bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die Strukturelemente des geschmolzenen Li2SO4: Einige Bemerkungen zu der Arbeit von E. Kordes, G. Ziegler und H.‐J. Proeger: „Die Gefrierpunktserniedrigung geschmolzener Elektrolyte bei Zusatz fremder Salze.: II. Mitteilung: Der Molekularzustand von geschmolzenem Li2SO4”︁
Authors: Grjotheim K. , Urnes S.
Published: October 2023

Eine Diskussion der Messungen der Gefrierpunktserniedrigungen (GPE) von Kordes und Mitarbeitern im Lichte des Temkinschen Ionenmodells geschmolzener Salze erklärt die GPE, wenn das geschmolzene Li2SO4 als 2Li+‐ und SO2−4‐Ionen vorliegt. Die Schmelzwärme des Li2SO4 muß dann ungefähr 1800 bis 1900 cal/Mol sein, also beträchtlich kleiner als die in der Literatur angegebene. Die verhältnismäßig kleine Schmelzwärme des Li2SO4 wird wegen einer höheren Umwandlungswärme bei 577 °C verständlich.
Lineare Verzerrungen durch mehrere RC‐Glieder als Fehlerquelle bei oszillographischen Untersuchungen, insbesondere in der Polarographie
Authors: Philberth K. , Schwab G.‐M.
Published: October 2023

Untersucht werden bei verschiedenen Frequenzen die linearen Verzerrungen von Kurven sinusähnlicher Grundform mit zwei stufenartigen Knicken in einem Breitbandverstärker mit drei RC‐Hochsperren und drei RC‐Tiefsperren. Zur theoretischen und auch experimentellen Behandlung werden die Kurven gebildet als Überlagerung einer sinusförmigen und einer trapezförmigen Funktion. Die drei Hochsperren werden getrennt berücksichtigt; die drei Tiefsperren werden ohne nennenswerten Fehler durch eine einzige äquivalente ersetzt.

Theoretische und experimentelle Untersuchung ergeben übereinstimmend bei hohen Frequenzen charakteristische Stufenverschmierung und negative Stufenverlagerung, bei tiefen Frequenzen wohlerhaltene Stufen mit positiver Verlagerung.

Spezielles Ziel ist die Überprüfung polarographischer Messungen von Heyrovský und Forejt auf die Verfälschung durch lineare Verzerrungen im Oszillographenverstärker. Für die polarographischen Messungen bei 50 Hz ergeben sich keine, für die tieferen Frequenzen schwache Verzerrungen. Bei einigen hundert Hertz sind die Verzerrungen günstigstenfalls beträchtlich, wahrscheinlich jedoch sehr stark, so daß entscheidende Merkmale der Oszillogramme samt den daraus gezogenen polarographischen Konsequenzen durch sie vorgetäuscht sind.
Elektrochemische Elementarprozesse bei der Spannungskorrosion
Authors: Gerischer H.
Published: October 2023

Die Korrosionsgeschwindigkeit von Cu‐Au‐Legierungsdrähten unter einer Zugbelastung wurde gleichzeitig mit der Längenänderung der Drähte oszillographisch verfolgt. Es zeigte sich, daß die zum Bruch führende letzte Phase der Spannungs‐Riß‐Korrosion in einer Folge von kleinsten Verformungsschritten abläuft, bei denen jedesmal die Korrosionsgeschwindigkeit an den abgleitenden Oberflächenbezirken stark ansteigt.
Über die Lage der Wasserstoffbrückenbindungen in den Ionen einiger l‐Oxyanthrachinon‐2–sulfonsäuren
Authors: Hoyer Herbert
Published: October 2023

Die Carbonylvalenzschwingungsbanden im UR‐Spektrum des Natriumsalzes der 1‐Oxyanthrachinon‐2–sulfonsäure und einiger verwandter Verbindungen werden untersucht. Auf Grund der Lage und Zahl dieser Banden wird geschlossen, daß von den zwei denkbaren durch die Richtung der Oxygruppe unterschiedenen rotationsisomeren Formen der Ionen solcher Säuren dijenige stabiler ist, die sich durch eine Wasserstoffbrücke zur benachbarten Carbonylgruppe auszeichnet.
Untersuchungen über die elektrolytische Reduktion der Chromsäure
Authors: Gerischer Heinz , Kävpel Mario
Published: October 2023

Es wurden quasi‐stationäre Stromspannungskurven und Einschaltvorgänge an Gold‐ und Graphitelektroden in Chromsäure potentiostatisch aufgenommen und die Wirkung eines Zusatzes von Sulfat‐ oder Chloridionen untersucht. Bei der Reduktion der Chromsäure entstehen oxydische Deckschichten, deren Struktur und Zusammensetzung von Elektrodenpotential und ‐material abhängen, wie mit verschiedenen Methoden gezeigt werden konnte. Für die weitere Reduktion der Chromsäure in Gegenwart von Fremdanionen sind diese Deckschichten notwendige Zwischenprodukte. Sie haben eine gute, elektronische Leitfähigkeit. Poren spielen bei der Reduktion keine Rolle.
Über den Mechanismus des N2O‐ und O3‐Zerfalls an Oxyd‐Katalysatoren
Authors: Hauffe Karl , Schlosser E.‐G.
Published: October 2023

Im Hinblick auf den von uns aufgestellten Elektronenmechanismus der heterogenen Katalyse an halbleitenden Kontakten wird unter Hinzuziehung des Bodensteinschen Stationaritätsprinzips und der Fermi‐Statistik in bezug auf die elektronische Besetzung der Gasmoleküle der N2O‐Zerfall an p‐ und n‐Typ‐Katalysatoren untersucht.

