bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Similarities and differences in the structures and proteoform profiles of the complement proteins C6 and C7
Authors: Lukassen Marie V. , Franc Vojtech , Hevler Johannes F. , Heck Albert J.R.
Published: July 2021

The human complement system provides a first line of defence against pathogens. It requires a well‐orchestrated sequential assembly of an array of terminal complement components (C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9), ultimately forming the membrane attack complex (MAC). Although much information about MAC assembly is available, the structure of the soluble C7 has remained elusive. The complement proteins C7 and C6 share very high sequence homology and exhibit several conserved domains, disulphide bridges, and C‐mannosylation sites. Here, we used an integrative structural MS‐based approach combining native MS, glycopeptide‐centric MS, in‐gel cross‐linking MS (IGX‐MS) and structural modelling to describe structural features, including glycosylation, of human serum soluble C7. We compare this data with structural and glycosylation data for human serum C6. The new structural model for C7 shows that it adopts a compact conformation in solution. Although C6 and C7 share many similarities, our data reveals distinct O‐, and N‐linked glycosylation patterns in terms of location and glycan composition. Cumulatively, our data provide valuable new insight into the structure and proteoforms of C7, solving an essential piece of the puzzle in our understanding of MAC assembly.
Reformulating the permselectivity‐conductivity tradeoff relation in ion‐exchange membranes
Authors: Kamcev Jovan
Published: July 2021

Polymer membranes used in separation applications exhibit a tradeoff between permeability and selectivity. That is, membranes that are highly permeable tend to have low selectivity and vice versa. For ion‐exchange membranes used in applications such as electrodialysis and reverse electrodialysis, this tradeoff is expressed in terms of membrane permselectivity (i.e., ability to selectively permeate counter‐ions over co‐ions) and ionic conductivity (i.e., ability to transport ions in the presence of an electric field). The use of membrane permselectivity and ionic conductivity to illustrate a tradeoff between counter‐ion throughput and counter‐ion/co‐ion selectivity in ion‐exchange membranes complicates the analysis since permselectivity depends on the properties of the external solution and ionic conductivity depends on the transport of all mobile ions within a membrane. Furthermore, the use of these parameters restricts the analysis to ion‐exchange membranes used in applications in which counter‐ion/co‐ion selectivity is required. In this study, the permselectivity‐conductivity tradeoff relation for ion‐exchange membranes is reformulated in terms of ion concentrations and diffusion coefficients in the membrane. The reformulated framework enables a direct comparison between counter‐ion throughput and counter‐ion/co‐ion selectivity and is general. The generalizability of the reformulated tradeoff relation is demonstrated for cation‐exchange membranes used in vanadium redox flow batteries.
Plasma‐activated medium induces apoptosis in chemotherapy‐resistant ovarian cancer cells: High selectivity and synergy with carboplatin
Authors: Rasouli Milad , Mehdian Hassan , Hajisharifi Kamal , Amini Elaheh , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Robert Eric
Published: July 2021

In the present study, A2780 CP and SKOV‐3 cells, relevant to ovarian cancer and granulosa cells, as normal ovarian cells, were evaluated through cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) directly, indirectly, and by a concomitant modality of plasma‐activated medium (PAM) with common drugs to overcome chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer. Our results confirm the high potential of PAM in comparison to common drugs and CAP for the selected cell lines, and the selectivity mechanism was related to the pH and concentration of H2O2, NO2−, and NO3− reactive species in the plasma‐treated medium. Our data confirm that PAM alone and in combination with carboplatin sensitizes cancer cells to carboplatin, inhibits the SOD1 gene, and selectively induces apoptosis accompanied by high expression of p53, bax, and activation of caspase‐3.
Temperature‐Dependent Terahertz Emission from Co/Mn2Au Spintronic Bilayers
Authors: Ni Yangyang , Jin Zuanming , Song Bangju , Zhou Xiaofeng , Chen Haiyang , Song Cheng , Peng Yan , Zhang Chao , Pan Feng , Ma Guohong , Zhu Yiming , Zhuang Songlin
Published: July 2021

Recently, ferromagnetic/nonmagnetic heavy metal heterostructures have been intensively investigated as terahertz (THz) emitters. The interconversion of spin‐to‐charge dynamics plays a central role for efficient emission of THz electromagnetic pulses. However, a direct observation of spin–charge interconversion in antiferromagnetic (AFM) materials occurring on the sub‐picosecond time scale remains a challenge. Herein, the magnetic‐field‐, pump‐fluence‐, and polarization‐dependent THz emission behaviors by a femtosecond optical pump in cobalt (Co)/Mn2Au nanometer heterostructure are experimentally investigated. The Co/Mn2Au bilayer generates sizable THz signals, whereas the Mn2Au/Pt bilayer does not show any THz emission. In addition, the thickness‐ and temperature‐dependent THz emission measurements indicate a direct relation between the THz amplitude and the conductivity of AFM Mn2Au layer. The results obtained will not only promote the fundamental understanding of ultrafast spin–charge interconversion in Co/Mn2Au heterostructures, but also provide a possibility of spectroscopic‐based spin current detector at THz‐frequency range.
Distributed maximum correntropy unscented Kalman filtering with state equality constraints
Authors: Lv Xiaoxu , Duan Peihu , Duan Zhisheng , Song Jie
Published: July 2021

