bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Der Kollektivparamagnetismus von mikrokristallinem γ‐Fe2O3
Authors: Knappwost A. , Stein H.‐D.
Published: October 2023

An durch Oxydation von Fe(CO)5‐Dampf bei Temperaturen zwischen 280°C und 600°C hergestellten γ‐Fc2O3‐Aggregationen von < 100 Å Linearausdehnung wird die kollektivparamagnetische Suszeptibilität als Funktion der magnetischen Feldstärke bestimmt. Aus der Gültigkeit des Curieschen Gesetzes über einen Temperaturbereich von > 400° folgt Konstanz der spontanen Magnetisierung Isp der Teilchen für den gleichen Temperaturbereich entgegen der Erwartung nach der Spinwellentheorie von Klein und Smith.

Durch Kombination der Gleichungen für die Curie‐Gesetzmethode und die Argumentmethode ergibt sich das Volumen v und die spontane Magnetisierung isp der Bereiche. v ist praktisch unabhängig von der Bildungstemperatur des γ‐Fe2O3 [≈ (55 Å)3], während Isp wegen Abnahme der Gitterfehler mit dcr Bildungstemperatur ansteigt. Da ein Gang des Volumens mit der Bildungstemperatur fehlt, läßt sich die Mindestgröße der spontan magnetisierten Bereiche an auf diese Weise hergestellten Präparaten nicht bestimmen. Überraschenderweise sinkt mit den Gitterfehlern das resultierende magnetische Moment je Eisen‐Ion im Sinne zunchmender antiferromagnetischer Kompensation stark ab.
Infrarot‐spektroskopische Untersuchungen an Komplexisomeren
Authors: Briegleb G. , Delle H.
Published: October 2023

Es werden ultrarotspektroskopische Messungen durchgeführt an festen Molekülverbindungen der Pikrinsäure mit aromatischen Aminen. Es ergeben sich zwei Verbindungstypen:

Salztypus mit Wasserstoffbrückenbindung, charakterisiert durch typische Salzbanden bei 3,45 und 3,9μ. (O2N)3‐C6H2O … +H3N‐C10H6‐Br.

Molekülverbindungstyp: HO‐(O2N)3‐C6H2 … C10H6‐Br, ‐NH2.

Das Ultrarotspektrum setzt sich im Bereich 2,5 bis 5 μ additiv aus dem der Komponenten zusammen. Umwandlungen vom Salz‐Wasserstoffbrücken‐Bindungstyp (1) in den Molekülverbindungstyp (2) konnten in bestimmten Fällen einer Komplexisomerie (Hertel) nachgewiesen werden am Verschwinden der Salzbanden und Auftreten der NH‐Valenzschwingungsfrequenzen bei 2,9 bis 3 μ.
Zur Wirkung von Alkali‐Promotoren auf Eisenkatalysatoren 1. Mitteilung: Strukturbeeinflussung gefällter Eisen(III)‐oxyde durch Promotoren und Temperung
Authors: Kölbel Herbert , Leuteritz Günter
Published: October 2023

Es wird der Einfluß der Promotoren K2CO3 und Cu(NO3)2 bzw. CuO auf die Struktur von α‐Fe2O3 untersucht, das als Ausgangsprodukt für technische Eisenkatalysatoren Bedeutung hat.

Kaliumcarbonat stabilisiert bei bestimmten Konzentrationen unter 1 Gew.‐% (bezogen auf Fe) allein und zusammen mit kleinen Mengen Cu(NO3)2 bzw. CuO (0,2 Gew.‐% Cu bezogen auf Fe) röntgenamorphe Zustände des Eisen(III)‐Oxyds. Dies macht sich in einer größeren thermischen Beständigkeit der ungeordneten Phase gegen Rekristallisation bemerkbar. Cu(NO3)2 bzw. CuO wirkt bei höheren Dotierungen (> 1 Gew.‐% Cu) entgegengesetzt und fördert damit die Kristallisation.
Über die Grenzflächenvorgänge beim Stoffaustausch zwischen Kohlendioxyd und einer unbewegten Flüssigkeit
Authors: Ilschner Bernhard
Published: October 2023

Es wurden die Absorptions‐ und Desorptionsvorgänge zwischen CO2 als Gasphase und Wasser sowie Dekalin als flüssiger Phase untersucht. Ohne zusätzliche Rührung stellte sich bei Absorption ein konvektionsbedingter Sättigungsvorgang mit exponentiellem Zeitgesetz, bei Desorption ein reiner Diffusionsvorgang proportional zu √Dt ein. Bei zusätzlicher Rührung verlief auch die Desorption exponential, jedoch blieben erhebliche Unterschiede der Zeitkonstanten in beiden Austauschrichtungen bestehen. Dieses Verhalten wird durch die geringen Dichteunterschiede in der Lösung erklärt, welche mit einer empfindlichen Anordnung gemessen wurden. Die theoretische Erörterung und der Vergleich mit im Schrifttum enthaltenen Messungen des Stoff‐ und des Wärmeüberganges an anderen Systemen sprechen gegen die Annahme einer ständigen Erneuerung der freien Oberfläche durch Konvektion. Wahrscheinlich wird vielmehr die turbulente Diffusion (ähnlich wie an festen Wandungen) bei Annäherung an die Oberfläche so weit gedämpft, daß molekulare Diffusion innerhalb einer gewissen Grenzschicht den Hauptanteil des Stofftransportes übernimmt. Als Ursache für diese Oberflächenstabilität wird die Oberflächenenergie der Lösung, verstärkt durch grenzflächenaktive Verunreinigungen, angesehen.
Molekültuodellrechnungen mit elektronischen Rechenanlagen I. Theorie und Programmierung
Authors: Schmid Erich W.
Published: October 2023

