bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary capsaicin normalizes CGRP peptidergic DRG neurons in experimental diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Yi , Guo Zheng , Li Tu-Ping , Sun Tao
Published: January 2021

Diabetic sensory neuropathy leads to impairment of peripheral sensory nerves and downregulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in a functionally specific subset of peripheral sensory neurons mediating pain. Whether CGRP plays a neuroprotective role in peripheral sensory nerve is unclear. We evaluated alterations in noxious thermal sensation and downregulation of CGRP in the 8 weeks after induction of diabetes in rats. We supplemented capsaicin in the diet of the animals to upregulate CGRP and reversed the downregulation of the neuropeptide in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons dissociated from the diabetic animals, via gene transfection and exogenous CGRP, to test disease-preventing and disease-limiting effects of CGRP. Significant preservation of the nociceptive sensation, CGRP in spinal cord and DRG neurons, and number of CGRP-expressing neurons was found in the diabetic animals given capsaicin. Improvement in the survival of the neurons and the outgrowth of neurites was achieved in the neurons transfected by LV-CGRP or by exogenous CGRP, paralleling the correction of abnormalities of intracellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial transmembrane potentials. The results suggest that downregulation of CGRP impairs viability, regeneration and function of peripheral sensory neurons while capsaicin normalizes the CGRP peptidergic DRG neurons and function of the sensory nerves.
Dual-functional quantum-dots light emitting diodes based on solution processable vanadium oxide hole injection layer
Authors: Kim Tae Yeon , Park Sungho , Kim Byung Jun , Heo Su Been , Yu Jong Hun , Shin Jae Seung , Hong Jong-Am , Kim Beom-Su , Kim Young Duck , Park Yongsup , Kang Seong Jun
Published: January 2021

Dual-functional quantum-dots light emitting diodes (QLEDs) have been fabricated using solution processable vanadium oxide (V2O5) hole injection layer to control the carrier transport behavior. The device shows selectable functionalities of photo-detecting and light-emitting behaviors according to the different operating voltage conditions. The device emitted a bright green light at the wavelength of 536 nm, and with the maximum luminance of 31,668 cd/m2 in a forward bias of 8.6 V. Meanwhile, the device could operate as a photodetector in a reverse bias condition. The device was perfectly turned off in a reverse bias, while an increase of photocurrent was observed during the illumination of 520 nm wavelength light on the device. The interfacial electronic structure of the device prepared with different concentration V2O5 solution was measured in detail using x-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Both the highest occupied molecular orbital and the gap state levels were moved closer to the Fermi level, according to increase the concentration of V2O5 solution. The change of gap state position enables to fabricate a dual-functional QLEDs. Therefore, the device could operate both as a photodetector and as a light-emitting diode with different applied bias. The result suggests that QLEDs can be used as a photosensor and as a light-emitting diode for the future display industry.
Protein co-expression networks identified from HOT lesions of ER+HER2–Ki-67high luminal breast carcinomas
Authors: Yamada Kimito , Nishimura Toshihide , Wakiya Midori , Satoh Eiichi , Fukuda Tetsuya , Amaya Keigo , Bando Yasuhiko , Hirano Hiroshi , Ishikawa Takashi
Published: January 2021

Patients with estrogen receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative/Ki-67-high (ER+HER2–Ki-67high) luminal breast cancer have a worse prognosis and do not respond to hormonal treatment and chemotherapy. This study sought to identify disease-related protein networks significantly associated with this subtype, by assessing in-depth proteomes of 10 lesions of high and low Ki-67 values (HOT, five; COLD, five) microdissected from the five tumors. Weighted correlation network analysis screened by over-representative analysis identified the five modules significantly associated with the HOT lesions. Pathway enrichment analysis, together with causal network analysis, revealed pathways of ribosome-associated quality controls, heat shock response by oxidative stress and hypoxia, angiogenesis, and oxidative phosphorylation. A semi-quantitative correlation of key-protein expressions, protein co-regulation analysis, and multivariate correlation analysis suggested co-regulations via network-network interaction among the four HOT-characteristic modules. Predicted highly activated master and upstream regulators were most characteristic to ER-positive breast cancer and associated with oncogenic transformation, as well as resistance to chemotherapy and endocrine therapy. Interestingly, inhibited intervention causal networks of numerous chemical inhibitors were predicted within the top 10 lists for the WM2 and WM5 modules, suggesting involvement of potential therapeutic targets in those data-driven networks. Our findings may help develop therapeutic strategies to benefit patients.
Ecological plasticity governs ecosystem services in multilayer networks
Authors: Gray Clare , Ma Athen , McLaughlin Orla , Petit Sandrine , Woodward Guy , Bohan David A.
Published: January 2021