This article investigates the distributed maximum correntropy unscented Kalman filtering problem for nonlinear systems via a sensor network. The system dynamics is subject to state equality constraints and non‐Gaussian noise. By utilizing the maximum correntropy criterion to handle non‐Gaussian noise, a centralized maximum correntropy constrained unscented Kalman filter is first proposed. Then, two novel distributed maximum correntropy constrained unscented Kalman filters with special features are designed. Specifically, the first one is developed by approximating the centralized filter with each sensor's own and its neighbors' measurements. The other one is designed by fusing state estimates. It is worth mentioning that these two distributed algorithms only need finite steps to fuse information over the sensor network rather than infinite steps to achieve the average consensus. Finally, the validity of the proposed algorithms is demonstrated by simulation experiments, with a detailed comparison.
Optical, electronic, and microstructural properties of mixed phase RF magnetron sputtered vanadium oxide thin films on quartz and aluminized quartz
Authors: Hasan Mohammed Adnan , Chavan Shubham , Dalal Avijit , Rajendra Alevoor , Mondal Aniruddha , Sherikar Baburao N. , Dey Arjun
Published: July 2021

Amorphous vanadium pentoxide (major phase) thin films of various thicknesses were grown on the substrates that possessed low (aluminized quartz) and high (quartz) infrared (IR) emittance property utilizing radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique. Microstructural characterizations are carried out by several techniques such as noncontact optical profilometry, energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The as‐grown amorphous films show stoichiometric vanadium oxide, where vanadium is in V5+ as a major proportion compared with V4+ states. Thermo‐optical properties, namely, solar transmittance (τs), reflectance (ρs), absorptance (αs) and IR emittance (εir) along with optical constant, for example, optical band gap, are evaluated. A modified Urbach equation was used to simulate the optical absorption data to understand the presence optical absorption below the band edge.
Single‐Pot Alcoholysis of Furfuryl Alcohol to Alkyl Levulinates Using Heterogenized p‐TSA Catalyst**
Authors: Patil Chetana R. , Kamble Sanjay P. , Rode Chandrashekhar V.
Published: July 2021

Synthesis of levulinate esters which are known to be excellent sustainable fuel additives, was achieved by alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol over strong solid acid catalyst, prepared by copolymerization of p‐toluenesulfonic acid with paraformaldehyde. Our catalyst possessed Brønsted acidity (3 mmol/g) with an excellent stability up to 220 °C. XPS, FT‐IR and Pyridine‐IR along with microanalysis studies confirmed the presence of terminal −SO3H functional groups responsible for Brønsted acidity in the catalyst. The catalyst was found to efficiently catalyze the alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol to give alkyl levulinates under mild reaction conditions. The complete conversion of furfuryl alcohol with 96 % and 97 % selectivities to ethyl and butyl levulinates could be achieved using ethanol and butanol, respectively. Detailed study on effect of various reaction parameters like catalyst loading, reaction time and reaction temperature on conversion and product distribution was also carried out for the ethanolysis of furfuryl alcohol to ethyl levulinate. The catalyst could be easily recovered and recycled for five times successfully, with no loss in its original activity.
The Abnormal Physicochemical Phenomena of Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green in Water in the Presence of Ultrasound
Authors: Li Enze , Sun Yi , Lv Guixiang , Qin Feng , Zhang Xiyu , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhang Rui , Hu Zheng , Cao Wenwu
Published: July 2021

The detection of Singlet oxygen (1O2) is of great interest to develop cancer therapies, because it can initiate a plethora of events that result in cell death. Singlet oxygen sensor green (SOSG) is considered the preferred probe because of its claimed high selectivity to Singlet oxygen (1O2). Although many researchers have used SOSG to detect 1O2 generation in Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) processes, the effect of ultrasound irradiation on SOSG has not been comprehensively evaluated. In this study, we conducted systematic experiments to determine SOSG activation in the presence of ultrasound irradiation. We found that the SOSG exhibited the abnormal physicochemical phenomena in distilled water in the presence of ultrasound. The fluorescence intensity of SOSG increased significantly when exposed to ultrasound alone. The results showed that there was a linear positive correlation between the treatment duration of different ultrasound intensities or SOSG concentrations and the fluorescence intensity of SOSG, respectively. In addition, scavenger tests also indicated that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) might be involved in the activation of SOSG. In conclusion, our results suggest that the influences of experimental conditions to SOSG must be fully considered, and that SOSG may not be a suitable probe for 1O2 in SDT.
Exciton Dissociation on Double Z‐scheme Heterojunction for Photocatalytic Application
Authors: Shende Ashok G. , Bhoyar Toshali , Vidyasagar Devthade , Singh Jaspreet , Kosankar Prakash T. , Umare Suresh S.
Published: July 2021

Constructing heterojunction is one of the promising approaches to obtain desired photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity. Herein, we have fabricated a Fe2O3‐PrFeO3/g‐C3N4 ternary heterostructure by a simple wet chemical method to improve the photocatalytic activity of pristine g‐C3N4. The as‐prepared catalyst has shown 7.8 times higher photocatalytic degradation of dye acid violet 7 and generated 379.29 μmolL−1 h−1 of ammonia under visible‐light irradiation. The ternary heterojunction was found to form a double Z‐scheme heterojunction that facilitates interfacial electron transfer, promotes the separation of photogenerated charge carriers, and also enhances light harvesting property. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of the catalyst is ascribed to the formation of double Z‐scheme heterojunction, which offers low charge transfer resistance thereby lowering the recombination of photoexcitons and increasing the lifetime of photoexcitons.
Single‐Atom Electrocatalysts for Multi‐Electron Reduction of CO2
Authors: Zhang Bingxing , Zhang Baohua , Jiang Yinzhu , Ma Tianyi , Pan Hongge , Sun Wenping
Published: July 2021