Es gelingt, den in früheren Untersuchungen gefundenen Zusammenhang zwischen Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit und Dotierung der Katalysatoren quantitativ zu deuten. Insbesondere wird das Maximum des Umsatzes und die Selektivität der Katalyse als Funktion der Dotierung der Katalysatoren verständlich. Weiterhin wird erkannt, daß die Zerfallsgeschwindigkeit an p‐Typ‐Katalysatoren im Gegensatz zu n‐Typ‐Katalysatoren mit steigendem Fermi‐Potential „festgebremst”︁ werden kann, was durch das Zusammenspiel des Fermi‐Potentials mit der Diffusionsspannung an der Katalysatoroberfläche verursacht wird. Ferner wurde erkannt, daß an n‐Typ‐Katalysatoren mit p‐Typ‐Inversionsrandschichten grundsätzlich zu rechnen ist. Im Anschluß hieran wird auf den Ozonzerfall hingewiesen, wo völlig gleiche Gesetzmäßigkeiten erwartet werden, sofern der Homogenzerfall sich nicht allzu störend bemerkbar macht.
Photochemische Reaktionen des Hämins
Authors: Rackow Bogislav , Hildisch Lothar , Junghähnel Gerhard
Published: October 2023

In dem System Wasser, Pyridin und Oxalsäure sind Photoreduktionen des Hämins zum Hämochromogen möglich. Ebenso können auch Photooxydationen auftreten. Diese wurden spektral und elektrometrisch beobachtet. In beiden Fällen wurden Dunkelrückreaktionen beobachtet. Dieses wird in Beziehung zu pflanzenphysiologischen Vorgängen gebracht, die mit dem Phototropismus in Verbindung stehen.
Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen am Ammoniakkatalysator
Authors: Schäfer K.
Published: October 2023

Es wird über elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen am Ammoniakkatalysator berichtet, die das Ziel haben, seine Porenstruktur und die Verteilung der als Promotor beigegebenen Tonerde direkt sichtbar zu machen. Dadurch können die nach der BET‐Methode gewonnenen Aussagen über die Porenverhältnisse und die Aussagen über den Zustand der Tonerde, wie sie aus Röntgen‐ und Chemisorptionsuntersuchungen gewonnen werden, in morphologischer Hinsicht wertvoll ergänzt werden. Hinsichtlich der Untersuchung der Verteilung der Tonerde knüpfen wir an Untersuchungen von Brill1) an, der einen mit 10% Al2O3 dotierten Ammoniakkatalysator in Essigsäure aufgelöst hat und dabei einen unlöslichen Rückstand isolieren konnte, den er als γ‐Al2O3 von sehr kleiner Teilchengröß röntgenographisch identifizierte. Ein Ziel der Arbeit ist, diesen Rückstand elektronenmikroskopisch zu untersuchen.
Effects of unpredictable chronic mild stress on the cellular redox state and mitochondrial energy homeostasis in rat adipose tissue: A comprehensive metabolic study
Authors: Abulmeaty Mahmoud M. A. , Ghneim Hazem K. , Almajwal Ali Madi , Razak Suhail , AlSahli Abdulaziz S. , Andrade Laborde Juan E. , Ibrahim Ebtesam M. , Aboul‐Soud Mourad A. M. , Al‐Sheikh Yazeed A.
Published: October 2023

Unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) leads to variable metabolic effects. Oxidative stress (OS) of adipose tissue (AT) and mitochondrial energy homeostasis is little investigated. This work studied the effects of UCMS on OS and the antioxidant/redox status in AT and mitochondrial energy homeostasis in rats. Twenty‐four male Wistar rats (180–220 g) were divided into two equal groups; the normal control (NC) group and the UCMS group which were exposed to various stresses for 28 days. An indirect calorimetry machine was used to measure volumes of respiratory gases (VO2& VCO2), total energy expenditure (TEE), and food intake (FI). The AT depots were collected, weighed, and used for measuring activities and gene expression of key antioxidant enzymes (GPx1, SOD, CAT, GR, GCL, and GS), OS marker levels including superoxide anion (SA), peroxynitrite radical (PON), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxides (LPO), t‐protein carbonyl content (PCC), and reduced/oxidized glutathione levels (GSH, GSSG). Additionally, AT mitochondrial fractions were used to determine the activities of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle enzymes (CS, α‐KGDH, ICDH, SDH, MDH), respiratory chain complexes I–III, II–III, IV, the nicotinamide coenzymes NAD+, NADH, and ATP/ADP levels. Compared with the NC group, the UCMS group showed very significantly increased OS marker levels, lowered antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression, as well as lowered TCA cycle and respiratory chain activity and NAD+, NADH, and ATP levels (p < .001 for all comparisons). Besides, the UCMS group had lowered TEE and insignificant FI and weight gain. In conclusion, AT of the UCMS‐subjected rats showed a state of disturbed redox balance linked to disrupted energy homeostasis producing augmentation of AT.
High‐Content Image‐Based Screening and Deep Learning for the Detection of Anti‐Inflammatory Drug Leads
Authors: Lau Tannia A. , Mair Elmar , Rabbitts Beverley M. , Lohith Akshar , Lokey R. Scott
Published: October 2023

