bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Modified Graphene Oxide in Corrosion Protection
Authors: Fu Lipei , Sun Tianyu , Shao Minglu , Xu Ziqiang , Liao Kaili , Zhu Heng , An Junnan , Jiang Lujun , Gu Feng
Published: July 2023

Graphene oxide is an excellent additive in anti‐corrosion coatings because of its chemical inertness, permeation resistance, and high mechanical strength. In addition, the presence of oxygen‐containing functional groups on the surface of graphene oxide gives it hydrophilic properties while efficiently promoting chemical functionalization, thus enhancing its dispersibility and corrosion inhibition properties. Modified graphene oxide corrosion inhibitors are a new field of interest for corrosion scientists. This paper presents the primary research on graphene oxide as a novel corrosion protection material, including the synthesis of modified graphene oxide and its remarkable performance in corrosion protection coatings and corrosion inhibitors. Different kinds of modified graphene oxide coatings are outlined, including the research progress on modified graphene oxide innovative coatings with pH response in recent years. The synthesis of modified graphene oxide corrosion inhibitors and their corrosion inhibition mechanisms are reviewed. Finally, the typical role of modified graphene oxide in coatings and the prospect of its research are discussed.
Insights into the Interaction Mechanism of Boceprevir with SARS‐CoV‐2 Main Protease
Authors: Kaur Gurmeet , Goyal Bhupesh
Published: July 2023

The main protease (Mpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a prominent drug target as it plays a key role in viral replication and is greatly conserved in the coronaviruses with no homologues in the human genome. Ma et al. reported boceprevir, an FDA‐approved hepatitis C virus (HCV) drug, for inhibiting SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro activity (IC50=4.13±0.61 μM). However, how boceprevir inhibits Mpro activity remains unexplored. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been utilized in the present study to examine the mechanistic basis of the high‐affinity binding of boceprevir with SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro. The molecular docking analysis depicted a strong binding (−7.5 kcal/mol) of boceprevir to Mpro due to its hydrogen bond interactions with catalytic dyad (Cys145) and oxyanion hole residues (Asn142, Gly143) of Mpro. MD simulations revealed the structural stability of the Mpro‐boceprevir complex during the whole simulation. The MD simulations illuminated key interactions of boceprevir with the residues lining the subpockets of the active site of Mpro, which is consistent with its high‐affinity binding with Mpro observed in the in vitro studies. The results from the current investigation will offer direction and valuable insights for developing novel Mpro inhibitors.
Identification of Azelastine and Carvedilol as Cholinesterase Inhibitors via Structure‐Based Virtual Screening of FDA‐approved Drugs
Authors: Sharma Mohit , Thakur Shikha , Jadhav Hemant R. , Bharate Sandip B.
Published: July 2023

The structure‐based virtual screening (SBVS) has gained immense importance in early drug discovery. Herein, we report the SBVS‐driven identification of new cholinesterase inhibitors from a library of FDA‐approved small molecule drugs (n=1760). The in vitro validation of top SBVS hits provided azelastine, dronedarone, and iloperidone as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors with IC50 values of 9.2, 18.2, and 23.0 μM, respectively. The in vitro screening of top actives in the butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition assay provided carvedilol as a potent BChE inhibitor with an IC50 of 0.8 μM. Azelastine also inhibits BChE with IC50 of 4.89 μM, indicating its dual ChE inhibition activity. Azelastine and carvedilol also inhibit the self‐aggregation of Aβ1–42 with IC50 values of 4.6 and 2.2 μM, respectively. Both drugs cross blood‐brain barrier (BBB), as indicated by the parallel artificial membrane permeation assay. Results presented herein warrant exploring the repurposing potential of azelastine and carvedilol for Alzheimer's disease.
First N‐Functionalization of 4‐Nitroso‐1H‐Pyrazoles Using Monofunctional and Bifunctional Alkylating Agents
Authors: Bobrova Anastasiia V. , Krasnov Pavel O. , Radzhabov Amirbek D. , Kondrasenko Alexander A. , Root Evgeniy V. , Suboch Georgii A.
Published: July 2023

The direct N‐alkylation reactions of ambident 3,5‐substituted 4‐nitroso‐1H‐pyrazoles are described for the first time. An efficient method of the 4‐nitroso‐1H‐pyrazoles and their sodium alkyl‐, allyl‐ salts regioselective N‐alkylation by benzyl halides, halocarboxylic acids esters, and related bifunctional alkylating agents is established with the use of superbasic conditions or reflux in acetone. A series of new N‐functionalized nitrosopyrazoles and bis(4‐nitrosopyrazole) compounds is successfully obtained with a yield of up to 85 %. Using quantum‐chemical calculations, it is shown that in terms of kinetics and thermodynamics, the N‐alkylation of the considered pyrazoles is a more advantageous process than O‐alkylation.
Metal‐free Oxidation of Cyclic Sulfamides to Imines with Dioxygen as an Oxidant
Authors: Ma Peipei , Cao Yun , Gan Haifeng
Published: July 2023

A novel metal‐free oxidation of aryl sulfamides to sulfonyl imines with dioxygen as an oxidant have been realized. The reactions proceeded in moderate to excellent yields. Mechanistic investigation suggests that alcohol compounds A can be the key intermediates for the formation of products 2.
Atomic‐scale interface engineering for two‐dimensional materials based field‐effect transistors
Authors: Hou Xiangyu , Jin Tengyu , Zheng Yue , Chen Wei
Published: July 2023

