bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Boron Powders on the Detonation Performance of Emulsion Explosives
Authors: Cheng Yang‐Fan , Yao Yu‐Le , Li Dan‐Yi , Li Zi‐Han , Yao Ying‐Kang
Published: November 2022

To study the effects of boron powders on the detonation performance of emulsion explosives, the explosion temperature field, shock wave parameters and explosion heat of emulsion explosives were studied. The differences of boron powders with and without microcapsule cladding on improving the explosion performance were also discussed. Experimental results showed that, when the mass ratio of boron powders increased from 0 to 20 mass %, the average explosion temperature, explosion pressure, positive impulse and explosion heat of boron‐containing emulsion explosives increased at first and then decreased. When the content of boron powders was 16 mass %, the average explosion temperature, explosion pressure, positive impulse and explosion heat of emulsion explosives reached their maximum values of 2521 K, 0.0385 MPa, 7.11 Pa ⋅ s and 6335 kJ/kg, which were 22.2 %, 30.1 %, 43.0 % and 42.1 % higher than those of the pure emulsion explosive (Sample A), respectively. Furthermore, the explosion temperature, positive impulse and explosion heat of emulsion explosive with boron powder‐microcapsule (Sample B5) were up to 2648 K, 7.65 Pa ⋅ s and 6694 kJ/kg, increased by 5.0 %, 7.6 % and 5.7 % when compared with those of emulsion explosive with 16 mass % boron powders (Sample B3). Therefore, micro‐encapsulation technology could improve the detonation performance of boron‐containing emulsion explosives, which would be helpful to the formula design of high energy emulsion explosives.
Twisted C‐Brackets
Authors: Davidović Ljubica , Ivanišević Ilija , Sazdović Branislav
Published: November 2022

We consider the double field formulation of the closed bosonic string theory, and calculate the Poisson bracket algebra of the symmetry generators governing both general coordinate and local gauge transformations. Parameters of both of these symmetries depend on a double coordinate, defined as a direct sum of the initial and T‐dual coordinate. When no antisymmetric field is present, the C‐bracket appears as the Lie bracket generalization in a double theory. With the introduction of the Kalb‐Ramond field, the B‐twisted C‐bracket appears, while with the introduction of the non‐commutativity parameter, the θ‐twisted C‐bracket appears. We present the derivation of these brackets and comment on their relations to analogous twisted Courant brackets and T‐duality.
Enhanced Magnetic and Microwave Absorbing Properties of Nd3+ Ion Doped CoFe2O4 by Solid‐State Reaction Method
Authors: Yunasfi Yunasfi , Mashadi Mashadi , Winatapura Didin S. , Setiawan Jan , Taryana Yana , Gunanto Yohanes Edi , Adi Wisnu Ari
Published: November 2022

CoNdxFe(2−x)O4 (x = 0.0–0.05) spinel ferrites are successfully synthesized by mechanical milling using solid‐state reaction. The effects of Nd3+ ions on structural, microstructure, and magnetic and microwave‐absorbing properties of samples are analyzed. The X‐ray diffraction pattern shows a single‐phase cobalt ferrite for all compositions. Refinement of the structure shows that an increase in the concentration of Nd3+ ions leads to the structure parameter and volume of unit cell to decrease. Lattice strain arises in the crystal, and limiting the crystallite growth is confirmed from the Williamson–Hall analysis. The particle size of the doping samples decreases compared to that without doping. The magnetic parameters, namely coercivity field and saturation magnetization, are strongly affected by the insertion of Nd3+ ions. Another important role of Nd3+ ions is in tuning the performance of microwave absorption. The maximum reflection loss values are gradually increased from −12.65 dB (≈94.35% microwave attenuation) up to −28.57 dB (≈99.86% microwave attenuation) in the concentration of x = 0.0–0.05. Their effective bandwidth also shows an increase from 0.05 up to 1 GHz. The results exhibit that Nd3+ ion‐doped cobalt ferrite has potential properties in designing novel microwave‐absorbing materials.
Influence of the presence of clay and water on the efficiency of soil vapor extraction in sand laboratory columns
Authors: Esslimani Khaoula , Kacem Mariem , Boudouch Otmane , Elkacmi Reda , Benadda Belkacem
Published: November 2022

Soil vapor extraction (SVE) has been one of the most widely used technologies for remediating sites contaminated with volatile organic compounds. This technique consists of creating a depression in the soil and inducing a controlled flow of air which will entrain the volatile contaminants in the extracted gas phase. To learn the influencing factors that affect the effectiveness of removal of contaminants by the SVE method, an experimental study was performed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the SVE by tracking outgoing gases as well as the hydrodynamics of the flows. Two soil models were used: 100% sand (Soil 1) and sand mixed with 5% of Kaolin (Soil 2). Hydrodynamic tests were carried out using three mass water contents in each soil. It was shown that the quantity of mobile water is largely affected by soil composition. Experiments on soils contaminated by two tested contaminants (decane and toluene) were carried out with samples in dry and wet conditions. Results show that the SVE presented yields of 80.00% and 87.07% of the n‐decane and toluene, respectively, injected into Soil 1 against 79.88% and 86.11% of n‐decane and toluene, respectively, injected into Soil 2. The decrease of water soil saturation due to the extraction and the influence of the presence of water on the performance of the SVE were highlighted. Lower removal rates were observed for the contaminant with the lower vapor pressure (n‐decane).
Internal synchronization using adaptive sliding mode
Authors: Shahzad Mohammad
Published: November 2022