The multi‐electron reduction of CO2 to hydrocarbons or alcohols is highly attractive in a sustainable energy economy, and the rational design of electrocatalysts is vital to achieve these reactions efficiently. Single‐atom electrocatalysts are promising candidates due to their well‐defined coordination configurations and unique electronic structures, which are critical for delivering high activity and selectivity and may accelerate the explorations of the activity origin at atomic level as well. Although much effort has been devoted to multi‐electron reduction of CO2 on single‐atom electrocatalysts, there are still no reviews focusing on this emerging field and constructive perspectives are also urgent to be addressed. Herein recent advances in how to design efficient single‐atom electrocatalysts for multi‐electron reduction of CO2, with emphasis on strategies in regulating the interactions between active sites and key reaction intermediates, are summarized. Such interactions are crucial in designing active sites for optimizing the multi‐electron reduction steps and maximizing the catalytic performance. Different design strategies including regulation of metal centers, single‐atom alloys, non‐metal single‐atom catalysts, and tandem catalysts, are discussed accordingly. Finally, current challenges and future opportunities for deep electroreduction of CO2 are proposed.
Panderodus from the Waukesha Lagerstätte of Wisconsin, USA: a primitive macrophagous vertebrate predator
Authors: Murdock Duncan J. E. , Smith M. Paul
Published: July 2021

Conodonts are an extinct group of early vertebrates. Articulated fossils of their feeding apparatus (‘natural assemblages’) are rare, and preserved soft tissues vanishingly so. Here, a primitive conodont with preserved soft tissues is redescribed from the Waukesha Lagerstätte of Wisconsin, USA. Although the feeding apparatus of derived prioniodontid conodonts is well understood, together with the homologies between taxa, the same is not true of more primitive conodonts that have apparatuses composed entirely of coniform elements. The new data provide insights into the long‐term problem of determining homology across different types of conodont feeding apparatus. The Waukesha Panderodus preserves an almost complete apparatus, consisting of two parallel rows of elements that occluded across the sagittal plane. A pair of M elements lies at the rostral end of the apparatus, with four pairs of S elements located immediately caudal to them. Three pairs of P elements are identified at the caudal end of the apparatus, for the first time in a primitive conodont with coniform elements. A symmetrical S0 element is located on the midline between the M–S and P suites and provides the key for establishing homology with more derived ramiform–pectiniform apparatuses. The exceptional preservation reveals cartilaginous supports for the elements that inserted into their basal cavities. The trunk of the animal is poorly preserved but was dorsoventrally flattened in life with transverse myomeres containing muscle fibrils. Overall, the specimen shows that Panderodus was a macrophagous feeder and provides an insight into the functional anatomy of early vertebrate predation.
3D Growth of Intragranular Pearlite in an Aged 100Mn13 Steel
Authors: Liang Bo , Ding Zhimin , Xu Zhenfeng , Yan Feng , Tian Rujin , Chen Chen
Published: July 2021

The morphology and microstructure of intragranular pearlite in 100Mn13 high‐carbon, high‐manganese steel aged at 600 °C are observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) and analyzed, and growth models describing the morphology and growth process in 3D space are proposed. The results show that pearlite could nucleate directly in the austenite grain and present a 3D morphology after deep etching, and ferrite and cementite in pearlite keep the orientation relationship (OR) with austenite, , , , and . Also, the overall continuous ledges at the lamellar ferrite surface and end surround the whole ferrite lamellae, corresponding to a fringe structure and a curved frontier interface in 2D space, which shows a terraced morphology in 3D space. The different structures of the α/γ interface in 3D directions result in different growth rates of ferrite lamellae, that is, edgewise grows fastest along the direction of due to the incoherent interface composed of with a 28% mismatch, and sidewise grows slowest along the direction of due to the coherent interface composed of with a 1.9% mismatch.
Dearomatizing Amination Reactions
Authors: Jing Changcheng , Farndon Joshua J. , Bower John F.
Published: July 2021

Dearomatization reactions allow the direct synthesis of structurally complex sp3‐rich molecules from readily available “flat” precursors. Established dearomatization processes commonly involve the formation of new C−C bonds, whereas methods that enable the introduction of C−N bonds have received less attention. Because of the privileged position of nitrogen in drug discovery, significant recent methodological efforts have been directed towards addressing this deficiency. Consequently, a variety of new processes are now available that allow the direct preparation of sp3‐rich amino‐containing building blocks and scaffolds. This review gives an overview of C−N bond forming dearomatization reactions, particularly with respect to scaffold assembly processes. The discussion gives historical context, but the main focus is on selected methods that have been reported recently.
The effectiveness of rotating versus single course antibiotics for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Authors: Richard Nicolas , Desprez Charlotte , Wuestenberghs Fabien , Leroi Anne‐Marie , Gourcerol Guillaume , Melchior Chloé
Published: July 2021

Background

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth treatment is usually based on antibiotics with no guidelines available.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of different antibiotics to treat small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Methods

Consecutive patients referred to our tertiary center and diagnosed with intestinal bacterial overgrowth were retrospectively included. Patients were diagnosed using a 75 g glucose breath test. Patients were treated either with a single antibiotic (quinolone or azole) or rotating antibiotics (quinolone and azole, one after the other) for 10 consecutive days per month for 3 months. A negative glucose breath test after antibiotic treatment was considered as remission. Quality of life (GIQLI) and gastrointestinal severity (IBS‐SSS) were assessed before and after antibiotic treatment. Symptomatic evaluation was realized in simple blind of glucose breath test result: patients were unaware of their results.