Agriculture is under pressure to achieve sustainable development goals for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Services in agro-ecosystems are typically driven by key species, and changes in the community composition and species abundance can have multifaceted effects. Assessment of individual services overlooks co-variance between different, but related, services coupled by a common group of species. This partial view ignores how effects propagate through an ecosystem. We conduct an analysis of 374 agricultural multilayer networks of two related services of weed seed regulation and gastropod mollusc predation delivered by carabid beetles. We found that weed seed regulation increased with the herbivore predation interaction frequency, computed from the network of trophic links between carabids and weed seeds in the herbivore layer. Weed seed regulation and herbivore interaction frequencies declined as the interaction frequencies between carabids and molluscs in the carnivore layer increased. This suggests that carabids can switch to gastropod predation with community change, and that link turnover rewires the herbivore and carnivore network layers affecting seed regulation. Our study reveals that ecosystem services are governed by ecological plasticity in structurally complex, multi-layer networks. Sustainable management therefore needs to go beyond the autecological approaches to ecosystem services that predominate, particularly in agriculture.
Evaluation of extraction methods for pharmacologically active compounds from anticonvulsant traditional Chinese medicines: Gou Teng, Tian Ma, Jiang Can using DART-TOF-MS
Authors: Karin Kimberly N. , Poklis Justin L. , Peace Michelle R.
Published: January 2021

With the popularity of natural products, rapid analysis of pharmacologically active analytes from natural matrices is critical for public health. Microwave-assisted extraction with DART-MS provides efficient analysis of analytes from herbal matrices.
Direct detection of inorganic ions and underivatized amino acids in seconds using high-speed capillary electrophoresis coupled with back-scatter interferometry
Authors: De Silva Miyuru , Opallage Prabhavie M. , Dunn Robert C.
Published: January 2021

A short length, ultra-thin wall separation capillary combined with back-scatter interferometry enables amino acid separation and detection in seconds.
Outstanding performance of CuO/Fe–Ti spinel for Hg0 oxidation as a co-benefit of NO abatement: significant promotion of Hg0 oxidation by CuO loading
Authors: Sun Pengxiang , Mei Jian , Wang Chang , Ding Zhen , Hong Qianqian , Yang Shijian
Published: January 2021

Conversion of gaseous Hg0 to soluble Hg2+ using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts with gaseous HCl as an oxidant as a co-benefit of NO abatement is widely used for resolving Hg pollution from coal-burning power plants.
A new clade of styrene monooxygenases for (R)-selective epoxidation
Authors: Xiao Hu , Dong Shuang , Liu Yan , Pei Xiao-Qiong , Lin Hui , Wu Zhong-Liu
Published: January 2021

Styrene monooxygenases (SMOs) are excellent enzymes for the production of (S)-enantiopure epoxides, but so far, only one (R)-selective SMO has been identified with a narrow substrate spectrum.
Hydrogen production from cellulose catalyzed by an iridium complex in ionic liquid under mild conditions
Authors: Toyooka Genki , Tanaka Toshiki , Kitayama Kenji , Kobayashi Naoko , Watanabe Takashi , Fujita Ken-ichi
Published: January 2021

