bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning and Hyperspectral Imaging for Liver Cancer Staging and Cirrhosis Differentiation
Authors: Hang Tianyi , Fan Danfeng , Sun Tiefeng , Chen Zhengyuan , Yang Xiaoqing , Yue Xiaoqing
Published: January 2025

Liver malignancies, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), pose a formidable global health challenge. Conventional diagnostic techniques frequently fall short in precision, especially at advanced HCC stages. In response, we have developed a novel diagnostic strategy that integrates hyperspectral imaging with deep learning. This innovative approach captures detailed spectral data from tissue samples, pinpointing subtle cellular differences that elude traditional methods. A sophisticated deep convolutional neural network processes this data, effectively distinguishing high‐grade liver cancer from cirrhosis with an accuracy of 89.45%, a sensitivity of 90.29%, and a specificity of 88.64%. For HCC differentiation specifically, it achieves an impressive accuracy of 93.73%, sensitivity of 92.53%, and specificity of 90.07%. Our results underscore the potential of this technique as a precise, rapid, and non‐invasive diagnostic tool that surpasses existing clinical methods in staging liver cancer and differentiating cirrhosis.
Unlocking the Potential of miRNAs in Sepsis Diagnosis and Prognosis: From Pathophysiology to Precision Medicine
Authors: Khidr Emad Gamil , El‐Sayyad Gharieb S. , Abulsoud Ahmed I. , Rizk Nehal I. , Zaki Mohamed Bakr , Raouf Ahmed Amr , Elrebehy Mahmoud A. , Abdel Hady Manal M. M. , Elballal Mohammed S. , Mohammed Osama A. , Abdel‐Reheim Mustafa Ahmed , El‐Dakroury Walaa A. , Abdel Mageed Sherif S. , AL‐Noshokaty Tohada M. , Doghish Ahmed S.
Published: January 2025

The clinical syndrome appears as a dysregulated host response to infection that results in life‐threatening organ dysfunction known as Sepsis. Sepsis is a serious public health concern where for every five deaths in ICU there is one patient who dies with sepsis worldwide. Sepsis is featured as unbalanced inflammation and immunosuppression which is sustained and profound, increasing patient susceptibility to secondary infections and mortality. microRNAs (miRNAs) play a central role in the control of many biological processes, and the deregulation of their expression has been linked to the development of oncological, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic diseases. In this review, we discuss the role of miRNAs in sepsis pathophysiology. Overall, miRNAs are seen as promising biomarkers, and it has been proposed to develop miRNA‐based diagnosis and therapies for sepsis. Yet, the picture is not so straightforward because of miRNAs’ versatile and dynamic features. More research is needed to clarify the expression and role of miRNAs in sepsis and promote the use of miRNAs for sepsis management. This study provides an extensive, current, and thorough analysis of the involvement of miRNAs in sepsis. Its purpose is to encourage future research in this area, as tiny miRNAs have the potential to be used for rapid diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of sepsis.
Exploring the Role of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition During Colorectal Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Update on Their Mechanisms
Authors: Long Chenyan , Li Xiang , Liu Jungang , Mo Xianwei , Zhong Huage , Tang Weizhong , Yu Junfeng
Published: January 2025

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor worldwide. The prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis is very poor. The study of the specific mechanisms of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis plays an important role in the treatment of patients with this disease. The mechanisms of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis are mainly pathological and biological. Biologically, the epithelial–mesenchymal transition process is an important precursor to tumor cell metastasis. Therefore, it is necessary to study the mechanisms of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis, especially the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, to identify new methods for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer peritoneal cancer, reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis, and improve patient prognosis.
PrPC Glycoprotein Is Indispensable for Maintenance of Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis During Aging
Authors: Liu Wenduo , Kieu Thi Thu Trang , Wang Zilin , Sim Hyun‐Jaung , Lee Seohyeong , Lee Jeong‐Chae , Park Yoonjung , Kim Sang Hyun , Kook Sung‐Ho
Published: January 2025

Background

The cellular prion protein (PrPC), a glycoprotein encoded by the PRNP gene, is known to modulate muscle mass and exercise capacity. However, the role of PrPC in the maintenance and regeneration of skeletal muscle during ageing remains unclear.

Methods

This study investigated the change in PrPC expression during muscle formation using C2C12 cells and evaluated muscle function in Prnp wild‐type (WT) and knock‐out (KO) mice at different ages (1, 9 and 15 months). To determine the role of PrPC in skeletal muscle homeostasis during ageing, we conducted regeneration experiments via cardiotoxin injection in Prnp mice to assess the effects of PrPC deficiency on the senescence of satellite stem cells (SCs) and regenerative capacity in skeletal muscle.