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials with free of dangling bonds have the potential to serve as ideal channel materials for the next generation of field‐effect transistors (FETs) due to their atomic‐thin and excellent electronic properties. However, the performance of 2D materials‐based FETs is still dictated by the interface between electrodes/dielectrics and 2D materials. Several technical challenges such as improving device stability, reducing contact resistance, and advancing mobility need to be overcome. Herein, we focus on the effects of atomic‐scale interface engineering on the contact resistance and dielectric layer for 2D FETs. Universal strategies we consider to achieve ohmic contact and develop high‐quality, defect‐free dielectric layers are provided. Furthermore, advancing the performance of 2D materials‐based FETs and binding to silicon substrates are briefly analyzed.
Designing Selenium Nanoadjuvant as Universal Agent for Live‐Killed Virus‐Based Vaccine
Authors: Deng Bo , He Xiaoming , Wang Dongdong , Wang Ying , Jiang Yalin , Chen Tianfeng , Xu Ligeng
Published: July 2023

Inactivated virus vaccines with whole antigen spectra and good safety are the commonly used modality for preventing infections. However, the poor immunogenicity greatly limits its clinical applications. Herein, by taking advantages of the crucial roles of Se in the functions of immune cells and its biomineralization property, it successfully in‐situ synthesized Se nanoadjuvant on inactivated viruses such as porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), pseudorabies virus (PRV), and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in a facile method, which is universal to construct other inactivated virus vaccines. The nanovaccine can highly effectively enhance the uptake of PEDV/PRV/PRRSV into dendritic cells (DCs) and activate DCs via triggering TLR4 signaling pathways and regulating selenoproteins expressions. Furthermore, it exhibited better activities in triggering macrophages and natural killer cells‐mediated innate immunity and T cells‐mediated cellular immunity compared to PEDV and the commercial inactivated PEDV vaccine on both mice and swine models. This study provides a universal Se nanoadjuvant for developing inactivated viruses‐based nanovaccines for preventing virus infections.
Mediator Monomer Regulated Emulsion Interfacial Polymerization to Synthesize Nanofractal Magnetic Particles for Nucleic Acid Separation
Authors: Shen Xinyi , Zhang Yue , Wang Duanda , Huang Yanling , Song Yongyang , Wang Shutao
Published: July 2023

Polymer‐based magnetic particles have been widely used for the separation of biological samples including nucleic acids, proteins, virus, and cells. Existing magnetic particles are almost prepared by coating polymers on magnetic nanoparticles (NPs). However, this strategy usually encounters the problem of poor magnetic NPs loading capacity. Here, a series of nanofractal magnetic particles (nanoFMPs) synthesized by a strategy of mediator monomer regulated emulsion interfacial polymerization is presented, which allows effective magnetic NPs loading and show efficient nucleic acid separation performance. The mediator monomers facilitate the dispersion of magnetic NPs in internal phase to achieve higher loading, and the hydrophilic monomers use electrostatic interactions to form surface nanofractal structures with functional groups. Compared with magnetic particles without nanofractal structure, nanoFMPs exhibit a higher nucleic acid extraction capability. This strategy offers an effective and versatile way for the synthesis of nanoFMPs toward efficient separation in various fields from clinical diagnosis to food safety and environmental monitoring.
Laser‐Assisted Nanotexturing for Flexible Ultrathin Crystalline Si Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Youngseok , Woo Jeong-Hyun , Kim Keonhee , Lee Kyeong Seok , Jeong Yeonjoo , Kim Jaewook , Hwang Gyu Weon , Lee Doh-Kwon , Kim Ju-Young , Kim Inho
Published: July 2023

Ultrathin (UT) crystalline Si wafers, which are more flexible than conventional ones, can apply to curved surfaces, enabling a wide range of applications such as building‐integrated photovoltaics, vehicle‐integrated photovoltaics, and wearable devices. Thinner wafers require more effective light trapping; thus, surface texturing in microscale is a common approach to compensate for the reduced thickness by enhancing the light pathlength. Microscale textures, however, deteriorate the mechanical flexibility due to stress concentration in the valley of the microtextures. In this study, a laser‐assisted nanotexturing process is proposed for enhanced flexibility of the UT Si solar cells with a 50 μm thickness while maintaining light‐trapping performances. A nanolens array is used to focus laser onto the Si wafers, inducing the formation of nanoparticle etch masks for nanopyramid texturing in an alkaline solution. The origin of the enhanced flexibility of the nanotextured Si wafers is discussed by a micromechanics simulation study. Herein, nanotexturing technique is applied to UT Si‐based passivated emitter rear cells and the enhanced flexibility of the cells with a 26 mm critical bending radius is demonstrated. Also, it is shown that the nanotextured Si wafer provides a higher efficiency of 18.68%, whereas the microtextured one exhibits 18.10%.
Axial compressive behaviors of circular steel slag concrete‐filled steel tube slender columns
Authors: Lu Linhan , Liang Tao , Zhang Tianhe , Ren Qingxin , Wang Qinghe , Wang Sheng
Published: July 2023