Synchronization of chaotic systems by means of the combination of drive‐response/master–slave systems have been widely utilized. In the current study, the author introduces the concept of internal synchronization (IS) that is based on the synchronization within the system among the subsystems. Furthermore, the two types of Internal Multi‐Switching Synchronization (IMSS): the first one based on single error while the other one is based on two errors, have been discussed. In order to demonstrate, the author chooses the Lorenz Chaotic System (LCS) and Lorenz Hyper Chaotic System (LHCS) together with the adaptive sliding mode control (SMC) technique in multi‐switching manner. In addition, the efficiency of the IMSS is illustrated using Mathematica. The computational part is the witness of the achievement of stability of the IS.
Moving waters to mitigate hydropeaking: A case study from the Italian Alps
Authors: Bruno Maria Cristina , Vallefuoco Francesca , Casari Anna , Larsen Stefano , Dallafior Valentina , Zolezzi Guido
Published: November 2022

We assessed the effect of a hydropeaking diversion mitigation measure that allows for additional hydropower production, which markedly reduced hydropeaking on a 10‐km stream reach in the north‐eastern Italian Alps. Hydropeaking, caused by a storage hydropower plant, affected the study reach from the 1920s to 2015, when a cascade of three small run‐of‐the‐river plants was installed to divert the hydropeaks from the plant outlet directly into the intake of the RoRs plants, and hydropeaking was released downstream the confluence with a major free‐flowing tributary. The flow regime in the mitigated reach shifted from a hydropeaking‐dominated to a baseflow‐dominated regime in winter, with flow variability represented only by snowmelt and rainfall in late spring and summer. The application of two recently proposed sets of hydropeaking indicators, the hydraulic analysis of the hydropeaking wave, together with the assessment of biotic changes, allowed quantifying the changes in ecohydraulic processes associated with hydropeaking mitigation. The flow regime in the mitigated reach changed to a residual flow type, with much less frequent residual hydropeaks; although an average two‐fold increase in downramping rates were recorded downstream the junction with the tributary, these changes did not represent an ecological concern. The functional composition of the macrobenthic communities shifted slightly in response to flow mitigation, but the taxonomic composition did not recover to conditions typical of more natural flow regimes. This was likely due to the reduced dilution of pollutants and resulting slight worsening in water quality. Conversely, the hyporheic communities showed an increase in diversity and abundance of interstitial taxa, especially in the sites most affected by hydropeaking. This effect was likely due to changes in the interstitial space availability, brought by a reduction of fine sediments clogging. Besides illustrating a feasible hydropeaking mitigation option for Alpine streams, our work suggests the importance of monitoring both benthic and hyporheic communities, together with the flow and sediment supply regimes, and physico‐chemical water quality parameters.
Comment on “CO2 Footprint of Thermal Versus Photothermal CO2 Catalysis”
Authors: Sun Fan , Xing Xueli , Hong Hui
Published: November 2022

The previously published report by Wang et al. provides universal equations for evaluating the net CO2 emission via photothermal/thermal CO2 hydrogenation reactions in batch and flow reactors, respectively. However, it remains to be discussed whether the original feed amount or feed rate of H2 should be changed accordingly when the CO2 reduction rate is selected as the variable to investigate the net CO2 emission rate of the system. If not, the reaction would not be in accordance with the stoichiometric ratio, which is inconsistent with reality, bringing about the optimistic scenario in the assessment of CO2 footprint. This work has taken the potential relationship between the original feed amount or feed rate of H2 and CO2 conversion rate into account. The effects of CO2 conversion rate on the net CO2 emission rate in the photothermal catalytic system are re‐examined, the obtained trends exhibit more challenging preconditions to achieve net‐zero carbon emission than those in the work by Wang et al. The quantitative results indicate that green hydrogen source is indeed vital for carbon neutrality in photothermal CO2 catalysis. Here, the viewpoints will be worth considering and be seen as complementary to the proposed carbon emission assessment equations.
Perovskites with Enriched Oxygen Vacancies as a Family of Electrocatalysts for Efficient Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Zheng Hui , Zhang Yizhe , Wang Yang , Wu Zhenzhong , Lai Feili , Chao Guojie , Zhang Nan , Zhang Longsheng , Liu Tianxi
Published: November 2022

Electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia (NRA) provides an efficient, sustainable approach to convert the nitrate pollutants into value‐added products, which is regarded as a promising alternative to the industrial Haber–Bosch process. Recent studies have shown that oxygen vacancies of oxide catalysts can adjust the adsorption energies of intermediates and affect their catalytic performance. Compared with other metal oxides, perovskite oxides can allow their metal cations to exist in abnormal or mixed valence states, thereby resulting in enriched oxygen vacancies in their crystal structures. Here, the catalytic activities of perovskite oxides toward NRA catalysis with respect to the amount of oxygen vacancies are explored, where four perovskite oxides with different crystal structures (including cubic LaCrO3, orthorhombic LaMnO3 and LaFeO3, hexagonal LaCoO3) are chosen and investigated. By combining X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements, it is found that the amount of oxygen vacancies in these perovskite oxides surprisingly follow the same order as their activities toward NRA catalysis (LaCrO3 < LaMnO3 < LaFeO3 < LaCoO3). Further theoretical studies reveal that the existence of oxygen vacancies in LaCoO3 perovskite can decrease the energy barriers for reduction of *HNO3 to *NO2, leading to its superior NRA performance.
Abnormal Graphitization Behavior in Near‐Surface/Interface Region of Polymer‐Derived Ceramics
Authors: Wu Chao , Lin Fan , Pan Xiaochuan , Chen Guochun , Zeng Yingjun , Xu Lida , He Yingping , Chen Qinnan , Sun Daoheng , Hai Zhenyin
Published: November 2022

