeneous and highly specialized antigen-presenting cells. Human DCs comprise several subsets with different phenotypes and functional properties. In the steady state, human DC subsets have been well studied. However, the components of DC subsets and their immune functions during the inflamed setting are poorly understood. We identified and characterized DC subsets in the malignant pleural effusions of NSCLC patients. We analyzed the capacity of these DC subsets to induce T-cell differentiation. We observed the presence of inflammatory DCs (infDCs) and macrophages in the malignant pleural effusions of NSCLC patients, as identified by the CD11C+HLA-DR+CD16−BDCA1+ and CD11C+HLA-DR+CD16+BDCA1− phenotypes, respectively. InfDCs represented approximately 1% of the total light-density cells in the pleural effusion and were characterized by the expression of CD206, CD14, CD11b, and CD1α, which were absent on blood DCs. InfDCs also expressed CD80, although at a low level. As infDCs did not express CD40, CD83 and CD275, they remained functionally immature. We found that TLR agonists promoted the maturation of infDCs. Compared with macrophages, infDCs had a weaker capacity to phagocytose necrotic tumor cell lysates. However, only infDCs induced autologous memory CD4+ T-cell differentiation into Th1 cells. For the first time, we found that infDCs were present in the malignant pleural effusions of NSCLC patients. We conclude that infDCs represent a distinct human DC subset and induce Th1 cell differentiation in the presence of TLR agonists.
The column procedure preserves elbow stability on biomechanical testing
Authors: Podgórski Andrzej P. , Kordasiewicz Bartłomiej , Pomianowski Stanisław
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The effect of open release of a post-traumatic elbow contracture on the stability of the joint has not been so far studied in vivo. Resection of elbow joint capsule, the key element of surgery, was reported to have no effect on the stability of cadaveric elbows. The joint capsule is yet known to participate in maintaining elbow stability as one of secondary stabilizers.

Methods

We assessed elbow joint laxity in 39 patients who underwent an open contracture release via the ‘column procedure’ described by B. Morrey and P. Mansat within the preceeding three to nine months. The measurements were taken with an apparatus designed particularly for this experiment according to the predetermined protocol. A preliminary part of the experiment showed that there was no significant difference between laxity of two elbow joints in healthy volunteers. Laxity of the operated elbows could be then compared with the contralateral joints.

Results

Mean absolute difference of laxity between healthy and operated elbows was 1.55° (0.1°–4.1°, SD = 1.1) being significantly lower than 2°,p = 0.0056. The difference of the joint laxity between the operated and healthy elbows did not differ statistically significantly by more than 0.6° from the difference of the laxity of two healthy elbows and, therefore, is not clinically noticeable.

Conclusions

Our experiment confirmed that the ‘column procedure’ is a safe procedure which does not compromise the stability of the elbow joint.
Consequences of experimental addition of fresh, aromatic plants into nests of blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) on the physiological condition of nestlings
Authors: Glądalski Michał , Bańbura Mirosława , Kaliński Adam , Markowski Marcin , Skwarska Joanna , Wawrzyniak Jarosław , Zieliński Piotr , Bańbura Jerzy
Published: February 2020

The blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) is one of a few known passerine birds that incorporate fresh fragments of aromatic plants in their nest during the nesting period. In this study, we experimentally tested whether aromatic plants in blue tit nests affect physiological condition of nestlings as indicated by hemoglobin and glucose in the blood. Nestlings in nests supplemented with fresh, aromatic plants had elevated blood hemoglobin, and therefore improved physiological condition, as compared with control nestlings. There was no difference between nestlings in two contrasting habitats (urban parkland and forest). Although mean levels of blood glucose did not differ between treatment and control nestlings, the blood of forest nestlings contained more glucose than the blood of parkland nestlings, which indicates poorer health for forest nestlings. In general, knowledge of the effects of incorporating fresh green, aromatic plant material into avian nests on physiological condition of nestlings is still fragmentary and more experimental studies are needed.

Significance statement

The blue tit is one of a few known passerine birds that incorporate fresh fragments of aromatic plants in their nest during the nesting period. Little is known about the impact of this material on nestling body condition, and there is a need to understand this behavior and its effects. We tested whether nestlings in nests supplemented with fresh, aromatic plants improved their physiological condition in comparison with control nestlings. The experiment showed that nestlings from supplemented nests improved their physiological condition by exhibiting elevated hemoglobin.
Report of a Quality Improvement Program for Reducing Postoperative Complications by Using a Surgical Risk Calculator in a Cohort of General Surgery Patients
Authors: Müller Elisa M. , Herrmann Eva , Schmandra Thomas , Weigel Thomas F. , Hanisch Ernst , Buia Alexander
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The study investigates whether postoperative complications in elective surgery can be reduced by using a risk calculator via raising the awareness of the surgeon in a preoperative briefing. Postoperative complications like wound infections or pneumonia result in a high burden for healthcare systems. Multiple quality improvement programs address this problem like the ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator® (SRC).