Über ein “Iterationsverfahren zur Zuordnung von Molekülschwingungsspektren mit einer Anwendung auf die ebenen Schwingungen von Naphthalin” wurde bereits in einer früheren Arbeit1) berichtet. Inzwischen wurden mit der PERM2) eine Reihe von Modellrechnungen durchgeführt und dabei neue Erfahrungen gesammelt. Im folgenden soll darüber als Ergänzung der früheren Arbeit berichtet werden.
Spektroskopische Untersuchungen an Siliciumverbindungen. XI Die Raman‐ und IR‐Spektren linearer Methylpolysiloxane
Authors: Kriegsmann Heinrich
Published: October 2023

Die Raman‐ und IR‐Spektren der Methylpolysiloxane (CH3)3SiO[(CH3)2SiO]nSi(CH3)3, n = 1‐6, werden mitgeteilt und die Frequenzen den einzelnen Schwingungsformen zugeordnet. Unstimmigkeiten zwischen einzelnen bereits bekannten Ramanspektren werden diskutiert. Aus den Spektren werden die Valenz‐frequenzen der SiOSi‐Ketten abgetrennt. Sie lassen sich in zwei Gruppen teilen. Die eine Gruppe liegt zwischen ∼ 490 und 600 cm−1, also im Gebiet der symmetrischen SiOSi‐Valenzschwingung. Hier ist besonders eine sehr starke Ramanlinie charakteristisch. Im Gebiet der antisymmetrischen SiOSi‐Valenzschwingung (∼ 1030‐∼1090 cm−1) treten nur sehr intensive IR‐Banden auf. Die Spektren vier technischer Silikonöle zeigen die gleichen Merkmale.

Der Einfluß der Kettenlänge auf die Spektren wird diskutiert. Aus den Kettenfrequenzen gebildete Mittelwerte sind über alle Verbindungen hinweg nahezu konstant.
Annäherungsabstände von Ionen in wäβriger Lösung aus der Linienbreite der magnetischen Kernresonanz
Authors: Hertz H. G.
Published: October 2023

Es werden Meβergebnisse über die Konzentrationsabhängigkeit der Linienbreite der magnetischen Kernresonanzen von Brom (Br−79) und Jod (J−127) in verschiedenen wäβrigen Elektrolytlösungen mitgeteilt, in denen die gelösten Salze vollständig dissoziiert sind. Durchgemessen wurden die Lösungen der Bromide und Jodide von Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr und Ba.

Dann werden Formeln abgeleitet, welche die Linienbreite sowohl im Grenzfall unendlicher Verdünnung als auch bei höheren Konzentrationen zu berechnen gestatten. Der Vergleich der berechneten mit den gemessenen Linienbreiten erlaubt es, Aussagen über den effektiven Annäherungsabstand zwischen dem Brom bzw. Jod‐Ion und den in der Lösung vorhandenen Kationen zu machen. Es folgen Zahlenwerte der minimalen effektiven Annäherungsabstände, die sich aus den experimentell erhaltenen Konzentrationsabhängigkeiten der Linienbreiten ergeben.
Zur Frage des überstöchiometrischen Sauerstoffs im Nickeloxyd; Teil I: Experimentelle Ergebnisse
Authors: Gossel Hartmut
Published: October 2023

Zur Auffindung einer Erklärung für das Auftreten unterschiedlicher Mengen überstöchiometrischen Sauerstoffs in verschieden hergestellten, jedoch gittergleichen Nickeloxyden wurden eingehende Untersuchungen (Sauerstoffadsorptionsmessungen, Oxydations‐ bzw. Reduktionswertbestimmungen) am Nickeloxyd‐Sauerstoffsystem durchgeführt. Aus den Ergebnissen dieser Untersuchungen folgt, daß die Nichtstöchiometrie des Nickeloxyds — zumindest in ganz überwiegendem Umfang — eine Eigenschaft der Oberfläche bzw. der oberflächennahen Bereiche dieser Verbindung ist. Als Ursache für die unterschiedlichen Sauerstoffüberschußgehalte der Nickeloxyde ergab sich neben einem geringen Einfluß ihrer Sauerstoffbehandlungstemperatur nur der Unterschied ihrer Oberflächen.
Zur Berechnung der Spektren von symmetrischen Aromaten
Authors: Lemke Ralf
Published: October 2023

Die Absorptionsmaxima der Elektronen‐Spektren von Acenen lassen sich durch P(2) und/oder M angeben. P(2/1) ist zur mathematischen Darstellung bei den Acenen weniger geeignet. Eine Solvatochromie der Acene, Phene und Starphene ist nachweisbar.
Elevated extracellular inorganic phosphate inhibits ecto‐phosphatase activity in breast cancer cells: Regulation by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Lacerda‐Abreu Marco A. , Meyer‐Fernandes José R.
Published: October 2023