A new and simple method for hydrogen production from cellulose using an iridium catalyst and an ionic liquid under mild conditions was developed.
Tailoring copper(ii) complexes with pyridine-4,5-dicarboxylate esters for anti-Candida activity
Authors: Andrejević Tina P. , Aleksic Ivana , Počkaj Marta , Kljun Jakob , Milivojevic Dusan , Stevanović Nevena Lj. , Nikodinovic-Runic Jasmina , Turel Iztok , Djuran Miloš I. , Glišić Biljana Đ.
Published: January 2021

Antifungal copper(ii) complexes with pyridine-4,5-dicarboxylate esters show the ability to inhibit the filamentation and biofilm formation of Candida albicans, and efficiently prevent the adhesion of this fungus.
Carbon nano-onions as potential nanocarriers for drug delivery
Authors: Bartkowski Michał , Giordani Silvia
Published: January 2021

This perspective outlines the potential application of carbon nano-onions in nanomaterial-based drug delivery. The discussion covers the engineering of the nanoparticle, the modification of the nanocarrier, and its intracellular applications.
Insights into the charge-transfer character of electronic transitions inRCp2Ti(C2Fc)2complexes using solvatochromism, resonance Raman spectroscopy, and TDDFT
Authors: Carlton Elizabeth S. , Sutton Joshua J. , Gale Ariel G. , Shields George C. , Gordon Keith C. , Wagenknecht Paul S.
Published: January 2021

Augmented with TDDFT, solvatochromism and resonance Raman spectroscopy ofRCp2Ti(C2Fc)2complexes are consistent with the characterization of the lowest-energy electronic transition as a delocalized ethynylferrocene to TiIVcharge transfer.
Pentamethyl- and 1,2,4-tri(tert-butyl)cyclopentadienyl containing p-block complexes – differences and similarities
Authors: Ding Yi , Ruth Paul Niklas , Herbst-Irmer Regine , Stalke Dietmar , Yang Zhi , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: January 2021

The sterically encumbered cyclopentadienyl ligand 1,2,4-(Me3C)3C5H2 (Cp′′′) effectively stabilizes the main group metals of Al, Ga, In, Ge and Sn with σ- or π-bonds.
Neuroprotective effect of apigenin against hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonatal ratsviaactivation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Fu Changchang , Zheng Yihui , Lin Kun , Wang Hongzeng , Chen Tingting , Li Luyao , Huang Jiali , Lin Wei , Zhu Jianghu , Li Peijun , Fu Xiaoqin , Lin Zhenlang
Published: January 2021

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury can lead to mortality and severe long-term disabilities including cerebral palsy and brain injury.
Femtosecond laser driven precessing magnetic gratings
Authors: Cao Gaolong , Jiang Sheng , Åkerman Johan , Weissenrieder Jonas
Published: January 2021

Manipulation and detection of spins at the nanoscale is of considerable contemporary interest as it may not only facilitate a description of fundamental physical processes but also plays a critical role in the development of spintronic devices.
Strategies for the synthesis of block copolymers with biodegradable polyester segments
Authors: Diaz Carlos , Mehrkhodavandi Parisa
Published: January 2021

Oxygenated block copolymers with biodegradable polyester segments can be prepared in one-pot through sequential or simultaneous addition of monomers. This review highlights the state of the art in this area.
Ancient pigment to treasure: Prussian blue as a cheap solid cyanide/nitrogen dual-source affording the high-yield syntheses of pricey endohedral clusterfullerenes
Authors: Xin Jinpeng , Jin Fei , Guan Runnan , Chen Muqing , Xie Xiao-Ming , Zhang Qianyan , Xie Su-Yuan , Yang Shangfeng
Published: January 2021

Prussian blue was applied for the first time as a cheap solid cyanide/nitrogen dual-source, affording simplified yet high-yield simultaneous syntheses of novel dysprosium-based metal cyanide clusterfullerenes and metal nitride clusterfullerenes.
A 2D porphyrin-based covalent organic framework with TEMPO for cooperative photocatalysis in selective aerobic oxidation of sulfides
Authors: Feng Keyu , Hao Huimin , Huang Fengwei , Lang Xianjun , Wang Cheng
Published: January 2021