Methods

To determine whether the preoperative usage of the SRC could reduce inpatient postoperative complications, two groups of 832 patients each were compared using propensity score matching. The SRC was employed retrospectively in the period 2012/2013 in one group (“Retro”) and prospectively in the other group (“Prosp”) in the period 2014/2015. Actual inpatient postoperative complications were classified by SRC complication categories and compared with the Clavien–Dindo complication classification system (Dindo et al. in Ann Surg 240:205–213, 2004).

Results

Comparing SRC “serious complication” and SRC “any complication,” a nonsignificant increase in the “Prosp”‐group was apparent (serious complication: 6.6% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.164; any complication: 8.5% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.444).

Conclusion

Use of the SRC neither reduces inpatient postoperative complications nor the severity of complications. The calculations of the SRC rely on a 30‐day postoperative follow‐up. Poor sensitivity and medium specificity of the SRC showed that the SRC could not make accurate predictions in a short follow‐up time averaging 6 days. Alternatively, since the observed complication rate was low in our study, in an environment of already highly implemented risk management tools, reductions in complications are not easily achieved.
Percutaneous Microwave Ablation of Histologically Proven T1 Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Aarts B. M. , Prevoo W. , Meier M. A. J. , Bex A. , Beets-Tan R. G. H. , Klompenhouwer E. G. , Gómez F. M.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of histologically proven T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods

We analysed patients with a histologically proven RCC (≤ 7 cm) treated by MWA from April 2012–April 2018. Primary and secondary efficacy, local tumour recurrence (LTR), morbidity and mortality were reported. Efficacy was defined as no residual tumour enhancement on follow-up imaging 1 month after the first ablation (primary efficacy) and after re-ablation(s) for residual disease (secondary efficacy). Adverse events (AE) were registered by the Clavien–Dindo classification and the common terminology criteria for AE. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate a relation among pre-treatment factors incomplete ablation and complications.

Results

In 100 patients, a total of 108 RCCs (85 T1a and 23 T1b) were treated by MWA. Median size was 3.2 cm (IQR 2.4–4.0). Primary efficacy was 89% (95%CI 0.81–0.94) for T1a lesions and 52% (95%CI 0.31–0.73) for T1b lesions (p < 0.001). Fifteen lesions (7 T1a) were re-ablated for residual disease by MWA in one (n = 13) and two (n = 2, both T1b) sessions resulting in secondary efficacy rates of 99% (T1a) and 95% (T1b, p = 0.352). LTR occurred in four tumours (2 T1a, 2 T1b) after 10–60 months. Six (4%) AEs grade > 3–5 were observed (2 T1a, 4 T1b, p = 0.045). Multivariable analysis showed that mR.E.N.A.L. nephrometry was independently associated with incomplete ablation (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

Microwave ablation is safe and effective for T1a and T1b RCC lesions with a significantly lower primary efficacy for T1b lesions.
Efficient evaluation of a gene containment system for poplar through early flowering induction
Authors: Briones M. Valentina , Hoenicka Hans , Cañas Luis A. , Beltrán José Pío , Hanelt Dieter , Sharry Sandra , Fladung Matthias
Published: February 2020

Key message

The early flowering system HSP::AtFTallowed a fast evaluation of a gene containment system based on the construct PsEND1::barnase–barstarfor poplar.Transgenic lines showed disturbed pollen development and sterility.

Vertical gene transfer through pollen flow from transgenic or non-native plant species into their crossable natural relatives is a major concern. Gene containment approaches have been proposed to reduce or even avoid gene flow among tree species. However, evaluation of genetic containment strategies for trees is very difficult due to the long-generation times. Early flowering induction would allow faster evaluation of genetic containment in this case. Although no reliable methods were available for the induction of fertile flowers in poplar, recently, a new early flowering approach was developed. In this study, early flowering poplar lines containing the gene construct PsEND1::barnase–barstarwere obtained. The PsEND1 promoter was chosen due to its early expression pattern, its versality and efficiency for generation of male-sterile plants fused to thebarnasegene. RT-PCRs confirmedbarnasegene activity in flowers, and pollen development was disturbed, leading to sterile flowers. The system developed in this study represents a valuable tool for gene containment studies in forest tree species.
Refractive index matching (RIM) using double-binary liquid–liquid mixtures
Authors: Helmers Thorben , Kemper Philip , Mießner Ulrich , Thöming Jorg
Published: February 2020