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using steel slag aggregate in concrete‐filled steel tubes by conducting axial compression tests on five groups of 10 circular steel slag concrete‐filled steel tube (SSCFST) slender columns. The failure mode, load–deformation curve, load–strain curve, axial bearing capacity, initial axial stiffness and ductility of the columns are analyzed. The effects of the steel slag replacement ratio and slenderness ratio on the axial compressive behaviors of the specimens are also quantified. These test results are employed to verify the reliability of a finite element model of the circular SSCFST slender columns established using Abaqus software. Then, a parametric analysis is conducted to explore the factors affecting the axial compressive behaviors of circular SSCFST slender columns. Moreover, the prediction accuracy of the existing design methods for the axial bearing capacity of circular SSCFST slender columns is evaluated. The results demonstrate that the ultimate bearing capacity of the specimens decreases by 2.3% and 3.1% on average, the initial stiffness decreases by 2.8% and 3.5%, and the ductility index decreases by 1.2% and increases by 1.6%, respectively, when the steel slag replacement ratio increases from 0 to 50% and 100%. The ultimate bearing capacity of the specimens decreases by 11.1% and 37.1% on average, the initial stiffness decreases by 6.3% and 28.8%, and the ductility index decreases by 5.1% and 12.2%, respectively, when the specimen slenderness ratio increases from 40 to 60 and 80. The confinement factor and slenderness ratio play a significant role in determining the axial compressive behaviors of SSCFST slender columns. The accuracy of the formulas provided in TCECS 625‐2019 and by Han is demonstrated in predicting the axial bearing capacity of circular SSCFST slender columns.
T‐cell exhaustion prediction algorithm in tumor microenvironment for evaluating prognostic stratification and immunotherapy effect of esophageal cancer
Authors: Su Xiangyu , Fu Chenchun , Liu Fei , Bian Rongrong , Jing Ping
Published: July 2023

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common digestive malignancy that ranks sixth in cancer deaths, with a 5‐year survival rate of 15%–25%. As a result, reliable prognostic biomarkers are required to accurately predict the prognosis of EC. T‐cell exhaustion (TEX) is associated with poorer prognosis and immune infiltration in EC. In this study, nine risk genes were finally screened to constitute the prognostic model using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis. Patients were divided into two groups based on the expression of the TEX‐related genes: high‐risk group and low‐risk group. The expression of TEX‐related genes differed significantly between the two groups. The findings revealed that the risk model developed was highly related to the clinical prognosis and amount of immune cell infiltration in EC patients. It was also significantly correlated with the therapeutic sensitivity of multiple chemotherapeutic agents in EC patients. Subsequently, we successfully constructed drug‐resistant cell lines KYSE480/CDDP‐R and KYSE180/CDDP‐R to verify the correlation between PD‐1 and drug resistance in EC. Then, we examined the mRNA and protein expression levels of PD‐1 in parental and drug‐resistant cells using qPCR and WB. It was found that the expression level of PD‐1 was significantly increased in the plasma red of drug‐resistant cells. Next, we knocked down PD‐1 in drug‐resistant cells and found that the resistance of EC cells to CDDP was significantly reduced. And the proportion of apoptotic cells in cells treated with 6 μM CDDP for 24 h was significantly in increase. The TEX‐based risk model achieved good prediction results for prognosis prediction in EC patients. And it was also significantly associated with the level of immune cell infiltration and drug therapy sensitivity of EC patients. Additionally, the downregulation of PD‐1 may be associated with increased drug sensitivity in EC and enhanced T‐cell infiltration. The high‐risk group had lower TIDE scores, indicating that the high‐risk group benefits more after receiving immunotherapy. Thus, the TEX‐based risk model can be used as a novel tumor prognostic biomarker.
Anticancer activity of polyphenolic Punica granatum peel extracts obtained by hybrid ultrasound‐microwave assisted extraction: Evaluation on HeLa and HepG2 cells
Authors: González‐González Gerardo Manuel , Esparza‐González Sandra Cecilia , Nery‐Flores Sendar Daniel , Morlett‐Chávez Jesús Antonio , Ascacio‐Valdés Juan Alberto , Flores‐Gallegos Adriana Carolina , Saenz‐Galindo Aidé , Rodríguez‐Herrera Raúl
Published: July 2023

Punica granatum peel is a significant source of polyphenolic compounds that have potential uses as drugs. This study aimed to obtain and purify polyphenolic compounds derived from pomegranate peel and to evaluate their potential anticancer activity in cell lines. Polyphenols from the pomegranate peel were extracted using hybrid ultrasound‐microwave technology. Different mass:volume ratios and water:ethanol ratios were used during extraction. Purification was performed on a chromatographic column with Amberlite XAD‐16, and unfractionated extracts and fractions extracts were obtained. The main compounds identified by HPLC belong to the ellagitannins family. The unfractionated extract from the 1:12 (m/v) and 30% ethanol condition was used to evaluate its cytotoxic effect against HeLa, HepG2, and 3T3 cell lines. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the pomegranate polyphenolic extracts (PPEs). Viability in HeLa and HepG2 cells was affected in a dose‐dependent manner by a concentration of 25 ppm of polyphenol powders. Additionally, a genotoxicity test was carried out, which showed DNA damage, indicating that the cytotoxic effect is possibly due in part to DNA damage. The use of the pomegranate peel could be a viable option for obtaining bioactive compounds that can be used as adjuvants or in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer.
Robenacoxib versus meloxicam following ovariohysterectomy in cats: A randomised, prospective clinical trial involving owner‐based assessment of pain
Authors: Hillen Florence , Polson Sally , Yates David , Watkinson Rachel , White Kate
Published: July 2023

Background

Injectable non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to queens undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVH), but the requirement for postoperative administration is unclear and practices vary. Existing studies assessing efficacy rely on pain scoring by experienced clinicians. However, following OVH, most cats are discharged within hours of recovery.

