bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compatibilizing and foaming of PC/PMMA composites with nano‐cellular structures in the presence of transesterification catalyst
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Huang Pengke , Zheng Hao , Xu Linqiong , Zheng Wenge , Zhao Yongqing
Published: August 2024

Compatibility of polycarbonate (PC) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) alloys was improved by using a transesterification catalyst (SnCl2·2H2O). Modified PC/PMMA alloys exhibit single Tg, and their initial island phase existing in the SEM were transformed into uniform surface. Besides, the transmittance of the modified alloys was increased from original 40% to 85%. Moreover, PC/PMMA alloys and PC foams with micro‐cellular and nano‐cellular structures were prepared by solid‐state CO2 foaming in the presence of transesterification catalyst. Distinctively, there are obvious nano‐cellular structures existing in the PC samples, but no related nanostructures were found in PMMA samples, after treated by same amount of catalyst and foaming process for pure PC and PMMA matrix. Furthermore, the effects of foaming temperature and segment structure on their foaming behavior were also studied. Additionally, a uniaxial stress experiment was conducted at a specific temperature to simulate the biaxial stress during the foaming process for discovering the mechanism of nanopore formation. Therefore, the concept of nano‐cellular structures will point out a direction for the development of high‐performance, heat insulation PC materials of the next generation.

Highlights

Transesterification catalysts enhanced compatibility between PC and PMMA.

Nanopore structures were successfully constructed in PC foams.

Segment stretching was the main reason for the formation of nanopores.
Acyl hydrazone derivatives with trifluoromethylpyridine as potential agrochemical for controlling plant diseases
Authors: Wang Ya , Zhang Renfeng , Guo Xiaoqiu , Xu Ying , Sun Wei , Guo Shengxin , Wu Jian
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Crops are consistently under siege by a multitude of pathogens. These pathogenic microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, result in substantial reductions in quality and yield globally by inducing detrimental crop diseases, thus posing a significant challenge to global food security. However, the biological activity sepectrum of commercially available pesticides is limited and the pesticide efficacy is poor, necessitating the urgent development of broad‐spectrum and efficient strategies for crop disease prevention and control.

RESULTS

The bioassay results revealed that certain target compounds demonstrated outstanding in vivo antiviral efficacy against cucumber mosaic virus and tobacco mosaic virus. In particular, compound D6 showed remarkable antiviral activity against CMV, significantly higher than that of the control agent ningnanmycin. Mechanism of action studies have shown that compound D6 could enhance the activity of defense enzymes and upregulate the expression of genes related to disease resistance, thereby enhancing the antiviral effects in plants. In addition, these compounds displayed superior inhibitory activity against plant bacterial diseases. For Xoo, compound D10 showed an excellent inhibitory effect that was better than that of the control agent bismerthiazol. Scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence double‐staining experiments revealed that compound D10 effectively inhibited bacterial growth by disrupting the cell membrane.

CONCLUSION

A series of trifluoromethyl hydrazone derivatives were designed and synthesized, and it was found that they have control effects on plant viruses and bacterial diseases. In addition, this study revealed the mechanism of action of the active compounds and demonstrated their potential as multifunctional crop protectants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Activation Energy of DC Hopping Conductivity of Lightly Doped Weakly Compensated Crystalline Semiconductors
Authors: Poklonski Nikolai A. , Anikeev Ilya I. , Vyrko Sergey A. , Zabrodskii Andrei G.
Published: August 2024

A model is proposed for calculating the thermal activation energy of direct current hopping conductivity via nearest neighbors in lightly doped and weakly compensated crystalline semiconductors with hydrogen‐like impurities. The temperature region is considered in which hops of single holes occur only between acceptors randomly distributed over the crystal (or hops of single electrons only between donors). The model is based on the idea of the Coulomb blockade of charge carriers by the field of compensating impurities (trap impurities). The hopping length of a hole between acceptors (or an electron between donors) is assumed to be equal to the critical (percolation) radius of the spherical region per a majority (doping) impurity atom. At a critical radius, an infinite cluster connecting ohmic contacts is formed in the crystal, along which charge carriers move in a hopping manner via majority impurities. The value of is defined as average work on overcoming the electrostatic Coulomb blockade by a charge carrier and its hopping via the electrically conducting cluster to “infinity”. The results of calculating by the proposed model of the Coulomb blockade for the most well‐studied bulk germanium and silicon p‐ and n‐type crystals are consistent with known experimental data.
Increasing frequency and precipitation intensity of convective storms in the Peruvian Central Andes: Projections from convection‐permitting regional climate simulations
Authors: Huang Yongjie , Xue Ming , Hu Xiao‐Ming , Martin Elinor , Novoa Héctor Mayol , McPherson Renee A. , Liu Changhai , Chen Mengye , Hong Yang , Perez Andres , Morales Isaac Yanqui , Ticona Jara José Luis , Flores Luna Auria Julieta
Published: August 2024