This work reports the cooperative photocatalysis of a two-dimensional covalent organic framework with an electron transfer mediator in a selective organic transformation.
Visible light-mediated cross-coupling of electrophiles: synthesis of α-amino amides from isocyanates and ketimines
Authors: Zhu Junli , Dai Cancan , Ma Mengyue , Yue Yanni , Fan Xinyuan
Published: January 2021

Cross-couplings between the electrophilic ketimines and isocyanates are achieved via the visible light-mediated reactivity inversion of the ketimines, affording the desired α-amino amides in high yields, with both metal and metal-free systems.
Folate receptor-targeting mesoporous silica-coated gold nanorod nanoparticles for the synergistic photothermal therapy and chemotherapy of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Hou Yufei , Meng Xiangxue , Li Ge , Xu Fei , Teng Lesheng , Sun Fengying , Li Youxin
Published: January 2021

The use of targeted nanoparticles MTX-FAGMs in combined NIR-induced PTT and traditional chemotherapy has potential as a desirable nanopharmaceuticals platform for the treatment of RA.
Highly efficient titanosilicate catalyst Ti-MCM-68 prepared using a liquid-phase titanium source for the phenol oxidation
Authors: Inagaki Satoshi , Ishizuka Ryo , Ikehara Yuya , Odagawa Shota , Asanuma Kai , Morimoto Shunsuke , Kubota Yoshihiro
Published: January 2021

A highly efficient Ti-MCM-68 catalyst for phenol oxidation with H2O2was prepared by a mild liquid-phase treatment for the first time.
Photocatalytic syngas production using conjugated organic polymers
Authors: Fu Zhiwei , Vogel Anastasia , Zwijnenburg Martijn A. , Cooper Andrew I. , Sprick Reiner Sebastian
Published: January 2021

A range of linear conjugated polymers is reported that promote simultaneous photocatalytic CO2 reduction and proton reduction with a sacrificial hole-scavenger.
An extended carbonyl-rich conjugated polymer cathode for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zheng Shibing , Miao Licheng , Sun Tianjiang , Li Lin , Ma Tao , Bao Junquan , Tao Zhanliang , Chen Jun
Published: January 2021

A novel polymer with an extended π-conjugated structure (PPh-PTO) can show a delocalized electronic distribution and achieve a higher voltage, excellent cycle life, and good rate capabilities.
A liquid metal assisted dendrite-free anode for high-performance Zn-ion batteries
Authors: Jia Hao , Wang Ziqi , Dirican Mahmut , Qiu Sheng , Chan Cheuk Ying , Fu Shaohai , Fei Bin , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: January 2021

A self-healing zinc anode is achieved by introducing a liquid Ga–In–Zn alloy as a protective layer on zinc foil. The high fluidity and deformability of the liquid alloy ensure an ultralong cycling life by enabling dendrite-free Zn deposition.
Hydrogel composite scaffolds with an attenuated immunogenicity component for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Gao Chenyuan , Sow Wan Ting , Wang Yingying , Wang Yili , Yang Dejun , Lee Bae Hoon , Matičić Dražen , Fang Lian , Li Huaqiong , Zhang Chunwu
Published: January 2021

Xenogeneic bones are potential templates for bone regeneration.
Protective role of kallistatin in renal fibrosis via modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Yiu Wai Han , Li Ye , Lok Sarah W.Y. , Chan Kam Wa , Chan Loretta Y.Y. , Leung Joseph C.K. , Lai Kar Neng , Tsu James H.L. , Chao Julie , Huang Xiao-Ru , Lan Hui Yao , Tang Sydney C.W.
Published: January 2021