Methods

Cats undergoing OVH were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: MEL and ROB. Cats in the MEL group (n = 76) received meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg) and those in the ROB group (n = 65) received robenacoxib (2 mg/kg). Owners were contacted by a blinded assessor 3 days postoperatively and asked to identify physical or behavioural changes and to assign pain scores using a numerical rating scale.

Results

More cats in the ROB group displayed abnormal behaviours than cats in the MEL group (p = 0.03). Most owners assigned a pain score of 0 (72%) (n = 101), but pain scores were significantly higher in the ROB group than in the MEL group (p = 0.005).

Limitation

Methods of owner assessment of pain in cats have not been validated.

Conclusions

Both meloxicam and robenacoxib are effective in controlling postoperative pain. Meloxicam may have improved efficacy in certain patient populations. Applying a blanket approach to prescribing NSAIDs to cats undergoing OVH postoperatively may not be necessary. This has safety, environmental and cost implications.
Removal efficiency and energy consumption optimization for carbamazepine degradation in wastewater by electrohydraulic discharge
Authors: Gwanzura E. , Ramjugernath D. , Iwarere S. A.
Published: July 2023

Objective

The treatment of recalcitrant emerging pollutants is a major concern in wastewater treatment. The purpose of this study was the optimization of emerging recalcitrant pollutant degradation using carbamazepine as a representative pollutant. Investigations of the carbamazepine degradation in wastewater was carried out by manipulating discharge current, air flow rate, and initial concentration to maximize removal efficiency and minimize energy consumption.

Method

The study utilized a three‐factor at two levels factorial design with randomized central runs. Discharge current, air flow rate, and initial concentration were the independent variables while to maximize removal efficiency and minimize energy consumption were the response variables. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the data.

Results

Discharge current, air flow rate, and initial concentration significantly impacted the removal efficiency to different degrees. However, for energy consumption, only current and air flow rate were the significant variables. The highest removal efficiency obtained was 93% ± 4% for 10 and 40 mg/L initial carbamazepine concentration after 10 min of plasma treatment at a current of 0.45 A and no air flow rate.

Conclusion

The plasma reactor demonstrated the capability to treat high cyclic organic chemical contaminant concentration in wastewater with possible applications in preconcentrated wastewater remediation. However, there is still room for reactor design optimization. One key area of focus is reducing treatment cost, which may be achieved theoretically, pending further experimental investigation, by introducing an alternating current power supply, which can reduce energy consumption by 50%–60%.

Practitioner Points

Discharge current, air flow rate, and initial concentration all influenced the removal efficiency of carbamazepine.

For energy consumption, only current and air flow rate were significant variables.

Higher currents result in an improved highly reactive species and UV generation.

Treatment cost per m3 for the plasma reactor is higher than established technologies.

The plasma reactor in the study still requires significant optimization.
Machine learning Post-Minkowskian integrals
Authors: Jinno Ryusuke , Kälin Gregor , Liu Zhengwen , Rubira Henrique
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We study a neural network framework for the numerical evaluation of Feynman loop integrals that are fundamental building blocks for perturbative computations of physical observables in gauge and gravity theories. We show that such a machine learning approach improves the convergence of the Monte Carlo algorithm for high-precision evaluation of multi-dimensional integrals compared to traditional algorithms. In particular, we use a neural network to improve the importance sampling. For a set of representative integrals appearing in the computation of the conservative dynamics for a compact binary system in General Relativity, we perform a quantitative comparison between the Monte Carlo integrators VEGAS and i-flow, an integrator based on neural network sampling.
Solitonic excitations in AdS2
Authors: Heidmann Pierre , Houppe Anthony
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We construct large families of supergravity solutions that are asymptotic to AdS2 and terminate with a cap that is singular in two dimensions but smooth in higher dimensions. These solutions break supersymmetry and conformal invariance. We list arguments suggesting that they correspond to finite-energy excitations in empty AdS2 that back-react on the geometry by inducing non-trivial bubbling topology. They are constructed from the novel technique associated with the Ernst formalism for AdSD × 𝒞 solitons in supergravity [1]. The technique is applied to D = 2 in M-theory with 𝒞 = S3 × T6. The directions of 𝒞 degenerate smoothly as a chain of bolts which ends the spacetime in the IR and generates non-supersymmetric bubbles supported by M2-brane flux. Some specific solutions have “flat” directions where the sizes of their bubbles are totally unconstrained and can be arbitrarily tuned while the asymptotics remains fixed. The solitons should correspond to regular non-supersymmetric states of a holographically dual CFT1.
The flavor of QCD axion dark matter
Authors: Alonso-Álvarez Gonzalo , Cline James M. , Xiao Tianzhuo
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We argue that demanding a consistent cosmological history, including the absence of domain walls and strongly interacting relics at the Peccei-Quinn scale, singles out two concrete realizations of hadronic QCD axions as viable dark matter models. These realizations generally feature flavor-violating axion couplings to Standard Model quarks that are unsuppressed at low energies. As a consequence, experiments looking for flavor-violating hadronic processes involving the axion can be sensitive probes of QCD axion dark matter models. In particular, we show that the NA62 and KOTO experiments could detect the K → π + a decay for axions consistent with the observed dark matter abundance via the post-inflationary misalignment mechanism.
Light-cone distribution amplitudes of a light baryon in large-momentum effective theory
Authors: Deng Zhi-Fu , Han Chao , Wang Wei , Zeng Jun , Zhang Jia-Lu
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Momentum distributions of quarks/gluons inside a light baryon in a hard exclusive process are encoded in the light-cone distribution amplitudes (LCDAs). In this work, we point out that the leading twist LCDAs of a light baryon can be obtained through a simulation of a quasi-distribution amplitude calculable on lattice QCD within the framework of the large-momentum effective theory. We calculate the one-loop perturbative contributions to LCDA and quasi-distribution amplitudes and explicitly demonstrate the factorization of quasi-distribution amplitudes at the one-loop level. Based on the perturbative results, we derive the matching kernel in the $$ \overline{\textrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

