bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No association between use of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors and colorectal cancer in men with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Cea Soriano Lucía , García Rodríguez Luis A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposeThere is an increase interest on the potential chemoprotective effect of selective phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Several authors have shown in vivo the immune‐mediated anti‐tumor effect of these inhibitors on tumors arising from the digestive tract.ObjectivesTo test the potential effect of selective PDE5 inhibitors against colorectal cancer (CRC) onset previously observed.MethodsWe used data from The Health Improvement Network database and identified an established cohort of 200 000 new users of low‐dose aspirin and a matched comparison cohort aged 40‐84 years between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2011. A follow‐up to identify CRC cases was performed within an extensive validation exercise. Nested case‐control analyses compared PDE5 inhibitors vs non‐use on CRC risk were performed.ResultsRestricting to males (59.3% controls and 59.5% cases), no association was observed among current users of PDE5 inhibitors (1.05 [95% CI: 0.69‐1.60]) and neither among recent (1.36 [95% CI: 0.81‐2.28]) or past users (1.06 [95% CI: 0.72‐1.58]). No duration response effect was found.ConclusionsOur results do not support an increased risk of CRC associated with the use of PDE5 inhibitors among men with erectile dysfunction.
New Approaches for Absolute Quantification of Stable‐Isotope‐Labeled Peptide Standards for Targeted Proteomics Based on a UV Active Tag
Authors: Schnatbaum Karsten , Solis‐Mezarino Victor , Pokrovsky Daniil , Schäfer Frederike , Nagl Dennis , Hornberger Lars , Zerweck Johannes , Knaute Tobias , Avramova‐Nehmer Julia , Schutkowski Mike , Hornung Veit , Wenschuh Holger , Völker‐Albert Moritz Carl , Imhof Axel , Reimer Ulf 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTargeted proteomics depends on the availability of stable isotope labeled (SIL) peptide standards, which for absolute protein quantification need to be absolutely quantified. In the present study, three new approaches for absolute quantification of SIL peptides are developed. All approaches rely on a quantification tag (Qtag) with a specific UV absorption. The Qtag is attached to the peptide during synthesis and is removed by tryptic digestion under standard proteomics workflow conditions. While one quantification method (method A) is designed to allow the fast and economic production of absolutely quantified SIL peptides, two other methods (methods B and C) are developed to enable the straightforward re‐quantification of SIL peptides after reconstitution to control and monitor known problems related to peptide solubility, precipitation, and adhesion to vials. All methods yield consistent results when compared to each other and when compared to quantification by amino acid analysis. The precise quantitation methods are used to characterize the in vivo specificity of the H3 specific histone methyltransferase EZH2.
α‐Aminophosphonates as Potential PARP1 Inhibitors
Authors: Schweiker Stephanie S. , Tauber Amanda L. , Kam Caleb M. , Eyckens Daniel J. , Henderson Luke C. , Levonis Stephan M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractADP‐ribosyl transferase member 1 (PARP1) is primarily known for its involvement in signaling DNA damage repair mechanisms within a cell. PARP1 inhibitors are used currently for the management of breast cancer (BRCA) gene mutated breast and ovarian cancers. These current generation PARP1 inhibitors are non‐selective for PARP1, over the PARP superfamily enzymes. Here we report on a novel class of PARP1 inhibitors, the α‐aminophosphonates. α‐Αminophosphonates 1–23 were screened in silico for their binding interactions and tested for inhibitory activity against PARP1. α‐Aminophosphonates 17 and 20 were identified as the most effective PARP1 inhibitors. They inhibited PARP1’s activity, at 10 μM, by 63±3% and 56±3%, respectively.
Stronger Electron Sharing Cα−N Bond in Normal Amino Acids Versus Weaker Donor‐Acceptor Cα−N Bond in Zwitterionic Amino Acids
Authors: George Anjana , Parameswaran Pattiyil 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe geometrical parameters of amino acids viz. glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), Aspartic acid (Asp), and lysine (Lys), as well as corresponding zwitterionic forms Gly′, Ala′, Asp′, and Lys′ in aqueous solution at the M06/PCM/Def2‐TZVPP//B3LYP/PCM/Def2‐SVP level of theory, indicate that the Cα−N bond and the Cα−C (carbonyl carbon) bonds in zwitterionic form are elongated in comparison with the corresponding bonds in normal amino acid. The N−Cα−C bond angle is larger in normal amino acids in comparison with corresponding zwitterionic form. The nature of the Cα−N bond and Cα−C bond were analyzed using Energy Decomposition Analysis Combined with Natural Orbital for Chemical Valence (EDA‐NOCV) method. The EDA‐NOCV results indicate that in the normal form of amino acids, both N and C form an electron sharing bond with the alpha‐carbon atom. On the other hand, the Cα−N bond is a donor‐acceptor bond in zwitterionic form, but the Cα−C bond is a classical electron sharing bond. The Cα−N and Cα−C σ bonds are weaker in the zwitterionic form of amino acid. The variation in the chemical bonding pattern is responsible for the variation in the geometrical patterns as well as easy cleavage of zwitterionic form in degradation reactions. The side chain of amino acid has a negligible effect on the nature of the bonds that have been analyzed.
Strategies and tools for the monitoring of concrete bridges
Authors: Bień Jan , Kużawa Mieszko , Kamiński Tomasz 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe paper presents a review of testing methods, a proposal for classifying the strategies, and tools applied in the monitoring of concrete bridges, the required consistent taxonomy of defects, and also the degradation mechanisms that are typical for such structures. Two main strategies of bridge monitoring are distinguished and described: inspection‐based monitoring and device‐based monitoring. The basic functional components of both types of monitoring systems are also presented. Monitoring methods, including nondestructive and semi‐destructive techniques, as well as various types of sensors based on physical, chemical, and biological technologies, are discussed and classified. The general rules of the implementation and operation of bridge monitoring systems are presented while taking into account the results of international research projects and contemporary practical experience. The considered issues are related to the fib Model Code 2020 (MC2020), which focuses on the evaluation of structural performance and which is assisted by monitoring and testing.
Effect of macro polypropylene fiber and basalt fiber on impact resistance of basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer‐reinforced concrete
Authors: Wang Qingxuan , Ding Yining , Zhang Yulin , Castro Cecilia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this paper, the effect of macro nonmetallic fibers (i.e., polypropylene fibers and basalt fibers) on the impact response of basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer‐reinforced concrete (FRP‐RC) discs is experimentally investigated using a self‐developed drop‐weight impact test device. The plain concrete and conventional steel‐reinforced concrete samples are explored as references. The impact resistance and failure behaviors are analyzed. Statistical analyses for first‐crack strength and failure strength are performed. The composite effect of basalt FRP bars and macro nonmetallic fibers on the impact energy at failure is also compared. The results indicate that the behaviors under impact load, that is, failure strength, crack number, the indent diameter, and penetration depth of the shriveled area, are greatly improved by adding of macro nonmetallic fibers, in particular macro polypropylene fibers. Additionally, the incorporation of these fibers into the basalt FRP‐RC transforms the brittle failure mode into a well ductile failure mode. Two‐parameter Weibull models are fitted by graphical methods and used to characterize the first crack strength and failure strength distributions. Reliability functions for first crack strength and for failure strength are estimated and failure strength can be predicted from first‐crack strength by using a linear regress model. The hybrid use of basalt FRP bars and macro nonmetallic fibers demonstrates a positive synergetic effect on the impact energy at failure.
High-throughput synthetic rescue for exhaustive characterization of suppressor mutations in human genes
Authors: Kobaisi Farah , Fayyad Nour , Sulpice Eric , Badran Bassam , Fayyad-Kazan Hussein , Rachidi Walid , Gidrol Xavier 
Published: April 2020