Kallistatin is a multiple functional serine protease inhibitor that protects against vascular injury, organ damage and tumor progression. Kallistatin treatment reduces inflammation and fibrosis in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the molecular mechanisms underlying this protective process and whether kallistatin plays an endogenous role are incompletely understood. In the present study, we observed that renal kallistatin levels were significantly lower in patients with CKD. It was also positively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and negatively correlated with serum creatinine level. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in animals also led to down-regulation of kallistatin protein in the kidney, and depletion of endogenous kallistatin by antibody injection resulted in aggravated renal fibrosis, which was accompanied by enhanced Wnt/β-catenin activation. Conversely, overexpression of kallistatin attenuated renal inflammation, interstitial fibroblast activation and tubular injury in UUO mice. The protective effect of kallistatin was due to the suppression of TGF-β and β-catenin signaling pathways and subsequent inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cultured tubular cells. In addition, kallistatin could inhibit TGF-β-mediated fibroblast activation via modulation of Wnt4/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, endogenous kallistatin protects against renal fibrosis by modulating Wnt/β-catenin-mediated EMT and fibroblast activation. Down-regulation of kallistatin in the progression of renal fibrosis underlies its potential as a valuable clinical biomarker and therapeutic target in CKD.
Protective role of serpina3c as a novel thrombin inhibitor against atherosclerosis in mice
Authors: Qian Ling-lin , Ji Jing-jing , Guo Jia-qi , Wu Yan-ping , Ma Gen-shan , Yao Yu-yu
Published: January 2021

Abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is a critical step in the development of atherosclerosis. Serpina3c is a serine protease inhibitor (serpin) that plays a key role in metabolic diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the role of serpina3c in atherosclerosis and regulation of VSMC proliferation and possible mechanisms. Serpina3c is down-regulated during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis. An Apoe−/−/serpina3c−/−-double-knockout mouse model was used to determine the role of serpina3c in atherosclerosis after HFD for 12 weeks. Compared with Apoe−/− mice, the Apoe−/−/serpina3c−/− mice developed more severe atherosclerosis, and the number of VSMCs and macrophages in aortic plaques was significantly increased. The present study revealed serpina3c as a novel thrombin inhibitor that suppressed thrombin activity. In circulating plasma, thrombin activity was high in the Apoe−/−/serpina3c−/− mice, compared with Apoe−/− mice. Immunofluorescence staining showed thrombin and serpina3c colocalization in the liver and aortic cusp. In addition, inhibition of thrombin by dabigatran in serpina3c−/− mice reduced neointima lesion formation due to partial carotid artery ligation. Moreover, an in vitro study confirmed that thrombin activity was also decreased by serpina3c protein, supernatant and cell lysate that overexpressed serpina3c. The results of experiments showed that serpina3c negatively regulated VSMC proliferation in culture. The possible mechanism may involve serpina3c inhibition of ERK1/2 and JNK signaling in thrombin/PAR-1 system-mediated VSMC proliferation. Our results highlight a protective role for serpina3c as a novel thrombin inhibitor in the development of atherosclerosis, with serpina3c conferring protection through the thrombin/PAR-1 system to negatively regulate VSMC proliferation through ERK1/2 and JNK signaling.
Mars moon ephemerides after 14 years of Mars Express data
Authors: Lainey V. , Pasewaldt A. , Robert V. , Rosenblatt P. , Jaumann R. , Oberst J. , Roatsch T. , Willner K. , Ziese R. , Thuillot W.
Published: January 2021

The Mars Express (MEX) mission has been successfully operated around Mars since 2004. Among many results, MEX has provided some of the most accurate astrometric data of the two Mars moons, Phobos and Deimos. We present new ephemerides of the Mars moons benefitting from all previously published astrometric data to the most recent MEX SRC data. Observations from 1877 until 2018 and including spacecraft measurements from Mariner 9 to MEX were included. Assuming a homogeneous interior, we fitted the forced libration amplitude of Phobos simultaneously with the Martian tidal k2∕Q ratio and the initial state of the moons. Our solution of the physical libration 1.09 ± 0.01 degrees deviates notably from the homogeneous solution. Considering the very low error bar, however, this may essentially suggest the necessity to consider higher order harmonics with an improved rotation model in the future. While most data could be successfully fitted, we found a disagreement between the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Mars Express astrometric data at the kilometer level, probably associated with a biased phase correction. The current solution precision is expected at the level of a few hundred meters for Phobos and several hundred meters for Deimos for the coming years. The real accuracy of our new ephemerides will have to be confirmed by comparison with independent observational means.
Conceptual principles of project management for development of hydrate and other unconventional gas fields as a component of energy security of Ukraine
Authors: Ovetska Olha , Ovetskyi Serhii , Vytiaz Oleh
Published: January 2021