For cells to obtain inorganic phosphate, ectoenzymes in the plasma membrane, which contain a catalytic site facing the extracellular environment, hydrolyze phosphorylated molecules. In this study, we show that increased Pi levels in the extracellular environment promote a decrease in ecto‐phosphatase activity, which is associated with Pi‐induced oxidative stress. High levels of Pi inhibit ecto‐phosphatase because Pi generates H2O2. Ecto‐phosphatase activity is inhibited by H2O2, and this inhibition is selective for phospho‐tyrosine hydrolysis. Additionally, it is shown that the mechanism of inhibition of ecto‐phosphatase activity involves lipid peroxidation. In addition, the inhibition of ecto‐phosphatase activity by H2O2 is irreversible. These findings have new implications for understanding ecto‐phosphatase regulation in the tumor microenvironment. H2O2 stimulated by high Pi inhibits ecto‐phosphatase activity to prevent excessive accumulation of extracellular Pi, functioning as a regulatory mechanism of Pi variations in the tumor microenvironment.
Mistreatment with maggot therapy in diabetic foot ulcer causing an amputation
Authors: Babazadeh Arefeh , Ebrahimpour Soheil , Afshar Zeinab Mohseni , Mohammadnia Sara
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical Message

Maggot therapy is one of the treatments used in diabetic foot ulcer management. But if we do not pay attention to the indications and contraindications of it, there might be a failure in the treatment.
Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Spirocycles and Pentafulvene‐Containing Dyes Involving 2‐(2′‐ketoalkyl)‐1,3‐indandiones
Authors: Mishra Gitanjali , Sasmal Mukesh , Chakraborty Arundhuti , Thirupathi Barla
Published: October 2023

Synthesis of highly functionalized spiro[4.4]nonane and spiro[4.5]decane motifs by the reaction of dimethylacetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) with 2‐(2′‐ketoalkyl)‐1,3‐indandiones and 2‐(3′‐ketoalkyl)‐1,3‐indandiones, respectively, has been developed by utilizing a catalytic amount of DABCO. The tertiary hydroxy‐containing spiro[4.4]nonane products were converted into fully conjugated pentafulvene π‐systems in an acidic medium through dehydration and unprecedented C−C bond rearrangement.
Phase split of gas–non‐Newtonian fluid two‐phase flow in a ψ‐shaped branching microchannel
Authors: Feng Kai , Yang Gang , Liu Jiaxin , Zhang Huichen
Published: October 2023

An experiment of phase split was conducted in a horizontal ψ‐shaped branching microchannel to study the phase distribution and pressure drop at the bifurcation. The pressure drop at the test section and the flow rates of the gas and liquid phases through the three branches were measured. The pressure drop gradients at the inlet and branches were predicted by the correlation based on the separated flow model. The critical condition for the split of the two‐phase flow was determined. The results showed that the gas phase separated from the side arm was more than the liquid phase. A uniform distribution could be achieved for the churn flow in water. Pressure drop occurred at the bifurcation of the side arm under the effect of the vortex in the liquid slug near the bubble nose; the pressure drop was much greater than that at the bifurcation of the run.
Clickable Glutathione‐Based Identification of Cysteine Glutathionylation
Authors: Matarage Don Nadee N. J. , Kukulage Dhanushika S. K. , Ahn Young‐Hoon
Published: October 2023

Clickable glutathione is a glutathione‐derived chemical probe designed to identify and analyze protein S‐glutathionylation, a major cysteine oxidation in redox signaling. An engineered glutathione synthetase mutant (GS M4) is used to synthesize clickable glutathione in cells or in vitro, which affords utility via click chemistry to detect, identify, and quantify glutathionylation on individual or global proteins in biochemical and mass spectrometric analyses. The clickable glutathione approach is valuable for the unequivocal identification of glutathionylated cysteines, among many reversible cysteine oxoforms, via the direct enrichment and detection of glutathionylated proteins or peptides. Clickable glutathione, in combination with GS M4, has demonstrated utility in the mass‐spectrometry‐based discovery and profiling of new proteins and cysteines for glutathionylation in cell lines in response to physiologic and oxidative stress. The approach is versatile and applicable to validating the glutathionylation of proteins and cysteines in other biochemical analysis beside mass spectrometry. Here, we describe the applications of clickable glutathione and provide detailed protocols for the identification, profiling, and detection of glutathionylated proteins and cysteines. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Identification of glutathionylated cysteine in individual proteins in vitro

Basic Protocol 2: Proteomic identification and quantification of glutathionylation

Basic Protocol 3: Biochemical validation of glutathionylation in cells
Design Optimization of Gas Distribution System for Large‐Scale Capacity GaAs‐MOCVD
Authors: Yu Dayang , Shen Shengnan , Li Hui , Shen Wei
Published: October 2023

In the flexible photovoltaic (PV) industry, increment of the metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) deposition zone is crucial to reducing the cost of ownership and increasing the power conversion efficiency (PCE). This implies that the larger closed coupled showerhead (CCS) of MOCVD system should be used in the manufacture of flexible gallium arsenide (GaAs) PV thin‐film solar cells. Currently, Aixtron Crius II is the largest commercial CCS reactor for GaAs deposition with 55 × 2 inches circular wafers. As the size of the carrier and showerhead increases, the deposition uniformity and gas flow stability become more difficult to control. To address these issues, previous studies have investigated the effects of geometric and process parameters of MOCVD on the vertical process gas inlet, with either a rotating carrier model represented by Veeco using high‐speed rotating carrier (Turbo Disc), and Aixtron using low‐speed rotating planetary carrier, or a horizontal process gas injector with a rotating carrier. However, these efforts have limited further capacity scale‐up. In this study, numerical simulations and fluid visualization experiments are conducted, based on previous research on thermal uniformity, for design optimization of a gas distribution system in a large square GaAs‐MOCVD reactor. The achieved reactor capacity is 36 × 4 inches square wafers in one process cycle, and the optimal average deposition rate and deposition uniformity of GaAs film are ≈0.430 µm min−1 and 0.93%, respectively.
Unraveling Propylene Oxide Formation in Alkali Metal Batteries
Authors: Stottmeister Daniel , Wildersinn Leonie , Maibach Julia , Hofmann Andreas , Jeschull Fabian , Groß Axel
Published: October 2023