For using microscopic multiphase flows in microreactors, an exact understanding of the underlying hydrodynamic interrelations is key for successful reactor layout and reaction control. To examine the local hydrodynamic behavior, non-invasive optical measurements techniques like particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) or micro particle image velocimetry (µPIV) are the methods of choice, since they provide precise velocity measurement with excellent spatial resolution. Such optical approaches require refractive index matching (RIM) of the involved flow phases to prevent optical distortion due to light refraction and reflection at the interfaces. Established RIM approaches often provide a single degree of freedom, which is sufficient to solely match the refractive index (RI) of the flow phases. Using these approaches, the material properties (Oh number) are fixed and the relevant dimensionless numbers (Ca, Re) may only be altered hydrodynamically or geometrically. To avoid expansive geometric scaling of the microchannels, we propose an approach using two binary mixtures (double-binary mixtures) to introduce an additional degree of freedom. The approach allows examining liquid–liquid two-phase flows at a distinct velocity while being able to change the material properties (Oh number). Thus, Ca and Re can be chosen individually and the proposed RIM-approach provides undisturbed optical access. Furthermore, we present four different binary mixtures, which allow to vary the viscosity ratio of the phases. The relevant material parameters are successfully correlated to measurement data, which delivers a system of equations that determines the mass fractions and the velocities to address Re and Ca individually. A proof-of-principle for the proposed double- binary mixture RIM-approach is successfully established using µPIV raw images.

Graphic abstract
Quantitative metrics for comparison of in-cylinder velocity fields using particle image velocimetry
Authors: Willman Christopher , Scott Blane , Stone Richard , Richardson David
Published: February 2020

The in-cylinder flow field plays a key role in determining the combustion performance of internal combustion engines (ICEs) and it is critically important to validate numerical simulations of the flow field by comparison to experimental measurements using techniques such as particle image velocimetry (PIV). With the current trend for high-speed diagnostics, methods for quantitative comparison of vector fields are required which can provide robust spatially averaged results, without inspection of individual flow fields. The quality of match between vector fields, when quantified using current metrics such as the relevance index (RI), can be overly sensitive to the alignment of regions of low velocity such as the tumble vortex centre. This work presents complementary metrics, weighted using a function of the local velocity, for robust quantification of the alignment and magnitude differences between vector fields, the weighted relevance index (WRI) and the weighted magnitude index (WMI). These metrics are also normalized and combined in the combined magnitude and relevance index (CMRI). PIV measurements taken up to every 2 crank angle degrees within the tumble plane of a motored, optically accessible ICE are used to demonstrate the motivation for development and the application of the WRI, WMI, and CMRI metrics. The metrics are used to determine the number of cycles required to provide a representative mean flow field and to identify single cycles of interest. Variability of the flow field is quantified using the metrics and shows high variability in the region of the spark plug near typical ignition timings.

Graphic abstract
The effect of initial H2O concentration on decompression-induced phase separation and degassing of hydrous phonolitic melt
Authors: Allabar A. , Salis Gross E. , Nowak M.
Published: February 2020

Supersaturation of H2O during magma ascent leads to degassing of melt by formation and growth of vesicles that may power explosive volcanic eruptions. Here, we present experiments to study the effect of initially dissolved H2O concentration (cH2Oini) on vesicle formation, growth, and coalescence in phonolitic melt. Vesuvius phonolitic melts with cH2Oini ranging between 3.3 and 6.3 wt% were decompressed at rates of 1.7 and 0.17 MPa·s−1 and at temperatures ≥ 1323 K. Decompression started from 270 and 200 MPa to final pressures of 150–20 MPa, where samples were quenched isobarically. Optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopic measurements confirm that the glasses obtained were free of microcrystals and Fe-oxide nanolites, implying that the experiments were superliquidus and phase separation of the hydrous melt was homogeneous. A minimum number of the initially formed vesicles, defined by the number density normalized to vesicle-free glass volume (VND), is observed at ~ 5 wt% cH2Oini with a logVND of ~ 5 (in mm−3). The logVND increases strongly towards lower and higher cH2Oini by one order of magnitude. Furthermore, an important transition in evolution of vesiculation occurs at ~ 5.6 wt% cH2Oini. At lower cH2Oini, the initial VND is preserved during further decompression up to melt porosities of 30–50%. At higher cH2Oini, the initial vesicle population is erased at low melt porosities of 15–21% during further decompression. This observation is attributed to vesicle coalescence favored by low melt viscosity. In conclusion, cH2Oini determines the VND of initial phase separation and the evolution of vesiculation during decompression that controls the style of volcanic eruptions.
Cognitive profiles discriminate between genetic variants of behavioral frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Poos J. M. , Jiskoot L. C. , Leijdesdorff S. M. J. , Seelaar H. , Panman J. L. , van der Ende E. L. , Mol M. O. , Meeter L. H. H. , Pijnenburg Y. A. L. , Donker Kaat L. , de Jong F. J. , van Swieten J. C. , Papma J. M. , van den Berg E.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Trials to test disease-modifying treatments for frontotemporal dementia are eagerly awaited and sensitive instruments to assess potential treatment effects are increasingly urgent, yet lacking thus far. We aimed to identify gene-specific instruments assessing clinical onset and disease progression by comparing cognitive functioning between bvFTD patients across genetic mutations.