Results

Our data demonstrate that PrPC expression increased significantly during muscle differentiation (p < 0.01), correlating with myogenin (immunofluorescence at the differentiation stage). PrPC deficiency disrupted muscle homeostasis, leading to age‐associated mitochondrial autophagy (Pink‐1, +180%, p < 0.001; Parkin, +161%, p < 0.01) and endoplasmic reticulum stress (SERCA, −26%, p < 0.05; IRE1α, +195%, p < 0.001) while decreasing the level of mitochondrial biogenesis (SIRT‐1, −50%, p < 0.01; PGC‐1α, −36%, p < 0.05; VDAC, −27%, p < 0.001), and activated oxidative stress (serum myoglobin, +23%, p < 0.001; MDA, +23%, p < 0.05; NFκB, +117%, p < 0.05) during ageing, which accelerated reduced muscle growth or mass accumulation (tibialis anterior muscle mass, −23%, p < 0.001; gastrocnemius muscle mass, −30%, p < 0.001; muscle fibre size, −48%, p < 0.05; MSTN, +160%, p < 0.01; MAFbx, +83%, p < 0.05). Furthermore, PrPC deficiency induced the senescence (β‐galactosidase, +60%, p < 0.05; p16, +103%, p < 0.001) of SCs, which was directly related to the defect in muscle recovery, with the senescence‐mediated enhancement of adipogenesis (PPARγ, +74%, p < 0.05) during the regeneration process after cardiotoxin‐induced muscle injury.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that PrPC is indispensable for maintaining skeletal muscle homeostasis during ageing by modulating the functional integrity of mitochondria, ER and SCs.
Risk Factors for Viral Coinfections in Blood Donors in Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Luz Estela , Marques Marinho , Arriaga María B. , Campos Luísa Meireles , Lima Lara , Amaral Sávio , Marques Eduardo Luz , Page Kimberly , Brites Carlos
Published: January 2025

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human T Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) coinfection may lead to disease progression or worsen its clinical presentation. Viral coinfections screening during blood donation is critical. To identify risk factors for coinfection among blood donors, we assessed the blood donations at the Fundação de Hematologia e Hemoterapia da Bahia, from 2008 to 2017. We compared serological/molecular evidence of single infection versus two or more viral blood‐borne infections—BBI). A multivariable logistic regression model was performed to evaluate independent associations between characteristics of donors with single infection and multiple infection using “non‐infection” category as reference. Among 777,446 collected blood donations, 27 358 (3.5%) were reactive, most (n = 26 677, 97.6%) for a single infection and 681 (2.4%) for coinfection. The most frequent coinfections were HBV‐HIV (30.6%), HBV‐HCV (30.4%), and HBV‐HTLV (24.4%). Male sex, lower education, being single, and being a first‐time donor were independently associated with both single and coinfections. Nevertheless, the adjusted odds for risk factors of coinfections were much higher than those for single infection. Donors with single and coinfection for BBI shared identical risks, but they were significantly higher for coinfection. Preventive strategies addressing the identified risks can decrease transmission of viral BBI by blood transfusion.
Antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial efficacy of germinated Ocimum gratissimum and Ocimum basilicum seed
Authors: B Neeharika , K G Vijayalaxmi , V Chavannavar Suvarna , Chavan Mohan
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

The edible seeds of Ocimum gratissimum and Ocimum basilicum were found to be a potent source of phytochemicals with noteworthy antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to investigate the impact of germination and extraction solvents (ethanol (EtOH), distilled water) on the therapeutic properties exhibited and the ability of seed extracts to act as natural food preservatives.

RESULTS

The EtOH extracts of germinated O. gratissimum and O. basilicum seeds exhibited more phytoconstituents content with significantly higher phenols (21.03 ± 0.01 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 21.46 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g respectively) and flavonoids (11.92 ± 0.03 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g and 14.45 ± 0.04 mg QE/g respectively) than other extracts did. Thus, they exhibited superior antioxidant potential with substantially lower half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for scavenging 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) cation radical (0.013 ± 0.00 mg mL−1 and 0.007 ± 0.00 mg mL−1 respectively) and superoxide anion radical (4.33 ± 0.01 mg mL−1 and 4.14 ± 0.00 mg mL−1 respectively) and for inhibiting lipid oxidation (2.57 ± 0.00 mg mL−1 and 2.33 ± 0.00 mg mL−1 respectively) compared with other extracts. Further, they exhibited better antidiabetic potential with substantially lower IC50 values for inhibiting α‐amylase activity (0.93 ± 0.01 mg mL−1 and 1.01 ± 0.01 mg mL−1 respectively) and α‐glucosidase activity (0.60 ± 0.01 mg mL−1 and 0.51 ± 0.01 mg mL−1 respectively). Also, they showed superior antimicrobial potential with higher inhibition zones for Bacillus subtilis (13.98 ± 0.18 mm, 17.02 ± 0.18 mm respectively), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (19.00 ± 0.20 mm, 22.58 ± 0.45 mm respectively), Salmonella enterica (24.98 ± 0.18 mm, 22.17 ± 0.15 mm respectively), and Escherichia coli (23.50 ± 0.50 mm, 27.00 ± 0.20 mm respectively) and better inhibition of Aspergillus flavus growth (93.28% and 81.77% respectively) compared with other extracts.

CONCLUSION

Both the O. gratissimum and O. basilicum seed extracts can be utilized efficiently as therapeutic agents to manage inflammation‐driven diseases and diabetes, or as natural preservatives in foods and in edible films or coatings. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Stabilization of blackberry extract by interaction with bovine sodium caseinate in the presence of tara gum
Authors: Ferreyra Ornella N. , Lionello Melina E. , Ingrassia Romina , Hidalgo María Eugenia , dos Santos Ferreira Cristina , del Pilar Buera María , Risso Patricia
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

The antioxidant capacity of anthocyanins (AC) rapidly degrades during storage, highlighting the need for their stabilization. The conformational properties and high proline content of sodium caseinate (NaCAS), combined with the formation of NaCAS microgels in the presence of tara gum (TG) and acid gelation, suggest its potential as an effective stabilizing or encapsulating agent of AC.