To explore the potential impacts of climate change on precipitation and mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in the Peruvian Central Andes, a region with complex terrain, two future convection‐permitting regional climate simulations and one historical one are conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. All simulations adopt consistent model configurations and two nested domains with grid spacings of 15 and 3 km covering the entire South America and the Peruvian Central Andes, respectively. The historical run, spanning 2014–2019, is driven by ERA5 reanalysis, and the future simulations, covering the period 2070–2080, are driven by a bias‐corrected global dataset derived from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) ensemble under the SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 emission scenarios. Results show geographically dependent changes in annual precipitation, with a consistent rise in the frequency of intense hourly precipitation across all regions examined. The western Amazon Basin shows a decrease in annual precipitation, while increases exist in parts of the Peruvian west coast and the east slope of the Andes under both future scenarios. In the warming scenarios, there is an overall increase in the frequency, precipitation intensity, and size of MCSs east of the Andes, with MCS precipitation volume increasing by up to ∼22.2%. Despite consistently enhanced synoptic‐scale low‐level jets in future scenarios, changes in low‐level dynamic convergence are inhomogeneous and predominantly influence annual precipitation changes. The increased convective available potential energy (CAPE), convective inhibition (CIN), and precipitable water (PW) in a warming climate suppress weak convection, while fostering a more unstable and moisture‐rich atmosphere, facilitating more intense convection and the formation and intensification of heavy precipitation‐producing MCSs. The study highlights the value of convection‐permitting climate simulations in projecting future severe weather hazards and informing climate adaptation strategies, especially in regions characterized by complex terrain.
Adsorption and Gas Sensing Properties of h‐BN/WS2 Heterojunction for Toxic Gases: A DFT Study
Authors: Chen Haixia , Gao Kewei , Ding Jijun , Miao Lincheng
Published: August 2024

Tungsten disulfide (WS2) and hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) monolayer, and h‐BN/WS2 heterojunction with low lattice mismatch is constructed using density functional theory (DFT). The band structures, density of states (DOS), charge density differences (CDD), work function (WF), adsorption energy and adsorption distance of h‐BN/WS2 heterojunction for six gases molecules (CO, CO2, NO, NO2, SO2, and H2S) are systematically discussed. Gas adsorption on one‐side and both‐sides of the heterojunction is considered. The results indicate that the band gap of the heterojunction is lower than that of h‐BN and WS2, indicating that the construction of heterojunction is beneficial for conductivity. For six gases, the adsorption energy of one‐sided adsorption is significantly greater than that of both‐sided adsorption, except for CO2 and NO. The adsorption of NO and NO2 introduces the magnetism into the system. Interestingly, the h‐BN/WS2 heterojunction demonstrates excellent selectivity for NO gas under one‐sided and both‐sided adsorption. The corresponding adsorption mechanism is explored.
Trace detection of styphnate from pre‐ and post‐blast samples by hydrophilic interaction chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Sipe Sarah N. , Cruse Courtney A. , Tipple Christopher A. , Miller Mark L.
Published: August 2024

Rationale

Although ubiquitous in explosives and ammunition, few trace methods for detection of heavy metal‐containing primary explosives from forensic samples are currently in practice.

Methods

Extracts of cotton swabs or direct sampling of items were cleaned up using solid‐phase extraction to remove heavy metal contaminants (i.e., lead) while retaining the organic styphnate component. The styphnate was chromatographically separated using hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) and detected via high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using a sensitive, targeted approach in five minutes or less.

Results

A mass spectrometric method for the detection of styphnate, including limit of detection (LOD), sample stability, and interferences was developed. We present a validated method for the extraction, separation, and detection of styphnate from lead(II) styphnate with an estimated LOD of 257 ppt (pg/mL).

Conclusions

We detail an improved LOD relative to previous reports for trace detection of styphnate and, for the first time to our knowledge, the post‐blast analysis of styphnate.
Tracking control for restrained nonlinear systems with time‐changing latency using the preview control approach
Authors: Li Li , Lu Yanrong , Zhang Yaofeng
Published: August 2024

An innovative technique for developing fuzzy preview tracking control nonlinear systems using Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy models is discussed. The design considers robustness against state time‐changing latency, input saturation, and reference tracking. To achieve this, the T‐S fuzzy system was combined with time‐changing latency and input saturation to create an augmented error system, transforming the original fuzzy preview tracking control issue into a stability issue for the augmented error systems. Next, a new fuzzy preview tracking controller was developed by considering the T‐S fuzzy systems' states or outputs, a distinct integrator, and a previewed reference signal to solve the tracking control issue. For the augmented error system's asymptotic stability, new adequate conditions were derived by employing the fuzzy Lyapunov function, small gain theory, and linear matrix inequality (LMI) method. Finally, the proposed method's effectiveness was demonstrated using two numerical examples.
An evaluation methodological approach to support the definition of effective urban projects: A case study in the city of Rome (Italy)
Authors: Tajani Francesco , Morano Pierluigi , Di Liddo Felicia , La Spina Ivana
Published: August 2024