Methods

We examined differences in 7 cognitive domains between bvFTD patients with GRN (n = 20), MAPT (n = 29) or C9orf72 (n = 31) mutations, and non-carriers (n = 24), and described longitudinal (M = 22.6 months, SD = 16.6) data in a subsample (n = 27).

Results

Patients showed overall cognitive impairment, except memory recall, working memory and visuoconstruction. GRN patients performed lower on executive function (mean difference − 2.1; 95%CI − 4.1 to − 0.5) compared to MAPT and lower on attention compared to MAPT (mean difference − 2.5; 95%CI − 4.7 to − 0.3) and C9orf72 (mean difference − 2.4; 95%CI − 4.5 to − 0.3). Only MAPT patients were impaired on delayed recall (mean difference − 1.4; 95%CI − 2.1 to − 0.7). GRN patients declined rapidly on attention and memory, MAPT declined in confrontation naming, whereas C9orf72 patients were globally impaired but remained relatively stable over time on all cognitive domains.

Discussion

This study shows gene-specific cognitive profiles in bvFTD, which underlines the value of neuropsychological tests as outcome measures in upcoming trials for genetic bvFTD.
Measurement setup for differential spectral responsivity of solar cells
Authors: Kärhä Petri , Baumgartner Hans , Askola Janne , Kylmänen Kasperi , Oksanen Benjamin , Maham Kinza , Huynh Vo , Ikonen Erkki
Published: February 2020

We have developed a setup for measuring differential spectral responsivities of unifacial and bifacial solar cells under bias light conditions. The setup uses 30 high-brightness LEDs for generating a quasi-monochromatic light source covering the wavelength range 290–1300 nm. Halogen lamps are used to generate bias-lighting conditions up to the irradiance level of 1000 W/m2. The setup has been fully characterized for spectral irradiances and spatial uniformities of all light sources. Validation measurements carried out using a reference cell of 2 × 2 cm2 area from Fraunhofer ISE demonstrated an agreement better than 2% over the wavelength range of 425–940 nm, with an expanded uncertainty of 2.6%. In the UV and IR regions, the discrepancies are higher but still within estimated uncertainties. The setup is also tested in measuring spectral responsivities of large 15 × 15 cm2 bifacial solar cells. The associated problems are discussed.
Perception of dynamic facial expressions of emotion between dogs and humans
Authors: Correia-Caeiro Catia , Guo Kun , Mills Daniel S.
Published: February 2020

Facial expressions are a core component of the emotional response of social mammals. In contrast to Darwin's original proposition, expressive facial cues of emotion appear to have evolved to be species-specific. Faces trigger an automatic perceptual process, and so, inter-specific emotion perception is potentially a challenge; since observers should not try to “read” heterospecific facial expressions in the same way that they do conspecific ones. Using dynamic spontaneous facial expression stimuli, we report the first inter-species eye-tracking study on fully unrestrained participants and without pre-experiment training to maintain attention to stimuli, to compare how two different species living in the same ecological niche, humans and dogs, perceive each other’s facial expressions of emotion. Humans and dogs showed different gaze distributions when viewing the same facial expressions of either humans or dogs. Humans modulated their gaze depending on the area of interest (AOI) being examined, emotion, and species observed, but dogs modulated their gaze depending on AOI only. We also analysed if the gaze distribution was random across AOIs in both species: in humans, eye movements were not correlated with the diagnostic facial movements occurring in the emotional expression, and in dogs, there was only a partial relationship. This suggests that the scanning of facial expressions is a relatively automatic process. Thus, to read other species’ facial emotions successfully, individuals must overcome these automatic perceptual processes and employ learning strategies to appreciate the inter-species emotional repertoire.
Effect of dissolved oxygen on l-methionine production from glycerol by Escherichia coli W3110BL using metabolic flux analysis method
Authors: Niu Kun , Xu Yue-Ying , Wu Wang-Jie , Zhou Hai-Yan , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Zheng Yu-Guo
Published: February 2020