RESULTS

Spectrofluorimetric results suggest the formation of a complex between NaCAS and AC. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the presence of TG and blackberry extract (BEX) modifies the NaCAS spectra in the analyzed range. These results validated the presence of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between NaCAS and AC. The impact of the AC–NaCAS complex on the stability of the antioxidant capacity was assessed. After 43 days of storage, the lyophilized complex with an optimal BEX concentration retained 70% of its iron‐reducing power. Additionally, the results indicate that, at the tested concentrations of BEX, the radical scavenging capacity of NaCAS is minimally affected.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that the bioactive properties of the aqueous extract of blackberry are effectively stabilized through the formation of complexes with NaCAS in the presence of TG. Both AC and TG interact with NaCAS, but in different ways. The antioxidant capacity of these mixtures, demonstrated through both reducing power and free radical capture, is preserved to a high degree after storage. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Multivariate Controls of Water–Carbon Coupling Relationship Under Various Land Use Types in the Thick Loess Deposits
Authors: Li Ruifeng , Zhang Xuanhua , Ji Wangjia , Li Bingbing , Li Zhi
Published: January 2025

Prior studies have conducted extensive investigations of the water–carbon coupling relationship for aboveground vegetation and shallow soils, but the characteristics and multivariate controls in deep soils have not been fully explored. This has important implications for better understanding the water and carbon cycles of ecosystems. In this study, we attempted to examine the water–carbon coupling relationship in 18 m profiles under farmland (F), grassland (G), willow (SP), and poplar (P) in China's Loess Plateau. Specially, the multivariate controls of the water–carbon coupling relationship at diverse depths and scales were explored via the wavelet analysis. Individually, the conversion from F to G, SP, and P decreased the soil water storage within the 0–15 m by 553 (22% of F), 557 (22%), and 943 mm (38%). Land use change had little impact on soil organic or inorganic carbon. Even so, the poplar, compared with the willow, resulted in higher vertical variations in deep water and carbon. Furthermore, land use conversion increased the coherence between soil water and carbon in the whole layer. In comparison to F, which was dominated by water retention, G, SP, and P exhibited dominant carbon sequestration. The poplar reduced the root‐mean‐square deviation between soil water and organic carbon from 0.29 (F) to 0.13 in the 6‐ to 15‐m layer and between soil water and inorganic carbon from 0.32 (F) to 0.20 in the 0‐ to 2‐m layer. Sand content and electrical conductivity both played negative roles in maintaining water and carbon in the 6‐ to 15‐m and 0‐ to 15‐m layers at different scales, respectively. This study endeavors to present a novel viewpoint on land use management, with the potential to enhance ecosystem services in water‐limited and land‐degradation regions.
Ontogenetic shifts by juvenile fishes highlight the need for habitat heterogeneity and connectivity in river restoration
Authors: Stoffers Twan , Buijse Anthonie D. , Poos Jan Jaap , Verreth Johan A. J. , Nagelkerke Leopold A. J.
Published: January 2025

Large‐scale anthropogenic river modifications have caused the loss of critical floodplain nursery habitats for riverine fish, leading to population declines. Restoration efforts have been implemented to recover these habitats, but with varying success. Understanding how larval and juvenile fish use habitats in dynamic river environments is essential for improving restoration strategies. We assessed ontogenetic shifts in habitat use by young‐of‐the‐year fishes in the lower Rhine, analyzing 2167 samples across 18 restored floodplains over three growing seasons (2018–2020). Five distinct nursery habitats were identified: (1) exposed, fast‐flowing habitats with coarse substrate; (2) turbid, nonflowing areas with high turbidity and chlorophyll; (3) shallow, vegetated habitats with macrophytes and shoreline vegetation; (4) deeper, sheltered habitats with structural complexity; and (5) shallow, slow‐flowing areas. Habitat use shifted significantly with ontogeny across species. Larvae generally preferred shallow habitats (< 50‐cm depth), either in slow‐flowing areas (e.g., asp, ide, monkey goby, nase, and whitefin gudgeon) or vegetated zones with macrophytes (e.g., bleak, bitterling, bream, round goby, and zander). Juveniles increasingly used deeper habitats (> 50‐cm depth), favoring fast‐flowing areas (e.g., asp, barbel, ide), or deeper, nonflowing habitats (e.g., bream, zander). Our findings thus highlight the critical importance of habitat heterogeneity and connectivity for riverine fish biodiversity. Restoration strategies should prioritize the creation of a mosaic of shallow, low‐velocity habitats for larvae, alongside deeper, fast‐flowing, or sheltered areas for juveniles. Additionally, the movement of rheophilic species from floodplain habitats to the main river channel emphasizes the need for maintaining continuous connectivity between floodplains and the river.
Epiphyton phenology determines the persistence of submerged macrophytes: Exemplified in temperate shallow lakes
Authors: Gsell Alena S. , Teurlincx Sven , Alirangues Nuñez Marta M. , Hilt Sabine
Published: January 2025