We developed a high‐content image‐based screen that utilizes the pro‐inflammatory stimulus lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and murine macrophages (RAW264.7) with the goal of enabling the identification of novel anti‐inflammatory lead compounds. We screened 2,259 bioactive compounds with annotated mechanisms of action (MOA) to identify compounds that block the LPS‐induced phenotype in macrophages. We utilized a set of seven fluorescence microscopy probes to generate images that were used to train and optimize a deep neural network classifier to distinguish between unstimulated and LPS‐stimulated macrophages. The top hits from the deep learning classifier were validated using a linear classifier trained on individual cells and subsequently investigated in a multiplexed cytokine secretion assay. All 12 hits significantly modulated the expression of at least one cytokine upon LPS stimulation. Seven of these were allosteric inhibitors of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK1/2) and showed similar effects on cytokine expression. This deep learning morphological assay identified compounds that modulate the innate immune response to LPS and may aid in identifying new anti‐inflammatory drug leads.
Elucidation of zein isoforms associated with high protein quality traits for targeted improvement in maize‐based nutrition
Authors: Sethi Mehak , Singh Alla , Garg Monika , Chunduri Venkatesh , Kumar Parminder , Devi Veena , Hossain Firoz , Phagna Ramesh K. , Gupta Mamta , Chaudhary Dharam P.
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Zein proteins of maize endosperm are nutritionally poor, but important for vitreous kernel texture. The Opaque‐2 mutation enhances the protein quality but downregulates zein expression, distorting the kernel texture. Quality protein maize (QPM) is nutritionally improved, hard endosperm maize developed by introgression of endosperm modifiers under an opaque‐2 background. The present study aims to analyze the variability in zein expression patterns in normal, opaque‐2, and QPM lines through sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis analyses.

Findings

Results revealed that the total number of zein isoforms is almost similar in opaque‐2, normal, and QPM lines. Overall, in this study, it is concluded that the opaque‐2 mutation specifically affects the expression of high‐molecular‐weight zeins, which are being counterbalanced by the expression of low‐molecular‐weight zein isoforms and nonzein proteins.

Conclusion

Genomic data retrieval studies revealed the possible presence of multiple 27 kDa isoforms with varied isoelectric points (pI), which is a subject for further investigation. The differential expression of 15 kDa zein in QPM emerged as a novel player in endosperm modification.

Significance and Novelty

The present study provides insight into the diversified expression of zeins in different maize types. The variable isoform expression has the potential to generate stable QPM lines by targeting effective isoforms, ensuring endosperm modification without hampering the nutritional quality.
Catalyst‐Free Transfer Hydrogenation from Amine‐Borane Small Oligomers
Authors: Le Moigne Louis , Posenato Tommaso , Gajan David , Lesage de la Haye Jennifer , Raynaud Jean , Lacôte Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

Amine‐borane dimers and oligomers with varied steric and electronic profiles were prepared via capping agent‐controlled AA/BB polycondensations. They were used for transfer hydrogenations to aldehydes, ketones, imines as well as electron‐poor alkene/alkyne moieties. The amine‐borane Lewis‐paired oligomers and the congested bis(amine‐borane)s provided the highest yields. This was likely helped by facilitated dissociation (oligomers) or H‐bond assistance. In the case of the oligomers, the second equivalent of H2 present was also engaged in the reaction. Solid‐state NMR characterization provides evidence that the boron‐containing materials obtained after transfer dehydrogenation are highly similar to those obtained from thermal dehydrogenation. The oligomers bridge the gap between simple amine‐borane molecular reductants and the poly‐amine‐boranes and provide a full picture of the reactivity changes at the different scales.
Temperature‐Modulated Reversible Clustering of Gold Nanorods Driven by Small Surface Ligands
Authors: Kruse Joscha , Rao Anish , Sánchez‐Iglesias Ana , Montaño‐Priede José Luis , Iturrospe Ibarra Amaia , Lopez Eneko , Seifert Andreas , Arbe Arantxa , Grzelczak Marek
Published: October 2023

Temperature‐modulated colloidal phase of plasmonic nanoparticles is a convenient playground for resettable soft‐actuators or colorimetric sensors. To render reversible clustering under temperature change, bulky ligands are required, especially if anisotropic morphologies are of interest. This study showcases thermoresponsive gold nanorods by employing small surface ligands, bis (p‐sulfonatophenyl) phenyl‐phosphine dihydrate dipotassium salt (BSPP) and native cationic surfactant. Temperature‐dependent analysis in real‐time allowed to describe the structural features (interparticle distance and cluster size) as well as thermal parameters, melting and freezing temperatures. These findings suggest that neither covalent Au−S bonds nor bulky ligands are required to obtain a robust thermoresponsive system based on anisotropic gold nanoparticles, paving the way to stimuli‐responsive nanoparticles with a wide range of sizes and geometries.
Therapeutic tactics for targeting B lymphocytes in autoimmunity and cancer
Authors: Wemlinger Scott M. , Cambier John C.
Published: October 2023