The increasing need for electrochemical energy storage drives the development of post‐lithium battery systems. Among the most promising new battery types are sodium‐based battery systems. However, like its lithium predecessor, sodium batteries suffer from various issues like parasitic side reactions, which lead to a loss of active sodium inventory, thus reducing the capacity over time. Some problems in sodium batteries arise from an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) reducing its protective power e. g., due to increased solubility of SEI components in sodium battery systems. While it is known that the electrolyte affects the SEI structure, the exact formation mechanism of the SEI is not yet fully understood. In this study, we follow the initial SEI formation on a piece of sodium metal submerged in propylene carbonate with and without the electrolyte salt sodium perchlorate. We combine X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and density functional theory to unravel the sudden emergence of propylene oxide after adding sodium perchlorate to the electrolyte solvent. We identify the formation of a sodium chloride layer as a crucial step in forming propylene oxide by enabling precursors formed from propylene carbonate on the sodium metal surface to undergo a ring‐closing reaction. Based on our combined theoretical and experimental approach, we identify changes in the electrolyte decomposition process, propose a reaction mechanism to form propylene oxide and discuss alternatives based on known synthesis routes.
Changes in nitrogen and phosphorus availability driven by secondary succession in temperate forests shape soil fungal communities and function
Authors: Geng Xinze , Zuo Jincheng , Meng Yunhao , Zhuge Yanhui , Zhu Ping , Wu Nan , Bai Xinfu , Ni Guangyan , Hou Yuping
Published: October 2023

The soil fungal community plays an important role in forest ecosystems and is crucially influenced by forest secondary succession. However, the driving factors of fungal community and function during temperate forest succession and their potential impact on succession processes remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of the soil fungal community in three temperate forest secondary successional stages (shrublands, coniferous forests, and deciduous broad‐leaved forests) using high‐throughput DNA sequencing coupled with functional prediction via the FUNGuild database. We found that fungal community richness, α‐diversity, and evenness decreased significantly during the succession process. Soil available phosphorus and nitrate nitrogen decreased significantly after initial succession occurred, and redundancy analysis showed that both were significant predictors of soil fungal community structure. Among functional groups, fungal saprotrophs and pathotrophs represented by plant pathogens were significantly enriched in the early‐successional stage, while fungal symbiotrophs represented by ectomycorrhiza were significantly increased in the late‐successional stage. The abundance of both saprotroph and pathotroph fungal guilds was positively correlated with soil nitrate nitrogen and available phosphorus content. Ectomycorrhizal fungi were negatively correlated with nitrate nitrogen and available phosphorus content and positively correlated with ammonium nitrogen content. These results indicate that the dynamics of fungal community and function reflected the changes in nitrogen and phosphorus availability caused by the secondary succession in temperate forests. The fungal plant pathogen accumulated in the early‐successional stage and ectomycorrhizal fungi accumulated in the late‐successional stage may have a potential role in promoting forest succession. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the response of soil fungal communities to secondary forest succession and highlight the importance of fungal communities during the successional process.
Ring Expansion Reactions through Intramolecular Transamidation
Authors: Kalinin Stanislav , Sapegin Alexander
Published: October 2023

Synthetic methodologies based on cycle expansion reactions have proven to be highly effective in delivering valuable medium‐sized cycles and macrocycles. A primary method of ring expansion relies on intramolecular transamidation reactions. These reactions typically employ N‐aminoalkyl and N‐aminoacyl derivatives of lactams and their analogues as starting materials, yielding a diverse spectrum of unique nitrogen‐containing heterocycles.

This Review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the research outcomes related to intramolecular transamidation reactions that lead to cycle expansion. This will offer the reader a perspective on the potential applications of such reactions in generating novel and intriguing types of heterocyclic systems.
A New Strategy for the Preparation of 3‐Amino‐4‐hydroxypyrrolidinone‐4‐acetic Acid, an Unusual γ‐Amino Acid found in Microsclerodermins
Authors: Liu Yong‐Peng , Aitken David J. , Declerck Valérie
Published: October 2023

An original synthetic strategy is presented for the preparation of the sensitive 3‐amino‐4‐hydroxypyrrolidinone‐4‐acetic acid residue that is present in the structures of the microsclerodermin natural product family. The approach relies on the use of a linear γ‐amino acid surrogate, derived from asparagine, bearing a β‐dithiolanyl group. A protected dipeptide model system is used to demonstrate that selective removal of the dithioketal protection followed by cyclization gives the target structure in single diastereoisomer form and with little or no dehydration.
Radical Acylation of Alkenes by NHC‐Organocatalysis
Authors: Tang Qian , Du Ding , Gao Jian
Published: October 2023

N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed radical‐radical reactions have been proven to be powerful strategies for assembling ketyl‐containing compounds via single electron transfer (SET) pathway under either thermal conditions or photoredox conditions. In this context, acylation of alkenes via radical relay under NHC‐organocatalysis has also opened a new window for the difunctionalization of alkenes to construct valuable molecules in organic synthesis. In this review, the advances and progress of the acylation of alkenes via NHC‐organocatalysis were summarized according to different ways of generation of the key NHC‐bound ketyl‐type radicals. Furthermore, reaction scopes, limitations and mechanisms were discussed based on reaction types and catalytic systems. Conclusions and perspectives were also put forward at the end.
Preliminary investigation of the anti‐colon cancer activity of cucurbitacin C from cucumber: A network pharmacological study and experimental validation
Authors: Liu Jingke , Zhang Xiao , Yang Haixia , Zhu Chenhui , Fan Daidi , Deng Jianjun
Published: October 2023