The in situ free carbon generated in polymer‐derived ceramics (PDCs) plays a crucial role in their unique microstructure and resultant properties. This study advances a new phenomenon of graphitization of PDCs. Specifically, whether in micro‐/nanoscale films or millimeter‐scale bulks, the surface/interface radically changes the fate of carbon and the evolution of PDC nanodomains, promotes the graphitization of carbon, and evolves a free carbon enriched layer in the near‐surface/interface region. Affected by the enrichment behavior of free carbon in the near‐surface/interface region, PDCs exhibit highly abnormal properties such as the skin behavior and edge effect of the current. The current intensity in the near‐surface/interface region of PDCs is orders of magnitude higher than that in its interior. Ultrahigh conductivity of up to 14.47 S cm−1 is obtained under the action of the interface and surface, which is 5–8 orders of magnitude higher than that of the bulk prepared under the same conditions. Such surface/interface interactions are of interest for the regulation of free carbon and its resultant properties, which are the core of PDC applications. Finally, the first PDC thin‐film strain gauge that can survive a butane flame with a high temperature of up to ≈1300 °C is fabricated.
Probing Distinctive Redox Mechanism in Ni‐Rich Cathode Via Real‐Time Quick X‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Ma Lu , Wang Liguang , Liu Tongchao , Wu Tianpin , Lu Jun
Published: November 2022

X‐ray radiation damage on the measuring system has been a critical issue regularly for a long‐time exposure to X‐ray beam during the in operando characterizations, which is particularly severe when the applied X‐ray energy is near the absorption edges (M, L, K, etc.) of the interest element. To minimize the negative effects raised by beam radiation, we employ quick X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (QXAS) to study the electrochemical reaction mechanism of a Ni‐rich layered structure cathode for lithium‐ion batteries. With the advanced QXAS technique, the electronic structure and local coordination environment of the transition metals (TMs) are monitored in‐operando with limited radiation damage. Compared to the conventional step‐mode X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, the QXAS can provide more reliable oxidation state change and more detailed local structure evolutions surrounding TMs (Ni and Co) in Ni‐rich layered oxides. By leveraging these advantages of QXAS, we demonstrated that the Ni dominates the electrochemical process with the Co being almost electrochemically inactive. Reversible Ni ions movement between TMs sites and Li sites is also revealed by the time‐resolved QXAS technique.
Investigating the Role of Cathode Buffer Layers Based on Zinc Oxide with Surface‐Rich Graded Fullerene Isomers in Tuning the Interfacial Properties of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Srivastava Shashi B. , Sharma Ramakant , Appavoo Divambal , Lochab Bimlesh , Hahn Sangin , Yoo Seunghyup , Singh Samarendra P.
Published: November 2022

In organic solar cells (OSCs), improving the properties at the interface of the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) photoactive layer and the buffer layer is desired, but achieving a high‐quality interface between these two layers is inevitably challenging. Herein, a novel (PC61BM)‐doped zinc oxide, that is, a (PC61BM‐ZnO)DEZ hybrid thin film, is proposed for application as a cathode buffer layer (CBL) for OSCs based on both fullerene‐based acceptors and nonfullerene acceptors. These thin films require low annealing temperatures and can be deposited via a one‐step solution‐processable method using a hybrid precursor composed of PC61BM and diethylzinc solution (DEZ). The study reveals that the performance of devices with (PC61BM‐ZnO)DEZ hybrid thin films as a CBL exceeds that of devices with thin films of conventional ZnO as a CBL. Impedance analysis of the fabricated OSCs suggests improved charge collection efficiency in the devices with (PC61BM‐ZnO)DEZ thin film. Optical, electrical, morphological, and compositional characterizations of thin films used as CBLs confirm the presence of a PC61BM‐rich phase with traces of d‐C61 (fullerene dimer) at the surface of the hybrid (PC61BM‐ZnO)DEZ thin film. These phases help in tuning the interfacial properties by ensuring better coupling between the BHJ photoactive layer and the CBL.
Hsa_circ_0001944 regulates apoptosis by regulating the binding of PARP1 and HuR in leukemia and malignant transformed cells induced by hydroquinone
Authors: Zhong Bohuan , Ling Xiaoxuan , Meng Jinxue , Han Yali , Zhang Haiqiao , Liu Zhidong , Chen Jialong , Zhang He , Pan Zhijie , Liu Linhua
Published: November 2022