Submerged macrophytes are key components in many freshwater and marine ecosystems, contributing to ecosystem functions and services. In temperate shallow lakes, spring epiphyton shading can be decisive for submerged macrophyte development, potentially leading to macrophyte collapse and a shift to undesired, turbid conditions. Global change can alter epiphyton phenology; however, the consequences for submerged macrophytes and their stabilizing effects on clear‐water conditions remain to be elucidated. Based on field data, we propose a general epiphyton shading phenology for submerged macrophytes in temperate shallow lake ecosystems. We express the temporal dynamics of epiphyton shading in terms of onset and relative increase (slope) of epiphyton development as well as epiphyton grazing impacts (onset, duration) using a Boltzmann function. This function is added to the ecosystem model PCLake+ as a customizable, macrophyte‐specific shading factor. We then assess how changes in the epiphyton phenology and the presence of grazing on epiphyton affects submerged macrophyte biomass in a generic temperate shallow model lake under control and warm winter scenarios. The results from the model provide a proof‐of‐concept that epiphyton shading can provoke macrophyte loss and shifts between alternative equilibria. Threshold values for critical shifts depend on epiphyton shading phenology. Earlier onset and longer duration of grazing can maintain macrophytes in nutrient or climate conditions under which they would otherwise collapse. Our results show the pivotal importance of epiphyton phenology in determining lake ecosystem‐wide responses stressing the need for better incorporation of epiphyton into both models and monitoring.
Approaching the Quantum‐Limited Precision in Frequency‐Comb‐Based Spectral Interferometric Ranging
Authors: Jang Yoon‐Soo , Ahn Heulbi , Eom Sunghoon , Park Jungjae , Jin Jonghan
Published: January 2025

Over the last two decades, frequency combs have brought breakthroughs in length metrology with traceability to length standards. In particular, frequency‐comb‐based spectral interferometry is regarded as a promising technology for next‐generation length standards. However, to achieve this, the nanometer‐level precision inherent in a laser interferometer is required. Here, distance measurements are reported by frequency‐comb‐based spectral interferometry with sub‐nm precision close to a standard quantum limit. The measurement precision is confirmed as 0.67 nm at an average time of 25 µs. The measurement sensitivity is found to be 4.5·10−12m/Hz1/2, close to the quantum‐limit. As a practical example of observing precise physical phenomena, remote sound sensing is demonstrated through measuring vibrations induced by acoustic waves. The study will be an important step toward the practical realization of upcoming length standards.
Deep learning‐based Monte Carlo dose prediction for heavy‐ion online adaptive radiotherapy and fast quality assurance: A feasibility study
Authors: He Rui , Wang Jian , Wu Wei , Zhang Hui , Liu Yinuo , Luo Ying , Zhang Xinyang , Ma Yuanyuan , Liu Xinguo , Li Yazhou , Peng Haibo , He Pengbo , Li Qiang
Published: January 2025

Background

Online adaptive radiotherapy (OART) and rapid quality assurance (QA) are essential for effective heavy ion therapy (HIT). However, there is a shortage of deep learning (DL) models and workflows for predicting Monte Carlo (MC) doses in such treatments.

Purpose

This study seeks to address this gap by developing a DL model for independent MC dose (MCDose) prediction, aiming to facilitate OART and rapid QA implementation for HIT.

Methods and Materials

A MC dose prediction DL model called CAM‐CHD U‐Net for HIT was introduced, based on the GATE/Geant4 MC simulation platform. The proposed model improved upon the original CHD U‐Net by adding a Channel Attention Mechanism (CAM). Two experiments were conducted, one with CHD U‐Net (Experiment 1) and another with CAM‐CHD U‐Net (Experiment 2), and involved data from 120 head and neck cancer patients. Using patient CT images, three‐dimensional energy matrices, and ray‐masks as inputs, the model completed the entire MC dose prediction process within a few seconds.

Results

In Experiment 2, within the Planned Target Volume (PTV) region, the average gamma passing rate (3%/3 mm) between the predicted dose and true MC dose reached 99.31%, and 96.48% across all body voxels. Experiment 2 demonstrated a 46.15% reduction in the mean absolute difference in in organs at risk compared to Experiment 1.

Conclusions

By extracting relevant parameters of radiotherapy plans, the CAM‐CHD U‐Net model can directly and accurately predict independent MC dose, and has a high gamma passing rate with the ground truth dose (the dose obtained after a complete MC simulation). Our workflow enables the implementation of heavy ion OART, and the predicted MCDose can be used for rapid QA of HIT.
DFT Study on Mechanism and Regioselectivity in Pd(II)‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Heck Olefination of Selenophenes
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Yang Xiaojiao , Fang Ran
Published: January 2025

The present study deals with the theoretical investigation of mechanistic and regiochemical aspects of the Pd(II)‐catalyzed dehydrogenative Heck olefination of selenophenes. The detailed reaction mechanism was established, and the roles of the catalyst and regioselectivity were well rationalized. Our results clearly showed that the whole reaction involves a concerted metalation‐deprotonation (CMD) process between the C2 site of selenophene and Pd(OAc)2 in the first catalytic cycle. Afterward, the olefin coordinates to the palladium, followed by a regioselective 1,2‐migratory insertion to form a C─C bond. Then, β‐hydride elimination would give the final 2‐monoolefinated product. Subsequently, the second catalytic cycle generates the symmetrical 2,5‐diolefinated selenophene product. Another key finding of this study is that selenophene and its monoolefinated product act as nucleophiles, while the catalyst behaves as an electrophile. A global reactivity index (GRI) analysis revealed that the nucleophilicity (Nk) of C2, C3, C4, and C5 atoms in selenophene plays an important role in controlling the reaction selectivity at these sites. However, the distortion energies play a more important role in controlling the selectivity of reactions at the olefin C sites.
PET‐Based Dual‐Modal Probes for In Vivo Imaging
Authors: Zhao Runge , Lan Deren , Xia Beibei , Dong MengJie , Mu Jing , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: January 2025