Colon cancer (CC) is a prevalent malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract and ranks among the leading causes of death in cancer patients worldwide. Cucurbitacin, a group of tetracyclic triterpenoids widely found in Cucurbitaceae plants, exhibits diverse pharmacological activities. However, the pharmacological activity of cucurbitacin C (CuC), a cucurbitacin derivative exclusively present in cucumbers, remains unclear. To investigate CuC's action targets and potential targets for CC, we utilized a database to obtain relevant information. Additionally, we identified differentially expressed genes in CC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas and discovered 64 crossover targets formed through the intersection of drug‐disease targets. Through the construction of a protein‐protein interaction network, we identified 20 central genes. Enrichment analysis revealed that the cross‐targets were significantly enriched in four signaling pathways, namely, the PI3K‐Akt, Ras, MAPK, and IL‐17 signaling pathways. Correlation and expression analysis of the enriched central genes led to the identification of 7 key targets, among which matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐1, MMP‐3, and MMP‐13 demonstrated a significant association with poor prognosis in patients. Furthermore, we validated the network pharmacology results with in vitro and in vivo experiments. CuC can effectively inhibit the proliferation and migration of HCT‐116. CuC also can suppress the colon tumor growth in vivo, while reducing the expression of placental growth factor, MMP‐1, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, and MMP‐13 both in vitro and in vivo, consistent with the predicted results. Together, our results demonstrated that CuC holds promise as a potential agent for CC treatment.
Exposure or pandemic effect: Export boom in instant noodles from South Korea during COVID‐19
Authors: Quan Yin‐Hua , Im Jeong‐Bin
Published: October 2023

Amid the pandemic, it is crucial to comprehend both people's preferred food choices and the factors influencing food consumption. This understanding not only guarantees a stable food supply but also plays a pivotal role in economic recovery during times of recession. In 2020, South Korean instant noodles experienced an unprecedented surge in exports, catapulting the nation to the forefront of the global instant noodle market. The surge in the popularity of instant noodles during the pandemic can be partly attributed to their unique characteristics. However, the South Korean film Parasite, which garnered global acclaim around the same time, prominently featured instant noodle products. This exposure led to an extraordinary increase in internet searches for Korean‐brand instant noodles. Therefore, this study utilized an interrupted time series model to investigate whether the surge in South Korean instant noodle exports was primarily a result of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic or the influence of the film. Our estimations indicate that the film's exposure effect predominantly explains the export boom of South Korean instant noodles.
Task‐dependent spatial processing in the visual cortex
Authors: Bertonati G. , Amadeo M. B. , Campus C. , Gori M.
Published: October 2023

To solve spatial tasks, the human brain asks for support from the visual cortices. Nonetheless, representing spatial information is not fixed but depends on the reference frames in which the spatial inputs are involved. The present study investigates how the kind of spatial representations influences the recruitment of visual areas during multisensory spatial tasks. Our study tested participants in an electroencephalography experiment involving two audio–visual (AV) spatial tasks: a spatial bisection, in which participants estimated the relative position in space of an AV stimulus in relation to the position of two other stimuli, and a spatial localization, in which participants localized one AV stimulus in relation to themselves. Results revealed that spatial tasks specifically modulated the occipital event‐related potentials (ERPs) after the onset of the stimuli. We observed a greater contralateral early occipital component (50–90 ms) when participants solved the spatial bisection, and a more robust later occipital response (110–160 ms) when they processed the spatial localization. This observation suggests that different spatial representations elicited by multisensory stimuli are sustained by separate neurophysiological mechanisms.
The utility of parathyroid autofluorescence as an adjunct in thyroid and parathyroid surgery 2023
Authors: Pace‐Asciak P. , Russell J. , Solorzano C. , Berber E. , Singer M. , Shaha A. R. , Khafif A. , Angelos P. , Nixon I. , Tufano R. P.
Published: October 2023

Thyroid and parathyroid surgery requires careful dissection around the vascular pedicle of the parathyroid glands to avoid excessive manipulation of the tissues. If the blood supply to the parathyroid glands is disrupted, or the glands are inadvertently removed, temporary and/or permanent hypocalcemia can occur, requiring post‐operative exogenous calcium and vitamin D analogues to maintain stable levels. This can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, particularly if it results in permanent hypocalcemia. For over a decade, parathyroid tissue has been noted to have unique intrinsic properties known as “fluorophores,” which fluoresce when excited by an external light source. As a result, parathyroid autofluorescence has emerged as an intra‐operative technique to help with identification of parathyroid glands and to supplement direct visualization during thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Due to the growing body of literature surrounding Near Infrared Autofluorescence (NIRAF), we sought to review the value of using autofluorescence technology for parathyroid detection during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. A literature review of parathyroid autofluorescence was performed using PubMED. Based on the reviewed literature and expert surgeons' opinions who have used this technology, recommendations were made. We discuss the current available technologies (image vs. probe approach) as well as their limitations. We also capture the opinions and recommendations of international high‐volume endocrine surgeons and whether this technology is of value as an intraoperative adjunct. The utility and value of this technology seems promising and needs to be further defined in different scenarios involving surgeon experience and different patient populations and conditions.
Prep‐for‐Labor: Overview ofFIGO's labor and delivery triage bundles of care to optimize maternal and newborn outcomes
Authors: Barnea Eytan R. , Muller Martin , Di Simone Nicoletta , Inversetti Annalisa , Pacagnella Rodolfo , Borovac‐Pinheiro Anderson , Nicholson Wanda ,   the FIGO Childbirth and Postpartum Hemorrhage Committee
Published: October 2023