The urban policies for the sustainable development of the territories are focused on the definition of effective regeneration projects. Within the design and ideas competitions, the evaluation of the proposals constitutes a crucial step in the decision‐making processes. During the last decades, the participatory approach has played a central role for the selection of initiatives in line with the changing framework of the communities' needs. The present research aims to propose and test an evaluation methodological approach to support choice processes for the identification of the “best” project solution among different hypotheses. The methodology is articulated in seven phases and integrates different tools (context analysis, econometric technique, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis, A'WOT method). It addresses the various subjects involved in the mechanisms of identifying the initiatives to be implemented in the territory, that is, (i) the Public Administrations to guide the selection of the most suitable scenarios based on the reference context, (ii) the planners to provide guidelines for the formulation of intervention plans that are effective and appropriate for the reference context, and (iii) the private investors to carry out financially feasible initiatives. The implementation of the proposed evaluation approach to a case study regarding a district in Rome (Italy) allows to test its user‐friendliness in the processes of project alternative selection, in which different proposals are provided. The practical implications of the tool concerns its ability to support the determination of the criteria and the relative weights to be considered in the calls for the project competitions.
Understanding the Mechanisms of Methylammonium‐Induced Thermal Instability in Mixed‐FAMA Perovskites
Authors: Tay Darrell J. J. , Febriansyah Benny , Salim Teddy , Kovalev Mikhail , Sharma Aakash , Koh Teck Ming , Mhaisalkar Subodh G. , Ager Joel W. , Mathews Nripan
Published: August 2024

Despite a recent shift toward methylammonium (MA)‐free lead‐halide perovskites for perovskite solar cells, high‐efficiency formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) devices still often require methylammonium chloride (MACl) as an additive, which evaporates away during the annealing process. In this article, it is shown that the residual MA+, however, triggers thermal instability. To investigate the possibility of an optimal concentration of MA+ that may improve thermal stability, the intrinsic thermal stability of pure FA, FA‐rich, MA‐rich, and pure MA perovskite films (FA1−xMAxPbI3, FAMA) is studied. The results show that the thermal stability of FAMA perovskites decreases with more MA+, under degradation conditions that isolate the intrinsic thermal stability of the material (i.e., without moisture and oxygen effects). X‐ray diffraction (XRD), proton‐transfer‐reaction time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (PTR‐ToF‐MS), photoluminescence (PL) and UV–visible spectroscopy, and depth‐profiling X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) are employed to show that the observed trend is mainly due to the decomposition of the MA+ cation, as opposed to other effects such as the precursor solvent and film morphologies. It is also found that the surfaces of these FAMA films are MA+ rich, although this phenomenon does not appear to affect thermal stability. Finally, it is demonstrated that this trend is unaffected by the presence of Spiro‐OMeTAD atop the film, and thus solar cell devices should preserve this trend.
Ultrafast Conversion of Water and Oxygen Molecules With Dissociation of Hydrogen Bonding Effect to Achieve Extra‐High Energy Efficiency of Secondary Metal‐Air Batteries
Authors: Song Jinlu , Kumar Anuj , Chai Lulu , Zhao Man , Sun Yanzhi , Li Xifei , Pan Junqing
Published: August 2024

Metal‐air secondary batteries with ultrahigh specific energies have received vast attention and are considered new promising energy storage. The slow redox reactions between oxygen‐water molecules lead to low energy efficiency (55–71%) and limited applications. Herein, it is proposed that the MIL‐68(In)‐derived porous carbon nanotube supports the CoNiFeP heteroconjugated alloy catalyst with an overboiling point electrolyte to achieve the ultrahigh oxidation rate of water molecules. Structural characterization and density functional theory calculations reveal that the new catalyst greatly reduces the free energy of the process, and the overboiling point further accelerates the dissociation of O─H and hydrogen bonds, and the release of O2 molecules, achieving an extra‐low overpotential of 110 mV@10 mA cm−2 far lower than commercial Ir/C catalysts of 192 mV at 125 °C and state‐of‐the‐art. Furthermore, the energy efficiency of assembled rechargeable zinc‐air batteries begins to break through at 85 °C, jumps at 100 °C, and reaches ultrahigh energy efficiency of 88.1% at 125 °C with an ultralow decay rate of 0.0068% after 150 cycles far superior to those of reported metal‐air batteries. This work provides a new catalyst and electrolyte joint‐design strategy and reexamines the battery operating temperature to construct higher energy efficiency for secondary fuel cells.
Green H2 Generation from Seawater Deploying a Bifunctional Hetero‐Interfaced CoS2‐CoFe‐Layered Double Hydroxide in an Electrolyzer
Authors: Afshan Gul , Karim Suhana , Kharwar Yashwant Pratap , Aziz Tarik , Saha Sukanta , Roy Soumyabrata , Dutta Arnab
Published: August 2024

