bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proton‐Conductive Melanin‐Like Fibers through Enzymatic Oxidation of a Self‐Assembling Peptide
Authors: Reddy Samala Murali Mohan , Raßlenberg Eileen , Sloan‐Dennison Sian , Hesketh Travis , Silberbush Ohad , Tuttle Tell , Smith Ewen , Graham Duncan , Faulds Karen , Ulijn Rein V. , Ashkenasy Nurit , Lampel Ayala 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMelanin pigments have various properties that are of technological interest including photo‐ and radiation protection, rich coloration, and electronic functions. Nevertheless, laboratory‐based synthesis of melanin and melanin‐like materials with morphologies and chemical structures that are specifically optimized for these applications, is currently not possible. Here, melanin‐like materials that are produced by enzymatic oxidation of a supramolecular tripeptide structures that are rich in tyrosine and have a 1D morphology are demonstrated, that are retained during the oxidation process while conducting tracks form through oxidative tyrosine crosslinking. Specifically, a minimalistic self‐assembling peptide, Lys–Tyr–Tyr (KYY) with strong propensity to form supramolecular fibers, is utilized. Analysis by Raman spectroscopy shows that the tyrosines are pre‐organized inside these fibers and, upon enzymatic oxidation, result in connected catechols. These form 1D conducting tracks along the length of the fiber, which gives rise to a level of internal disorder, but retention of the fiber morphology. This results in highly conductive structures demonstrated to be dominated by proton conduction. This work demonstrates the ability to control oxidation but retain a well‐defined fibrous morphology that does not have a known equivalent in biology, and demonstrate exceptional conductivity that is enhanced by enzymatic oxidation.
Reaction of Pyridine‐N‐Oxides with Tertiary sp2‐N‐Nucleophiles: An Efficient Synthesis of Precursors for N‐(Pyrid‐2‐yl)‐Substituted N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes
Authors: Bugaenko Dmitry I. , Yurovskaya Marina A. , Karchava Alexander V. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractN‐(Pyrid‐2‐yl)‐substituted azolium and pyridinium salts, precursors for hybrid NHC‐containing ligands, were obtained with excellent regioselectivity, employing a deoxygenative CH‐functionalization of pyridine‐N‐oxides with substituted imidazoles, thiazoles, and pyridine. Unlike the traditional SNAr‐based methods, this approach provides high yields for substrates bearing substituents of different electronic nature. The utility of azolium and pyridinium salts thus prepared was also highlighted by the synthesis of pyridyl‐substituted imidazolyl‐2‐thione, benzodiazepine as well as 2‐aminopyridines.magnified image
Digital Transformation of the Agricultural Sector: Pathways, Drivers and Policy Implications
Authors: Khanna Madhu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe digital transformation of agriculture is enabling the collection of vast amounts of geo‐referenced information about growing conditions within the field and facilitating the automated implementation of spatially varying input applications. This has the potential to increase production efficiency, reduce overapplication of inputs, lower input waste and pollution, and improve farm profitability. We discuss the pathways by which digital agricultural technologies have the potential to affect crop management, and current trends and patterns of adoption of digital technologies. We provide insights from the technology adoption literature on the factors that can be expected to influence the adoption of emerging digital technologies and the findings from the empirical literature on the determinants of adoption of these types of technologies. We conclude with a discussion of the design of policy incentives to induce the adoption of digital technologies cost‐effectively, the challenges in implementing such policies and the opportunity that digital technologies offer for addressing these challenges.
Secular changes in the anthropometric and motor characteristics of Polish male university students between 2000 and 2018
Authors: Podstawski Robert , Żurek Piotr 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo determine changes in the anthropometric and motor characteristics of young males during the first 20 years of the 21st century in Poland.Materials and MethodsThe study was conducted in 2000–2018 on 2691 randomly selected male university students aged 19÷25 (20.0 ± 1.1 years). The participants' body mass and height were measured, and the students participated in 13 motor ability tests. The analyzed traits were evaluated by testing the fit of linear and curvilinear functions to empirical data.ResultsThe students evaluated in 2018 were 1.7 cm taller than their peers tested in 2000. Body mass and BMI values continued to decrease between 2000 and 2006 (by 0.46 kg and 0.15 kg/m2 per year on average), whereas a steady and significant increase in both parameters was observed between 2006 and 2018 (by 0.45 kg and 0.12 kg/m2 per year on average). The results of motor tests were strongly correlated with body mass and BMI, and they continued to improve until 2006, after which a steady decline was observed up to 2018 when the students scored lowest in motor tests.ConclusionsThe trend of increasing body height has been maintained in the studied population, but unlike body mass and BMI, the rate of increase in body height was lower than in the preceding years. A decrease in body mass and BMI is correlated with an improvement in motor tests, whereas an increase in the above parameters leads to a significant decline in all evaluated motor abilities.
Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2X5 (X=I, Br): Halides with Strong Second‐Harmonic Generation Response Induced by Acetate Groups
Authors: Shui Qi‐Rui , Tang Hong‐Xin , Fu Rui‐Biao , Fang Yuan‐Bin , Ma Zu‐Ju , Wu Xin‐Tao 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNonlinear optical (NLO) crystals are the key component in solid‐state lasers. New second‐harmonic generation (SHG) effective halides, Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2X5 (X=I, Br), have been rationally synthesized by introducing acetate groups into lead halide perovskites under moderate solvothermal conditions. Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2X5 (X=I, Br) feature highly oriented anionic chains constructed by distorted [PbX4O2] (X=I, Br) polyhedrons. Both the theoretical studies and the dipole moment calculations uncover that their SHG effects are mainly originated from the distorted [PbX4O2] (X=I, Br) polyhedrons. Remarkably, Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2I5 exhibits strong phase‐matching SHG response (8×KDP) and large birefringence (0.26@ 1064 nm). Moreover, Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2X5 (X=I, Br) also possess high laser damage threshold (LDT) which are almost 27 and 41 times that of AgGaS2, respectively.
Strengthening, toughening, and self‐healing for carbon fiber/epoxy composites based on PPESK electrospun coaxial nanofibers
Authors: Ruan Shilun , Wei Shuya , Gong Wenzheng , Li Zheng , Gu Junfeng , Shen Changyu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA carbon fiber/epoxy composite modified by electrospun coaxial dicyclopentadiene/poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (DCPD/PPESK) nanofibers was successfully fabricated, and the addition of DCPD/PPESK fibrous membranes made the composite have remarkable self‐healing ability, and meanwhile effectively improve its mechanical properties. Results of polarization microscope observation and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed liquid DCPD as the healing agent was encapsulated into the PPESK coaxial nanofiber. Three‐point bending test was utilized to evaluate the mechanical properties and self‐healing effect of the composite. Experimental results indicated that the embedded nanofibers significantly improved the toughness of the composite, and maintained good mechanical properties even at low resin content. Most importantly, the flexural strength of the composite recovered to close to 90% observed 2 h after the bending failure.
Multimorbidity in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis: Results From a Longitudinal, Multicenter Data Linkage Study
Authors: Sarica Shifa H. , Gallacher Peter J. , Dhaun Neeraj , Sznajd Jan , Harvie John , McLaren John , McGeoch Lucy , Kumar Vinod , Amft Nicole , Erwig Lars , Marks Angharad , Bruno Laura , Zöllner York , Black Corri , Basu Neil 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveAntineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis (AAV) is considered a chronic, relapsing condition. To date, no studies have investigated multimorbidity in AAV nationally. This study was undertaken to characterize temporal trends in multimorbidity and report excess health care expenditures associated with multimorbidities in a national AAV cohort from Scotland.MethodsEligible patients with AAV were diagnosed between 1997 and 2017. Each patient was matched with up to 5 general population controls. Linked morbidity and health care expenditure data were retrieved from a Scottish national hospitalization repository and from published national cost data. Multimorbidity was defined as the development of ≥2 disorders. Prespecified morbidities, individually and together, were analyzed for risks and associations over time using modified Poisson regression, discrete interval analysis, and chi‐square test for trend. The relationship between multimorbidities and health care expenditure was investigated using multivariate linear regression.ResultsIn total, 543 patients with AAV (median age 58.7 years [range 48.9–68.0 years]; 53.6% male) and 2,672 general population controls (median age 58.7 years [range 48.9–68.0 years]; 53.7% male) were matched and followed up for a median of 5.1 years. AAV patients were more likely to develop individual morbidities at all time points, but especially <2 years after diagnosis. The highest proportional risk observed was for osteoporosis (adjusted incidence rate ratio 8.0, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.5–14.2). After 1 year, 23.0% of AAV patients and 9.3% of controls had developed multimorbidity (P < 0.0001). After 10 years, 37.0% of AAV patients and 17.3% of controls were reported to have multimorbidity (P < 0.0001). Multimorbidity was associated with disproportionate increases in health care expenditures in AAV patients. Health care expenditure was highest for AAV patients with ≥3 morbidities (3.89‐fold increase in costs, 95% CI 2.83–5.31; P < 0.001 versus no morbidities).ConclusionThese findings emphasize the importance of holistic care in patients with AAV, and may identify a potentially critical opportunity to consider early screening.