l-Methionine is an essential amino acid in humans, which plays an important role in the synthesis of some important amino acids and proteins. In this work, metabolic flux of batch fermentation of l-methionine with recombinant Escherichia coli W3110BL was analyzed using the flux balance analysis method, which estimated the intracellular flux distributions under different dissolved oxygen conditions. The results revealed the producing l-methionine flux of 4.8 mmol/(g cell·h) [based on the glycerol uptake flux of 100 mmol/(g cell·h)] was obtained at 30% dissolved oxygen level which was higher than that of other dissolved oxygen levels. The carbon fluxes for synthesizing l-methionine were mainly obtained from the pathway of phosphoenolpyruvate to oxaloacetic acid [15.6 mmol/(g cell·h)] but not from the TCA cycle. Hence, increasing the flow from phosphoenolpyruvate to oxaloacetic acid by enhancing the enzyme activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase might be conducive to the production of l-methionine. Additionally, pentose phosphate pathway could provide a large amount of reducing power NADPH for the synthesis of amino acids and the flux could increase from 41 mmol/(g cell·h) to 51 mmol/(g cell·h) when changing the dissolved oxygen levels, thus meeting the requirement of NADPH for l-methionine production and biomass synthesis. Therefore, the following modification of the strains should based on the improvement of the key pathway and the NAD(P)/NAD(P)H metabolism.
Large deformation plasticity
Authors: Bruhns Otto T.
Published: February 2020

The theory of plasticity as a special field of continuum mechanics deals with the irreversible, i.e. permanent, deformation of solids. Under the action of given loads or deformations, the state of the stresses and strains or the strain rates in these bodies is described. In this way, it complements the theory of elasticity for the reversible behavior of solids. In practice, it has been observed that many materials behave elastically up to a certain load (yield point), beyond that load, however, increasingly plastic or liquid-like. The combination of these two material properties is known as elastoplasticity. The classical elastoplastic material behavior is assumed to be time-independent or rate-independent. In contrast, we call a time- or rate-dependent behavior visco-elastoplastic and visco-plastic—if the elastic part of the deformation is neglected. In plasticity theory, because of the given loads the states of the state variables stress, strain and temperature as well as their changes are described. For this purpose, the observed phenomena are introduced and put into mathematical relationships. The constitutive relations describing the specific material behavior are finally embedded in the fundamental relations of continuum theory and physics. Historically, the theory of plasticity was introduced in order to better estimate the strength of constructions. An analysis based purely on elastic codes is not in a position to do this, and can occasionally even lead to incorrect interpretations. On the other hand, the entire field of forming techniques requires a theory for the description of plastic behavior. Starting from the classical description of plastic behavior with small deformations, the present review is intended to provide an insight into the state of the art when taking into account finite deformations.
Disability and Pain are the Best Predictors of Sick Leave After a Distal Radius Fracture in Men
Authors: Egund Lisa , Önnby Karin , Mcguigan Fiona , Åkesson Kristina
Published: February 2020

Purpose Distal radius fracture often compromises working ability, but clinical implications are less studied in men due to its lower incidence. This study therefore describes sick leave in men with distal radius fracture, specifically exploring the impact of patient- and fracture-related factors. Methods Professionally active men aged 20–65 with distal radius fracture were followed prospectively for 1-year (n = 88). Data included treatment method, radiographic parameters pre/post treatment, complications, health, lifestyle and occupational demand. Patient outcomes were self-reported sick leave; Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; pain (5 likert scale); SF-36: Physical Component Scale (PCS) and Mental Component Scale (MCS). Results Median sick leave was 4 weeks (IQR 0; 8); almost a third reported taking no sick leave. Categorizing sick leave into 3 groups (0–6, 7–12 and > 12 weeks), men with the longest sick leave had 22 points higher DASH score (p = 0.001) and 5 points lower PCS (p = 0.02) at 1 week and the difference remained over time; they were also older and more often treated surgically. The strongest predictors of length of sick leave were one-week post-fracture DASH score (rs = 0.4, p < 0.001), pain intensity (rs = 0.4, p < 0.001) and PCS (rs = − 0.4, p = 0.002). The correlation between sick leave and pain was even stronger analyzing treatment groups separately (closed reduction and cast rs = 0.56, p = 0.007, surgery rs = 0.42, p = 0.04). Conclusions Self-reported disability, pain and global health measurements as early as 1 week post-fracture are the strongest predictors of length of sick leave regardless of treatment; an important finding easily transferrable to clinical management of distal radius fractures.
Assessing the Development of Collective Impact Initiatives Addressing Maternal and Child Health
Authors: Landry Sarah , Collie-Akers Vicki , Foster Kara , Pecha Denise , Abresch Chad
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To examine the extent to which communities participating in the Collective Impact Learning Collaborative (CILC) increased capacity to create conditions for collective impact (CI) to address racial disparities in maternal and child health (MCH) and align local efforts with state MCH priorities over a 12-month period.