scheme and regularization-invariant momentum-subtraction scheme. Our result provides a first step to obtaining the LCDA from first principle lattice QCD calculations in the future.
The semiconstrained DRUJ prosthesis: blessing or curse?
Authors: Sommer Katharina , Sturm Ramona , Sterz Jasmina , Marzi Ingo , Frank Johannes
Published: July 2023

Purpose

There are numerous operative procedures to treat osteoarthritic changes or a significant instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The key problem of most methods is the destabilization of the forearm leading to secondary painful impingement between the radius and ulna, as well as a significant limitation of forearm rotation. The Aptis-Prosthesis designed by Scheker represents a complete substitute for the DRUJ. It is mostly used after the failure of various treatment options to solve the primary problems (arthritis, instability). We have used this type of prosthesis mostly after multiple operative treatments for more than 25 years.

Methods

In the following retrospective study, we analyzed the data of patients that received an Aptis-prosthesis between 2016 and 2021. We have implanted this prosthesis in 13 cases (11 female, 2 male). Routinely, we document the clinical outcome concerning range of motion (ROM), grip strength, and pain according to numeric rate scaling (NRS) after more than 12 months (month 12–24). In addition, complications, osseous changes, and the rate of loosening of the prosthesis were registered. Furthermore, DASH-Score and patients ‘ satisfaction were evaluated. Also—as with other implants—follow-up x-rays were performed.

Results

Removal or significant revision of any of the prostheses was not needed. The ROM was 68.1° ± 19.7° for pronation and 72.3° ± 20.9° for supination, grip strength amounted to 27.7 kg ± 11.0 kg equaling 83% of the contralateral side. NRS was 0 at rest and 1.2 (0–2) under weight-bearing. A lysis margin of the radial tap was noted in the radiological examination in 2 patients but without any signs of loosening. The DASH-Score added up to 31.8 ± 13.8 (13–55). All patients were satisfied or very satisfied having this implant.

Conclusion

The semiconstrained Aptis-prosthesis is a safe and efficient treatment option after failed DRUJ surgeries. It is striking that of the 20 implanted prostheses no significant revision or explantations were necessary over a period of 25 years.
Praktische Aspekte bei der Anwendung von Topika in der geriatrischen Dermatologie
Authors: Therstappen K. , Eichner A. , Wohlrab J.
Published: July 2023

Altersbedingte Veränderungen des Hautorgans beziehen in Abhängigkeit der intrinsischen Gegebenheiten und extrinsischer Einflussfaktoren alle kutanen Schichten ein. Das Ausmaß der seneszenten Veränderungen kann bei Hochaltrigen stark variieren, sodass eine individuelle Bewertung sinnvoll und häufig auch notwendig ist. Von besonderer klinischer Bedeutung sind die Veränderungen der Epidermis, die eine komplexe Reduktion der Barrierefunktion und Minderung der Kompensationskapazität bezüglich exogener Noxen nach sich ziehen. Daraus leitet sich eine erhöhte Suszeptibilität insbesondere gegenüber Infektionen und Tumorerkrankungen ab. Vor diesem Hintergrund ist eine prophylaktische Strategie zur Substitution der physikochemischen und damit auch mikrobiologischen Barriere im Rahmen der Basispflege von großer Bedeutung. Um diese konsequent umsetzen zu können, ist die Empfehlung von explizit für Altershaut konzipierten Präparaten und praktischen Anwendungshinweisen sehr wesentlich. Letztere sollten die Einschränkungen bezüglich der Beweglichkeit sowie mögliche kognitive Defizite von Hochaltrigen berücksichtigen. Dazu sollten sowohl Eincremehilfen als auch bezüglich der Viskosität und Zusammensetzung geeignete Präparationen empfohlen werden. Um die Umsetzung zudem zu erleichtern, können schriftliche oder bildliche Handlungsempfehlungen sowie digitale Assistenzsysteme zur Anwendung kommen. Aufgrund der demografischen Entwicklungen in Deutschland und Europa wird die geriatrische Dermatologie in den nächsten Jahren deutlich an klinischer Relevanz gewinnen.
DCE-MRI-based radiomics in predicting angiopoietin-2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Jing , Du Pei-Zhuo , Yang Cui , Tao Yun-Yun , Li Li , Li Zu-Mao , Yang Lin
Published: July 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer, and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Studies have shown that increased angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) expression relative to Ang-1 expression in tumors is associated with a poor prognosis.The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of predicting Ang-2 expression in HCC by preoperative dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI)-based radiomics.