Association of Agricultural, Occupational, and Military Inhalants With Autoantibodies and Disease Features in US Veterans With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ebel Ariadne V. , Lutt Gabrielle , Poole Jill A. , Thiele Geoffrey M. , Baker Joshua F. , Cannon Grant W. , Gaffo Angelo , Kerr Gail S. , Reimold Andreas , Schwab Pascale , Singh Namrata , Richards J. Steuart , Ascherman Dana P. , Mikuls Ted R. , England Bryant R. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo determine the association of inhalant exposures with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)–related autoantibodies and severity in US veterans.MethodsParticipants in the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry were mailed surveys assessing occupational, agricultural, and military inhalant exposures. Demographic characteristics, disease activity, functional status, and extraarticular features were obtained from the VARA registry, while HLA–DRB1 shared epitope (SE) status, anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) antibodies, and rheumatoid factor (RF) were measured using banked DNA/serum from enrollment. Associations between inhalant exposures and RA‐related factors (autoantibodies, severity, and extraarticular features) were assessed using multivariable linear and logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, and tobacco use and stratified by SE status. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.ResultsQuestionnaires were returned by 797 of 1,566 participants (50.9%). Survey respondents were older, more often White or male, and less frequently smokers, and had lower disease activity compared to nonrespondents. Anti‐CCP positivity was more common among veterans exposed to burn pits (OR 1.66 [95% CI 1.02, 2.69]) and military waste disposal (OR 1.74 [95% CI 1.04, 2.93]) independent of other factors. Among participants who were positive for SE alleles, burn pit exposure (OR 5.69 [95% CI 2.73, 11.87]) and military waste disposal exposure (OR 5.05 [95% CI 2.42, 10.54]) were numerically more strongly associated with anti‐CCP positivity. Several inhalant exposures were associated with the presence of chronic lung disease, but not with the presence of RF or the level of disease activity.ConclusionMilitary burn pit exposure and military waste disposal exposure were independently associated with the presence of anti‐CCP antibodies in RA patients. These findings are consistent with emerging evidence that various inhalant exposures influence autoantibody expression and RA risk.
Synthesis of Phenol‐Derived cis‐Vinyl Ethers Using Ethynyl Benziodoxolone
Authors: Ura Tomoki , Shimbo Daisuke , Yudasaka Masaharu , Tada Norihiro , Itoh Akichika 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe stereoselective synthesis of cis‐β‐phenoxyvinyl benziodoxolones (cis‐β‐phenol‐VBXs) from an ethynyl benziodoxolone‐acetonitrile complex (EBX‐MeCN) and various phenols is reported herein. The reaction tolerates different phenol derivatives, including complex natural products, and can be conducted under mild conditions. The synthesis was performed in an aqueous solvent in the absence and presence of a catalytic amount of a base. Selectively mono‐ and di‐deuterated cis‐β‐phenol‐VBXs were also prepared. cis‐β‐Phenol‐VBXs were stereospecifically derivatized to cis‐alkynylvinyl ethers and cis‐iodovinyl ethers without loss of stereoselectivity or reduction in the deuterium/hydrogen ratio.