Topical issues concerning the possibilities of effective development of unconventional gas fields, in particular gas hydrate as an element of Ukraine’s energy security, are covered. Attention is drawn to the need for an integrated approach to the development of unconventional hydrocarbon deposits using project management methods. The main challenges, opportunities, scenarios of energy security of Ukraine are studied. Priority tasks in the gas sector are analyzed in accordance with the implementation of the New Energy Strategy of Ukraine for the period up to 2035 at the stage “Optimization and innovative development of energy infrastructure (until 2025)” and “Ensuring sustainable development (until 2035)”. Peculiarities of development of unconventional hydrocarbon deposits at each stage of management – discovery, evaluation, development, production and closure of the project are determined. The purpose of the article is a comprehensive substantiation of organizational and technological decisions to increase the efficiency of development of offshore gas hydrate fields in comparison with other unconventional gas fields.
Extended surfactants and their tailored applications for vegetable oils extraction: An overview
Authors: Gagnon Yancie , Mhemdi Houcine , Delbecq Frederic , Van Hecke Elisabeth
Published: January 2021

The vegetable oil extraction process from seeds and nuts depends on mechanical and solvent (usually n-hexane) extractions. Despite the efficiency of n-hexane, its use is nowadays questioned due to health, environmental, and technological issues. As an alternative to hexane extraction, several greener solvents and extraction techniques have been developed and tested during the last decades. Among these alternatives, the Surfactant-Aqueous Extraction Process (SAEP) appears as a promising method. Initially developed for the petroleum sector, this method was then tested and optimized for vegetable oil extraction. Successful implementations at the laboratory scale led to slightly more than 90% oil yield, mainly by using so-called “extended surfactants”. Compare to conventional surfactants, these surfactants can efficiently solubilize a large amount of vegetable oil in water, despite the structural diversity and the bulkiness of vegetable oil molecules. The present review is devoted to extended surfactant applications to SAEP. This review summarizes and discusses the main findings related to the extended surfactant structures and properties, as well as the main experimental results on the SAEP, and the advantages and the current limitations towards a scaling-up of this promising process.
Oil content, lipid profiling and oxidative stability of “Sefri” Moroccan pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) seed oil
Authors: Hajib Ahmed , Nounah Issmail , Harhar Hicham , Gharby Said , Kartah Badreddine , Matthäus Bertrand , Bougrin Khalid , Charrouf Zoubida
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition (fatty acids, tocopherols, and sterols) and evaluate the oxidative stability of Moroccan pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) seed oil. The oil content of pomegranate seed was 22.63 g/100g of dry weight. The fatty acid composition showed a dominance of conjugated linolenic acids (CLnAs) (86.96 g/100g). The most dominant fatty acid was punicic acid (75.1 g/100g), followed by catalpic acid (6.7 g/100g) and linoleic acid with amounts of 4.11 g/100g. The seed oil only contained a low level of saturated fatty acids with palmitic (2.64 g/100g) and stearic acids (1.73 g/100g) as main saturated fatty acids. The sterol marker, β-sitosterol, accounted for 404.59 mg/100g of the total sterol content in the seed oil. Total tocopherol content in seed oil was 332.44 mg/100g. γ-tocopherol (190.47 mg/100g oil) is the major constituent, followed by α-tocopherol (74.62 mg/100g oil) and δ-tocopherol (53.3 mg/100g oil). The induction time calculated by the Rancimat accelerated method was found to be of 3.6 h at 120 °C. In terms of oil, pomegranate seed oil may be considered as a valuable source for new multipurpose products with industrial, cosmetic and pharmaceutical uses.
Outcomes of Transsphenoidal Microsurgery for Prolactinomas – A Contemporary Series of 162 Cases
Authors: Giese Sabrina , Nasi-Kordhishti Isabella , Honegger Jürgen
Published: January 2021

Introduction Renewed interest in transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) as a therapeutic option for prolactinomas has emerged. This study is aimed at defining the current role of pituitary surgery in the management of prolactinomas.