This work illustrates the practicality and economic benefits of employing a hetero‐interfaced electrocatalyst (CoS2@CoFe‐LDH), containing cobalt sulphide and iron‐cobalt double‐layer hydroxide for large‐scale hydrogen generation. Here, the rational synthesis and detailed characterization of the CoS2@CoFe‐LDH material to unravel its unique heterostructure are essayed. The CoS2@CoFe‐LDH operates as a bifunctional electrocatalyst to trigger both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline seawater (pH 14.0) while showcasing low overpotential requirement for HER (311 mV) and OER (450 mV) at 100 mA cm−2 current density. The identical CoS2@CoFe‐LDH on either electrode in an H‐cell setup results in simultaneous H2 and O2 production from seawater with a ≈98% Faradaic efficiency with an applied potential of 1.96V@100 mA cm−2. Next, this CoS2@CoFe‐LDH catalyst is deployed on both sides of a membrane electrode assembly in a one‐stack electrolyzer, which retains the intrinsic bifunctional reactivity of the catalyst to generate H2 and O2 in tandem from alkaline seawater with an impeccable energy efficiency (50 kWh kg−1‐of‐H2). This electrolyzer assembly can be directly linked with a Si‐solar cell to produce truly green hydrogen with a solar‐to‐hydrogen generation efficiency of 15.88%, highlighting the potential of this converting seawater to hydrogen under solar irradiation.
Burrowing for answers: Investigating Syrian hamster welfare through owner surveys
Authors: Fox Alice , Neville Vikki
Published: August 2024

Background

Syrian hamsters are a relatively common pet species in the UK. However, we know very little about how they are kept. The aim of this study was to identify areas of good and poor practices among Syrian hamster owners using owner surveys.

Method

A survey of pet hamster owners was conducted with questions on husbandry, behaviour and health.

Results

There were 548 survey responses. Over 95% of the owners provided a wheel, hideaway or chew toy, and over 90% housed their hamster alone. However, 18.4% of the owners used hamster balls, hamsters may have been fed a diet that was not entirely appropriate, and over 45% of respondents reported that their hamsters were housed in close proximity to predator species. Most (65.9%) hamsters had never been taken to a veterinarian. Hamster ball use, shallower substrate depth and more frequent handling were significantly associated with greater owner observations of bar biting.

Limitations

A key limitation is that the respondents may not be representative of the average pet hamster owner, so this research does not provide a complete picture of the current state of hamster welfare.

Conclusion

There are some welfare concerns regarding the way Syrian hamsters are currently kept in the UK. Therefore, attempts to better distribute information about hamster care to owners should be made.
Multimodal data integration using deep learning predicts overall survival of patients with glioma
Authors: Yuan Yifan , Zhang Xuan , Wang Yining , Li Hongyan , Qi Zengxin , Du Zunguo , Chu Ying‐Hua , Feng Danyang , Hu Jie , Xie Qingguo , Song Jianping , Liu Yuqing , Cai Jiajun
Published: August 2024

Gliomas are highly heterogenous diseases with poor prognosis. Precise survival prediction could benefit further clinical decision‐making, clinical trial incursion, and health economics. Recent research has emphasized the prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging, pathological specimens, and circulating biomarkers. However, the integrative potential and efficacy of these modalities require to be further validated. After incorporating 218 patients of The Cancer Genome Atlas glioma datasets of and 54 patients of the Huashan cohort with complementary prognostic information, we established a squeeze‐and‐excitation deep learning feature extractor for T1‐contrast enhanced images and histological slides and explored to screen significant circulating 5‐hydroxymethylcytosines (5hmC) profiles for glioma survival by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator‐Cox regression. Therefore, a prognostication predictive model with high efficiency was obtained through survival support vector machine multimodal integration of radiologic imaging, histopathologic imaging features, genome‐wide 5hmC in circulating cell‐free DNA and clinical variables, suggesting a valid strategy (concordance‐index = 0.897; Brier score = 0.118) for improved survival risk stratification of glioma patients.
Synthetic Dimerization Approaches for In Vivo Studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Elsässer Jana , Kraft Claudine
Published: August 2024

Synthetic tethering approaches induced by chemical means offer precise control over protein interactions in cells. They enable the manipulation of when, where, and how proteins interact, making it possible to study their functions, dynamics, and cellular consequences at a molecular level. These methods are versatile, reversible, and adaptable, allowing the dissection of complex cellular processes and the engineering of cellular functions. Here, we describe two chemically induced dimerization systems in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using the autophagy pathway as an example, we show how these approaches can be used to dissect molecular events in cells.
Treatment of Klippel-Feil syndrome with symptomatic atlantoaxial instability in a 7-year-old boy
Authors: Pepke W. , Renkawitz T. , Hemmer S.
Published: August 2024

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a congenital deformity of the cervical spine. Clinical symptoms of KFS are reduced range of motion, short neck and low hairline. In adult KFS patients the deformity can lead to adjacent segmental instability with spinal canal stenosis, radiculopathy and myelopathy. This article reports about the diagnostics and treatment management of juvenile KFS patient with myelopathy due to instability of the C1/C2 segment, subsequent stenosis through the posterior arch of C1 and symptomatic myelopathy. This 7‑year-old boy could be successfully treated with C1 decompression and computer tomography (CT) guided C1/C2 stabilization with pedicle screws under intraoperative neuromonitoring.
Textural heterogeneity of liver lesions in CT imaging - comparison of colorectal and pancreatic metastases
Authors: Pietsch Friedrich L. , Haag Florian , Ayx Isabelle , Grawe Freba , Vellala Abhinay K. , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Froelich Matthias F. , Tharmaseelan Hishan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Tumoral heterogeneity poses a challenge for personalized cancer treatments. Especially in metastasized cancer, it remains a major limitation for successful targeted therapy, often leading to drug resistance due to tumoral escape mechanisms. This work explores a non-invasive radiomics-based approach to capture textural heterogeneity in liver lesions and compare it between colorectal cancer (CRC) and pancreatic cancer (PDAC).