Childbirth is an intense event in which decisions may need to be made in seconds to guarantee the health of both mother and newborn. Despite health systems and care approaches varying widely according to real‐life scenarios, availability of facilities, beliefs, resources, staff, and geography, among others, optimal outcomes should be ensured worldwide. Triaging low‐risk pregnancies from high‐risk pregnancies is the first step to ensure proper allocation of resources. From this need, we developed FIGO's Prep‐For‐Labor triage methods, a series of 2‐minute labor and delivery bundles of care, with special regard given to low‐ and middle‐income countries and rural settings. Around 80% of women, once properly triaged, can pursue vaginal delivery with minimal intervention, while those at risk can either be managed on site or transferred promptly to an advanced care site. FIGO's bundles of care and good practice recommendations for labor and delivery and immediate newborn triage cover four clinical scenarios: (1) preterm labor; (2) induced or spontaneous labor at term; (3) cesarean delivery; and (4) newborn care. From rapid triage of the mother (low vs high risk) to the list of required equipment, description of skilled staff, and coordination of resources, the recommendations for care are introduced across these four areas in this overview article. Implementing the proposed management steps described in each summary can improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.
FIGO good practice recommendations for cesarean delivery on maternal request: Challenges for medical staff and families
Authors: Ramasauskaite Diana , Nassar Anwar , Ubom Akaninyene Eseme , Nicholson Wanda ,   the FIGO Childbirth and Postpartum Hemorrhage Committee
Published: October 2023

Elective cesarean delivery on maternal request is a challenging topic of discussion for patients, their families, and clinicians. Efforts to reduce the rate of cesarean deliveries should include the proportion of cesarean deliveries at term that occur solely due to maternal request rather than a maternal or fetal indication. Additionally, clinicians should follow good clinical practice, which includes family counseling, discussions on the benefits and potential risks of elective cesarean delivery, timing of delivery, and ethical and legal considerations. Furthermore, there is the need for a sustained workforce of perinatal clinicians and staff trained in the appropriate technique and management of operative complications. This article reviews global rates of elective cesarean on maternal request and outlines FIGO's good practice recommendations for counseling expectant mothers and the conduct of elective cesarean versus vaginal delivery.
Cellular Prion protein moonlights vascular smooth muscle cell fate: Surveilled by trophoblast cells
Authors: Bose Rumela , Jana Sarmita Sanjay , Ain Rupasri
Published: October 2023

Uterine spiral artery remodeling (uSAR) is a hallmark of hemochorial placentation. Compromised uSAR leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Salient developmental events involved in uSAR are active areas of research and include (a) trophendothelial cell invasion into the spiral arteries, selected demise of endothelial cells; (b) de‐differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC); and (c) migration and/or death of VSMCs surrounding spiral arteries. Here we demonstrated that cellular prion (PRNP) is expressed in the rat metrial gland, the entry point of spiral arteries with the highest expression on E16.5, the day at which trophoblast invasion peaks. PRNP is expressed in VSMCs that drift away from the arterial wall. RNA interference of Prnp functionally restricted migration and invasion of rat VSMCs. Furthermore, PRNP interacted with two migration‐promoting factors, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β (PDGFR‐β), forming a ter‐molecular complex in both the metrial gland and A7r5 cells. The presence of multiple putative binding site of odd skipped related‐1 (OSR1) transcription factor on the Prnp promoter was observed using in silico promoter analysis. Ectopic overexpression of OSR1 increased, and knockdown of OSR1 decreased expression of PRNP in VSMCs. Coculture of VSMCs with rat primary trophoblast cells decreased the levels of OSR1 and PRNP. Interestingly, PRNP knockdown led to apoptotic death in ~9% of VSMCs and activated extrinsic apoptotic pathways. PRNP interacts with TRAIL‐receptor DR4 and protects VSMCs from TRAIL‐mediated apoptosis. These results highlight the biological functions of PRNP in VSMC cell‐fate determination during uteroplacental development, an important determinant of healthy pregnancy outcome.
Obesity, metabolic health and clinical outcomes after incident cardiovascular disease: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Akyea Ralph K. , Ntaios George , Doehner Wolfram
Published: October 2023

Background

The association between metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is well‐established. However, in patients with incident CVD, the relationship between obesity, metabolic health, and subsequent CVD and mortality outcomes are less well‐established. This study investigated the association between body mass index (BMI), metabolic health and the risk of subsequent cardiovascular mortality and morbidity outcomes in patients with incident CVD events.