Use of metallic and polymeric ureteral stents in malignant ureteral obstruction
Authors: Ohtaka Mari , Kawahara Takashi , Hayashi Yutaro , Kobayashi Ryosuke , Tsutsumi Sohgo , Ousaka Kimito , Takizawa Akitoshi , Kishida Takeshi , Yao Masahiro , Uemura Hiroji 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundMalignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is often caused by advanced intra‐abdominal cancers. Effective management must be attempted, but the treatment policy is unclear. Metallic ureteral stents are one of the latest options in managing MUO. Metallic ureteral stents are superior to traditional polyurethane stents. The present study retrospectively reviewed our four institutions’ experiences with treating MUO using metallic ureteral stent.MethodsA total of 45 patients who required metallic ureteral stent placement for MUO at Yokohama City University Medical Center (Yokohama, JAPAN) between January 2014 and May 2016 were analyzed. We defined stent failure as having to change the ureteral stent before the scheduled ureteral stent exchange time or having to perform percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN). Complications were defined as an unscheduled hospital visit or hospitalization caused by incompatibility, infection, and pain of the metallic ureteral stent, etc., unrelated to the primary disease. We compared stent failure and the overall survival (OS) between metallic and polymeric ureteral stents. To evaluate the workload of the medical staff, we used the NASA Task Load Index (NASA‐TLX) in a total of 11 urologists.ResultsDuring the observation period, 8 (17.8%) patients in the metallic ureteral stent group and 10 (27.8%) in the control group developed stent failure. Complications were noted in 14 (31.1%) patients in the metallic ureteral stent group and 15 (41.7%) patients in the control group. A Kaplan–Meier analysis and log‐rank test showed no significant differences between two groups in the overall survival (P = 0.673). One or more complications developed in 19 (32.2%) patients in the metallic ureteral stent group and 18 (38.3%) patients in the control group (P = 0.409). Renal dysfunction after the replacement of the ureteral stent developed in 9 (15.3%) patients in the metallic ureteral stent group and 14 (29.8%) patients in the control group. No patients developed a urinary tract infection (UTI) that required hospitalization in the metallic ureteral stent group, whereas 3 (6.4%) patients in the control group had a UTI that was treated with hospitalization. The average workload score in the six subscales was analyzed, and the scores for mental demand and performance were higher in the metallic ureteral stent group, although there was no significant difference between the metallic and polymeric ureteral stent groups.ConclusionsMetallic ureteral stents showed favorable ureteral stent patency and reduced the workload for urologists.
Maternal‐fetal outcomes of exercise applied in rats with mild hyperglycemia after embryonic implantation
Authors: Soares Thaigra S. , Moraes‐Souza Rafaianne Q. , Carneiro Thalita B. , Araujo‐Silva Vanessa C. , Schavinski Aline Z. , Gratão Thamires B. , Damasceno Débora C. , Volpato Gustavo T. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundExercise is commonly recommended to control hyperglycemia, including during pregnancy. We conducted this study to understand the potential benefits and risks of exercise during pregnancy of women with diabetes. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of swimming on a diabetic rat during pregnancy and assayed maternal‐fetal parameters.MethodsDiabetes was induced in the female newborn from Wistar rats by the streptozotocin administration on first postnatal day. At 110 days of life, after confirm mild symptoms of diabetes, the rats were mated and randomly distributed into four experimental groups (minimum of 13 animals/group): Control (C)—nondiabetic animals without swimming; Control and Exercise (CEx)—nondiabetic animals submitted to swimming; Mild Diabetic (MD)—diabetic animals without swimming; Mild Diabetic and Exercise (MDEx)—diabetic animals submitted to swimming. The swimming program was performed from day 7 to 21 of pregnancy. Maternal parameters were evaluated during the pregnancy period. On day 21 of pregnancy, the rats were sacrificed and maternal and fetal parameters analyzed.ResultsThere are no alterations in body weight, food consumption, water intake, and reproductive outcomes among the groups. The swimming program did not normalize maternal glycemia and other biochemical biomarkers. The diabetes and exercise combination increased organ weight. The fetuses born to these exercising diabetic rats had reduced fetal weight and increased skeletal anomalies (mainly incomplete ossification of sternebra).ConclusionThe intense swimming exercise imposed on female rats during pregnancy impaired maternal metabolic repercussions, contributing to intrauterine growth restriction and fetal skeletal anomalies.
Instandsetzung und Ertüchtigung der Autobahnbrücke in Wadgassen – Bauwerk 228
Authors: Retzepis Ioannis , Becker Bernd 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIm Rahmen der Nachrechnung des Bauwerks 228 wurde festgestellt, dass die Tragsicherheit und die Gebrauchstauglichkeit für das vorgesehene Ziellastniveau LM1 nach DIN‐Fachbericht 101 nicht gegeben waren. Im Weiteren wurden im Rahmen eines Ortstermins bei einigen Bauteilen massive Korrosionsschäden festgestellt. In einer Machbarkeitsstudie wurden, um das Bauwerk noch für längere Zeit nutzen zu können, unterschiedliche Verstärkungsmöglichkeiten untersucht und kostenmäßig gegenübergestellt; die kostengünstige Vorzugsvariante wurde anschließend in Rahmen eines Entwurfs optimiert. Im Anschluss an den Entwurf erfolgten die Genehmigungs‐ und Ausführungsplanung sowie die Ausschreibung.Anhand der detaillierten Planung konnten alle Bauarbeiten zielorientiert, sachgerecht und erfolgreich durchgeführt werden. Die Bautätigkeiten erfolgten zudem sehr schonend und zugleich ressourceneffizient. Damit wurde eine wirtschaftliche Instandsetzung und Ertüchtigung des Bauwerks realisiert.