Hydroquinone (HQ) is one of the major metabolites of benzene and can cause abnormal gene expression. It is a known carcinogen that alters cell cycle disruption and cell proliferation. However, its chemical mechanism remain a mystery. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a subtype of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play a variety of roles in biological processes. Hsa_circ_001944 expression was upregulated in 30 leukemia patients and HQ‐induced malignant transformed TK6 cells. Hsa_circ_001944 silencing inhibited the growth of HQ‐TK6 cells and halted the cell cycle. The silencing of hsa_circ_0001944 led to increased cell accumulation in G1 versus S phase, increased apoptosis in the sh1944 versus the shNC group, and increased levels of DNA damage (γ‐H2AX), leading to cell cycle arrest. In summary, inhibition of hsa_circ_001944 restricted cell growth by inhibiting cell cycle arrest and induced growth of HQ‐TK6 cells by modulating PARP1 expression. Hsa_circ_0001944 targeted HuR, which is a kind of RNA‐binding protein, to control PARP1 expression via RNAinter, RBPmap, and RBPdb. Fluorescence in situ hybridization combined with immunofluorescent labeling and western blotting experiments showed that hsa_circ_001944 was able to dissociate HuR and PARP1 binding in HQ‐TK6 cells, control PARP1 production, and ultimately alter the PARP1/H‐Ras pathway.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of environmental impact assessment in East Africa: The case of Rwanda
Authors: Kabera Telesphore , Mutavu Grace
Published: November 2022

EIA is an important regulatory tool which can play a key role in achieving of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and it is defined as a tool used to predict the likely impact of a project or development on the environment. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Rwanda. Data were collected using a descriptive survey design. A structured questionnaire was developed, pretested and administered to a sample of 110 respondents using purposive sampling technique. Of the 110 questionnaires administered 82 were retrieved and analyzed into frequencies and simple percentages using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel 2016 version. The study showed that 1188 EIA clearances were issued between 2011 and 2019 while 3085 EIA certificates were issued between 2006 and 2019. The survey revealed that EIA experts in Rwanda largely gain experience from the construction, water and sanitation, and agriculture sectors. Though the legislation covering EIA in Rwanda is very strong, the study showed that the only way to improve the effectiveness of EIA is to strengthen the quality of documentation and to offer electronic services as well as incorporating EIA results into decision‐making mechanisms. The study also identified insufficient monitoring of environmental management plans (45% of respondents), poor follow‐ups (30%), inexperienced practitioners in EIA implementation and auditing (30%), lack of professionalism by EIA practitioners (30%), and poor public participation (25%). This could potentially hinder EIA effectiveness. The study therefore recommends that quality documentation and electronic services as well as follow‐up to review projects be enforced to improve EIA effectiveness.
Should tobacco products’ waste be considered as hazardous in India?
Authors: Singh Surya , Tiwari Rajnarayan R. , Diwan Vishal
Published: November 2022

Tobacco and its associated products are known to be harmful for health. Moreover, the waste emanating out of the production, processing, packaging, and consumption of these products is equally harmful for humans as well as other biotic/abiotic agencies. Taking into account the toxic nature of these waste products, it is necessary to have a well‐defined approach to deal with this waste. Consideration of tobacco products’ waste as municipal solid waste has serious implications in the long‐term as it results in dumping of these wastes mixed‐up with domestic waste in landfills. With time, toxic components become part of the leachate which contaminates water and soil, further leading to the contamination in food chain. Therefore, many countries are now considering this waste under the hazardous category and evolving various measures to safely dispose it off. In the light of recent researches and policies, it is time to re‐consider this important public health issue.
3D graphene‐based materials and their potential application on wastewater management
Authors: Sahoo Prasanta Kumar , Nayak Gyanaprabha , Gupta Jagriti , Sahoo Naresh Kumar , Sahu Srikanta , Soam Ankur
Published: November 2022

Increasing demand for pure, safe, and affordable water is one of the biggest challenges worldwide. Various pollutants such as dyes, heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals are present in water and their removal is the major challenge for us. In this respect, various materials have been developed to remove the various types of pollutants from wastewater. Recently, 3D graphene‐based materials (3D GBMs) have received a great deal of attention in wastewater treatment due to their extraordinary properties. The large surface area, porous structure, versatile surface chemistry with exceptional physiochemical properties such as mechanical and electrical properties, and excellent thermal and chemical stability make them excellent absorbent candidates for wastewater treatment. The materials properties of 3D graphene‐based materials (3D GBMs) and their environmental performance as well as the key parameters that influence their capacities for removal of pollutants from the wastewater have also been discussed. The aim of this review is to provide the recent progress in removing several water pollutants like dye, oil, organic solvents, heavy metal ions, bacteria, and pathogens from wastewater. Furthermore, this review also contains the future development opportunities and technical challenges of 3‐D graphene‐based materials in wastewater treatment.
Resource Theory of Heat and Work with Non-commuting Charges
Authors: Khanian Zahra Baghali , Bera Manabendra Nath , Riera Arnau , Lewenstein Maciej , Winter Andreas
Published: November 2022

