bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biofilm mediated degradation of commercially available LDPE films by bacterial strains isolated from partially degraded plastic
Authors: Gupta Kartikey K. , Devi Deepa 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBiodegradation is an attractive approach for the elimination of synthetic polymers, pervasively accumulated in natural environments and generating ecological problems. The present work investigated the degradation of low‐density polyethylene (PE) by three Bacillus sp., that is, ISJ36, ISJ38, and ISJ40. The degree of biodegradation was assessed by measuring hydrophobicity, viability, and total protein content of bacterial biofilm attached to the PE surface. Although all three bacterial strains were able to establish an active biofilm community on the PE surface, ISJ40 showed better affinity toward PE degradation than the other two. Bacterial colonization and physical changes on the PE surface were visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed alteration in the intensities of functional groups along with an increase in the carbonyl bond indexes. The study results suggest that the Bacillus strain ISJ40 can be used as a potential degrader for the eco‐friendly treatment of PE waste.
„Rohleder gehört zu den ersten, welche die Bedeutung der Sexualwissenschaft in ihrem vollen Umfange erkannt haben.“
Authors: Moll F. H. , Halling T. , Krischel M. 
Published: August 2020

ZusammenfassungDer Leipziger Arzt Hermann Rohleder wurde bereits von seinen Zeitgenossen als Pionier der Sexualmedizin angesehen. Sein Werdegang führte ihn von der Behandlung von Geschlechtskrankheiten über die Urologie zur medizinischen Sexualwissenschaft. Er setzte sich für die Institutionalisierung der Sexualwissenschaft ein, seine Versuche der Etablierung einer Professur an der Universität Leipzig scheiterten jedoch mehrfach. Das Leben und Wirken Rohleders zeigen, wie eng die Disziplinenentwicklung der Urologie und Sexualwissenschaft zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts verknüpft waren.
Derivation of dual-horizon state-based peridynamics formulation based on Euler–Lagrange equation
Authors: Wang Bingquan , Oterkus Selda , Oterkus Erkan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe numerical solution of peridynamics equations is usually done by using uniform spatial discretisation. Although implementation of uniform discretisation is straightforward, it can increase computational time significantly for certain problems. Instead, non-uniform discretisation can be utilised and different discretisation sizes can be used at different parts of the solution domain. Moreover, the peridynamic length scale parameter, horizon, can also vary throughout the solution domain. Such a scenario requires extra attention since conservation laws must be satisfied. To deal with these issues, dual-horizon peridynamics was introduced so that both non-uniform discretisation and variable horizon sizes can be utilised. In this study, dual-horizon peridynamics formulation is derived by using Euler–Lagrange equation for state-based peridynamics. Moreover, application of boundary conditions and determination of surface correction factors are also explained. Finally, the current formulation is verified by considering two benchmark problems including plate under tension and vibration of a plate.
Amplification of radially polarized ultra-short pulsed radiation to average output powers exceeding 250 W in a compact single-stage Yb:YAG single-crystal fiber amplifier
Authors: Beirow Frieder , Eckerle Michael , Graf Thomas , Ahmed Marwan Abdou 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA simple and compact single-stage Yb:YAG single-crystal fiber amplifier was setup to amplify 784 fs long seed pulses to an output energy of 6$$\upmu$$μJ and an average output power of 290 W. The experimental results are verified by numerical models to estimate the limitations of the SCF technology with regards to beam quality and average output power.