Results

Between August 2005 and February 2020, 223 patients were included in the analysis (female 79.8%, mean age 50.2 ± 15.7 years). Remission was observed in 119 patients (53.4%) after one course of antibiotics and was more frequent in patients receiving rotating antibiotics than in patients receiving a single antibiotic (70.0% vs. 50.8%, p = 0.050). Remission was associated with a significant improvement in quality of life (p = 0.035) and in bloating (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

In this study, the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth using rotating antibiotics was more effective than treatment using a single course of antibiotic. Remission was associated with improvement in both quality of life and bloating.
The multiple-charm hierarchy in the statistical hadronization model
Authors: Andronic Anton , Braun-Munzinger Peter , Köhler Markus K. , Mazeliauskas Aleksas , Redlich Krzysztof , Stachel Johanna , Vislavicius Vytautas
Published: July 2021

Abstract

In relativistic nuclear collisions the production of hadrons with light (u,d,s) quarks is quantitatively described in the framework of the Statistical Hadronization Model (SHM). Charm quarks are dominantly produced in initial hard collisions but interact strongly in the hot fireball and thermalize. Therefore charmed hadrons can be incorporated into the SHM by treating charm quarks as ‘impurities’ with thermal distributions, while the total charm content of the fireball is fixed by the measured open charm cross section. We call this model SHMc and demonstrate that with SHMc the measured multiplicities of single charm hadrons in lead-lead collisions at LHC energies can be well described with the same thermal parameters as for (u,d,s) hadrons. Furthermore, transverse momentum distributions are computed in a blast-wave model, which includes the resonance decay kinematics. SHMc is extended to lighter collision systems down to oxygen-oxygen and includes doubly- and triply-charmed hadrons. We show predictions for production probabilities of such states exhibiting a characteristic and quite spectacular enhancement hierarchy.
Frugale Zahnmedizin – Ressourceneinsparungen mit Fokussierung auf Kernfunktionen und Patientenbedürfnisse
Authors: Staehle Hans Jörg
Published: July 2021

Die frugale Zahnmedizin leitet sich vom Begriff „frugal“ (sinngemäß: einfach, sparsam, nutzbar, tauglich) ab. Sie richtet ihr Augenmerk auf zahnärztliche Interventionen, die im Vergleich zu Behandlungsalternativen zum einen mit einer Kostenreduktion verbunden sind und sich zum anderen auf zahnmedizinische Kernfunktionen unter Berücksichtigung der Patientenbedürfnisse konzentrieren. Die Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) hat 2020 auf die Dringlichkeit hingewiesen, kosteneffiziente und erschwingliche Interventionen zu priorisieren.

Vor diesem Hintergrund erfolgen in diesem Beitrag eine Einordnung und eine Bestandsaufnahme zur frugalen Zahnmedizin. Es wird der Frage nachgegangen, inwieweit sich ihre Ziele substanziieren lassen. Anhand von Literaturquellen und einer exemplarischen klinischen Einzeldarstellung werden Optionen der frugalen Zahnmedizin aufgezeigt. Zudem werden für etliche zahnmedizinische Fächer Einzelbeispiele potenzieller frugaler Interventionen und Innovationen genannt und erläutert. Gravierende Defizite gibt es in der systematischen Entwicklung und Implementierung der frugalen Zahnmedizin. Es sind daher noch zahlreiche Anstrengungen in Forschung, Lehre und Patientenversorgung erforderlich.
COVID-19 – neue Herausforderungen in der Dysphagie- und Atemtherapie
Authors: Frank Ulrike , Frank Katrin
Published: July 2021

Eine COVID-19-Erkrankung kann zu schweren Krankheitsverläufen mit multiplen Organbeteiligungen und respiratorischen und neurologischen Funktionseinschränkungen führen. Schluckstörungen (Dysphagien) können in dieser Patientengruppe durch primäre Schädigungen des zentralen und peripheren neuronalen Netzwerkes der Schluckfunktion entstehen, aber auch bedingt durch die häufig längere intensivmedizinische Behandlung und Beatmung. Erste klinische Befunde zeigen persistierende Dysphagien im Rahmen des Post-COVID-Syndroms („Long-COVID“), sodass die Patienten auch längerfristige Maßnahmen zur Rehabilitation einer sicheren und suffizienten oralen Nahrungsaufnahme benötigen. Daher sollte in die Behandlung von COVID-19-Patienten ein strukturiertes erkrankungsspezifisches Monitoring in Bezug auf Dysphagiesymptome integriert werden, und atemtherapeutische Maßnahmen zur Regulation von Husteneffektivität und Atem-Schluck-Koordination sollten auch bei diesen Patienten essenzieller Bestandteil des Dysphagiemanagements sein. Herausforderungen ergeben sich dabei einerseits durch die erforderlichen Anpassungen etablierter Behandlungsstandards an den Infektionsschutz. Zudem müssen Auswahl und Durchführungsintensität therapeutischer Maßnahmen an die Kapazitäten und die spezifische Pathophysiologie der COVID-19- und Long-COVID-Patienten angepasst werden, um weitere funktionelle Verschlechterungen zu vermindern.
Spinale Ozontherapie
Authors: Ahlhelm F. , Rotzinger R. , Heesen M. , Gebhard H. , Omidi R.
Published: July 2021