Materials and Methods In this retrospective, consecutive single-center study, 162 patients who underwent primary microscopic TSS for prolactinomas between 2006 and 2019 were analyzed regarding surgical indication, previous dopamine-agonist (DA) treatment, early remission rates (3 months postoperatively), surgical complications and pituitary function.

Results Seventy-four microprolactinomas and 88 macroprolactinomas were operated by TSS. 62.3% of the patients had received prior DA treatment. For microprolactinomas, the predominant indication for surgery was patient’s wish (41.9%), while indications for macroprolactinomas varied. For enclosed microprolactinomas, the initial remission rate was 92.1%, while for macroprolactinomas, the rate was 70.4%. No significant difference of remission rates was found between DA-pretreated (65.3%) and non-pretreated (72.1%) patients (p=0.373).None of the patients suffered a significant complication. Re-operation for a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak was required in one patient (0.6%). Permanent postoperative deterioration of pituitary function was only observed in one of 158 patients with surgery for a prolactinoma (0.6%). Improvement of pituitary function was observed in 8 of 25 patients (32%) with preoperative deficits.

Conclusion Transsphenoidal microsurgery is safe and efficient for treatment of prolactinomas. It is particularly suitable for enclosed prolactinomas. The patient should be well informed of the pros and cons of the treatment options, which include DA medication and TSS, and the patient’s preference should be taken into account during decision-making.
Vena giacomini – so klein und unscheinbar?
Authors: Valesky Eva Maria , Mendoza Erika , Brenner Erich
Published: January 2021

In Giacominis Erstbeschreibung (1873) wurde über eine Vene berichtet, die über die Fossa poplitea zum dorsalen Oberschenkel (ohne in die V. poplitea einzumünden) weiter nach medial zieht, um in die V. saphena magna zu münden. Seither wurden zahlreiche weitere Mündungstypen (auch mit Einmündung in die V. poplitea) publiziert. Im klinischen Alltag erfährt diese Vene hingegen nur wenig Beachtung. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit, eine Insuffizienz der V. giacomini nachzuweisen, ist v. a. bei simultanem Vorliegen einer insuffizienten V. saphena parva um das knapp 12-Fache erhöht. Man unterscheidet 2 Refluxtypen der V. giacomini. Beim retrograden Reflux gelangt venöses Blut über die V. saphena magna, die Beckenvenen oder die Perforansvenen des Oberschenkels in die V. saphena parva. Beim wesentlich selteneren anterograden Reflux kommt es zu einem paradoxen (aufsteigenden) Reflux in der V. giacomini während der muskulären Diastole. Eine ausschließlich V.-saphena-fokussierte chirurgische Therapie ohne Berücksichtigung der Refluxtypen kann möglicherweise in einer Überbehandlung des Patienten enden und sollte im Zeitalter der therapeutischen Vielfalt und eines möglichst venenerhaltenden Vorgehens vermieden werden.

Aufgrund der anatomischen Enge der Fossa poplitea und der in der Vergangenheit zunehmend an Beliebtheit gewonnenen endoluminal-thermischen Verfahren ist die Kenntnis der topografischen Anatomie insbesondere zur Vermeidung von neurologischen Komplikationen von essenzieller Bedeutung.
Zweitmeinungsverfahren für die Tonsillektomie und Tonsillotomie: eine Analyse der rechtfertigenden quantitativen und qualitativen Voraussetzungen
Authors: Franzen Achim M. , Windfuhr Jochen P. , Bruch Dunja
Published: January 2021

Einleitung Der Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss hat im Jahr 2017 Tonsillotomie, Tonsillektomie und Hysterektomie für ein Zweitmeinungsverfahren ausgewählt. Die vorliegende Untersuchung prüfte die rechtfertigende qualitative wie quantitative Grundlage dieses bundesweiten Verfahrens.