Echocardiographic characteristics of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Stöbe Stephan , Richter Sarah , Seige Markus , Stehr Sebastian , Laufs Ulrich , Hagendorff Andreas 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundMyocardial involvement induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection might be important for long-term prognosis. The aim of this observational study was to characterize the myocardial effects during SARS-CoV-2 infections by echocardiography.Results and methodsAn extended echocardiographic image acquisition protocol was performed in 18 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection assessing LV longitudinal, radial, and circumferential deformation including rotation, twist, and untwisting. Furthermore, LV deformation was analyzed in an age-matched control group of healthy individuals (n = 20). The most prevalent finding was a reduced longitudinal strain observed predominantly in more than one basal LV segment (n = 10/14 patients, 71%). This pattern reminded of a “reverse tako-tsubo” morphology that is not typical for other viral myocarditis. Additional findings included a biphasic pattern with maximum post-systolic or negative regional radial strain predominantly basal (n = 5/14 patients, 36%); the absence or dispersion of basal LV rotation (n = 6/14 patients, 43%); a reduced or positive regional circumferential strain in more than one segment (n = 7/14 patients, 50%); a net rotation showing late post-systolic twist or biphasic pattern (n = 8/14 patients, 57%); a net rotation showing polyphasic pattern and/or higher maximum net values during diastole (n = 8/14 patients, 57%).ConclusionMyocardial involvement due to SARS-CoV-2-infection was highly prevalent in the present cohort—even in patients with mild symptoms. It appears to be characterized by specific speckle tracking deformation abnormalities in the basal LV segments. These data set the stage to prospectively test whether these parameters are helpful for risk stratification and for the long-term follow-up of these patients.
Monomial Gorenstein algebras and the stably Calabi–Yau property
Authors: Elsener Ana Garcia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA celebrated result by Keller–Reiten says that 2-Calabi–Yau tilted algebras are Gorenstein and stably 3-Calabi–Yau. This note shows that the converse holds in the monomial case: a 1-Gorenstein monomial algebra and stably 3-Calabi–Yau is 2-Calabi–Yau tilted, moreover is Jacobian. We study the case of other stably Calabi–Yau Gorenstein monomial algebras.
A Wall-Adapted Anisotropic Heat Flux Model for Large Eddy Simulations of Complex Turbulent Thermal Flows
Authors: Ries Florian , Li Yongxiang , Nishad Kaushal , Dressler Louis , Ziefuss Matthias , Mehdizadeh Amirfarhang , Hasse Christian , Sadiki Amsini 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this paper, a wall-adapted anisotropic heat flux model for large eddy simulations of complex engineering applications is proposed. First, the accuracy and physical consistency of the novel heat flux model are testified for turbulent heated channel flows with different fluid properties by comparing with conventional isotropic models. Then, the performance of the model is evaluated in case of more complex heat and fluid flow situations that are in particular relevant for internal combustion engines and engine exhaust systems. For this purpose large eddy simulations of a strongly heated pipe flow, a turbulent inclined jet impinging on a heated solid surface and a backward-facing step flow with heated walls were carried out. It turned out that the proposed heat flux model has the following advantages over existing model formulations: (1) it accounts for variable fluid properties and anisotropic effects in the unresolved temperature scales, (2) no ad-hoc treatments or dynamic procedure are required to obtain the correct near-wall behavior, (3) the formulation is consistent with the second law of thermodynamics, and (4) the model has a similar prediction accuracy and computational effort than conventional isotropic models. In particular, it is shown that the proposed heat flux model is the only model under consideration that is able to predict the direction of subgrid-scale heat fluxes correctly, also under realistic heat and fluid flow conditions in complex engineering applications.
Just Look at the Numbers: A Case Study on Quantification in Corporate Environmental Disclosures
Authors: T. Järvinen Janne , Laine Matias , Hyvönen Timo , Kantola Hannele 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper sheds further light on the role of quantification in corporate environmental disclosures. Quantification is an inherently social practice, which has attracted a fair amount of academic interest in recent years. At the same time, in the field of social and environmental accounting there is a paucity of research on quantification or the role it plays for organisations, for organisational communication and in societies more broadly. Accordingly, in this paper, we will draw on a qualitative case study to discuss the potential implications that might arise from the use of quantified information in corporate environmental disclosures. Our case study illustrates the diverse effects of quantification suggested in the prior literature by placing them in the context of corporate environmental disclosures. We discuss how quantification implies fake precisionism and promotes commensuration of incomparables, thereby limiting the discussion to themes and questions preferred by company management. We maintain that quantification, while appearing to produce neutral and value-free information, has a substantive ethical dimension through how it implicates accountability relationships as well as the respective power relations between diverse stakeholders in societies.
Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in women: frequency, characteristics, and diagnostic challenges
Authors: Bruno Marianna , Castaño Adam , Burton Arianna , Grodin Justin L. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTransthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive, life-threatening disease characterized by deposition of insoluble amyloid fibrils in the myocardium, resulting in cardiac structural and functional abnormalities and ultimately heart failure. Disease frequency is reportedly lower in women than men, but sex-related differences have not been well established. We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR), based on PRISMA-P guidelines and registered with PROSPERO, to assess whether the epidemiology and clinical presentation of ATTR-CM differ between women and men. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases and selected conference proceedings were searched (August 16, 2019) to identify observational and clinical studies reporting sex-specific data for patients with wild-type or hereditary ATTR-CM. Of 193 publications satisfying final eligibility criteria, 69 studies were included in our pooled analysis. Among the 4669 patients with ATTR-CM analyzed, 791 (17%) were women, including 174 (9%), 366 (29%), and 251 (18%) in studies of wild-type, hereditary, and undefined ATTR-CM, respectively. Data available on disease characteristics were limited and very heterogeneous, but trends suggested some cardiac structural/functional differences, i.e., lower interventricular septal and posterior wall thickness and left ventricular (LV) end diastolic diameter, and higher LV ejection fractions, in women versus men across ATTR-CM subtypes. Because LV wall thickness > 12 mm is generally the suggested threshold for ATTR-CM diagnosis in both sexes, smaller cardiac anatomy in women with the disease may lead to underdiagnosis. Additional research and studies are needed to elucidate potential disparities between sexes in ATTR-CM frequency, clinical characteristics, and underlying biological mechanisms. This study was registered within the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database of the University of York (CRD42019146995).
A narrative review of the potential pharmacological influence and safety of ibuprofen on coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), ACE2, and the immune system: a dichotomy of expectation and reality
Authors: Smart Lucinda , Fawkes Neil , Goggin Paul , Pennick Graham , Rainsford K. D. , Charlesworth Bruce , Shah Neil 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is currently the most acute healthcare challenge in the world. Despite growing knowledge of the nature of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), treatment options are still poorly defined. The safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), specifically ibuprofen, has been openly questioned without any supporting evidence or clarity over dose, duration, or temporality of administration. This has been further conflicted by the initiation of studies to assess the efficacy of ibuprofen in improving outcomes in severe COVID-19 patients. To clarify the scientific reality, a literature search was conducted alongside considerations of the pharmacological properties of ibuprofen in order to construct this narrative review. The literature suggests that double-blind, placebo-controlled study results must be reported and carefully analysed for safety and efficacy in patients with COVID-19 before any recommendations can be made regarding the use of ibuprofen in such patients. Limited studies have suggested: (i) no direct interactions between ibuprofen and SARS-CoV-2 and (ii) there is no evidence to suggest ibuprofen affects the regulation of angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2), the receptor for COVID-19, in human studies. Furthermore, in vitro studies suggest ibuprofen may facilitate cleavage of ACE2 from the membrane, preventing membrane-dependent viral entry into the cell, the clinical significance of which is uncertain. Additionally, in vitro evidence suggests that inhibition of the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-kB) by ibuprofen may have a role in reducing excess inflammation or cytokine release in COVID-19 patients. Finally, there is no evidence that ibuprofen will aggravate or increase the chance of infection of COVID-19.