Methods

The data of 52 patients with HCC who underwent surgical resection in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Ang-2 expression in HCC was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. All patients underwent preoperative upper abdominal DCE-MRI and intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging scans. Radiomics features were extracted from the early and late arterial and portal phases of axial DCE-MRI. Univariate analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was performed to select the optimal radiomics features for analysis. A logistic regression analysis was performed to establish a DCE-MRI radiomics model, clinic-radiologic (CR) model and combined model integrating the radiomics score with CR factors. The stability of each model was verified by 10-fold cross-validation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, calibration curve analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to evaluate these models.

Results

Among the 52 HCC patients, high Ang-2 expression was found in 30, and low Ang-2 expression was found in 22. The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) for the radiomics model, CR model and combined model for predicting Ang-2 expression were 0.800, 0.874, and 0.933, respectively. The DeLong test showed that there was no significant difference in the AUC between the radiomics model and the CR model (p > 0.05) but that the AUC for the combined model was significantly greater than those for the other 2 models (p < 0.05). The DCA results showed that the combined model outperformed the other 2 models and had the highest net benefit.

Conclusion

The DCE-MRI-based radiomics model has the potential to predict Ang-2 expression in HCC patients; the combined model integrating the radiomics score with CR factors can further improve the prediction performance.

Graphical abstract
Valorization for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in the Agri-Food Value Chain
Authors: Voglhuber-Slavinsky Ariane , Lemke Nahleen , MacPherson Joseph , Dönitz Ewa , Olbrisch Mathias , Schöbel Philipp , Moller Björn , Bahrs Enno , Helming Katharina
Published: July 2023

This article defines the term valorization of biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) measures, as distinguished from their valuation, and underpins it with an assessment of private valorization examples along the agri-food value chain. Valorization incentivizes measures for promoting BES, while valuation refers to its quantification. Valuation can be a step of valorization but is not indispensable. In scientific literature, the terms valorization and valuation are often used interchangeably. In addition, there is a lack of research on private options versus conventional, public policy options. Therefore, we searched for private valorization options primarily in public sources (gray literature and websites). This led to the identification of four clusters (markets for voluntary services, labeling, and certification, environmental management/CSR, and tradable permits and quotas). Based on these clusters the options were assessed from a legal and systems dynamics perspective. In addition, the viability of selected valorization options in different future scenarios was examined. The analysis revealed a wide range of private valorization options, which in contrast to public policy options that focus almost entirely on the production stage, are spread across the agri-food value chain. Their suitability differs under different future scenarios, legal and systems conditions.
Structured Matrices and Their Application in Neural Networks: A Survey
Authors: Kissel Matthias , Diepold Klaus
Published: July 2023

Modern neural network architectures are becoming larger and deeper, with increasing computational resources needed for training and inference. One approach toward handling this increased resource consumption is to use structured weight matrices. By exploiting structures in weight matrices, the computational complexity for propagating information through the network can be reduced. However, choosing the right structure is not trivial, especially since there are many different matrix structures and structure classes. In this paper, we give an overview over the four main matrix structure classes, namely semiseparable matrices, matrices of low displacement rank, hierarchical matrices and products of sparse matrices. We recapitulate the definitions of each structure class, present special structure subclasses, and provide references to research papers in which the structures are used in the domain of neural networks. We present two benchmarks comparing the classes. First, we benchmark the error for approximating different test matrices. Second, we compare the prediction performance of neural networks in which the weight matrix of the last layer is replaced by structured matrices. After presenting the benchmark results, we discuss open research questions related to the use of structured matrices in neural networks and highlight future research directions.
Zinc-nanoparticles alleviate the ovarian damage induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in pregnant rats and their fetuses
Authors: El-Beltagy Abd El-Fattah B. M. , Bakr Samaa M. , Mekhaimer Samah S. G. , Ghanem Noura F. , Attaallah Amany
Published: July 2023

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin derived from the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria. LPS exposure during early gestation is associated with adverse effects on the placenta as well as on developmental outcomes, including embryonic resorption, fetal death, congenital teratogenesis, and fetal growth retardation. This work aimed to explore the adverse effects of LPS injected at an early stage of gestation on the gonads of pregnant rats and the ovaries of their pups and the role of zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) against these adverse effects. Twenty-four pregnant rats were used in this study. They were divided at gestation day 4 into four groups (n = 6): control, Zn-NPs (20 mg/kg orally from gestation day E14 till the end of weaning), LPS (50 µg/kg at gestation days E7 and E9), and LPS + Zn-NPs group. The body weight and placenta weight were recorded at gestational day 16. At postnatal day 21 (weaning), the mothers rats and their offspring were sacrificed and immediately dissected to remove the ovaries and uteri from the mothers and the ovaries from their offspring for subsequent biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical investigations. The obtained results revealed that LPS exposure during early gestation caused severe histopathological alterations in the placenta, uterus, and ovaries of mothers, as well as in the ovaries of their pups. Also, the uterine and ovarian sections displayed a positive reaction for caspase-3 antibody and a negative reaction for Bcl-2 antibody, which reflects the apoptotic effect of LPS. Additionally, remarkable reductions in the levels of antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and significant increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were recorded in the serum of LPS-treated mothers and in the ovarian tissues of their offspring. Further biochemical analysis of the ovarian tissues from LPS-maternally treated offspring showed a significant increase in the levels of caspase-3, TNF-α, and TGF-β1, but a significant decrease in the level of IGF-1. On the other hand, treatment of mothers with Zn-NPs from day 14 of gestation until the weaning day (21st day postnatal) successfully ameliorated most of the deleterious histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical changes induced by LPS.