Methods

This cohort study identified 130 685 patients from the nationwide Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD GOLD) and Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) databases in the United Kingdom. Patients were ≥18 years with incident CVD [coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, or peripheral vascular disease (PVD)] between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2017. BMI (in kg/m2) was categorized as underweight (<18.5), normal (18.5–24.9), overweight (25.0–29.9) and obese (≥30). Within each BMI category, patients were grouped by increasing count of 1, 2 or 3 metabolic risk factors [RF] (dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus and hypertension) and were regarded as metabolically unhealthy while absence of these factors was considered metabolically healthy (MH). Multivariable Cox regression was used to assess the risk (hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval) of subsequent outcomes (non‐fatal CHD, stroke, PVD, incident heart failure, CVD‐mortality and all‐cause mortality) in BMI subgroups with incremental count of metabolic RFs.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 13.0 years, a higher BMI was associated with reduced risk for stroke, PVD, CVD‐mortality and all‐cause mortality within each metabolic risk category, while increasing metabolic RFs within each BMI subgroup accounted for increasing risks. When compared with patients with normal BMI and no RF, CVD‐mortality risk in overweight patients with no RF was 0.76 (0.70–0.84), and in obese patients with no RF was 0.85 (0.76–0.96). The respective risk for all‐cause mortality in patients with overweight and no RF was 0.69 (0.65–0.72), and in obese patients with no RF was 0.75 (0.70–0.79). Subsequent outcomes of stroke and PVD showed similar trends. In contrast, the risk of subsequent non‐fatal CHD events and incident HF increased with higher BMI and with incremental metabolic risk factors within each BMI category. Underweight was constantly associated with increased risk for all outcomes regardless of the presence of metabolic RFs except for non‐fatal CHD events.

Conclusions

In patients with incident CVD, overweight and obesity were related to a more favourable prognosis for subsequent stroke, PVD and mortality (CVD‐related and all‐cause) irrespective of the presence of other metabolic risk factors.
Metabolomics analysis of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus at different harvest times during the whole growing period based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Xiaoan , Jia Jianzhong , Li Tao , Zhao Zefeng , Liu Haijing , Song Na , Pei Jin
Published: October 2023

After medicinal market research, it was found that the harvest time of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (LLF) was chaotic in practice. In order to determine the optimal harvest period of LLF to ensure its pharmacological activity, metabolomics analysis of LLF at different harvest times based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐triple quadrupole‐(linear ion trap)‐tandem mass spectrometry was established. In this study, 166 differential metabolites (DMs) in 448 metabolites at different harvest times were screened out based on variable importance in projection value, and among them, 94 DMs with regular trends of change in relative content (59 increased and 35 decreased with the growth period) were chosen to further research. The result of the multivariate statistical analysis showed that November was the optimal harvest period of LLF. Additionally, 10‐hydroxyligustroside, oleoside 11‐methyl ester, and salidroside were screened out to be used as the evaluation indicators of immature LLF, while specnuezhenide, nuezhenoside G13, and neonuezhenide were the evaluation indicators of mature LLF. This study provides fundamental insight for metabolite identification and proposes the best harvest period of LLF to avoid confusion in the medicinal market.
Lupus erythematosus comedonicus and vegetans: A challenging definition
Authors: Pereira Ana Sofia , Cardoso José C. , Pinto Gouveia Miguel , Coutinho Inês
Published: October 2023

A 39‐year‐old man presented with an acneiform facial eruption, bilateral vegetating erythematous plaques on the inguinal folds, focal palmoplantar keratoderma, keratotic violaceous plaques of the dorsum of both hands, and whitish striated lesions on the oral mucosa. Laboratory work‐up showed high titre of ANAs, anti‐SSA(Ro) and anti‐SSB(La) and hypocomplementemia (low C4). Three skin biopsies from different locations were suggestive of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Treatment with hydroxychloroquine 400 mg/day plus topical and systemic corticosteroids led to significant clinical improvement after 2 months. Lupus erythematosus comedonicus is a form of discoid CLE and clinically characterized by acneiform lesions. Vegetating lesions, named as lupus erythematosus vegetans, are extremely rare in CLE. The combination of both manifestations in our patient may be better described as ‘lupus erythematous comedonicus and vegetans’.
Differential magnetic probe based on balanced filter with high electric field suppression
Authors: Chu Rui , Chen Haidong , Che Wenquan , Xue Quan
Published: October 2023

A differential magnetic field probe based on a balanced filter is proposed to improve electric field suppression. The probe comprises a rectangular metal loop for detection and a balanced filter transmission. Three 1/4λ stepped impedance transmission lines are designed between the detective part and balanced filter for impedance matching. The balanced filter can suppress the common mode signals generated by a normal electric field but has little influence on the differential signals detected by a tangential magnetic field thus, the electric field suppression of the magnetic probe can be enhanced. The measurement results show that the working frequency of the proposed magnetic probe ranges from 10 to 20 GHz, and the electric field suppression ratio is over 35 dB from 10 to 15 GHz.
Towards intelligent design assistants for planar multibody mechanisms
Authors: Röder Benedict , Ebel Henrik , Eberhard Peter
Published: October 2023

General‐purpose mechanisms can perform a broad range of tasks but are usually rather heavy and expensive. If only particular movements need to be executed, more efficient special‐purpose mechanisms can be employed. However, they typically require an expert to design the system based on manual inspection of simulations and experimental results. This procedure is not only time‐consuming, but the outcome also depends on the expert's experience. Hence, the design process stems from subjective criteria while only a limited number of structurally different mechanisms can be considered. In contrast, a design assistant can consider a broad range of mechanisms and leverage multi‐objective optimization to retrieve optimal designs for the given task. Due to the systems being synthesized based on mathematical functions rather than individual experience, the assistant allows a more transparent development of optimal problem‐specific mechanisms compared to the conventional process. Experts can then fine‐tune and analyze the proposed designs to compose the final system. In recent years, neural networks have been utilized to directly learn the inverse mapping from a trajectory to a mechanism design. This requires some parameterization of the trajectory to be fed into the network. In this work, we evaluate various preprocessing methods for the trajectory on a simple mechanism design model problem. We assess multiple configurations such as different neural network sizes, applying input‐output normalization, and varying the number of features. Consequently, we investigate and compare the trends and robustness of the implemented methods.
Investigations on adapted interpolation orders for a mixed isogeometric plate formulation
Authors: Stammen Lisa , Dornisch Wolfgang
Published: October 2023