We consider a theory of quantum thermodynamics with multiple conserved quantities (or charges). To this end, we generalize the seminal results of Sparaciari et al. (Phys. Rev. A 96:052112, 2017) to the case of multiple, in general non-commuting charges, for which we formulate a resource theory of thermodynamics of asymptotically many non-interacting systems. To every state we associate the vector of its expected charge values and its entropy, forming the phase diagram of the system. Our fundamental result is the Asymptotic Equivalence Theorem, which allows us to identify the equivalence classes of states under asymptotic approximately charge-conserving unitaries with the points of the phase diagram. Using the phase diagram of a system and its bath, we analyze the first and the second laws of thermodynamics. In particular, we show that to attain the second law, an asymptotically large bath is necessary. In the case that the bath is composed of several identical copies of the same elementary bath, we quantify exactly how large the bath has to be to permit a specified work transformation of a given system, in terms of the number of copies of the “elementary bath” systems per work system (bath rate). If the bath is relatively small, we show that the analysis requires an extended phase diagram exhibiting negative entropies. This corresponds to the purely quantum effect that at the end of the process, system and bath are entangled, thus permitting classically impossible transformations (unless the bath is enlarged). For a large bath, or many copies of the same elementary bath, system and bath may be left uncorrelated and we show that the optimal bath rate, as a function of how tightly the second law is attained, can be expressed in terms of the heat capacity of the bath. Our approach solves a problem from earlier investigations about how to store the different charges under optimal work extraction protocols in physically separate batteries.
Infektionsprävention im OP: praxisorientierte Empfehlungen für AnästhesistInnen
Authors: Schnetzinger Maximilian , Assadian Ojan , Markstaller Klaus , Klein Klaus Ulrich
Published: November 2022

Der vorliegende Artikel soll klinisch tätigen AnästhesistInnen einen praxisorientierten Überblick zu ausgewählten, wichtigen Empfehlungen der Hygiene im OP-Bereich vermitteln. Die Inhalte des Artikels basieren auf den Leitlinien oder Empfehlungen der World Health Organisation (WHO), der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften (AWMF) sowie der Kommission für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektionsprävention (KRINKO) am Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). Die Zielsetzung der Autoren ist es, den Hygienestandard in der täglichen Praxis zu optimieren, um die Zahl perioperativer Infektionen zu reduzieren.
Tophöse Gicht als Differenzialdiagnose eines präaurikulären Tumors
Authors: Birk Amelie , Wörtler Klaus , Mogler Carolin , Storck Katharina
Published: November 2022

Die primäre Gicht ist eine erbliche Störung des Nukleotidstoffwechsels. Neben typischen Manifestationen an Füßen, Händen und den großen Gelenken kann es selten zu atypischen Verläufen im HNO-Bereich kommen. Wir berichten von einem Fall der tophösen Gicht im Temporomandibulargelenk mit Symptomen einer präaurikulären Schwellung und progredienter Hörminderung. Klinisch zeigte sich ein verlegter Gehörgang, bildgebend ein destruierender Prozess, der unter anderem die Schädelbasis involvierte. Die Diagnosesicherung gelang radiologisch und bioptisch.
Die Flexion zur Entlassung ist kein Prädiktor der Gelenkfunktion ein Jahr nach Knietotalendoprothese
Authors: Richter Janice , Matziolis Georg , Kahl Uwe
Published: November 2022

Thema

In der Knieendoprothetik spielt das Bewegungsausmaß des operierten Gelenks eine wichtige Rolle. Als Qualitätskriterium wird eine Flexion von mindestens 90° zum Entlassungszeitpunkt angesetzt und als prädiktiver Wert für das Outcome ein Jahr nach Operation unterstellt. Dieser Zusammenhang ist dabei allerdings noch nicht belegt und soll in der vorliegenden Arbeit thematisiert werden.

Methodik

Insgesamt wurden die Daten von 182 Patienten bzw. Gelenken retrospektiv ausgewertet. Outcomes wurden präoperativ, zur Entlassung, nach 6 Wochen und nach einem Jahr postoperativ erfasst. Zur Beantwortung der Fragestellung wurde das Bewegungsausmaß (ROM) des Kniegelenks ermittelt sowie KSS, SF-36, WOMAC, EQ-5D und VAS zur Beurteilung von Funktion und Lebensqualität erhoben. Es wurden 2 Gruppen abhängig vom Erreichen des 90°-Ziels zur Entlassung erstellt und nach 6 Wochen sowie ein Jahr nach Operation miteinander verglichen.

Ergebnisse

Die Flexion des Kniegelenks zwischen den beiden Gruppen war zum Entlassungszeitpunkt (E) mit 91° gegenüber 70° signifikant unterschiedlich (p < 0,001). Nach 6 Wochen näherten sich die Flexionswerte auf 112° ± 13° (E > 90°) vs. 106° ± 14° (E < 90°) an (p = 0,001). Ein Jahr postoperativ konnte bei einer Flexion von durchschnittlich 122° ± 10° (E > 90°) vs. 120° ± 10° (E < 90°) weder ein Unterschied bezüglich der ROM (p = 0,57) noch bezüglich der Funktion oder Lebensqualität in sämtlichen erhobenen Scores zwischen den beiden Gruppen festgestellt werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Nach den Ergebnissen dieser Studie ist das 90°-Kriterium kein adäquater Indikator für die mittelfristige Ergebnisqualität nach Knietotalendoprothese. Es kann weder ein Vorteil noch ein Nachteil durch das Erreichen einer 90°-Flexion zum Entlassungszeitpunkt festgestellt werden.
Distinct frequency patterns of LILRB3 and LILRA6 allelic variants in Europeans
Authors: Bashirova Arman A. , Kasprzak Wojciech , O’hUigin Colm , Carrington Mary
Published: November 2022