Graphical abstract
Context-guided coarse-to-fine detection model for bird nest detection on high-speed railway catenary
Authors: Zhao Hongwei , Wu Siquan , Tian Zhen , Li Yidong , Jin Yi , Wang Shengchun
Published: July 2023

As a critical component of ensuring the safe and stable operation of trains, the detection of bird’s nests on the rail catenary has always been essential. Low-resolution images and the lack of labelled data, however, make it difficult to detect smaller bird’s nests (those occupying small pixels in the input image). Previous solution relies on manual online patrol or offline video playback, which severely limits the detection efficiency. Previously, this challenge was addressed by manual online patrol or offline video playback, which severely limits detection efficiency. We propose in this work a context-guided coarse-to-fine detection model (CG-CFDM) for solving the bird’s nest detection problem. This solution consists of a context reasoning module and a coarse-to-fine detection network. By detecting domains and matching templates, the context reasoning module generates new labelled context bounding boxes, thereby reducing the burden of annotation. As a result of its delicately designed architecture and powerful representation learning ability, this trained coarse-to-fine detection network further facilitates the detection of bird’s nests in an efficient and accurate manner. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach is superior to existing methods in terms of performance and has a great deal of potential for detecting bird’s nests.
Metastatic meningioma: a case series and systematic review
Authors: Himič Vratko , Burman Richard J. , Fountain Daniel M. , Hofer Monika , Livermore Laurent J. , Jeyaretna D. Sanjeeva
Published: July 2023

Background

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor. While the majority of meningiomas are benign, rarely they can metastasize extracranially. There is a need for a more comprehensive review of these patients to improve our understanding of this rare phenomenon and its prevalence globally. Here we describe our institution’s experience of patients presenting with metastatic meningiomas. We further perform a systematic review of the existing literature to explore common features of this rare manifestation of meningioma and review the efficacy of current treatments.

Methods

We performed a retrospective clinical review of all adult patients with metastatic meningioma managed at our institution over the past 20 years, identifying 6 patients. We then performed a systematic review of cases of metastatic meningioma in the literature ranging from the years 1886 to 2022. A descriptive analysis was then conducted on the available data from 1979 onward, focusing on the grade and location of the primary tumor as well as the latency period to, and location of, the metastasis.

Results

In total, we analyzed 155 cases. Fifty-four percent of patients initially presented with a primary meningioma located in the convexity. The most common site of metastasis was the lung. Risk factors associated with a shorter time to metastasis were male sex and a high initial grade of the tumor. Regarding treatment, the addition of chemotherapy was the most common adjunct to the standard management of surgery and radiotherapy. Despite an exhaustive review we were unable to identify effective treatments. The majority of published cases came from centers situated in high-income countries (84%) while only 16% came from lower- and middle-income countries.

Conclusions

Metastatic meningiomas pose a pertinent, and likely underestimated, clinical challenge within modern neurosurgery. To optimize management, timely identification of these patients is important. More research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying these tumors to better guide the development of effective screening and management protocols. However, screening of each meningioma patient is not feasible, and at the heart of this challenge is the inability to control the primary disease. Ultimately, a consensus is needed as to how to correctly screen for and manage these patients; genomic and epigenomic approaches could hold the answer to finding druggable targets.
Transferability of the scuffing load capacity of gear oils determined on spur gears to hypoid gears
Authors: Drechsel Alexander , Pellkofer Josef , Stahl Karsten
Published: July 2023

The scuffing load carrying capacity is a decisive design criterion in the development of gears. In addition to the gear geometry, the entire tribological system of the gearbox must also be taken into account. Besides the loads and speeds occuring during the operation of the gears, the lubricant used and its additives have a significant influence on the scuffing load carrying capacity. In particular, hypoid gears show an unfavorable combination of high sliding velocities and high contact stresses in tooth contact with regard to the failure mode scuffing. To ensure safe operation, highly additivated gear oils are generally used in hypoid transmissions. Since it is generally not possible to determine the influence of the lubricant on the load carrying capacity of gears on the basis of physical or chemical oil data alone, experimental test methods are necessary. Due to the high scuffing load carrying capacity of highly additivated hypoid oils, the limits of many test methods are reached. In order to ensure testing highly additivated hypoid oils as close as possible to their application a new hypoid scuffing test was developed. However, since spur gear scuffing test methods can be carried out more quickly and with less resource and effort, the applicability of the spur gear scuffing test S‑A10/16.6R/90 to high additivated hypoid oils is investigated. The comparability of the two test methods and the transferability of the scuffing load carrying capacity of a gear oil determined on spur gears to hypoid gears is evaluated in scope of this paper.
Cleaner and sustainable synthesis of high-quality monoglycerides by use of enzyme technologies: techno-economic and environmental study for monolaurin
Authors: Mustafa Ahmad , Fathy Sara , Kutlu Ozben , Niikura Fumiya , Inayat Abrar , Mustafa Muhamad , Abdellatief Tamer M. M. , Bokhari Awais , Samuel Olusegun David , Pastore Carlo , di Bitonto Luigi , Tawfik M. A. , Munir Mamoona , Mohsen Reham
Published: July 2023