B lymphocytes have become a very popular therapeutic target in a number of autoimmune indications due to their newly appreciated roles, and approachability, in these diseases. Many of the therapies now applied in autoimmunity were initially developed to deplete malignant B cells. These strategies have also been found to benefit patients suffering from such autoimmune diseases as multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few. These observations have supported the expansion of research addressing the mechanistic contributions of B cells in these diseases, as well as blossoming of therapeutics that target them. This review seeks to summarize cutting‐edge modalities for targeting B cells, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, antibody‐drug conjugates, chimeric antigen receptor‐T cells, and small molecule inhibitors. Efforts to refine B‐cell targeted therapy to eliminate only pathogenic autoreactive cells will be addressed as well as the potential for future B‐cell‐based cellular therapeutics. Finally, we also address approaches that seek to silence B‐cell function without depletion.
Influence of sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and stress on quality of life in people with epilepsy
Authors: Athira Sindhu Bhuvanachandran , Pal Pravati , Nair Pradeep P. , Nanda Nivedita , Aghoram Rajeswari
Published: October 2023

Objectives

We assessed the quality of life, sleep, depression, anxiety, and stress in people with pharmacoresistant epilepsy (PRE) and newly diagnosed epilepsy (NDE). We also assessed the influence of sleep, depression, anxiety, and stress on the quality of life (QOL) and the complex association between these factors.

Methods

We recruited 80 PRE and 70 NDE people attending the epilepsy clinic. We assessed QOL, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and mood using the quality of life in epilepsy‐31 inventory (QOLIE‐31), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and depression anxiety stress scale (DASS‐21). We compared the results between the two groups of epilepsy populations. We performed univariate and multivariate linear regression to determine the factors affecting the QOLIE‐31 total score. We applied Spearman's rank correlation to find the interrelationship between variables influencing QOL.

Results

We found significantly lower QOLIE‐31 total scores (p = .001) in PRE compared to NDE. The PSQI and ESS did not differ significantly between the PRE and NDE groups. Anxiety (p = .002) and stress (p = .003) scores were significantly higher in PRE than in NDE. QOLIE‐31 total scores showed a negative correlation with PSQI as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress scores in both groups. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed depression as a major factor influencing the QOLIE‐31 total score in PRE (p = .001) and NDE (p = .003). We found significant complex associations between PSQI, depression, anxiety, stress, and QOLIE total scores in both groups.

Significance

The QOL is poorer for people with PRE than for those with NDE. Depression is a major determinant of QOL in PWE. These factors need to be considered to improve the QOL in epilepsy.
Materno‐fetal outcome with PlGF above or below cutoff during second half of pregnancy in high‐risk women
Authors: Balyan Kirti , Humtso Benchumi Y. , Meena Bhawana , Sapna Surbhi , Rana Anjali , Kumar Manisha
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate the materno‐fetal outcome of high‐risk women using placental growth factor (PlGF).

Methods

This prospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary care hospital from September 2019 to April 2022. Women having clinically major or minor high risk factors of pre‐eclampsia were included after consent. The placental growth factor (PlGF) was evaluated among high‐risk women at 20–22, 28–30, and 34–36 weeks of gestation. They were followed throughout pregnancy until delivery. Materno‐fetal outcome was evaluated based on PlGF levels at three different time points. The gestational age specific cutoff was derived. Those with levels below cutoff were taken as cases and those with values above cutoff were considered as controls. The odds of having complications if the PlGF was below cutoff were determined.

Results

Out of 287 high‐risk women, 46 (16%) had pre‐eclampsia (PE). The derived cutoff of PlGF was 224, 211, and 176 pg/mL at 20–22, 28–30, and 34–36 weeks, respectively. With PlGF below the cutoff at 20–22 weeks the odds of having HELLP syndrome was 15.8, with low PlGF at 28–30 weeks the odds for developing early onset PE was 11.3. Low PlGF was also significantly associated with preterm delivery (P < 0.001) and early onset FGR (P < 0.001). The sensitivity (91.7%) and specificity (78.5%) of PlGF for PE prediction was highest at 28–30 weeks.

Conclusion

Low PlGF at 28–30 weeks was associated with high likelihood of developing early onset PE, and the PlGF cutoff should be gestational age specific.
No effect of stocking density on the survival or size of late-stage Delta Smelt larvae reared in a small-scale culture system
Authors: Tsai Yi-Jiun Jean , Ellison Luke , Stevenson Troy , Carson Evan W. , Hung Tien-Chieh
Published: October 2023

Objective

A small-scale culture system effective in producing larvae of endangered Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus was recently developed to facilitate conservation and research efforts.

Methods

To optimize its use, we examined the effect of stocking density (300, 500, 700, and 900 fish per 92 L of water) on the length, weight, and survival of late-stage larvae (41 days posthatch) reared for 40 days in the small-scale system.

Result

Stocking density had no effect on larval survival or size. Also, the survival, length, and weight of these fish did not differ from those reared using standard, large-scale culture practices (2500 fish per 320 L of water).