Description

Eight communities participated in a learning collaborative that involved the provision of technical assistance via webinars, monthly team calls, and site visits to facilitate the development of a collective impact initiative. A Ready-Set-Go approach to technical assistance was used to guide the communities through each phase of development while also providing individual assistance to teams based on their capacity at the start of participation.

Assessment

A pre/post design measured change in capacity to engage in CI efforts over time. A survey designed to assess the completion of core tasks related to early indicators of CI was completed at baseline and 12 months later. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and Mann–Whitney test determined statistically significant progress towards outcomes over 12 months and differences in progress between high- and low- capacity teams.

Conclusion

In 12 months, teams with little established groundwork made significant progress, in some ways exceeding progress of more established teams. Statistically significant progress was achieved in eleven of fourteen outcomes measured. Five teams aligned local efforts with state priorities after 12 months. Findings suggest technical assistance to establish conditions for collective impact can support progress even when pre-conditions for collective impact are not previously established.
The sentience argument for experientialism about welfare
Authors: van der Deijl Willem
Published: February 2020

Can a person’s degree of wellbeing be affected by things that do not enter her experience? Experientialists deny that it can, extra-experientialists affirm it. The debate between these two positions has focused on an argument against experientialism—the experience machine objection—but few arguments exist for it. I present an argument for experientialism. It builds on the claim that theories of wellbeing should not only state what constitutes wellbeing, but also which entities are welfare subjects. Moreover, the claims it makes about these two issues should have a certain coherence with each other. I argue that if we accept a particular plausible answer to the second question—namely that all and only sentient beings are welfare subjects—extra-experientialist theories face a problem of coherence. While this problem can typically be solved, doing so will involve steps that are unattractive. On experientialist theories, on the other hand, the answer to these questions cohere perfectly.
A New Horizon for Evaluating Tire Grip Within a Laboratory Environment
Authors: Salehi Marzieh , Noordermeer Jacques W. M. , Reuvekamp Louis A. E. M. , Tolpekina Tanya , Blume Anke
Published: February 2020

The evaluation of tire grip on the road is costly and consumes high energy and time, but is essential for safety. Prediction of tire grip on a laboratory scale is therefore always of interest and of utmost importance for research and material developments. It mostly suffers from lack of comparison with actual tire data. To involve all influencing factors on tire grip in a laboratory scale measurement is very complex. Therefore, it has always remained challenging to obtain a strong correlation between laboratory results and road data. In the present study, a new test method is developed for a Laboratory Abrasion Tester, LAT100, which enables to exploit the device as a tribometer. The objective was to develop a technique on a laboratory device to mimic the common test modalities for evaluating tire grip on the road with a trailer tester: lateral (α) and longitudinal (κ) sweep tests. The new method is validated by correlating the laboratory data with the two test modalities of real tire grip on a dry road using a trailer tester for six different tire tread compositions. For the LAT100 tests, solid rubber wheels are characterized at three different normal loads. The effects are comparable with actual tire data. The outcome of the new test method is in good agreement with actual tire trailer α-sweep tests.