Klinisches/methodisches Problem

Technische Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der spinalen interventionellen Neuroradiologie ermöglichen es, eine breite Palette an gezielten, minimal-invasiven Behandlungsoptionen einschließlich der spinalen Ozontherapie beim Rückenschmerz anzuwenden. Dieser Beitrag gibt eine Übersicht der biochemischen, molekularen, immunologischen und pharmazeutischen Mechanismen sowie Applikationstechniken der gezielten Ozontherapie.

Radiologische Standardverfahren

Zum Einsatz kommen die Computertomographie (CT) sowie konventionelle Röntgenaufnahmen (Durchleuchtung).

Leistungsfähigkeit

Die CT-gesteuerten Interventionen (epidural, periradikuläre, Facettengelenk und intradiskal) haben den höchsten Stellenwert und haben sich historisch durchgesetzt. Durchleuchtungsgesteuerte Verfahren können ebenfalls eingesetzt werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Ozontherapie liefert vielversprechende Ergebnisse. Der Beitrag soll dazu dienen, Informationen über die Grundlagen dieser Technik(en) zu vermitteln.
Decomposition and optimization of linear structures using meta models
Authors: Krischer Lukas , Zimmermann Markus
Published: July 2021

Monolithic optimization of large mechanical systems can be expensive and cumbersome. Drivers of computational cost and integration effort are, e.g., the size of the design problem and the number of different components, models, and disciplines. Distributed optimization schemes decompose large problems into smaller subproblems; however, they typically require intense coordination effort. This paper proposes an approach for complete decoupling by decomposing a monolithic optimization into independent optimization subproblems that can be solved without need for coordination. This is accomplished by sampling the space of component performance, here represented by eigenvalues and eigenvectors of stiffness matrices, and establishing meta models that map the relevant component performance values onto feasibility and mass estimates. The optimization procedure consists of two steps: First, a system optimization problem is solved by assigning stiffness requirements to components that are approximately feasible and mass-optimal. Second, the component optimization problems are solved independently of each other such that stiffness requirements are satisfied. As information on feasibility and mass is provided during system optimization by meta models, the approach will be referred to as informed decomposition. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated by minimizing the mass of a simple two-component linear structure subject to a requirement on total stiffness. This is done for three different component models, a beam with constant cross-section, a beam with varying cross-sections, and an arbitrary 2-dimensional body, using parametric and topology optimization, respectively. The approach produces results that are at most 1 % heavier than the results obtained by monolithic optimization.
Laser scanning–based straightness measurement of precision bright steel rods at one point
Authors: Schmid-Schirling Tobias , Kraft Lea , Carl Daniel
Published: July 2021

In industrial manufacturing of bright steel rods, one important quality factor is the straightness or straightness deviation. Depending on the application, deviations of less than 0.1 mm per meter rod length are desired and can be reached with state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. Such high-quality requirements can only be guaranteed with continuous quality control. Manual straightness measurements conducted offline using a dial gauge provide accurate results on single positions of the rod. We propose a contactless, optical measurement technique based on laser scanning which has the potential to be used inline during production to inspect all rods over the entire length. Only for calibration of the system the rod needs to be turned around its axis. For the measurement of straightness deviation, it is not required to turn the rod. The method is based on evaluating the intensity signal of the reflected laser radiation against the scan angle. It is shown that in combination with an accurate calibration, this signal can be used to determine the rod’s deviation from a straight rod. We explain the measurement and calibration principle as well as data evaluation. We present the experimental setup and first measurement results on a single position on several samples. For a homogeneous sample surface and neglecting laser drift, accuracy and precision were determined to be in the range of 10–20 μm. We discuss the working principle of a potential inline system.
Sex-dependent dynamics of metabolism in primary mouse hepatocytes
Authors: Hochmuth Luise , Körner Christiane , Ott Fritzi , Volke Daniela , Cokan Kaja Blagotinšek , Juvan Peter , Brosch Mario , Hofmann Ute , Hoffmann Ralf , Rozman Damjana , Berg Thomas , Matz-Soja Madlen
Published: July 2021

The liver is one of the most sexually dimorphic organs. The hepatic metabolic pathways that are subject to sexual dimorphism include xenobiotic, amino acid and lipid metabolism. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma are among diseases with sex-dependent prevalence, progression and outcome. Although male and female livers differ in their abilities to metabolize foreign compounds, including drugs, sex-dependent treatment and pharmacological dynamics are rarely applied in all relevant cases. Therefore, it is important to consider hepatic sexual dimorphism when developing new treatment strategies and to understand the underlying mechanisms in model systems. We isolated primary hepatocytes from male and female C57BL6/N mice and examined the sex-dependent transcriptome, proteome and extracellular metabolome parameters in the course of culturing them for 96 h. The sex-specific gene expression of the general xenobiotic pathway altered and the female-specific expression of Cyp2b13 and Cyp2b9 was significantly reduced during culture. Sex-dependent differences of several signaling pathways increased, including genes related to serotonin and melatonin degradation. Furthermore, the ratios of male and female gene expression were inversed for other pathways, such as amino acid degradation, beta-oxidation, androgen signaling and hepatic steatosis. Because the primary hepatocytes were cultivated without the influence of known regulators of sexual dimorphism, these results suggest currently unknown modulatory mechanisms of sexual dimorphism in vitro. The large sex-dependent differences in the regulation and dynamics of drug metabolism observed during cultivation can have an immense influence on the evaluation of pharmacodynamic processes when conducting initial preclinical trials to investigate potential new drugs.
Percutaneous ultrasound gastrostomy (PUG): first prospective clinical trial
Authors: Accorsi Fabio , Chung Jonathan , Mujoomdar Amol , Wiseman Daniele , Kribs Stewart , Cool Derek W.
Published: July 2021