Conclusion

Our findings validate the methods used for small-scale Delta Smelt rearing, help optimize these protocols, and thereby enhance Delta Smelt rearing capabilities needed for research and conservation.
Teaching phonics and reading effectively: ‘A balancing act’ for teachers, policy makers and researchers
Authors: Wyse Dominic , Bradbury Alice
Published: October 2023

The debates about what are the most effective ways to teach young children to learn to read have been described as ‘the reading wars’. In 2022 the research published in a paper by Wyse and Bradbury (2022) stimulated widespread attention including in the media. Wyse and Bradbury concluded on the basis of four major research analyses that althoughsystematicphonics teaching was important the approach in England tosyntheticphonics was too narrow and therefore in need of improvement. In 2023 the paper was the subject of a critique by Greg Brooks (2023). This paper responds to Brooks' critique by providing new information about the nature of the responses to the paper to contextualise Brooks' response. It is concluded that Brooks' response includes too many errors, and is too selective, to be regarded as a robust and reasonable critique. It is argued that the nature of Brooks' approach to criticism only serves to entrench the reading wars, and raises ethical considerations about the nature of the attack on Wyse and Bradbury (2022).

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

This paper responds to Greg Brooks' (2023) criticisms of Wyse and Bradbury (2022).

Why the new findings matter

It is important that the erroneous views expressed in Brooks (2023) are corrected because the debates about reading have important consequences for young children's education.

Implications for practitioners, policy makers, researchers

Understanding the most effective ways to teach reading is important for children's education worldwide. Research is a source of vital knowledge about what are the most effective ways to teach reading. Interpreting research findings accurately and in a balanced way in order to make recommendations about curriculum policies and classroom practice is vital to ensure that any such recommendations are well justified. Imbalanced and erroneous accounts risk non‐optimal teaching and educational policies, and hence negative consequences for children's learning.
Internal State of Fuse Arc Differentiating Interruption Success and Failure in Fuse‐SemiconductorDCCircuit Breaker
Authors: Miyaoka Yuta , Maeyama Mitsuaki , Yamano Yasushi , Inada Yuki
Published: October 2023

For the realization of sustainable society installing renewable energy sources, we have proposed a compact, low‐cost, versatile DC circuit breaker that combines a fuse and a power semiconductor. However, even under the same interruption conditions, there are cases where the interruption success and failure are observed probabilistically; the reason for this is still unknown. In the interruption failure, thermal reignition of an arc discharge occurs inside the fuse under transient recovery voltage. In this study, the spatiotemporal dynamics of the fuse arc was diagnosed for both interruption success and failure by a voltage–current waveform recording, high‐speed arc‐emission videography and borescope‐integrated optical emission spectroscopy, in order to identify the difference between the interruption success and failure. The waveform recording and videography demonstrated that at the arc initiation inside the fuse, the radial arc length for the interruption failure was longer than the interruption success. In the current interruption phase, the radial arc length was still longer, axial arc length was shorter, and arc column resistance was lower for the interruption failure. Further, the optical emission spectroscopy showed that localized regions with higher temperature and electrical conductivity existed for the failure in the current interruption phase. From these results, the dominant factors differentiating interruption success and failure were identified as the arc shape and electrical conductivity of the arc. To improve the interruption performance of the fuse and our DC circuit breaker, it is effective to increase the axial arc length, suppress the radial arc length, and reduce the electrical conductivity of the arc. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Effective stabilization of electrochemically prepared ecological oxidizing agent—ferrate(VI)—by encapsulation in zeolite and its application to water containing SARS‐CoV‐2 virus
Authors: Mališová Emília , Guštafík Adam , Tamáš Michal , Strečanský Tomáš , Imreová Zuzana , Konečná Barbora , Červenková Andrea , Peciar Peter , Mackuľak Tomáš , Híveš Ján
Published: October 2023

Improper and insufficient treatment of infectious hospital wastewater could seriously endanger public health and the environment. Ferrate(VI), a strong oxidizing, disinfecting, and coagulating agent, has the potential as a green solution for decontamination of water and wastewater. In this paper, electrochemically prepared potassium ferrate (K2FeO4) with high purity was successfully encapsulated and applied to the water contaminated by SARS‐CoV‐2. Natural zeolite was chosen as an appropriate ecological material for ferrate encapsulation. The stability of encapsulated ferrate (in tablet form) was monitored for an extended time period (290 days) and has significantly increased in contrast with free potassium ferrate by almost 30%. Subsequently, the K2FeO4 encapsulated with zeolite in tablet form was applied to the water and municipal water samples containing the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. The removal efficiency reached up to 98.5% and 86.7%, respectively, under natural conditions. Combination of environmentally friendly oxidizing agent and natural excellent adsorbent leads to the creation of very effective water treatment matter. These findings are essentially immediate and especially important for immediate water treatment in urgent situations such as natural disasters or military conflict.

Practitioner Points

Electrochemical preparation of oxidizing agent, K2FeO4, in high purity by own constructed electrolyzer.

Encapsulation of ferrate(VI) to natural zeolite threefold improving the stability during 9 months.

SARS‐CoV‐2 virus was successfully removed from various contaminated types of water.