The leukocyte immunoglobulin–like receptor (LILR)B3 and LILRA6 genes encode homologous myeloid inhibitory and activating orphan receptors, respectively. Both genes exhibit a strikingly high level of polymorphism at the amino acid level and LILRA6 (but not LILRB3) displays copy number variation (CNV). Although multiple alleles have been reported for both genes, limited data is available on frequencies of these alleles among humans. We have sequenced LILRB3/A6 exons encoding signal peptides and ectodomains in 91 healthy blood donors of European descent who carry one or two copies of LILRA6 per diploid genome. Analysis of haplotypes among individuals with two LILRA6 copies, representing the majority in this cohort (N = 86), shows that common LILRB3 and LILRA6 alleles encode some distinct amino acid sequences in homologous regions of the receptors, which could potentially impact their respective functions differentially. Comparison of sequences in individuals with one vs. two copies of LILRA6 supports non-allelic homologous recombination between LILRB3 and LILRA6 as a mechanism for generating LILRA6 CNV and LILRB3 diversity. These data characterize LILRB3/LILRA6 genetic variation in more detail than previously described and underscore the need to determine their ligands.
Conjugation to a cell-penetrating peptide drives the tumour accumulation of the GLP1R antagonist exendin(9-39)
Authors: Collado Camps Estel , van Lith Sanne A. M. , Kip Annemarie , Frielink Cathelijne , Joosten Lieke , Brock Roland , Gotthardt Martin
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Exendin, an analogue of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1), is an excellent tracer for molecular imaging of pancreatic beta cells and beta cell-derived tumours. The commonly used form, exendin-4, activates the GLP1 receptor and causes internalisation of the peptide-receptor complex. As a consequence, injection of exendin-4 can lead to adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting and hypoglycaemia and thus requires close monitoring during application. By comparison, the antagonist exendin(9-39) does not activate the receptor, but its lack of internalisation has precluded its use as a tracer. Improving the cellular uptake of exendin(9-39) could turn it into a useful alternative tracer with less side-effects than exendin-4.

Methods

We conjugated exendin-4 and exendin(9-39) to the well-known cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) penetratin. We evaluated cell binding and internalisation of the radiolabelled peptides in vitro and their biodistribution in vivo.

Results

Exendin-4 showed internalisation irrespective of the presence of the CPP, whereas for exendin(9-39) only the penetratin conjugate internalised. Conjugation to the CPP also enhanced the in vivo tumour uptake and retention of exendin(9-39).

Conclusion

We demonstrate that penetratin robustly improves internalisation and tumour retention of exendin(9-39), opening new avenues for antagonist-based in vivo imaging of GLP1R.
Use of dual-mobility cup in primary total hip arthroplasties: an Italian regional register (RIPO) study on three thousand, seven hundred and ten cases
Authors: Tigani Domenico , Castiello Emanuela , Moghnie Alessandro , Bruschi Alessandro , Serra Margherita , Amendola Luca , Bordini Barbara
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate the outcome of dual-mobility cup (DM) compared with a standard cup (SC) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the long-term follow-up based on a regional Italian joint registry (RIPO).

Methods

The Registry of Prosthetic Orthopaedic Implant (RIPO) was consulted, looking for all primary THAs implanted from 2000 to 2019. Three thousand seven hundred ten were dual-mobility cup (DM) total hip arthroplasties (THA) and 85.816 were standard cup (SC) THAs, on a total of 89.526 primary THA. Demographics, survival rates and causes of revision were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

Results

The use of DM progressively increased from 0.4% in 2000 to 7.5% in 2018 of all primary THAs. Revision rate was 3.5% (128 on 3710) for DMC and 4.7% (4061 on 85,816) for SC. DM presented lower dislocation rate if compared to SC with 22–28-mm femoral head diameter. However, DM showed a higher risk of revision for any causes than SC with 32-mm femoral head diameter in long-term follow-up. Nevertheless, no significant difference was measured in terms of demographics and surgical approach for dislocation rate.

Conclusions

The DM cup represents a valid implant solution and has a lower dislocation rate than 22–28-mm SC. A slight increase in the use of DM implants over time was observed in the RIPO. However, a larger population and a longer follow-up are needed to further monitor the survival rate of new-generation DM implants.
Physical–chemical and biological properties of novel resin-based composites for dental applications
Authors: Buchwald Zuzanna , Sandomierski Mariusz , Smułek Wojciech , Ratajczak Maria , Patalas Adam , Kaczorek Ewa , Voelkel Adam
Published: November 2022

Insufficient mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite-based composites prompted the search for new and effective solutions for dental applications. To improve the mechanical properties without losing the remineralization potential, the use of hybrid fillers was proposed. The first of them was based on the formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) layer on the surface of SYLOID®244 silica. The second of the investigated fillers was created by simultaneous synthesis of nanoparticles from precursors of HA and silica. The obtained fillers were extensively characterized by spectral methods including X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), as well as by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Tests using probiotic microorganisms were an important part of the analysis, indicating that there was no potential interaction of the materials with microflora. The tests of degree of conversion, depth of cure, opacity, sorption, solubility, flexural and compressive strength, and the remineralizing potential also showed that the composites with nano-sized silica/HA showed better mechanical properties than the composites with HA alone or commercial silica and at the same time the remineralization remained at the desired level. Thus, the proposed composite has a high application potential in the creation of implants and dental materials.