Materials and methods

In this retrospective single-center study 73 subjects (42 CRC, 31 PDAC) with 1291 liver metastases (430 CRC, 861 PDAC) were segmented fully automated on contrast-enhanced CT images by a UNet for medical images. Radiomics features were extracted using the Python package Pyradiomics. The mean coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated patient-wise for each feature to quantify the heterogeneity. An unpaired t-test identified features with significant differences in feature variability between CRC and PDAC metastases.

Results

In both colorectal and pancreatic liver metastases, interlesional heterogeneity in imaging can be observed using quantitative imaging features. 75 second-order features were extracted to compare the varying textural characteristics. In total, 18 radiomics features showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in their expression between the two malignancies. Out of these, 16 features showed higher levels of variability within the cohort of pancreatic metastases, which, as illustrated in a radar plot, suggests greater textural heterogeneity for this entity.

Conclusions

Radiomics has the potential to identify the interlesional heterogeneity of CT texture among individual liver metastases. In this proof-of-concept study for the quantification and comparison of imaging-related heterogeneity in liver metastases a variation in the extent of heterogeneity levels in CRC and PDAC liver metastases was shown.
Characterization of the ZCTs, a subgroup of Cys2-His2 zinc finger transcription factors regulating alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus
Authors: Traverse Krystyna K. F. , Breselge Samuel , Trautman Juliet G. , Dee Amanda , Wang Jie , Childs Kevin L. , Lee-Parsons Carolyn W. T.
Published: August 2024

Key Message

The C. roseus ZCTs are jasmonate-responsive, can be induced by CrMYC2a, and can act as significant regulators of the terpenoid indole alkaloid pathway when highly expressed.

Catharanthus roseus is the sole known producer of the anti-cancer terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs), vinblastine and vincristine. While the enzymatic steps of the pathway have been elucidated, an understanding of its regulation is still emerging. The present study characterizes an important subgroup of Cys2-His2 zinc finger transcription factors known as Zinc finger CatharanthusTranscription factors (ZCTs). We identified three new ZCT members (named ZCT4, ZCT5, and ZCT6) that clustered with the putative repressors of the TIA pathway, ZCT1, ZCT2, and ZCT3. We characterized the role of these six ZCTs as potential redundant regulators of the TIA pathway, and their tissue-specific and jasmonate-responsive expression. These ZCTs share high sequence conservation in their two Cys2-His2 zinc finger domains but differ in the spacer length and sequence between these zinc fingers. The transient overexpression of ZCTs in seedlings significantly repressed the promoters of the terpenoid (pLAMT) and condensation branch (pSTR1) of the TIA pathway, consistent with that previously reported for ZCT1, ZCT2, and ZCT3. In addition, ZCTs significantly repressed and indirectly activated several promoters of the vindoline pathway (not previously studied). The ZCTs differed in their tissue-specific expression but similarly increased with jasmonate in a dosage-dependent manner (except for ZCT5). We showed significant activation of the pZCT1 and pZCT3 promoters by the de-repressed CrMYC2a, suggesting that the jasmonate-responsive expression of the ZCTs can be mediated by CrMYC2a. In summary, the C. roseus ZCTs are jasmonate-responsive, can be induced by CrMYC2a, and can act as significant regulators of the TIA pathway when highly expressed.
The early learning curve of the bipolar enucleation of the prostate: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Ramesmayer Christian , Deininger Susanne , Pyrgidis Nikolaos , Lusuardi Lukas , Kunit Thomas , Pallauf Maximilian , Sieberer Manuela , Drerup Martin , Fontanella Paolo , Oswald David , Hermann Thomas RW , Symeonidis Evangelos N. , Memmos Dimitrios , Sountoulides Petros
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the early learning curve of BipolEP (Bipolar Enucleation of the Prostate).

Subjects/patients and methods

We conducted a retrospective, multicenter analysis of surgical and functional outcomes of patients treated with BipolEp for BPO (benign prostatic obstruction). We evaluated the first 20 cases of BipolEp performed by four different surgeons in three different countries. The following baseline parameters were obtained: age, IPSS, indwelling catheter, transrectal measured prostate volume, post void residual volume (PVR) and uroflowmetry. The learning curve was analysed based on perioperative parameters and the influence of perioperative parameters was correlated with the sequence of BipolEp cases.