Molecular imaging has significantly advanced the detection and analysis of in vivo metabolic processes, while single‐modal techniques remain limited. Dual‐modal imaging, particularly positron emission tomography (PET)‐based combinations has emerged as a powerful solution, offering enhanced capabilities through integration with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging. This review highlights recent progress in PET‐based dual‐modal imaging, focusing on the development of various bimodal probes derived from antibodies, nanoparticles, and peptides, and key applications including image‐guided surgery and disease assessment. PET‐based dual‐modal imaging holds substantial potential for advancing research and diagnostics by improving resolution and providing functional insights. By combining complementary modalities, these systems deliver a more comprehensive view of disease processes, leading to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments. Future research prioritizes optimizing probe design for enhanced biocompatibility and safety, facilitating clinical translation, and broadens applications beyond cancer. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, PET‐based dual‐modal probes are poised to play a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes, particularly in diagnosing and managing complex diseases.
Die Forstwegbrücke BW 399c im Zuge der BAB A3
Authors: Mansperger Tobias , Lewerenz Camilla , Hofmann Max
Published: January 2025

Klima‐ und ressourcenschonendes Bauen gehört zu den größten Herausforderungen unserer Zeit und erfordert innovative Ansätze im Ingenieur‐ und Brückenbau. Mit dem BW 399c wurde ein besonders nachhaltiges Brückenbauwerk realisiert, das diesen Anforderungen in besonderer Weise gerecht wird. Es zeichnet sich durch seine innovative Bauweise, die Kombination mehrerer innovativer Technologien und höchste gestalterische Ansprüche aus. Die Brücke überspannt die Bundesautobahn A3 im Bereich der Gemeinde Schwaig nahe Nürnberg und wurde gemäß den Richtlinien des Gestaltungshandbuchs der A3 für den sechsstreifigen Ausbau zwischen Nürnberg und Würzburg als Typ‐2‐Bauwerk errichtet. Dieses Konzept hatte sich bereits beim benachbarten Bauwerk 400c bewährt, welches mit einer Auszeichnung im Rahmen des Wettbewerbs zum Deutschen Brückenbaupreis 2020 prämiert wurde – im Jahr 2024 folgte auch für das BW 399c eine Auszeichnung im Rahmen des Ingenieurpreises des Deutschen Stahlbaus. Erstmals wurde beim Bauwerk 399c eine Straßenbrücke mit Orthoverbundplatte mit Verbunddübelleisten und nichtmetallischer Bewehrung ausgeführt. Der Überbau einschließlich der Fahrbahn, Kappen und Geländer wurde nahezu vollständig in Seitenlage vorgefertigt und während einer einzigen nächtlichen Sperrpause in seine endgültige Position eingefahren.
Strategies for Service Growth
Authors: Odhe JanErik , Padhi Pritam , Witell Lars
Published: January 2025

In the competitive world of manufacturing, where profit margins deteriorate over time, service infusion might be a way to help a business turn in the right direction. This chapter briefly explains the concepts of servitization and service infusion, before identifying service growth opportunities and obstacles. From a strategy-based perspective, we present a conceptual model that evaluates the current and future growth potential of the service business. We identify four specific service growth strategies and illustrate them through business cases. The service growth strategies represent physical services (free-to-fee and ownership change) and digital services (remote and upgrading).
Enabling a Circular Economy Through Green Service Strategies
Authors: Hedvall Klas , Witell Lars
Published: January 2025

Services are key enablers in the transformation toward the circular economy because they provide the prerequisites for sustainable value co-creation. Services in the circular economy include “traditional” offerings such as maintenance and remanufacturing, but also newer types of services in the sharing economy. This chapter discusses three sustainable value co-creation activities in more detail: (1) extending product life, (2) dematerialization, and (3) replacing service systems. It also provides illustrations of services that support sustainable value co-creation and, ultimately, improved environmental sustainability. The chapter concludes by highlighting key challenges for firms and customers involved in sustainable value co-creation activities.
Overview of the Piled Embankment Analysis Method
Authors: Zhuang Yan
Published: January 2025

As mentioned in Chapter one, the construction of embankments over soft soils could induce the potential problems of long-term stability and large settlements.
Polynomial Fourier decay for fractal measures and their pushforwards
Authors: Baker Simon , Banaji Amlan
Published: January 2025

We prove that the pushforwards of a very general class of fractal measures

$$\mu $$

μ

on

$$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

under a large family of non-linear maps

$$F{:}\,{\mathbb {R}}^d \rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

F
:

R

d

→
R

exhibit polynomial Fourier decay: there exist

$$C,\eta >0$$

C
,
η
>
0

such that

$$|\widehat{F\mu }(\xi )|\le C|\xi |^{-\eta }$$

|

F
μ

^

(
ξ
)

|
≤
C
|
ξ
|

-
η

for all

$$\xi \ne 0$$

ξ
≠
0

. Using this, we prove that if

$$\Phi = \{ \varphi _a{:}\,[0,1] \rightarrow [0,1]\}_{a \in \mathcal {A}}$$

Φ
=

{

φ
a

:

[
0
,
1
]

→

[
0
,
1
]

}

a
∈
A

is an iterated function system consisting of analytic contractions, and there exists

$$a \in \mathcal {A}$$

a
∈
A

such that

$$\varphi _a$$

φ
a

is not an affine map, then every non-atomic self-conformal measure for

$$\Phi $$

Φ

has polynomial Fourier decay; this result was obtained simultaneously by Algom, Rodriguez Hertz, and Wang. We prove applications related to the Fourier uniqueness problem, Fractal Uncertainty Principles, Fourier restriction estimates, and quantitative equidistribution properties of numbers in fractal sets.
Green quantification of amino(poly)phosphonates using ion chromatography coupled to integrated pulsed amperometric detection
Authors: Röhnelt Anna M. , Martin Philipp R. , Marks Robert G. H. , Buchner Daniel , Weiss Joachim , Schmidt Torsten C. , Haderlein Stefan B.
Published: January 2025