Graphical abstract
Study of Micro- and Nanoscale Wetting Properties of Lubricants Using AFM Force–Distance Curves
Authors: Friedrich Sebastian , Cappella Brunero
Published: February 2020

Force–distance curves have been recorded on thin films of nine different lubricants to extend the results of a previous work of one of the authors. The lubricants wet the AFM tip, which causes a capillary force. This depends on the shape of the tip, as well as on properties of the lubricants such as surface tension, contact angle, and viscosity, which have been additionally measured with other methods. Thus, their influence on the shape of the curves could be analyzed. The main features of force–distance curves on different lubricants have been characterized and the underlying phenomena could be explained. Results contribute to a better understanding of fundamental mechanisms influencing lubrication and hence friction and wear at the micro- and nanoscale.
A Comparison of Airborne Particles Generated from Disk Brake Contacts: Induction Versus Frictional Heating
Authors: Ma Jijie , Olofsson Ulf , Lyu Yezhe , Wahlström Jens , Åström Anna Hedlund , Tu Minghui
Published: February 2020

Volatile emissions of vehicle brakes relate to the high temperature of the brake friction pair. However, as a passive parameter of braking applications, temperature is usually studied together with other parameters such as sliding speed and load. Heating tests that increase the friction pair temperature with an induction heater instead of friction are proposed in this study to imitate the rise in temperature in friction tests. Non-friction airborne particles produced solely by the high temperature in heating tests were studied in comparison with friction tests. The results confirmed the existence of non-friction airborne particles and they can represent about 4.5% of the total airborne particles in friction tests. The high-temperature behaviour as well as the composition of the non-friction airborne particles is also presented.

Graphical Abstract
Experimental studies of thermal performance of an evacuated tube heat pipe solar collector in Polish climatic conditions
Authors: Siuta-Olcha Alicja , Cholewa Tomasz , Dopieralska-Howoruszko Kinga
Published: February 2020

This work presents the results of experimental studies on the energy performance of an evacuated solar collector, heat pipe type, consisting of 24 tubes, over the period of 2 months. The solar collector with a gross area of 3.9 m2 is part the solar hot water test system located in Lublin (Poland). The effect of the weather conditions and operating parameters on the thermal and exergy efficiencies of the evacuated tube solar collector has been defined. The solar irradiation per month for July amounted to 80 kWh/m2, and for August, it equalled 112.8 kWh/m2. The average thermal gain was found to be in July 163 W/m2 and in August 145 W/m2, respectively. For the considered study period, the average value of energy yield in the solar collector was obtained at the level of 4.28 MJ/(m2·d). The average monthly energy efficiencies of the solar collector in July and August were 45.3% and 32.9%, respectively, while the average monthly exergy efficiencies reached 2.62% and 2.15%, respectively. Increasing the wind speed to 0.86 m/s decreases the thermal efficiency and the exergy efficiency by 67% and 41%, respectively.
Defining T Cell Tissue Residency in Humans: Implications for HIV Pathogenesis and Vaccine Design
Authors: Shacklett Barbara L. , Ferre April L. , Kiniry Brenna E.
Published: February 2020

Purpose of Review

This review summarizes recent literature defining tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) and discusses implications for HIV pathogenesis, vaccines, and eradication efforts.

Recent Findings

Investigations using animal models and human tissues have identified a TRM transcriptional profile and elucidated signals within the tissue microenvironment leading to TRM development and maintenance. TRM are major contributors to host response in infectious diseases and cancer; in addition, TRM contribute to pathogenic inflammation in a variety of settings. Although TRM are daunting to study in HIV infection, recent work has helped define their molecular signatures and effector functions and tested strategies for their mobilization.

Exclusive reliance on blood sampling to gain an understanding of host immunity overlooks the contribution of TRM, which differ in significant ways from their counterparts in circulation. It is hoped that greater understanding of these cells will lead to novel approaches to prevent and/or eradicate HIV infection.
Promoting Fall Prevention among Community Dwelling Older Adults through ActivLife: a Physical and Social Activation
Authors: Lu Yuan , Chen Yu-Shan Athena , Kozak Dominika , Cornelis Hubert , Partyga Piotr
Published: February 2020

Falls have been recognized as the second leading cause of injury or death for older adults. The related economic burden caused by fall related injuries is not negligible. Earlier research has demonstrated that regular participation in appropriate prescribed physical activity by improving upper and lower limb strength, balance, coordination, transfer skills, and reaction to environmental hazards can lower the risk for falls and fall-related fractures and other injuries. Conversely, physical inactivity can significantly double the risk of developing a disability, which will affect mobility as well as the ability to perform even the most basic activities of daily life, therefore, ultimately increases the older adults’ risk for falls.