Embodied Cognition, affects and language comprehension
Authors: Odendahl Johannes 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOur main considerations take as a starting point the educational policy demand for a model of competence of text comprehension, which should make it possible to measure and systematically increase comprehension accomplishments and competences. The approach of classical cognitive psychology appears particularly suitable for this purpose, which determines comprehension as a rule-guided transfer of a sign complex into a mental representation. However, such representationalism tends to be aporetic in character. A way out of this problem is offered by recent concepts of understanding from the area ofEmbodied Cognition, according to which all mental operations are embedded in physical interaction processes. Comprehension means, in this sense, letting physical primary experiences be reproduced in a trial-action fashion. This approach is, in this paper, reconsidered in relation to the role of subjectivity and affect: Physical experiences are meaning-generating because they exhibit a subjectively perceived affective valence between pleasure and suffering. The beginning of all understanding therefore is to be located within the emotional sphere.Such a conception of understanding is supposed to have a considerable impact upon language- and literature teaching in schools. For example, training of reading skills should always be embedded in body-bound experiences. Moreover, learning and understanding both mean cultivating an alert ear for affective undertones, needs and irritations, which might even lead to drawing the curricular benchmarks and competency targets into question. Finally, as art and literature establish areas of freedom and play, literature teaching, especially, needs to be founded on affective awareness, discursive openness and proceeding voluntariness.
MRP4 over-expression has a role on both reducing nitric oxide-dependent antiplatelet effect and enhancing ADP induced platelet activation
Authors: Guarino Maria Luisa , Massimi Isabella , Alemanno Laura , Conti Laura , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Pulcinelli Fabio M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe impact of inhibition of multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4) on nitric oxide (NO) resistance and on ADP-induced platelet aggregation is unknown. The aim of this investigation was to verify whether platelet NO resistance correlates with MRP4 expression and evaluate whether this can be reduced by in vitro MRP4 inhibition mediated by cilostazol. Moreover, we assessed if inhibition of MRP4-mediated transport reduces ADP-induced platelet reactivity. The inhibitory effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO-donor that enhances cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) cytosolic concentration, was assessed in platelets obtained from aspirin treated patients and in a control population. The inhibitory effect of SNP was evaluated by ADP-induced aggregation in SNP-treated platelets. The impact of MRP4 on ADP-induced platelet aggregation was performed in high on aspirin residual platelet reactivity (HARPR) patients and compared to healthy volunteers (HV), and a control cohort (CTR). In aspirin-treated patients with high levels of MRP4, reduced SNP inhibition was found compared to those with low levels of MRP4. MRP4 inhibition by cilostazol significantly reduced ADP-induced platelet aggregation in HARPR population, and to a lesser extent in HV and CTR populations. In conclusion, cilostazol can mitigate the hyper-reactive platelet phenotype of HARPR patients by reducing residual ADP-induced platelet aggregation and increasing NO-dependent endothelial antiplatelet effects.
Triboelectrochemistry: Influence of Applied Electrical Potentials on Friction and Wear of Lubricated Contacts
Authors: Spikes Hugh A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractResearch on the effects of applied electrical potential on friction and wear, a topic sometimes termed “Triboelectrochemistry”, has been reviewed. Historically, most such research has focussed on aqueous lubricants, whose relatively high electrical conductivities enable use of three-electrode electrochemical kinetic techniques, in which the electrode potential at a single electrode|fluid interface is controlled relative to a suitable reference electrode. This has led to identification of several different mechanisms by which applied electrode potentials can influence friction and wear. Of these, the most practically important are: (i) promotion of adsorption/desorption of polar additives on tribological surfaces by controlling the latters’ surface charges; (ii) stimulation or suppression of redox reactions involving either oxygen or lubricant additives at tribological surfaces. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the effects of applied electrical potentials on rubbing contacts lubricated by non-aqueous lubricants, such as ester- and hydrocarbon-based oils. Two different approaches have been used to study this. In one, a DC potential difference in the mV to V range is applied directly across a thin film, lubricated contact to form a pair of electrode|fluid interfaces. This has been found to promote some additive reactions and to influence friction and wear. However, little systematic exploration has been reported of the underlying processes and generally the electrode potentials at the interfaces have not been well defined. The second approach is to increase the conductivity of non-aqueous lubricants by adding secondary electrolytes and/or using micro/nanoscale electrodes, to enable the use of three-electrode electrochemical methods at single metal|fluid interfaces, with reference and counter electrodes. A recent development has been the introduction of ionic liquids as both base fluids and lubricant additives. These have relatively high electrical conductivities, allowing control of applied electrode potentials of individual metal|fluid interfaces, again with reference and counter electrodes. The broadening use of “green”, aqueous-based lubricants also enlarges the possible future scope of applied electrode potentials in tribology. From research to date, there would appear to be considerable opportunities for using applied electrical potentials both to promote desirable and to supress unwanted lubricant interactions with rubbing surfaces, thereby improving the tribological performance of lubricated machine components.Graphical Abstract
Bioaugmentation of Soil Contaminated with Zinc
Authors: Strachel Rafał , Wyszkowska Jadwiga , Baćmaga Małgorzata 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAn experiment described in this work aimed to establish the role of bioaugmentation in minimizing adverse outcomes of loamy sand contamination with zinc. The bioaugmentation was conducted with the use of microbial strains being most resistant to the action of zinc, which were isolated from the soil contaminated with 1250 mg Zn2+ kg−1 dry matter (DM) of soil after 12-month incubation. The soil was inoculated with 4 strains of bacteria (Bacillus licheniformis KT986159.1, Bacillus sp. KF956639.1, Gordonia amicalis KM113029.1, Leifsonia sp. KJ191763.1) and 4 strains of fungi (Penicillium raperi KC797647.1, Penicillium janthinellum AY373921.1, Penicillium glabrum LT558918.1, Trichoderma harzianum LN714612.1). In the case of the non-contaminated soil, a metal dose of 250 mg Zn2+ kg−1 DM of soil contributed to enhanced proliferation and microorganisms and enzymatic activity. In turn, zinc in its highest dose (1250 mg Zn2+ kg−1 DM of soil) evoked adverse effects, which were manifested in reduced numbers and diversity of microorganisms and suppressed activity of soil enzymes. This contamination rate stimulated only the proliferation of fungi, but their ecophysiological diversity was reduced either. The bioaugmentation treatment minimized adverse effects of zinc. Unfortunately, the use of autochthonous microorganisms failed to reduce zinc bioavailability in the soil.
Ion-Implanted Epitaxially Grown Gd2O3 on Silicon with Improved Electrical Properties
Authors: Joseph A. , Lilienkamp G. , Wietler T. F. , Osten H. J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe effects of nitrogen incorporation by high-dose ion implantation in epitaxial gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) films on Si (111) followed by annealing have been investigated. The nitrogen content in the oxide layer was changed by altering the implantation dose. The presence of nitrogen incorporation on the Gd2O3 layer was studied using Auger electron spectroscopy. Nitrogen incorporation is believed to occur by filling the oxygen vacancies or by removing hydroxyl group ions in Gd2O3. A maximum concentration of 11% was obtained for nitrogen in the interface between the silicon dioxide and Gd2O3 layer and the implanted areas of the Gd2O3 oxide layer after sputter depth profiling. The nitrogen distribution in the layer was found to be non-uniform. Nitrogen incorporation sharply reduced the leakage current and effectively suppressed the hysteresis. Leakage current was two orders lower compared with the pure Gd2O3.
The future of combination therapies in advanced melanoma
Authors: Hoeller Christoph 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThe combination of Cytotoxic T-Lymphozyte Antigen-4 (CTLA‑4) and Programmed death-1 (PD‑1) antibodies and the combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors are the current clinical standards for combination immune and targeted therapy for melanoma, respectively. The success of these therapies has stimulated research into novel drug combinations for melanoma, of which a large majority are based on combination with PD‑1 or PD-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) blocking drugs. Thus, the aim is to provide an overview of the most important combination strategies in late stage clinical development and an outlook on drug combinations in early development that might enter larger clinical trials within the next few years.