Aminopolyphosphonates (APPs) are widely used as chelating agents, and their increasing release into the environment has raised concerns due to their transformation into aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) and glyphosate, compounds of controversial environmental impact. This transformation highlights the urgent need for detailed studies under controlled conditions. Despite the availability of various methods for quantifying individual aminopolyphosphonates and aminomonophosphonates, a green, low-cost approach for the simultaneous quantification of APPs and their transformation products in laboratory experiments has been lacking. In this study, we present a novel analytical method utilizing ion chromatography (IC) coupled to integrated pulsed amperometric detection (IPAD) to simultaneously quantify the six aminophosphonates: AMPA, glyphosate, iminodi(methylene phosphonate) (IDMP), aminotrismethylene(phosphonates) (ATMP), ethylenediamine tetra(methylene phosphonate) (EDTMP), and diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonate) (DTPMP). This method achieves separation within a 35-min run time and method detection limits (MDLs) ranging from 0.014 μM for AMPA to 0.14 μM for DTPMP. The method’s applicability was successfully shown by monitoring DTPMP, IDMP, and AMPA during DTPMP transformation on manganese dioxide. A key advantage of this method is its environmental friendliness compared to existing aminophosphonate quantification techniques. Next to the simultaneous analysis, it avoids the use of derivatization agents and organic solvents and employs an energy-efficient detector. While the method’s limitations lie in the detector’s inherent non-specific nature, it offers a low-cost and sustainable alternative to existing methods.

Graphical Abstract
[18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT-based radiomics may help enhance the interpretation of bone focal uptakes in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer patients
Authors: Bauckneht Matteo , Pasini Giovanni , Di Raimondo Tania , Russo Giorgio , Raffa Stefano , Donegani Maria Isabella , Dubois Daniela , Peñuela Leonardo , Sofia Luca , Celesti Greta , Bini Fabiano , Marinozzi Franco , Lanfranchi Francesco , Laudicella Riccardo , Sambuceti Gianmario , Stefano Alessandro
Published: January 2025

Purpose

We hypothesised that applying radiomics to [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT images could help distinguish Unspecific Bone Uptakes (UBUs) from bone metastases in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. We compared the performance of radiomic features to human visual interpretation.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analysed 102 hormone-sensitive PCa patients who underwent [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT and exhibited at least one focal bone uptake with known clinical follow-up (reference standard). Using matRadiomics, we extracted features from PET and CT images of each bone uptake and identified the best predictor model for bone metastases using a machine-learning approach to generate a radiomic score. Blinded PET readers with low (n = 2) and high (n = 2) experience rated each bone uptake as either UBU or bone metastasis. The same readers performed a second read three months later, with access to the radiomic score.

Results

Of the 178 [18F]PSMA-1007 bone uptakes, 74 (41.5%) were classified as PCa metastases by the reference standard. A radiomic model combining PET and CT features achieved an accuracy of 84.69%, though it did not surpass expert PET readers in either round. Less-experienced readers had significantly lower diagnostic accuracy at baseline (p < 0.05) but improved with the addition of radiomic scores (p < 0.05 compared to the first round).

Conclusion

Radiomics might help to differentiate bone metastases from UBUs. While it did not exceed expert visual assessments, radiomics has the potential to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of less-experienced readers in evaluating [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT bone uptakes.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and immunosuppressive therapy: implications of clonal haematopoiesis
Authors: Tan Zhengwei , Zhang Xinhe , Feng Jia , Zhao Yuechao , Hu Huijin , Wu Dijiong , Yu Qinghong , Zhang Yu , Wu Liqiang , Hu Tonglin , Yan Zhengsong , Ye Baodong , Liu Wenbin
Published: January 2025

Aplastic anemia (AA) is a life-threatening bone marrow failure syndrome. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has shed light on the link between somatic mutations (SM) and the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy (IST) in AA patients. However, the relationship between SM and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has not been extensively explored. In this retrospective analysis, we examined 166 AA patients who received HSCT or IST at our institution between May 2019 and December 2023. NGS was conducted on 66 genes within bone marrow cells to investigate the correlation between SM and the prognosis and therapeutic response in AA patients, as well as to assess the impact of mutation types on HSCT outcomes. Clinical data were gathered from 166 AA patients, comprising 84 males and 82 females, with a median age of 32 years (ranging from 9 to 75 years). In our study, a total of 151 somatic mutations were identified across 84 patients (50.6%), with 42 patients (25.3%) presenting a single mutation and 26 patients (15.7%) harboring two mutations. The top five genes with the highest mutation frequency were BCOR/BCORL1 (12.6%), ASXL1 (8.6%), TET2 (6.6%), CEBPA (5.3%), and GATA2 (4.6%). We stratified patients into SM and No-SM groups based on the presence of mutations and further divided them into HSCT and IST groups to assess the influence of mutation types on treatment response and survival within and between these groups. The findings were as follows: 1.Patients in the HSCT group exhibited a higher treatment response (OR 85.9% vs. 68.4%, p < 0.05), although there was no significant difference in survival. 2.Patients with favorable mutations, such as PIGA and BCOR/BCORL1, experienced significantly improved response and survival compared to those with unfavorable mutations like ASXL1, DNMT3A, and TET2 (OR 93.7% vs. 72%, p < 0.05) (3-year OS 93.7% vs. 80%, p > 0.05). 3.The HSCT-Favorable group demonstrated superior response rates (OR 100% vs. 67.7%, p < 0.05) and longer survival (3-year OS 100% vs. 67.7%, p < 0.05) compared to the IST-Favorable group. This study underscores that AA patients carrying favorable mutations, particularly BCOR/BCORL1, tend to have a more robust response and better prognosis than those without mutations or those with unfavorable mutations, such as ASXL1/DNMT3A. These findings are especially pertinent to HSCT, highlighting the importance of NGS prior to initiating treatment.
Nedosiran in pediatric patients with PH1 and relatively preserved kidney function, a phase 2 study (PHYOX8)
Authors: Sas David J. , Bakkaloglu Sevcan A. , Belostotsky Vladimir , Hayes Wesley , Ariceta Gema , Zhou Jing , Rawson Verity
Published: January 2025