High degradation efficiency of virus fragments by Fe(VI) was achieved without additional water adjustment, in natural pH range.
Unsustainability of the Capitalist Socio-Economic Order
Authors: Byttebier Koen
Published: October 2023

It is a strange paradox that going back further in time, economic models were not only simpler, but also seem to have been much more logical and at least testified to a much greater sense of reality than is the case with contemporary capitalism.
Final Conclusions I: Capitalism as an Unjust System of Socioeconomic Order
Authors: Byttebier Koen
Published: October 2023

As thoroughly outlined in Chaps. 1 to 3, from the sixteenth century onward, one economic system became decisive in shaping the global socioeconomic order, specifically capitalism.
Myth, Imagination, and Science
Authors: Fuchs Hans U. , Corni Federico
Published: October 2023

There is an old, basic cultural form of understanding of the world around us, which
has been called myth, mythic consciousness, or mythic culture.
Wind, Water, and Gravity
Authors: Fuchs Hans U. , Corni Federico
Published: October 2023

Wind, Water, and Gravity are among the great shapers of the surface of our planet.
We easily experience Wind and Water as Forces that have been fundamentally important for the development of both nature and human industrial culture, and we can see them interacting with Gravity when they flow vertically upon the surface of Earth.
Dimension-8 SMEFT analysis of minimal scalar field extensions of the Standard Model
Authors: Ellis John , Mimasu Ken , Zampedri Francesca
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We analyze the constraints obtainable from present data using the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) on extensions of the Standard Model with additional electroweak singlet or triplet scalar fields. We compare results obtained using only contributions that are linear in dimension-6 operator coefficients with those obtained including terms quadratic in these coefficients as well as contributions that are linear in dimension-8 operator coefficients. We also implement theoretical constraints arising from the stability of the electroweak vacuum and perturbative unitarity. Analyzing the models at the dimension-8 level constrains scalar couplings that are not bounded at the dimension-6 level. The strongest experimental constraints on the singlet model are provided by Higgs coupling measurements, whereas electroweak precision observables provide the strongest constraints on the triplet model. In the singlet model the present di-Higgs constraints already play a significant role. We find that the current constraints on model parameters are already competitive with those anticipated from future di- and tri-Higgs measurements. We compare our results with calculations in the full model, exhibiting the improvements when higher-order SMEFT terms are included. We also identify regions in parameter space where the SMEFT approximation appears to break down. We find that the combination of current constraints with the theoretical bounds still admits regions where the SMEFT approach is not valid, particularly for lower scalar boson masses.
Deterministic n-person shortest path and terminal games on symmetric digraphs have Nash equilibria in pure stationary strategies
Authors: Boros Endre , Franciosa Paolo Giulio , Gurvich Vladimir , Vyalyi Michael
Published: October 2023

We prove that a deterministic n-person shortest path game has a Nash equlibrium in pure and stationary strategies if it is edge-symmetric (that is (u, v) is a move whenever (v, u) is, apart from moves entering terminal vertices) and the length of every move is positive for each player. Both conditions are essential, though it remains an open problem whether there exists a NE-free 2-person non-edge-symmetric game with positive lengths. We provide examples for NE-free 2-person edge-symmetric games that are not positive. We also consider the special case of terminal games (shortest path games in which only terminal moves have nonzero length, possibly negative) and prove that edge-symmetric n-person terminal games always have Nash equilibria in pure and stationary strategies. Furthermore, we prove that an edge-symmetric 2-person terminal game has a uniform (subgame perfect) Nash equilibrium, provided any infinite play is worse than any of the terminals for both players.
Measurement of chemiluminescence induced by cytochrome c plus hydrogen peroxide to characterize the peroxidase activity of various wines and the Botrytis cinerea related quality of Aszú wines of Tokaj in Hungary
Authors: Sipka Sándor , Nagy Andrea , Nagy János , Nokhoijav Erdenetsetseg , Csősz Éva , Baráth Sándor
Published: October 2023

It was suggested that the measurement of chemiluminescence induced by cytochrome c plus hydrogen peroxide might characterize the peroxidase activity of various wines added and, furthermore, the Botrytis cinerea related quality of Aszú wines of Tokaj in Hungary. The chemiluminescence produced by cytochrome c plus hydrogen peroxide reaction was detected by a luminometer. The chemiluminescence stimulating effects of various wines (n = 146) including Aszú wines from Tokaj and other Hungarian white and red wines were compared and analysed by using an “Index of Stimulation”. The content of gluconic acid in Aszú wines was determined colorimetrically. All types of wines tested could stimulate the intensity of chemiluminescence induced by the cytochrome c plus hydrogen peroxide expressed by an Index of Stimulation. This effect could mainly be regarded as a result of the peroxidase activity of wines. The highest values of the Index of Stimulation were found in the Aszú wines of Tokaj reflecting their 5–6 „baskets” types, which characterized their „Botrytis related qualities”. Three categories of Aszú wines could be created on the basis of the Index of Stimulation. The stimulating effect was also proven by pure Botrytis cinerea particles owning peroxidase activity on the cytochrome c plus hydrogen peroxide reaction. The Botrytis influences and gluconic acid concentrations correlated positively. The augmentation of chemiluminescence in the cytochrome c plus hydrogen peroxide reaction could characterize the peroxidase activity of various wines and, furthermore, the „Botrytis cinerea related quality” of various Botrytis wines. However, this quality did not reflect completely the values of flavour and odour in these wines.
Bidirectional pharmacokinetic drug interactions between olaparib and metformin
Authors: Stanisławiak-Rudowicz Joanna , Karbownik Agnieszka , Szkutnik-Fiedler Danuta , Otto Filip , Grabowski Tomasz , Wolc Anna , Grześkowiak Edmund , Szałek Edyta
Published: October 2023

Objective

Olaparib is a PARP (poly-ADP-ribose polymerase) inhibitor used for maintenance therapy in BRCA-mutated cancers. Metformin is a first-choice drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Both drugs are commonly co-administered to oncologic patients with add-on type 2 diabetes mellitus. Olaparib is metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme, which may be inhibited by metformin through the Pregnane X Receptor. In vitro studies have shown that olaparib inhibits the following metformin transporters: OCT1, MATE1, and MATE2K. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of ‘the perpetrator drug’ on the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of ‘the victim drug’ after a single dose. To evaluate the effect, the AUC0→∞ (area under the curve) ratio was determined (the ratio between AUC0→∞ in the presence of the perpetrator and AUC0→∞ without the presence of the perpetrator).