Graphical abstarct

Purpose

To report the results of the first-in-human trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of the percutaneous ultrasound gastrostomy (PUG) technique.

Methods

A prospective, industry-sponsored single-arm clinical trial of PUG insertion was performed in 25 adult patients under investigational device exemption (mean age 64 ± 15 years, 92% men, 80% inpatients, mean BMI 24.5 ± 2.7 kg/m2). A propensity score-matched retrospective cohort of 25 patients who received percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PRG) was generated as an institutional control (mean age 66 ± 14 years, 92% men, 80% inpatients, mean BMI 24.0 ± 2.7 kg/m2). Primary outcomes included successful insertion and 30-day procedure-related adverse events (AE’s). Secondary outcomes included procedural duration, sedation requirements, and hospital length of stay.

Results

All PUG procedures were successful, including 3/25 [12%] performed bedside within the ICU. There was no significant difference between PUG and PRG in rates of mild AE’s (3/25 [12%] for PUG and 7/25 [28%] for PRG, p = 0.16) or moderate AE’s (1/25 [4%] for PUG and 0/25 for PRG, p = 0.31). There were no severe AE’s or 30-day procedure-related mortality in either group. Procedural room time was longer for PUG (56.5 ± 14.1 min) than PRG (39.3 ± 15.0 min, p < 0.001). PUG procedure time was significantly shorter after a procedural enhancement, the incorporation of a Gauss meter to facilitate successful magnetic gastropexy. Length of stay for outpatients did not significantly differ (2.4 ± 0.5 days for PUG and 2.6 ± 1.0 days for PRG, p = 0.70).

Conclusion

PUG appears effective with a safety profile similar to PRG. Bedside point-of-care gastrostomy tube insertion using the PUG technique shows promise.

Trial Registration Number: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03575754.

Graphical abstract
Impact of Advancing Age on the Status and Risk of Postoperative Infections After Liver Resection
Authors: Kinoshita Masahiko , Shinkawa Hiroji , Kabata Daijiro , Tanaka Shogo , Takemura Shigekazu , Amano Ryosuke , Kimura Kenjiro , Ohira Go , Nishio Kohei , Kubo Shoji
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite the recently increasing number of elderly patients undergoing liver resection, the impact of advancing age on postoperative infections (PIs) incidence and risk remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of advancing age on PIs incidence and status.

Methods

This retrospective study included 744 patients undergoing liver resection without biliary reconstruction or combined resection of other organs. Multivariable analysis with a restricted cubic spline was used to evaluate the impact of advancing age on PIs and to determine its association with PIs risk in patients undergoing open and laparoscopic liver resection (OLR and LLR, respectively).

Results

Multivariable analysis demonstrated that advancing age was significantly associated with increased PIs risk (P = 0.017). The spline curve showed that the odds ratio for PIs sharply increased starting approximately at 65 years of age. Unadjusted restricted cubic splines assessing the subcategories of PIs demonstrated that advancing age was associated with increased risks of organ/space surgical site infection and sepsis (P = 0,064 and 0.048, respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed that LLR was associated with the lower PIs risk compared with OLR (P = 0.025), whereas the lower PIs risk with LLR was not significantly obscured by advancing age (P = 0.29).

Conclusions

Advancing age was associated with increased risk of PIs, including organ/space surgical site infections and sepsis, after liver resection especially in patients aged ≥ 65 years.
New insights into the microbiota of wild mice
Authors: Kwon Ho-Keun , Seong Je Kyung
Published: July 2021

Laboratory mice have long been an invaluable tool in biomedical science and have made significant contributions in research into life-threatening diseases. However, the translation of research results from mice to humans often proves difficult due to the incomplete nature of laboratory animal-based research. Hence, there is increasing demand for complementary methods or alternatives to laboratory mice that can better mimic human physiological traits and potentially bridge the translational research gap. Under these circumstances, the natural/naturalized mice including “wild”, “dirty”, “wildling”, and “wilded” systems have been found to better reflect some aspects of human pathophysiology. Here, we discuss the pros and cons of the laboratory mouse system and contemplate how wild mice and wild microbiota are able to help in refining such systems to better mimic the real-world situation and contribute to more productive translational research.
Root exudation of contrasting drought-stressed pearl millet genotypes conveys varying biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) activity
Authors: Ghatak Arindam , Schindler Florian , Bachmann Gert , Engelmeier Doris , Bajaj Prasad , Brenner Martin , Fragner Lena , Varshney Rajeev K. , Subbarao Guntur Venkata , Chaturvedi Palak , Weckwerth Wolfram
Published: July 2021