Results

84 BipolEp operations performed by 4 different surgeons in their early learning curve were studied. Mean prostate volume was 75 ml, 39% of cases had an indwelling catheter and the average operating time was 101 min. Three out of four surgeons performed at least 50% of successful operations according to Trifecta (complete enucleation and morcellation < 90 min., no conversion to TUR-P). Conversion rate to TURP was 11.9% in total which however was driven by a single surgeon with an almost 50% conversion rate. Mean enucleated prostate was 33.3 gr (18-54.5). Intraoperative complications and reported stress incontinence ranged from 0 to 38.1%. At six-weeks review, the IPPS improved by 12.5 (8–16) points and Qmax by 208% (109.8-266.7). Uroflowmetry outcomes correlated with the sequence of cases with a linear improvement during 20 consecutive cases (p = 0.018) in all centres. Major complications (Clavien Dindo ≥ 3) were rare (4.8%) and comparable between the groups.

Conclusion

Surgeons starting to learn BipolEp can expect to be able to achieve a linear improvement in Uroflow at the six-week postoperative evaluation after 20 consecutive cases. BipolEp can be successfully performed during the early learning curve with an acceptable rate of conversion to standard TUR-P.
A novel type-2 decision mechanism for dynamic parameter adaptation: theory and application in mathematical and structural problems
Authors: Mortazavi Ali
Published: August 2024

Metaheuristic algorithms are stochastic-based search techniques widely used for solving different types of optimization problems. These methods mostly adjust their search behavior using pre-defined search pattern(s) regardless of the current problem specifications. Therefore, integrating them with logical auxiliary modules can significantly enhance their search efficiency by enabling them to dynamically adapt their search behavior. The present study introduces a novel decision-making approach that employs interval type-2 fuzzy logic to balance the search behavior during optimization process. The proposed approach, designed as a stand-alone module with the flexibility to be integrated into various algorithms, is incorporated into the Interactive Search Algorithm. The developed reinforced technique is named Type-2 Fuzzy Interactive Search Algorithm. Performance of the proposed method is tested on different unconstrained mathematical functions and constrained structural and mechanical optimization problems. The attained results are compared with standard ISA method and seven other metaheuristic techniques through a suite of numerical and statistical evaluations. Drawing from the obtained results, the integration of the type-2 fuzzy decision module significantly enhances the algorithm's search capability. This improvement is evident in terms of stability, accuracy, and computational cost. It is worth noting that the employed comparative performance index for the proposed method indicates improvements of 3.38, 13.09, 16.61, and 27.23 percent compared to the best solution found by the selected methods for engineering problems.
Evaluation of the effect of dextrose prolotherapy versus deep dry needling therapy for the treatment of temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement with reduction: (a randomized controlled trial)
Authors: Gibaly Amr , Abdelmoiz Mohamed , Alghandour Ahmed Nagi
Published: August 2024

Objective

to compare the combined effect of Prolotherapy and Deep Dry Needling (DDN) versus DDN effect on relieving the symptoms of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anterior disc displacement.

Patients and methods

The clinical trial randomly allocated forty patients. The (control group) patients received four intraarticular and masseteric DDN sessions, while the (study group) patients were subjected to the exact technique followed by Prolosolution injection. The baseline preoperative measurements included Maximal interincisal opening (MIO), auscultation of the presence of clicking, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), which were repeated for postoperative measurements after one, two, five, and eight months.

Results

By the end of the study, all patients expressed apparent improvement in pain MIO and clicking. The inter- and intragroup comparison revealed that the pain score values of the control group after five and eight months were significantly higher than those of the study group. The study group demonstrated more significant MIO calibration than the control group, with insignificant differences between both groups regarding the presence of clicking at any time interval. The associations between clicking and VAS values, between clicking and MIO, and between VAS values and increased MIO were positive in the test group and negative in the control group.

Conclusions

Dextrose Prolotherapy and DDN were beneficial. However, Prolotherapy demonstrated more significant, sustained, and correlated long-term alleviation of symptoms and increased MIO.

Clinical relevance

The study assesses the sole effect of dextrose prolotherapy on relieving the signs of TMJ anterior disc displacement apart from the impact of the penetrating needle.

Clinical trial registration

The study was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (#: NCT05821985) by Ahmed Nagi Alghandour.
Automated 3D Cobb Angle Measurement Using U-Net in CT Images of Preoperative Scoliosis Patients
Authors: Li Lening , Zhang Teng , Lin Fan , Li Yuting , Wong Man-Sang
Published: August 2024

To propose a deep learning framework “SpineCurve-net” for automated measuring the 3D Cobb angles from computed tomography (CT) images of presurgical scoliosis patients. A total of 116 scoliosis patients were analyzed, divided into a training set of 89 patients (average age 32.4 ± 24.5 years) and a validation set of 27 patients (average age 17.3 ± 5.8 years). Vertebral identification and curve fitting were achieved through U-net and NURBS-net and resulted in a Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) curve of the spine. The 3D Cobb angles were measured in two ways: the predicted 3D Cobb angle (PRED-3D-CA), which is the maximum value in the smoothed angle map derived from the NURBS curve, and the 2D mapping Cobb angle (MAP-2D-CA), which is the maximal angle formed by the tangent vectors along the projected 2D spinal curve. The model segmented spinal masks effectively, capturing easily missed vertebral bodies. Spoke kernel filtering distinguished vertebral regions, centralizing spinal curves. The SpineCurve Network method’s Cobb angle (PRED-3D-CA and MAP-2D-CA) measurements correlated strongly with the surgeons’ annotated Cobb angle (ground truth, GT) based on 2D radiographs, revealing high Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.983 and 0.934, respectively. This paper proposed an automated technique for calculating the 3D Cobb angle in preoperative scoliosis patients, yielding results that are highly correlated with traditional 2D Cobb angle measurements. Given its capacity to accurately represent the three-dimensional nature of spinal deformities, this method shows potential in aiding physicians to develop more precise surgical strategies in upcoming cases.
Fixed point theorem for generalized Chatterjea type mappings
Authors: Păcurar C. M. , Popescu O.
Published: August 2024