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

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

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

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

AbstractAimsMetal hyperaccumulation is a rare phenomenon described for an increasing number of plant taxa. In this study we investigated the root growth responses of the well-known nickel, zinc, cadmium hyperaccumulatorNoccaea caerulescensand of the metal tolerant (non-accumulator)Stellaria media, in order to observe root foraging vs avoidance responses to nickel. MethodsTo allow for observations of root growth and foraging preferences, two accessions ofNoccaea caerulescensand two accessions ofStellaria mediaorginating from high nickel and low nickel habitats were grown in rhizotrons with localized nickel enrichment.ResultsThe root density in the control and nickel-enriched soil areas in the rhizotrons with differentN. caerulescensaccessions had distinct responses: moderate nickel avoidance was recorded for the non-nickel accession, while a clear foraging response was observed inN. caerulescensfrom the nickel accession. In contrast, nickel rooting avoidance was observed for bothS. mediaaccessions and was more pronounced in the non-nickel accession.ConclusionsThis study shows thatN. caerulescensoriginating from different accessions responded differently to soil nickel enrichment, with the nickel accession ofN. caerulescensactively foraging for nickel, suggesting a physiological adaptation and demand for this metal. In contrast, a clear nickel avoidance response by a metal tolerant species, S. media, was observed in this study, a phenomenon which has not been previously described; this suggests that root avoidance responses might play a role in the adaptation of metal tolerant species to Ni-rich soils.
Furfural production from xylose and birch hydrolysate liquor in a biphasic system and techno-economic analysis
Authors: Gómez Millán Gerardo , Bangalore Ashok Rahul Prasad , Oinas Pekka , Llorca Jordi , Sixta Herbert 
Published: April 2020

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

AbstractThe current crisis of liberal democracy is actually a crisis of individualistic liberalism as recent literature shows by its analysis and more often by its example. Whilst social inequality by many authors is seen as main source of the crisis, it is only the consequence of a contradiction inherent in individualistic liberalism: Equal individual liberty leads to social and in the consequence to political inequality because of the inevitable differences in the use of that individual liberty. However, political equality is a necessary condition of individual liberty as a reciprocal right. Therefore, it is necessary to overcome a purely individualistic understanding of liberty that threatens not only democracy but individual liberty itself.
Attachment Insecurity and Sexual and Relational Experiences in Saudi Arabian Women: The Role of Perceived Partner Responsiveness and Sexual Assertiveness
Authors: Attaky Atia , Kok Gerjo , Dewitte Marieke 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABSTRACTRotor Track and Balance (RTB) is an important part of regular helicopter maintenance. The ability to perform this service assessment during normal operations, rather than with a series of explicit RTB flights, would greatly reduce the time the vehicle is non-operational and the maintenance costs associated with these flights and adjustments. This paper presents a novel methodology for identifying the RTB-related flight regimes, using a minimal number of vibration signals and comparing these to repeatable and stable characteristic vibration profiles. The technique is stable, with an 81% success in correct identification of the flight regime, when applied to a whole flight with a number of unknown regime events. The method can be run in real time, making it an effective way of identifying periods of flight that are suitable for RTB measurements. A new technique for visually representing any real-time flight signal, such as vibration, is also presented.
Hard Protection through Soft Courts? Non-Refoulement before the United Nations Treaty Bodies
Authors: Çalı Başak , Costello Cathryn , Cunningham Stewart 
Published: April 2020

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

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

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