Methods

Male Wistar rats were assigned to three groups (eight animals in each group), which were orally administered: metformin and olaparib (IMET+OLA), vehiculum with metformin (IIMET), and vehiculum with olaparib (IIIOLA). Blood samples were collected after 24 h. HPLC was applied to measure the concentrations of olaparib and metformin. The PK parameters were calculated in a non-compartmental model.

Results

Metformin did not affect the olaparib PK parameters. The AUC0→∞ IMET+OLA/IIIOLA ratio was 0.99. Olaparib significantly increased the metformin Cmax (by 177.8%), AUC0→t (by 159.8%), and AUC0→∞ (by 74.1%). The AUC0→∞ IMET+OLA/IIMET ratio was 1.74.

Conclusions

A single dose of metformin did not affect the PK parameters of olaparib, nor did it inhibit the olaparib metabolism, but olaparib significantly changed the metformin pharmacokinetics, which may be of clinical importance.
Distinct long-term disease activity trajectories differentiate early on treatment with etanercept in both rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Flouri Irini , Goutakoli Panagiota , Repa Argyro , Bertsias Antonios , Avgoustidis Nestor , Eskitzis Anastasios , Pitsigavdaki Sofia , Kalogiannaki Eleni , Terizaki Maria , Bertsias George , Sidiropoulos Prodromos
Published: October 2023

To characterize disease activity trajectories and compare long-term drug retention between rheumatoid (RA) and spondylarthritis (SpA) patients initiating tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment (etanercept). Prospective observational study of RA, axial (AxSpA) and peripheral SpA (PerSpA) patients initiating etanercept during 2004–2020. Kaplan–Meier plots were used for drug retention comparisons and multivariable Cox regression models for predictors of discontinuation. Long-term disease activity trajectories were identified by latent class growth models using DAS28-ESR or ASDAS-CRP as outcome for RA and AxSpA respectively. We assessed 711 patients (450 RA, 178 AxSpA and 83 PerSpA) with a median (IQR) follow-up of 12 (5–32) months. At 5 years, 22%, 30% and 21% of RA, AxSpA and PerSpA patients, respectively, remained on therapy. Etanercept discontinuation was independent of the diagnosis and was predicted by gender and obesity in both RA and SpA groups. Four disease activity (DA) trajectories were identified from 6th month of treatment in both RA and AxSpA. RA patients in remission-low DA groups (33.7%) were younger, had shorter disease duration, fewer comorbidities and lower baseline disease activity compared to moderate (40.6%) & high DA (25.7%) groups. In AxSpA 74% were in inactive-low DA and they were more often males, non-obese and had lower number of comorbidities compared to higher ASDAS-CRP trajectories. In RA and AxSpA patients, disease activity trajectories revealed heterogeneity of TNFi treatment responses and prognosis. Male gender, lower baseline disease activity and fewer comorbidities, characterize a favourable outcome in terms of disease burden accrual and TNFi survival.
Assisted reproduction after SARS-CoV-2-infection: results of a single-center cohort-study
Authors: Eckstein Violet , Glaß Katrin , Leßmann Marie-Elisabeth , Schaar Jessica , Klimova Anna , Wimberger Pauline , Goeckenjan Maren
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The effects of SARS-CoV-2 infections on the outcome of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) were studied in a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

The outcome of 1581 treatment cycles with embryo transfer at a university fertility center in Germany was compared in years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. For 335 treatment cycles in 2022 a detailed analysis was carried out depending on infection and immunization status of both partners.

Results

ART cycles did not differ in most of the parameters examined between 2018–2022. In spite of comparable clinical pregnancy rates, there was a significantly higher miscarriage rate at 34.6% (27/78) in 2022, compared to 19.7% (29/147) in the pre-pandemic years of 2018–2019 (p = 0.014). In 37.0% of the treatment cycles (124/335) 2022 at least one partner reported a SARS-CoV-2-Infection 6 months before ART, mostly with the virus variant Omicron. Clinical pregnancy rates were lower in cycles without infection. Comparing women with confirmed infection to no infection, a significantly higher risk of miscarriage was seen (62.5% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.009). In treatment cycles of partners with basic immunization against SARS-CoV-2 a statistically significant increase of pregnancy rates was seen comparing to cycles with both unvaccinated partners (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

The results indicate a negative impact of SARS-CoV-2-infections up to 6 months on ART treatment, in particular an increased risk of miscarriage. Vaccination was associated with a better outcome of ART treatment.
Personalized checkpoint acupuncture can reduce postoperative pain after abdominal surgery—a STRICTA-conform pilot study
Authors: Ghanad Erfan , Yang Cui , Weiß Christel , Goncalves Mario , Santos Maria Joao , Correia Nuno , Reissfelder Christoph , Greten Henry Johannes , Herrle Florian
Published: October 2023

Background

Optimal pain management is one of the core elements of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) protocols and remains a challenge. Acupuncture (AC) is an effective treatment for various pain conditions. Systematic and personalized allocation of acupoints may be decisive for efficacy.