Das Dach der Schwarzwaldhalle Karlsruhe
Authors: Assem Konrad , Fäcke Andreas 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDas Dach der Schwarzwaldhalle ist eine antiklastisch gekrümmte Dachschale aus den 1950er Jahren. Die Dachschale wurde in Spannbetonbauweise im nachträglichen Verbund erstellt und war die erste Halle in Europa mit einem parabolischen Hängedach aus Spannbeton mit einer Stärke von nur rund 6 cm. Das Dach war Sinnbild seiner Zeit. Die Architektur suchte nach neuen Formen, um dem Lebensgefühl im Nachkriegsdeutschland Ausdruck zu verleihen. So wurde vom Architekten Prof. Erich Schelling zusammen mit dem Tragwerksplaner Ulrich Finsterwalder ein für damalige Verhältnisse kühner Hallenbau entworfen. Die Halle wurde aufgrund des Dachs international beachtet. Im Rahmen der Sanierung der Dachdichtung wurde das Dach auch um ein umfangreiches Monitoring‐Konzept zur Zustandsüberwachung ergänzt. Hierzu wurde eine Messanlage mit Dehnmessstreifen und Temperatursensoren am Dach installiert. Ergänzt werden die Messungen durch FE‐Berechnungen, Sichtkontrollen und jährliche Bewertungen aller gesammelten Daten.
Fahrbahnübergänge und Lager entwickelt auf Basis von Bauteilversuchen
Authors: Hoffmann Simon , Schulze Tobias 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFahrbahnübergänge und Lager sind insbesondere für Brücken als Kernelemente unserer Infrastruktur von besonderer Bedeutung. Dem IMB/MPA Karlsruhe fällt seit den späten 1950er Jahren in der Entwicklung und Bewertung dieser komplexen Bauprodukte eine einzigartige Rolle zu. Insbesondere durch harmonisierte Europäische Normen und Europäische Technische Bewertungen hat diese Rolle weiter an Gewicht und Einfluss gewonnen. Anhand verschiedener Beispiele von Bauteilversuchen wird im Beitrag aufgezeigt, wie mit Unterstützung des IMB/MPA Karlsruhe leistungsfähige Lösungen zu Lagern und Fahrbahnübergängen entwickelt wurden und bzgl. der Bewertung der Leistungsfähigkeit neue Methoden erarbeitet sowie angewendet wurden. Dabei gelingt es, bereits einen Ausblick in die Anwendung zukünftiger Europäischer Spezifikationen zu geben und einen Einblick in neueste Entwicklungen zu Lagern und Fahrbahnübergängen zu gewähren.
The nonparametric Behrens–Fisher problem in partially complete clustered data
Authors: Cui Yue , Konietschke Frank , Harrar Solomon W. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn randomized trials or observational studies involving clustered units, the assumption of independence within clusters is not practical. Existing parametric or semiparametric methods assume specific dependence structures within a cluster. Furthermore, parametric model assumptions may not even be realistic when data are measured in a nonmetric scale as commonly happens, for example, in quality‐of‐life outcomes. In this paper, nonparametric effect‐size measures for clustered data that allow meaningful and interpretable probabilistic comparisons of treatments or intervention programs will be introduced. The dependence among observations within a cluster can be arbitrary. Point estimators along with their asymptotic properties for computing confidence intervals and performing hypothesis test will be discussed. Small sample approximations that retain some of the optimal asymptotic behaviors will be presented. In our setup, some clusters may involve observations coming from both intervention groups (referred to as complete clusters), while others may contain observations from one group only (referred to as incomplete clusters). In deriving the asymptotic theories, we do not impose any relation in the rate of divergence of the numbers of complete and incomplete clusters. Simulations show favorable performance of the methods for arbitrary combinations of complete and incomplete clusters. The developed nonparametric methods are illustrated using data from a randomized trial of indoor wood smoke reduction to improve asthma symptoms and a cluster‐randomized trial for smoking cessation.