Roots secrete a vast array of low molecular weight compounds into the soil broadly referred to as root exudates. It is a key mechanism by which plants and soil microbes interact in the rhizosphere. The effect of drought stress on the exudation process and composition is rarely studied, especially in cereal crops. This study focuses on comparative metabolic profiling of the exudates from sensitive and tolerant genotypes of pearl millet after a period of drought stress. We employed a combined platform of gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to cover both primary and secondary metabolites. The results obtained demonstrate that both genotype and drought stress have a significant impact on the concentration and composition of root exudates. The complexity and function of these differential root exudates are discussed. To reveal the potential effect of root exudates on the soil microbial community after a period of drought stress, we also tested for biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) activity. The analysis revealed a genotype-dependent enhancement of BNI activity after a defined period of drought stress. In parallel, we observed a genotype-specific relation of elongated root growth and root exudation under drought stress. These data suggest that the drought stress-dependent change in root exudation can manipulate the microbial soil communities to adapt and survive under harsh conditions.
Simulation of summer climate over Central Asia shows high sensitivity to different land surface schemes in WRF
Authors: Lu Sha , Guo Weidong , Xue Yongkang , Huang Fang , Ge Jun
Published: July 2021

Land surface processes are vital to the performance of regional climate models in dynamic downscaling application. In this study, we investigate the sensitivity of the simulation by using the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model at 10-km resolution to the land surface schemes over Central Asia. The WRF model was run for 19 summers from 2000 to 2018 configured with four different land surface schemes including CLM4, Noah-MP, Pleim-Xiu and SSiB, hereafter referred as Exp-CLM4, Exp-Noah-MP, Exp-PX and Exp-SSiB respectively. The initial and boundary conditions for the WRF model simulations were provided by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Final (NCEP-FNL) Operational Global Analysis data. The ERA-Interim reanalysis (ERAI), the GHCN-CAMS and the CRU gridded data were used to comprehensively evaluate the WRF simulations. Compared with the reanalysis and observational data, the WRF model can reasonably reproduce the spatial patterns of summer mean 2-m temperature, precipitation, and large- scale atmospheric circulation. The simulations, however, are sensitive to the option of land surface scheme. The performance of Exp-CLM4 and Exp-SSiB are better than that of Exp-Noah-MP and Exp-PX assessed by Multivariable Integrated Evaluation (MVIE) method. To comprehensively understand the dynamic and physical mechanisms for the WRF model’s sensitivity to land surface schemes, the differences in the surface energy balance between Ave-CLM4-SSiB (the ensemble average of Exp-CLM4 and Exp-SSiB) and Ave-NoanMP-PX (the ensemble average of Exp-Noah-MP and Exp-PX) are analyzed in detail. The results demonstrate that the sensible and latent heat fluxes are respectively lower by 30.42 W·m−2 and higher by 14.86 W·m−2 in Ave-CLM4-SSiB than that in Ave-NoahMP-PX. As a result, large differences in geopotential height occur over the simulation domain. The simulated wind fields are subsequently influenced by the geostrophic adjustment process, thus the simulations of 2-m temperature, surface skin temperature and precipitation are respectively lower by about 2.08 ℃, 2.23 ℃ and 18.56 mm·month−1 in Ave-CLM4-SSiB than that in Ave-NoahMP-PX over Central Asia continent.
Defining benchmarks for robotic-assisted low anterior rectum resection in low-morbid patients: a multicenter analysis
Authors: Egberts Jan-Hendrik , Kersebaum Jan-Niclas , Mann Benno , Aselmann Heiko , Hirschburger Markus , Graß Julia , Becker Thomas , Izbicki Jakob , Perez Daniel
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To define the best possible outcomes for robotic-assisted low anterior rectum resection (RLAR) using total mesorectal excision (TME) in low-morbid patients, performed by expert robotic surgeons in German robotic centers. The benchmark values were derived from these results.

Methods

The data was retrospectively collected from five German expert centers. After patient exclusion (prior surgery, extended surgery, no prior anastomosis, hand-sewn anastomosis), the benchmark cohort was defined (n = 226). The median with interquartile range was first calculated for the individual centers. The 75th percentile of the median results was defined as the benchmark cutoff and represents the “perfect” achievable outcome. This applied to all benchmark values apart from lymph node yield, where the cutoff was defined as the 25th percentile (more lymph nodes are better).

Results

The benchmark values for conversion and intraoperative complication rates were ≤ 4.0% and ≤ 1.4%, respectively. For postoperative complications, the benchmark was ≤ 28% for “any” and ≤ 18.0% for major complications. The R0 and complete TME rate benchmarks were both 100%, with a lymph node yield of > 18. The benchmark for rate of anastomotic insufficiency was < 12.5% and 90-day mortality was 0%. Readmission rates should not exceed 4%.

Conclusion

This outcome analysis of patients with low comorbidity undergoing RLAR may serve as a reference to evaluate surgical performance in robotic rectum resection.
Poor humoral and T-cell response to two-dose SARS-CoV-2 messenger RNA vaccine BNT162b2 in cardiothoracic transplant recipients
Authors: Schramm René , Costard-Jäckle Angelika , Rivinius Rasmus , Fischer Bastian , Müller Benjamin , Boeken Udo , Haneya Assad , Provaznik Zdenek , Knabbe Cornelius , Gummert Jan
Published: July 2021

Aims

Immunocompromised patients have been excluded from studies of SARS-CoV-2 messenger RNA vaccines. The immune response to vaccines against other infectious agents has been shown to be blunted in such patients. We aimed to analyse the humoral and cellular response to prime-boost vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) in cardiothoracic transplant recipients.