Methods

Based on the predominant pressure sensitivity of six gastrointestinal (GI) checkpoints (G1-G6), we devised a method to detect personalized patterns of pain and a corresponding set of acupoints. We performed a single AC treatment with semi-permanent needles and assessed the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, pain threshold based on pressure algometry (PA), and temperature changes on abdominal skin areas before and 5 min after AC.

Results

Between April and June 2021, thirty-eight patients were prospectively included in this pilot study. The mean reduction in subjective pain sensation as assessed by VAS was 86%, paralleled by an augmentation of the pain threshold as measured by PA by 64%. A small but significant increase in the skin temperature was observed above the abdominal surface. These effects were independent of the type of surgery.

Conclusion

Checkpoint acupuncture may be a complementary tool for postoperative pain management. Further investigations are needed to explore this analgesic effect.
Hedgehog pathway in sarcoma: from preclinical mechanism to clinical application
Authors: Banaszek Natalia , Kurpiewska Dominika , Kozak Katarzyna , Rutkowski Piotr , Sobczuk Paweł
Published: October 2023

Sarcomas are a diverse group of malignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. They develop rarely, but due to poor prognosis, they are a challenging and significant clinical problem. Currently, available therapeutic options have very limited activity. A better understating of sarcomas’ pathogenesis may help develop more effective therapies in the future. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is involved in both embryonic development and mature tissue repair and carcinogenesis. Shh pathway inhibitors are presently used in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Its increased activity has been demonstrated in many sarcomas, including osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and malignant rhabdoid tumor. In vitro studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of inhibitors of the Hedgehog pathway in inhibiting proliferation in those sarcomas in which the components of the pathway are overexpressed. These results were confirmed by in vivo studies, which additionally proved the influence of Shh pathway inhibitors on limiting the metastatic potential of sarcoma cells. However, until now, the efficacy of sarcomas treatment with Shh pathway inhibitors has not been established in clinical trials. The reason for that may be the non-canonical activation of the pathway or interactions with other signaling pathways, such as Wnt or Notch. In this review, we present the Shh signaling pathway's role in the pathogenesis of sarcomas, including both canonical and non-canonical signaling. We also propose how this knowledge could be potentially translated into clinics.
Newton and interior-point methods for (constrained) nonconvex–nonconcave minmax optimization with stability and instability guarantees
Authors: Chinchilla Raphael , Yang Guosong , Hespanha João P.
Published: October 2023

We address the problem of finding a local solution to a nonconvex–nonconcave minmax optimization using Newton type methods, including primal-dual interior-point ones. The first step in our approach is to analyze the local convergence properties of Newton’s method in nonconvex minimization. It is well established that Newton’s method iterations are attracted to any point with a zero gradient, irrespective of it being a local minimum. From a dynamical system standpoint, this occurs because every point for which the gradient is zero is a locally asymptotically stable equilibrium point. We show that by adding a multiple of the identity such that the Hessian matrix is always positive definite, we can ensure that every non-local-minimum equilibrium point becomes unstable (meaning that the iterations are no longer attracted to such points), while local minima remain locally asymptotically stable. Building on this foundation, we develop Newton-type algorithms for minmax optimization, conceptualized as a sequence of local quadratic approximations for the minmax problem. Using a local quadratic approximation serves as a surrogate for guiding the modified Newton’s method toward a solution. For these local quadratic approximations to be well-defined, it is necessary to modify the Hessian matrix by adding a diagonal matrix. We demonstrate that, for an appropriate choice of this diagonal matrix, we can guarantee the instability of every non-local-minmax equilibrium point while maintaining stability for local minmax points. Using numerical examples, we illustrate the importance of guaranteeing the instability property. While our results are about local convergence, the numerical examples also indicate that our algorithm enjoys good global convergence properties.
Validity of the NTNU Prediction Model for D&B Tunnelling
Authors: Jakobsen Pål Drevland , Grøv Eivind , Bruland Amund , Gjengedal Sondre
Published: October 2023

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has since the early 1970s published prediction models for estimated production rates, time consumption, and costs for rock works. Since the early development of the NTNU models the tunnelling industry has continuously improved and the models have been updated on several occasions. The NTNU models are presently being updated to better fit the modern tunnelling trends in Norway. The current prediction model for D&B blast design is in this research paper compared with new data from thirteen recent Norwegian tunnel projects. The paper demonstrates that the empirical methodology behind the prediction model is still highly relevant, but some further improvements and additional empirical relations are suggested to enable the model to better cope with the recent 16 years of development in technology, equipment, contractual-issues and blast design. The new datasets show that modern D&B tunnelling employ more drill holes and specific charging per blast round than before. The current NTNU model thus under-predicts the actual tunnelling performance in the blast design. Some suggestions are made for further improving the model, where the updated drill length, the contour requirements, and the tendency to including the longitudinal ditches into the main blast are suggested as the main reasons for the disparity in drill hole numbers. Yet, the current trend in specific charging seem to have doubled since the early 2000s and cannot be explained by the increase in drill holes alone. Further development ought to be included in the blastability index (SPR) so that geological conditions that are on the extreme side of poor blastability can be properly accounted for in the blast design.