In order to overcome locking effects that especially occur for lower order finite element formulations, different methods can be employed. This can be conducted using mixed formulations or adapted approximation orders, for instance. Hence, in order to tackle shear locking that is caused by non‐matching interpolation degrees in the shear strain equation, an irreducible and a mixed Reissner‐Mindlin plate formulation with accordingly adapted conforming discretizations are derived within the scope of this contribution. In addition, non‐uniform rational B‐splines (NURBS) are employed therefore, in order to benefit from the properties and refinement strategies offered by isogeometric analysis (IGA) and to achieve more accurate results. The effect of various combinations of interpolation orders on the convergence behavior and the ability to alleviate locking is investigated for both the irreducible and the mixed isogeometric plate formulation and examined for a benchmark example. This is also supplemented by investigations on the stability of the considered variants, tested by the existence of the correct number of zero‐energy modes.
Fast contact detection for ellipsoids using optimization approaches
Authors: Rebel Ricardo , Fröhlich Jochen
Published: October 2023

The paper is concerned with fast and robust contact detection methods for arbitrary ellipsoids. An iterative procedure, namely the Levenberg‐Marquardt method, based on the common normal concept for parametric ellipsoids, is employed together with an implementation of the widely used GJK algorithm for comparison. The performance and accuracy of both are analysed and compared to each other on the basis of two test sets, each containing a total of 70 000 pairs of prolates or oblates. Emphasis is placed on the specific error measure relating the iterative solution to the exact one, which was chosen to be the maximum angle between the normal vector and the distance vector between two ellipsoids. The results indicate increased performance when using the Levenberg‐Marquardt method over the GJK algorithm with no loss of accuracy.
Development and characterization of 3D bioprintable and mechanically reinforced hydrogel based on gellan gum/methylcellulose/cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Ouiyangkul Passaporn , Hirun Namon , Suknuntha Krit , Tantishaiyakul Vimon
Published: October 2023

3D bioprinting has appeared as a promising technology in the area of tissue engineering. Here, bioinks composed of various concentrations of gellan gum (GG), methylcellulose (MC) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) were developed for extrusion‐based bioprinting. Among the binary mixtures of GG/MC, the blend of 1% w/w GG and 4% w/w MC (1GG/4MC) provides the best property to further tailoring as bioink. For the ternary mixtures of GG/MC/CNC, 1GG/4MC/4% w/w CNC (1GG/4MC/4CNC) provide the best printability characteristic but not sufficient mechanical performance. Ionic crosslinking using various concentrations of salts including CaCl2, KCl and NaCl were applied to improve the mechanical strength. Both 1GG/4MC/4CNC/0.022% w/w CaCl2 (1GG/4MC/4CNC/0.022CaCl2) and 1GG/4MC/4CNC/0.075% w/w KCl (1GG/4MC/4CNC/0.075KCl) exhibit mechanical stability with good printability. Both provide higher compressive modulus than 1GG/4MC/4CNC and 1GG/4MC, and show great shear‐thinning and thixotropic behaviors. They show porous microstructure and sufficient swelling ratio to maintain high cell viability. Excellent biocompatibility of 1GG/4MC/4CNC/0.022CaCl2 and 1GG/4MC/4CNC/0.075KCl is demonstrated with cell viability of 119.55% and 100.77%, respectively, based on MTT assay. A good cell viability of 97%–98% up to 14 days was attained for both bioprinted constructs. Taken together, these novel 1GG/4MC/4CNC/0.022CaCl2 and 1GG/4MC/4CNC/0.075KCl hydrogels exhibit good attributes for a promising 3D bioprinting material.
Feasibility of using the NewGait assistive device for correcting gait deviations in individuals with various neurological disorders: Case study
Authors: Ustinova Ksenia I. , Langenderfer Joseph E.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Impaired gait is one of the earliest, most devastating, and long‐lasting symptoms associated with neurological disorders. This study tested the feasibility of wearing the NewGait rehabilitative device in individuals with gait impairments due to the most common neurological disorders.

Methods

Seven participants with gait impairments due to strokes, Multiple Sclerosis, peripheral neuropathies, Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Parkinson's Disease (PD) were included in the study. Their walking with and without wearing the NewGait was analyzed and compared using the Vicon T160 system for motion analysis. Gait velocity, step length, foot clearance, lateral displacement of the Center of Mass, gait deviation and symmetry indexes were compared using two standard deviation band method for each participant.

Results

Participants subjectively assessed the NewGait as a comfortable device to wear and showed immediate gait improvements to varying degrees. Most improvements were observed in participants with muscle weakness due to peripheral neuropathies, stroke, MS, and CP. These participants improved their foot clearance, gait velocity, and step length. Participants with cerebellar stroke and PD increased their gait stability. All participants demonstrated a reduction in composite gait deviation indexes. Not all gait parameters, though, showed immediate changes.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the NewGait rehabilitative device is feasible and useful for correcting gait impairments caused by neurological deficits. Participants may need to wear this device for longer periods of time in order to achieve long lasting changes in the gait pattern, rather than an immediate correction.