Background

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is an autosomal recessive disorder with dysregulated glyoxylate metabolism in the liver. Oxalate over-production leads to renal stones, progressive kidney damage and renal failure, with potentially life-threatening systemic oxalosis. Nedosiran is a synthetic RNA interference therapy, designed to reduce hepatic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to decrease oxalate burden in PH.

Methods

Currently, in the PHYOX8 study (NCT05001269), pediatric participants (2–11 years) with PH1 (N = 15) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 30mL/min/1.73m2 received nedosiran once monthly for 6 months.

Results

Urinary oxalate:creatinine (Uox:Ucr) levels reduced by 64% on average. Mean Uox:Ucr reduction was 52% at day 60 and ˃60% at day 180. At one or more study visits, 93.3% (N = 14) of participants reached Uox:Ucr < 1.5 × upper limit of normal (ULN), and 53.3% (N = 8) reached ≤ 1.0 × ULN. Median percent change in plasma oxalate (12.0 µmol/L at baseline) to day 180 was –39.23% (n = 10). Average number of kidney stones per participant remained stable, whilst a 10.1% average decrease in summed surface area was observed. Median percent change from baseline in eGFR was 2.5%, indicating preservation of renal function.

Conclusions

Nedosiran was well tolerated, with only 3 participants experiencing at least one serious adverse event, none considered treatment-related. The incidence of injection site reactions was 6.7% (1/15 participants). In conclusion, nedosiran treatment led to a significant and sustained reduction of Uox levels in children with PH1. These findings support nedosiran treatment in pediatric patients to reduce Uox and shows promise for limiting PH1-related complications.

Graphical abstract
Opportunity-based other-regarding preferences in general equilibrium: existence
Authors: Donato Maria Bernadette , Sperati Chiara , Villanacci Antonio
Published: January 2025

We consider a pure exchange economy with a finite number of goods and households. Following the path-breaking paper by Kranich, we introduce two differences with respect to the standard model: (i) each household utility function depends not only on her own consumption but also on other households’ welfare, measured by wealth; then, other-regarding preferences are based on other households opportunities; (ii) households are allowed to promise transfers to other households and the promises are bound to be honored. We provide a proof of existence of equilibria, solving several problems which are not addressed by the paper by Kranich. We present a robust example of non-existence of equilibria if the crucial assumption of an upper bound on transfers is violated. As a mathematical by-product of our analysis, we give easy-to-check conditions that ensure that commonly used constraint set-valued functions satisfy properties that are needed to apply standard existence theorems.
Auf dem Weg zu einer zirkulären CO2-Wirtschaft? – Der Rechtsrahmen für CCU
Authors: Rösner Verena , Rothfuß Kaja
Published: January 2025

Die Bundesregierung sieht das Verfahren Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) als Innovation mit vielversprechendem
Potenzial im Kampf gegen den Klimawandel. Um die bioökonomische Vision eines geschlossenen Kohlenstoffkreislaufsystems,
in dem CO2 aus Industrieemissionen eingefangen und wiederverwertet wird zu realisieren, hat das Bundesministerium
für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz im Februar 2024 “Eckpunkte für eine Carbon Management-Strategie”
vorgelegt. Am 21. Juni 2024 folgte ein Gesetzentwurf zur Änderung des Kohlenstoff-Speicherungsgesetzes
(KSpG), der einen Rahmen für den CO2-Transport in Deutschland schaffen soll.
The irreducibility of chemistry to Everettian quantum mechanics
Authors: Miller Ryan Michael
Published: January 2025