Graphical abstract
Chemical and mechanical activation of resident cardiac macrophages in the living myocardial slice ex vivo model
Authors: Waleczek F. J. G. , Sansonetti M. , Xiao K. , Jung M. , Mitzka S. , Dendorfer A. , Weber N. , Perbellini F. , Thum T.
Published: November 2022

Resident cardiac macrophages (rcMACs) are among the most abundant immune cells in the heart. Plasticity and activation are hallmarks of rcMACs in response to changes in the microenvironment, which is essential for in vitro experimentation. The in vivo investigation is confounded by the infiltration of other cells hindering direct studies of rcMACs. As a tool to investigate rcMACs, we applied the ex vivo model of living myocardial slices (LMS). LMS are ultrathin ex vivo multicellular cardiac preparations in which the circulatory network is interrupted. The absence of infiltration in this model enables the investigation of the rcMACs response to immunomodulatory and mechanical stimulations. Such conditions were generated by applying interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) or interleukine-4 (IL-4) and altering the preload of cultured LMS, respectively. The immunomodulatory stimulation of the LMS induced alterations of the gene expression pattern without affecting tissue contractility. Following 24 h culture, low input RNA sequencing of rcMACs isolated from LMS was used for gene ontology analysis. Reducing the tissue stretch (unloading) of LMS altered the gene ontology clusters of isolated rcMACs with intermediate semantic similarity to IFN-γ triggered reaction. Through the overlap of genes affected by IFN-γ and unloading, we identified Allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1) as a potential marker gene for inflammation of rcMACs as significantly altered in whole immunomodulated LMS. MicroRNAs associated with the transcriptomic changes of rcMACs in unloaded LMS were identified in silico. Here, we demonstrate the approach of LMS to understand load-triggered cardiac inflammation and, thus, identify potential translationally important therapeutic targets.
Does stem profile have an impact on the failure patterns in revision total knee arthroplasty?
Authors: Maslaris Alexander , Tsiridis Eleftherios , Schoeneberg Carsten , Pass Bastian , Spyrou Georgios , Maris Alexandros , Matziolis Georg
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) has been increasing continuously. The results of RTKA still remain unsatisfactory. Failure patterns and risk factors in RTKA were thoroughly analyzed, with periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) and aseptic loosening remaining at the forefront of re-revision (ReRTKA) causes. While there is evidence that stem profile impacts the revisability of cemented implants, its association with the modes of RTKA failure is unknown.

Methods

50 consecutive ReRTKA performed in a single orthopedic center during 2016–2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The cases were stratified according to age, sex, number of preexisting revisions, fixation technique, stem design and causes of re-revision. All explanted implants with conical vs. cylindrical stem profiles were compared.

Results

Mean age was 67 ± 11.5, and 54% were females. 72% of the cases had ≥ 3 previous revisions. 88% were full-cemented, 3% hybrid and 9% press-fit stems. 36% of the RTKA had conical, 58% cylindrical and 6% combined stem profiles. 92% of the RTKA components were removed. Removal causes were: PJI (52.2%), aseptic loosening (34.8%), implant malposition (9.8%), painful knee (1.1%) and instability (2.2%). While the overall RTKA failure patterns were equally distributed between conical and cylindrical stems, subgroup analysis of only cemented ReRTKA revealed a higher incidence of aseptic loosening within cylindrical stem profiles (46.7% vs. 25.7%, P = 0.05).

Conclusion

Stem profile may have an impact on the process of aseptic loosening in cemented non-metaphyseal engaging RTKA, with cylindrical designs tending to worse outcomes than conical designs. Large cohort studies could provide more clarity on current observation.
Magmatic evolution and metal systematics of back-arc volcanic rocks of north–east Japan and implications for deposition of massive sulphide Kuroko ores
Authors: Agangi Andrea , Manalo Pearlyn C. , Takahashi Ryohei , Veeravinantanakul Apivut , Elburg Marlina A.
Published: November 2022

The Hokuroku region of north-eastern Japan is endowed with important volcanic-hosted massive sulphide Zn–Pb–Cu deposits, which are considered the archetype of Kuroko (black ore) deposits worldwide. The bimodal, felsic-dominated volcanic succession that hosts the ore was deposited in a continental rift formed during continental extension in the final stages of the Miocene back-arc opening that led to the formation of the Japan Sea. In this study, we define some of the fundamental intensive parameters of this volcanism (temperature, pressure of crystallisation, fluid saturation, fO2) based on rock textures, and analyses of whole-rock samples, minerals and melt inclusions. Based on the melt inclusion analyses, we assess the behaviour of metals during magma evolution and degassing, and evaluate the possible implications for ore deposition. Plagioclase-melt geothermometry in felsic tuff and lava samples collected from both the units underlying and overlying the Kuroko indicates temperatures of 880–940 °C, and Fe–Ti oxide equilibrium indicates oxygen fugacity of ca. FMQ + 1.5. Melt inclusions have high-SiO2 rhyolite compositions (> 75 wt%, on an anhydrous basis), and the plot of normative mineral compositions in the granitic triplot indicates low pressure of magma stalling and crystallisation (< 1 kbar) at cotectic compositions. Melt inclusion metal contents plotted vs incompatible element Y suggest contrasting behaviour of different metals during fractionation and degassing. Zinc was mostly retained in the melt during crystallisation, whereas other metals, such as Pb, Cu, Sn and Mo, were released to an exsolving fluid phase. The latter may have thus been transferred to the hydrothermal system from a degassing magma. Shallow storage of relatively hot magma would have induced vigorous hydrothermal circulation on the seafloor, a precondition for ore deposition.
Effects of competition reduction on intra-annual radial growth of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) at stem base and crown base
Authors: Donfack Laura Somenguem , Schall Peter , Mund Martina , Knohl Alexander , Ammer Christian
Published: November 2022

Key message

In beech stands, thinning affects growth differently along tree stems, with higher and longer duration increment at stem base than at crown base while unmanaged stands depict opposite patterns.