We introduce a new type of mappings in metric spaces which are
three-point analogue of the well-known Chatterjea type mappings, and call them
generalized Chatterjea type mappings. It is shown that such mappings can be
discontinuous as is the case of Chatterjea type mappings and this new class includes
the class of Chatterjea type mappings. The fixed point theorem for generalized
Chatterjea type mappings is proven.
Disulfidptosis-related long non-coding RNA signature predicts the prognosis, tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy, and antitumor drug options in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Kang , Yu Jing , Xu Qihuan , Peng Yuanhong , Li Haibin , Lu Yan , Ouyang Manzhao
Published: August 2024

This study aims to investigate the role and prognostic significance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with disulfidptosis in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). The TCGA database’s clinical data and transcriptome profiles were employed. Analysis of previous studies identified 10 disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs). We used these genes to construct a signature that could independently and accurately predict the prognosis of patients with COAD. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curve analysis showed that the lower-risk group had a better prognosis. With the help of multivariate Cox regression analysis, the risk score produced from the patient’s signature might independently predict the outcomes. Utilizing a nomogram, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and principal component analysis (PCA), the signature’s predictive ability was also confirmed. It’s interesting to note that immunotherapy, especially PD-1 immune checkpoint suppression, was more likely to benefit low-risk patients. The IC50 levels for certain anticancer agents were lower in the high-risk group. Finally, qRT-PCR analyses in colon cancer cell lines revealed elevated levels of lncRNAs CASC9, ZEB1-AS1, ATP2A1-AS1, SNHG7, AL683813.1, and AP003555.1, and reduced levels of FAM160A1-DT and AC112220.2, compared to normal cell lines. This signature offers insights into prognosis, tumor microenvironment, and options for immunotherapy and antitumor drugs in patients with COAD.
MEG Microstates: An Investigation of Underlying Brain Sources and Potential Neurophysiological Processes
Authors: Valt Christian , Tavella Angelantonio , Berchio Cristina , Seebold Dylan , Sportelli Leonardo , Rampino Antonio , Salisbury Dean F. , Bertolino Alessandro , Pergola Giulio
Published: August 2024

Microstates are transient scalp configurations of brain activity measured by electroencephalography (EEG). The application of microstate analysis in magnetoencephalography (MEG) data remains challenging. In one MEG dataset (N = 113), we aimed to identify MEG microstates at rest, explore their brain sources, and relate them to changes in brain activity during open-eyes (ROE) or closed-eyes resting state (RCE) and an auditory Mismatch Negativity (MMN) task. In another dataset of simultaneously recorded EEG-MEG data (N = 21), we investigated the association between MEG and EEG microstates. Six MEG microstates (mMS) provided the best clustering of resting-state activity, each linked to different brain sources: mMS 1–2: left/right occipito-parietal; mMS 3: fronto-temporal; mMS 4: centro-medial; mMS 5–6: left/right fronto-parietal. Increases in occipital alpha power in RCE relative to ROE correlated with greater mMS 1–2 time coverage (τbs < 0.20, ps > .002), while the lateralization of deviance detection in MMN was associated with mMS 5–6 time coverage (τbs < 0.16, ps > .012). No temporal correlation was found between EEG and MEG microstates (ps > .05), despite some overlap in brain sources and global explained variance between mMS 2–3 and EEG microstates B-C (rs > 0.60, ps < .002). Hence, the MEG signal can be decomposed into microstates, but mMS brain activity clustering captures phenomena different from EEG microstates. Source reconstruction and task-related modulations link mMS to large-scale networks and localized activities. Thus, mMSs offer insights into brain dynamics and task-specific processes, complementing EEG microstates in studying physiological and dysfunctional brain activity.
Impact of mechanical weed control on soil N dynamics, soil moisture, and crop yield in an organic cropping sequence
Authors: Beiküfner Mareike , Kühling Insa , Vergara-Hernandez Maria Elena , Broll Gabriele , Trautz Dieter
Published: August 2024