Methods and results

A total of 50 transplant patients [1–3 years post heart (42), lung (7), or heart–lung (1) transplant, mean age 55 ± 10 years] and a control group of 50 healthy staff members were included. Blood samples were analysed 21 days after the prime and the boosting dose, respectively, to quantify anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) immunoglobulin titres (tested by Abbott, Euroimmun and RocheElecsys Immunoassays, each) and the functional inhibitory capacity of neutralizing antibodies (Genscript). To test for a specific T-cell response, heparinized whole blood was stimulated with SARS-CoV-2 specific peptides, covering domains of the viral spike, nucleocapsid and membrane protein, and the interferon-γ release was measured (QuantiFERON Monitor ELISA, Qiagen). The vast majority of transplant patients (90%) showed neither a detectable humoral nor a T-cell response three weeks after the completed two-dose BNT162b2 vaccination; these results are in sharp contrast to the robust immunogenicity seen in the control group: 98% exhibited seroconversion after the prime dose already, with a further significant increase of IgG titres after the booster dose (average > tenfold increase), a more than 90% inhibition capability of neutralizing antibodies as well as evidence of a T-cell responsiveness.

Conclusions

The findings of poor immune responses to a two-dose BNT162b2 vaccination in cardiothoracic transplant patients have a significant impact for organ transplant recipients specifically and possibly for immunocompromised patients in general. It urges for a review of future vaccine strategies in these patients.
Improving 3D-3D facial registration methods: potential role of three-dimensional models in personal identification of the living
Authors: Gibelli Daniele , Palamenghi Andrea , Poppa Pasquale , Sforza Chiarella , Cattaneo Cristina , De Angelis Danilo
Published: July 2021

Personal identification of the living from video surveillance systems usually involves 2D images. However, the potentiality of three-dimensional facial models in gaining personal identification through 3D-3D comparison still needs to be verified. This study aims at testing the reliability of a protocol for 3D-3D registration of facial models, potentially useful for personal identification. Fifty male subjects aged between 18 and 45 years were randomly chosen from a database of 3D facial models acquired through stereophotogrammetry. For each subject, two acquisitions were available; the 3D models of faces were then registered onto other models belonging to the same and different individuals according to the least point-to-point distance on the entire facial surface, for a total of 50 matches and 50 mismatches. RMS value (root mean square) of point-to-point distance between the two models was then calculated through the VAM® software. Intra- and inter-observer errors were assessed through calculation of relative technical error of measurement (rTEM). Possible statistically significant differences between matches and mismatches were assessed through Mann–Whitney test (p < 0.05). Both for intra- and inter-observer repeatability rTEM was between 2.2 and 5.2%. Average RMS point-to-point distance was 0.50 ± 0.28 mm in matches, 2.62 ± 0.56 mm in mismatches (p < 0.01). An RMS threshold of 1.50 mm could distinguish matches and mismatches in 100% of cases. This study provides an improvement to existing 3D-3D superimposition methods and confirms the great advantages which may derive to personal identification of the living from 3D facial analysis.
Das Emissionsverhalten von bromierten Flammschutzmitteln aus Kunststoffen von IT-Geräten in unterschiedlichen Nutzungs- und Deponierungssimulationen
Authors: Hawlik P. , Jandric A. , Zafiu C. , Huber-Humer M. , Salhofer S.
Published: July 2021

Bromierte Flammschutzmittel (engl. brominated flame retardants, kurz BFR) werden häufig in Kunststoffen von Elektrogeräten eingesetzt, um mögliche Brände durch elektrische Kurzschlüsse zu verhindern. Da einige BFRs persistent, human- und ökotoxisch sind, wurde deren Anwendung in Produkten eingeschränkt. Mehrere Studien zeigen, dass in vielen Elektroaltgeräten hohe Mengen an BFRs eingesetzt wurden, da unbedenklichere Alternativen kaum existierten. Häufig handelt es sich dabei um Elektrogeräte, die vor der Beschränkung der BFRs hergestellt und erst mehrere Jahre später entsorgt wurden. BFRs werden in thermoplastischen Kunststoffen häufig als Additiv eingesetzt, das sich leicht auslaugen lässt und dadurch in die Umwelt gelangen kann. Solche Auslaugungen können sowohl während der Nutzungsphase als auch bei der weiteren Behandlung im abfallwirtschaftlichen System und global betrachtet unter anderem bei unsachgemäßer Ablagerung in Deponien stattfinden.

In dieser Studie haben wir die Auslaugung von bromhaltigen Kunststoffen aus Elektrogeräten für unterschiedliche Szenarien (Nutzungsphase, Deponierung) untersucht. Um die Emission von BFRs während der Nutzungsphase zu simulieren, wurden Lösungen verwendet, die Schweiß nachempfunden sind. Als End-of-Life-Szenario wurde auch das Auslaugverhalten bei simulierten Deponiebedingungen untersucht. Die verschiedenen Modelllösungen zeigten unterschiedliche Ergebnisse bei der Auslaugung, wobei die Kunstschweißlösung den stärksten und Methanol (Deponieszenario) keinen Effekt aufwies. Die Temperatur zeigte keinen Einfluss auf das Auslaugverhalten.