Forest management affects individual tree growth dynamics at different levels of the tree bole. Here, we assessed stem-growth patterns as a function of bole height (stem base and crown base) and competition reduction using high-resolution dendrometer records. We measured radial increments throughout the vegetation periods of 2015 and 2016 in two differently managed European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stands in central Germany. In one stand, trees had been repeatedly released from competition while the other had remained unmanaged for about 40 years. To assess different temporal phases of diameter increment, we fitted Weibull growth curves to dendrometer data. Stem basal area and crown base area increments of trees in the managed stand were always higher than in the unmanaged stand. In the managed stand, crown base and stem base monthly diameter increments were highly correlated until July when diameter increment at stem base surpassed the diameter increment at crown base. Conversely, in the unmanaged stand, monthly diameter increment at the stem base was often lower than at crown base. In both stands, diameter growth started earlier at crown base than at stem base. However, stem base growth in the managed stand began earlier and lasted longer than in the unmanaged stand. Our results confirm that competition reduction affects diameter increment along the stem differently than in unmanaged stands and increases growth duration. Future research is needed to test whether different growth patterns and tapers of residual trees in managed and unmanaged stands have implications for biomass and carbon storage modeling.
Contextual word embeddings for tabular data search and integration
Authors: Pilaluisa José , Tomás David , Navarro-Colorado Borja , Mazón Jose-Norberto
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a new approach to retrieve and further integrate tabular datasets (collections of rows and columns) using union and join operations. In this work, both processes were carried out using a similarity measure based on contextual word embeddings, which allows finding semantically similar tables and overcome the recall problem of lexical approaches based on string similarity. This work is the first attempt to use contextual word embeddings in the whole pipeline of table search and integration, including for the first time their use in the join operation. A comprehensive analysis of their performance was carried out on both retrieving and integrating tabular datasets, comparing them with context-free models. Column headings and cell values were used as contextual information and their impact on each task was evaluated. The results revealed that contextual models significantly outperform context-free models and a traditional weighting schema in ad hoc table retrieval. In the data integration task, contextual models also improved the results on union operation compared to context-free approaches.
Strain Partitioning and Frictional Behavior of Opalinus Clay During Fault Reactivation
Authors: Schuster Valerian , Rybacki Erik , Bonnelye Audrey , Kwiatek Grzegorz , Schleicher Anja M. , Dresen Georg
Published: November 2022

The Opalinus Clay (OPA) formation is considered a suitable host rock candidate for nuclear waste storage. However, the sealing integrity and long-term safety of OPA are potentially compromised by pre-existing natural or artificially induced faults. Therefore, characterizing the mechanical behavior and microscale deformation mechanisms of faults and the surrounding rock is relevant for predicting repository damage evolution. In this study, we performed triaxial tests using saw-cut samples of the shaly and sandy facies of OPA to investigate the influence of pressure and mineral composition on the deformation behavior during fault reactivation. Dried samples were hydrostatically pre-compacted at 50 MPa and then deformed at constant strain rate, drained conditions and confining pressures (pc) of 5–35 MPa. Mechanical data from triaxial tests was complemented by local strain measurements to determine the relative contribution of bulk deformation and fault slip, as well as by acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, and elastic P-wave velocity measurements using ultrasonic transmissions. With increasing pc, we observe a transition from brittle deformation behavior with highly localized fault slip to semi-brittle behavior characterized by non-linear strain hardening with increasing delocalization of deformation. We find that brittle localization behavior is limited by pc at which fault strength exceeds matrix yield strength. AEs were only detected in tests performed on sandy facies samples, and activity decreased with increasing pc. Microstructural analysis of deformed samples revealed a positive correlation between increasing pc and gouge layer thickness. This goes along with a change from brittle fragmentation and frictional sliding to the development of shear zones with a higher contribution of cataclastic and granular flow. Friction coefficient at fault reactivation is only slightly higher for the sandy (µ ~ 0.48) compared to the shaly facies (µ ~ 0.4). Slide-hold-slide tests performed after ~ 6 mm axial shortening suggest stable creeping and long-term weakness of faults at the applied conditions. Our results demonstrate that the mode of fault reactivation highly depends on the present stress field and burial history.
Challenges and approaches for management of seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers
Authors: Stein Shaked , Shalev Eyal , Sivan Orit , Yechieli Yoseph
Published: November 2022

Coastal aquifers provide water for over one billion people worldwide; however, they face seawater intrusion due to overpumping. The current and future challenges of coastal aquifer management involve issues such as climate change and the control of abstraction and recharge. Different management approaches are being used globally to prevent aquifer salinization. This essay presents the challenges and possible solutions while also discussing the different approaches and their needs for improvement.