This paper first presents a technological solution ActivLife that aims at preventing older adults from falling through practicing physical training in a safe and playful manner, followed by a randomized controlled study with 43 older adults with an average age of 77 for a period of 16 weeks in a social activation center het Ontmoet en Groethuys in Eindhoven, the Netherlands to demonstrate to what extent ActivLife could help to prevent falling among older adults.
Versatile image-based measurements of granular flows and water wave propagation in experiments of tsunamis generated by landslides
Authors: Bregoli Francesco , Medina Vicente , Bateman Allen
Published: February 2020

Landslides falling into water bodies can generate destructive waves, which can be classified as tsunamis. An experimental facility to study this phenomenon has been set up. It consists of a landslide generator releasing gravel at high-speed into a wave basin. A non-intrusive system has been designed ad-hoc to be able to measure the high velocity and the geometry of the landslide as well as the generated waves characteristics. The measurement system employs the treatment of images captured by a high-speed camera which records the launched granular material illuminated by a laser sheet. A grid of laser sheets marks the basin water surface. The water has been filled by a small amount of kaolin to properly reflect the laser light at water surface. Thus, by filming with high definition cameras the perturbed water surface and successively processing the resulting images, it has been possible to measure the generated waves. The measurement framework employs a versatile camera calibration technique which allows accurate measurements in presence of: (1) high lens distortions; (2) pronounced non-parallelism condition between camera sensor and plane of measurement coincident with the laser sheet. The maximum resolution of the measurement tool is 0.01 mm, while the maximum uncertainty due to systematic error has been estimated to be 15% for the worst-case scenario. This work improves the suitability of image-based measuring systems in granular flows and free surface hydraulics experiments.

Graphic Abstract
Semi-algebraic properties of Minkowski sums of a twisted cubic segment
Authors: Bik Arthur , Czapliński Adam , Wageringel Markus
Published: February 2020

We find a semi-algebraic description of the Minkowski sum $$\mathcal {A}_{3,n}$$

A

3
,
n

of n copies of the twisted cubic segment $$\{(t,t^2,t^3)\mid -1\le t\le 1\}$$

{

(
t
,

t
2

,

t
3

)

∣
-
1
≤
t
≤
1
}

for each integer $$n\ge 3$$

n
≥
3

. These descriptions provide efficient membership tests for the sets $$\mathcal {A}_{3,n}$$

A

3
,
n

. These membership tests in turn can be used to resolve some instances of the underdetermined matrix moment problem,
which was formulated by Michael Rubinstein and Peter Sarnak in order to study problems related to L-functions and their zeros.
Inherent Complexities of a Multi-stakeholder Approach to Building Community Resilience
Authors: Adekola Josephine , Fischbacher-Smith Denis , Fischbacher-Smith Moira
Published: February 2020

Enhancing community resilience has increasingly involved national and regional governments adopting a multi-stakeholder approach because of the potential interagency benefits. This has led to questions about how best to involve stakeholder groups in translating community resilience policies into practice. This exploratory study contributes to this discussion by addressing two key areas that are fundamental in the concerted effort to build community resilience to natural hazards: (1) stakeholder understanding of community resilience as a concept; and (2) the difficulties associated with the processes of risk assessment and preparedness that stakeholders face locally in building community resilience. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 25 practitioners and experts within Scotland’s resilience community, and were analyzed through an inductive approach to thematic analysis. These data show how the interpretation of community resilience differs across stakeholder groups. Analysis of the data reveals challenges around the nature of the risk assessment and its role in shaping risk perception and communication. Significant complications occur in communicating about low probability-high consequence events, perceived territoriality, competing risk prioritizations, and the challenges of managing hazards within a context of limited resources. The implications of these issues for policy and practice are also discussed.
Small and Medium Enterprises and Global Risks: Evidence from Manufacturing SMEs in Turkey
Authors: Asgary Ali , Ozdemir Ali Ihsan , Özyürek Hale
Published: February 2020

This study investigated how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a country perceive major global risks. The aim was to explore how country attributes and circumstances affect SME assessments of the likelihood, impacts, and rankings of global risks, and to find out if SME risk assessment and rankings differ from the global rankings. Data were gathered using an online survey of manufacturing SMEs in Turkey. The results show that global economic risks and geopolitical risks are of major concern for SMEs, and environmental risks are at the bottom of their ranking. Among the economic risks, fiscal crises in key economies and high structural unemployment or underemployment were found to be the highest risks for the SMEs. Failure of regional or global governance, failure of national governance, and interstate conflict with regional consequences were found to be among the top geopolitical risks for the SMEs. The SMEs considered the risk of large-scale cyber-attacks and massive incident of data fraud/theft to be relatively higher than other global technological risks. Profound social instability and failure of urban planning were among the top societal risks for the SMEs. Although the global environmental and disaster risks were ranked lowest on the list, man-made environmental damage and disasters and major natural hazard-induced disasters were ranked the highest among this group of risks. Overall, the results show that SMEs at a country level, for example Turkey, perceive global risks differently than the major global players.