Mechanical weed control is a major element of weed suppression in organic farming systems. In addition to the direct effect on weed growth, mechanical weeding, such as harrowing or hoeing, is known to induce side effects on several soil- and crop-related properties. In this study, we investigated the impact of mechanical weeding on soil mineral nitrogen (SMN), soil moisture, and crop yield in an organic crop rotation of grass-clover (Lolium multiflorumLam., Trifolium pratense L.), silage maize (Zea mays L.) and winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The experiment was conducted in two consecutive years (2021, 2022), where each crop was grown in each year on a Plaggic Anthrosol with sandy loam in North-West Germany. Two weed control treatments (mechanical: harrowing, hoeing; chemical: herbicide application) were implemented in a randomized block design with four replications. Greater net nitrogen (N) mineralization in maize compared to winter barley were attributed to the incorporation of grass-clover residues before sowing of maize and greater mineralization potential during the maize growing season. Higher weed growth in maize after mechanical weeding resulted in a reduction of up to 47% in SMN content in the topsoil. In barley, no differences in weed suppression were observed between the treatments and only small effects on SMN were determined after mechanical weeding. The soil water content in the mechanically weeded plots was significantly higher at several events in both years and for both crops, which was attributed to increased water infiltration by disrupting the soil crust. Neither crop yield nor N uptake in harvest products was affected by the different treatments.
Comparative Study on the Reduction of Tritium Breeding Ratio Caused by Inventory Changes of a Solid-State Tritium Breeding Blanket in a Fusion Demonstration Reactor Using MCNP and FISPACT-II
Authors: Kim Byung Chul
Published: August 2024

The self-sufficient supply of tritium in the deuterium-tritium nuclear fusion demonstration reactor (DEMO) is a fundamental design requirement. But, it is hindered by depletion of tritium breeding materials resulting in reduction of tritium breeding ratio (TBR) less than the initial design value especially in the solid-state tritium breeding blanket (TBB) of the DEMO. Unlike the liquid tritium breeding blanket of DEMO, compensation measures of the depleted breeding material in the solid-state TBB will be its substitution depending on the reduction rate of TBR. To estimate the replacement period of the solid-state TBB, it is required to estimate the reduction rate of TBR according to the operation conditions of the DEMO and the physical configuration of a solid-state TBB. In this study, the representative simulation codes, MCNP and FISPACT-II, are used for assessment of the reduction rate of TBR with the benchmarking model which is modified from the one poloidal segment of the TBB in the Korean-DEMO. After 3 full power-year operations with the neutron irradiation with the benchmarking model, the TBR simulated by MCNP is reduced to 96.84% of the initially calculated TBR, but the TBR calculated by FISPACT-II is reduced to 90.57% of the initially calculated TBR.
Path Dynamics of Time-Changed Lévy Processes: A Martingale Approach
Authors: De Gregorio Alessandro , Iafrate Francesco
Published: August 2024

Lévy processes time-changed by inverse subordinators have been intensively studied in the last years. Their importance in connection with non-local operators and semi-Markov dynamics is well understood, but, in our view, several questions remain open concerning the probabilistic structure of such processes. The time-changed Lévy processes are particularly useful to describe complex systems with fractional and/or anomalous dynamics. The purpose of our work is to analyze the features of the sample paths of such processes, focusing on a martingale-based approach. We introduce the fractional Poisson random measure as the main tool for dealing with the jump component of time-changed càdlàg processes. Further, the fractional random measure is an interesting and novel topic in itself, and thus, it is thoroughly analyzed in the paper. A central role in our analysis is then played by fractional Poisson integrals (involving the aforementioned fractional Poisson measure) which allow a useful description of the random jumps. We investigate these stochastic integrals and the martingale property of their compensated counterpart. Therefore, we are able to obtain a semimartingale representation of time-changed processes analogous to the celebrated Lévy–Itô decomposition. Finally, an approximation scheme of such random processes will be discussed.
The detection of pathological parathyroid glands is facilitated by identifying vascular features on ultrasound: the potential benefit of a low-frequency vascular probe
Authors: Michaelsen Sanne Høxbroe , Bay Mette , Gerke Oke , Graumann Ole , Madsen Anders Rørbæk , Godballe Christian , Bonnema Steen Joop , Nielsen Viveque Egsgaard
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the potential benefit of adding a low frequency vascular probe to the conventional pre-operative ultrasound examination of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 136 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism underwent a conventional ultrasound examination of the neck with a high frequency ( > 10 MHz) linear ultrasound probe, followed by an add-on examination with a low frequency vascular probe. For each ultrasound probe, and for every potential parathyroid lesion, the presence of a feeding vessel, a polar placement of the feeding vessel, and the presence of a vascular arch was recorded.

Results

A total of 146 ultrasound lesions were evaluated for vascularity by each probe. For both ultrasound probes, the odds of a hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland being correctly identified increased with the number of visible vascular features. The vascular probe identified a significantly higher number of vascular features among ultrasound true positive glands compared with the conventional probe (p < 0.0001). Among histopathologically verified pathological parathyroid glands, the vascular probe identified 20% more feeding vessels, 27% more polar placements of the feeding vessel, and 65% more vascular arches than the high frequency probe. However, the diagnostic confidence score for true positive glands did not differ significantly between the probes (p = 0.11).

Conclusion

The addition of a low frequency vascular probe increases the number of visible vascular features in hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands, which facilitates their preoperative detection. Whether or not this can increase the diagnostic confidence of ultrasound examiners has yet to be substantiated.