Currently, monoglycerides (MG) are produced using a complicated energy-intensive technology that contributes negatively toward greenhouse gas mitigation. This work suggests a cleaner and simpler one-step enzymatic production of α-monolaurin in an inert membrane reactor, where the reaction and enzyme separation are conducted simultaneously in one unit. Candida antarctica lipase (Lipozyme 435) was used to catalyze the esterification reaction between lauric acid and glycerin in a solvent-free system under mild temperatures. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the reaction conditions. The optimal conditions were a molecular sieve of 14.85% w/w, a temperature of 56.95 °C, an enzyme amount of 5.38% w/w, and a molar ratio of 4.75% w/w. The gas chromatography (GC) analysis showed that the α-monolaurin percentage was 49.5% when the enzymatic process (ENZ) was used. The conventional chemical (CHEM) and autocatalytic (AUT) esterification methods were also performed to study their proportional MG yields. The GC results showed the MG percentages of 43.9 and 41.7% for CHEM and AUT, respectively. Economic analysis was also conducted for the suggested enzymatic technique, and the findings were compared with those of the CHEM and AUT technologies. Using a plant capacity of 4950 t/year and 11% interest for the proposed ENZ process, the total capital investment of α-monolaurin production was preferably four times less than that of the CHEM process and three times less than that of the AUT method, presenting investment possibilities. However, the ENZ process showed the least profitability (net profit per day) among the three processes. Nevertheless, the return on investment and net present value for the ENZ process were preferably higher than those of CHEM and AUT because of its interestingly lower inside battery limit plant cost and less energy consumption. The AUT/CHEM processes generated a total carbon dioxide (CO2) exhaust of 678.7 t CO2 eq./year. In contrast, the ENZ process exhausted a total CO2 of only 50 t CO2 eq./year. The present integrated techno-economic and environmental study of α-monolaurin production emphasizes the green and cost benefits of the proposed ENZ technology.

Graphical Abstract
Bundesländerspezifische Versorgungsunterschiede von Epilepsiepatienten in Deutschland
Authors: Kohlhase Konstantin , Rosenow Felix , Golbach Rejane , Strzelczyk Adam , Willems Laurent M.
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund

Epilepsiepatienten benötigen häufig eine spezialisierte Behandlung, die sich aufgrund der gesundheitspolitischen Zuständigkeit der Bundesländer innerhalb Deutschlands unterscheiden kann.

Ziel der Arbeit

Es erfolgte die Evaluation der bundeslandspezifischen Unterschiede in der Versorgungsstruktur anhand stationärer Krankenhausfälle von Epilepsiepatienten in den Jahren 2000 bis 2020 in Relation zum spezialisierten Behandlungsangebot.

Material und Methoden

Die stationären Krankenhausfälle der Bundesländer wurden mittels Friedman-Test und Zeitreihentrendanalyse ausgewertet. Eine bundeslandspezifische stationäre Minder- bzw. Mehrversorgung von stationären Krankenhausfällen außerhalb des gemeldeten Bundeslandes wurde durch den Vergleich der Wohnsitz- und Behandlungsort-bezogenen Fallzahlen mit einem Schwellenwert von ±5 % analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Nach Altersadaptierung fanden sich signifikant mehr stationäre Fälle in den „neuen Bundesländern“ im Vergleich zu den „alten Bundesländern“ (p < 0,001); die bundesweit höchste Fallzahl bestand im Saarland mit 224,8 ± 11,5 Fällen pro 100.000 Einwohnern. Die Trendanalyse zeigte bis Ende 2016 eine Zunahme der Fälle mit einer Trendumkehr ab 2017 und einem weiteren signifikanten Abfall der Krankenhausfälle im COVID-Jahr 2020. Eine relative stationäre Minderversorgung zeigte sich für Brandenburg, Niedersachsen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Sachsen-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein und Thüringen. Eine übermäßige – möglicherweise kompensatorische – stationäre Mehrversorgung war für alle Stadtstaaten und Baden-Württemberg nachzuweisen. In Bundesländern mit einer relativen stationären Minderversorgung und/oder hohen stationären Krankenhausfallzahlen zeigte sich oftmals eine geringere Ausstattung an spezialisierten Epilepsiezentren, Spezialambulanzen und Epilepsieambulanzen.

Diskussion

In Deutschland bestehen bundeslandspezifische Unterschiede in der Versorgungsstruktur mit einer höheren stationären Krankenhausversorgung in den „neuen Bundesländern“ und im Saarland. Zusätzlich fanden sich Bundesländer mit einer überproportionalen Mehrbehandlung von nicht in diesem Bundesland gemeldeten PatientInnen. Ein möglicher Einflussfaktor kann hierbei die Verfügbarkeit von Zentren mit einer spezialisierten Behandlung von Epilepsiepatienten sein.