The question of whether chemical structure is reducible to Everettian Quantum Mechanics (EQM) should be of interest to philosophers of chemistry and philosophers of physics alike. Among the three realist interpretations of quantum mechanics, EQM resolves the measurement problem by claiming that measurements (now interpreted as instances of decoherence) have indeterminate outcomes absolutely speaking, but determinate outcomes relative to emergent worlds—Maudlin (Topoi, 14:7-15, 1995). Philosophers who wish to be sensitive to the practice of quantum chemistry e.g. Scerri (The changing views of a philosopher of chemistry on the question of reduction, 2016) should be interested in EQM because Franklin and Seifert (J. Philos. Sci, 2020) claim that resolving the measurement problem also resolves the reducibility of chemical structure, and EQM is the interpretation which involves no mathematical structure beyond that used by practicing scientists. Philosophers interested in the quantum interpretation debate should be interested in the reducibility of chemistry because chemical structure is precisely the kind of determinate three-dimensional fact which EQM should be able to ground if it is to be empirically coherent—see Allori (Quantum Rep, 5:80-101, 2023). The prospects for reduction of chemical structure are poor if it cannot succeed in EQM; the prospects for EQM as a guide to ontology are poor if it cannot reduce chemical structure. Unfortunately for proponents of chemical reduction and EQM, there are three serious barriers to the reduction of chemistry to EQM. The first concern is that quantum treatments of chemical structure rely on the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, which holds nuclear locations fixed while minimizing the energy of the electronic configuration—Hendry (Philosophical Perspectives in Quantum Chemistry, 147-172, 2022), but this approximation is not licensed by EQM. The Born-Oppenheimer approximation relies on nuclei and molecular orbitals being simultaneously present, but in the three-dimensional ontology following from the Everett interpretation these only emerge at different energy scales and are not simultaneously present—Miller (Found. Chem, 25:405-417, 2023). The second concern is that the emergent worlds of EQM are supposed to be decoherent at the macro-scale—Wilson (The Nature of Contingency: Quantum Physics as Modal Realism 2020), but the recent development of superchemistry suggests that chemical reactions can occur in coherent states—Zhang et al. (Nat. Phys, 1-5, 2023). The third concern is that emergent worlds are only pragmatic pseudo-processes—Wallace (The Emergent Multiverse: Quantum Theory According to the Everett Interpretation, 2012b), but this means EQM trades realist physics for mere instrumentalism about chemistry. Absent a commitment to chemical realism, reduction is an empty promise. The prospects for reduction of chemical structure to EQM are therefore poor.
Four Neurotoxic Insecticides Impair Partner and Host Finding in the Parasitoid Leptopilina heterotoma and Bioactive Doses Can Be Taken up Via the Host
Authors: Schöfer Nils , Saxinger Nathalie , Braumandl Katrin , Ruther Joachim
Published: January 2025

In modern agriculture, control of insect pests is achieved by using insecticides that can also have lethal and sublethal effects on beneficial non-target organisms. Here, we investigate acute toxicity and sublethal effects of four insecticides on the males’ sex pheromone response and the female host finding ability of the Drosophila parasitoid Leptopilina heterotoma. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists acetamiprid, flupyradifurone and sulfoxaflor, as well as the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor dimethoate were applied topically as acetone solutions. Males treated with all four insecticides no longer preferred the female sex pheromone in a T-olfactometer. Duration of wing fanning, an element of the pheromone-mediated male courtship behavior, was also reduced by all four insecticides. The ability of females to orientate towards host-infested feeding substrate was not affected by acetamiprid in the tested dose range. However, treatment with dimethoate, flupyradifurone and sulfoxaflor resulted in the loss of the females’ preference for host odor. At the lowest doses interfering with olfactory abilities of L. heterotoma in this study (acetamiprid: 0.21 ng, dimethoate: 0.105 ng, flupyradifurone: 2.1 ng and sulfoxaflor: 0.21 ng), ≥ 90% of the wasps survive insecticide treatment. Male pheromone responses and female host finding were also disturbed in those L. heterotoma that had developed in D. melanogaster larvae reared on dimethoate-treated feeding medium at sublethal levels. Hence, doses of this insecticide sufficient to interfere with chemical orientation of L. heterotoma can be taken up by the parasitoid via the food chain.
Leveraging Model Master Files for Long-Acting Injectables
Authors: Gong Yuqing , Hopefl Robert , Li Tonglei , Hooker Andrew C. , Silva Daniela Amaral , Alam Khondoker , Ducharme Murray , Moody Rebecca , Saha Pratik , Babiskin Andrew
Published: January 2025

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Research on Complex Generics (CRCG) hosted a public workshop on May 2–3, 2024, titled “Considerations and Potential Regulatory Applications for a Model Master File”. The workshop aimed to discuss the application of the Model Master File (MMF) concept in regulatory submissions that contain model integrated evidence (MIE), improving model sharing, model standardization, regulatory consistency, and regulatory efficiency. On Day 1, there was a session dedicated to MMF applications for long-acting injectables (LAIs). This perspective summarizes presentations, panel discussion, and small group discussion for the potential applications of MMFs in LAI product development, including case studies and potential situations in which MMFs can support regulatory submissions. The scientific presentations discussed the application of MMFs in mechanistic physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK), multiphysics simulation, and population pharmacokinetics (popPK) models, as well as the potential utility of a model-integrated bioequivalence (MI-BE) framework. Additionally, challenges and considerations of implementing MMFs for LAIs were discussed in the panel and small groups. The anticipated benefits of MMFs are recognized among model developers, industries, and regulators.

Graphical Abstract
Singularity to deploy HPC applications: a study case with WRF
Authors: Tondreau Pierre-Simon Callist Yannick , Perez Juan C. , Díaz Juan P. , Blanco Pérez Vicente , Felipe Jonatan
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the performance and portability of the Weather Research and Forecasting model in high-performance computing environments, comparing traditional baremetal deployments with containerized executions using Singularity. Experiments were conducted on the TeideHPC system, focusing on execution time, the impact of different compilers (Intel vs. GCC), and parallelization strategies (MPI and OpenMP). The results indicate that while Singularity introduces a performance overhead of 11 to 15%, it offers significant advantages in portability and reproducibility. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of compiler choice and the influence of container image size on startup times, emphasizing the need for careful optimization in containerized HPC workflows.