Material und Methoden Die Daten des Statistischen Bundesamtes zur Fallzahlentwicklung wurden erfasst; Zahl und Standortverteilung der HNO-Zweitmeiner wurden über die Websites der Kassenärztlichen Vereinigungen ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse: Zwischen 2005 und 2018 nahm die Zahl der (Adeno-) Tonsillektomien von 119 808 auf 42 548 ab; die Zahl der Tonsillotomien stieg von 4659 (2007) auf 18 369. Unabhängig davon bleiben signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Bundesländern bestehen. 218 HNO-Ärzte in 142 Städten sind derzeit als Zweitmeiner tätig; entsprechend der Operationszahlen von 2018 entfielen auf einen Zweitmeiner ca. 280 Patienten (1:90–1:800).

Schlussfolgerungen Bei sinkender Prävalenz der ausgewählten Eingriffe – die Tonsillektomie gehört seit 2013 nicht mehr zu den 50 am häufigsten in Deutschland durchgeführten Operationen – kann von einer „Mengenanfälligkeit“ nicht ausgegangen werden. Die Umsetzung des Zweitmeinungsverfahrens, nicht zuletzt der Ausgleich regionaler Unterschiede der Operationsindikation, ist außerdem durch die regionale Verteilung der Zweitmeiner kompromittiert. Eine wissenschaftliche Begleitung der bereits initiierten Zweitmeinungsverfahren und die Prüfung des tatsächlichen Bedarfs erscheinen sinnvoll.
Methanesulfonic Acid Catalyzed Friedel–Crafts Reaction of Electron-Rich Arenes with N-Arylmaleimides: A Highly Efficient Metal-Free Route To Access 3-Arylsuccinimides
Authors: Peddinti Rama Krishna , Gairola Deepti
Published: January 2021

Friedel–Crafts reaction is widely used for the C–C bond forming reaction to enable the direct connection of electron-rich arenes to electron-deficient olefins with high regioselectivity. Herein, a highly efficient, metal-free, and environmentally benign F–C strategy of electron-rich arenes with N-arylmaleimides has been developed for the construction of 3-arylsuccinimides in the presence of a green reagent methanesulfonic acid under mild reaction conditions. This highly facile and high-yielding protocol has compatibility with different electron-rich arenes.
Monochromatic red light during plant growth decreases the size and improves the functionality of stomata in chrysanthemum
Authors: Seif Mehdi , Aliniaeifard Sasan , Arab Mostafa , Mehrjerdi Mahboobeh Zare , Shomali Aida , Fanourakis Dimitrios , Li Tao , Woltering Ernst
Published: January 2021

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) now enable precise light quality control. Prior to commercialisation however, the plant response to the resultant light quality regime ought to be addressed. The response was examined here in chrysanthemum by evaluating growth, chlorophyll fluorescence (before and following water deficit), as well as stomatal anatomy (density, size, pore dimensions and aperture heterogeneity) and closing ability. Plants were grown under blue (B), red (R), a mixture of R (70%) and B (RB), or white (W; 41% B, 39% intermediate spectrum, 20% R) light LEDs. Although R light promoted growth, it also caused leaf deformation (epinasty) and disturbed the photosynthetic electron transport system. The largest stomatal size was noted following growth under B light, whereas the smallest under R light. The largest stomatal density was observed under W light. Monochromatic R light stimulated both the rate and the degree of stomatal closure in response to desiccation compared with the other light regimes. We conclude that stomatal size is mainly controlled by the B spectrum, whereas a broader spectral range is important for determining stomatal density. Monochromatic R light enhanced stomatal ability to regulate water loss upon desiccation.
New information on site occupancy and detection rate of Mixophyes iteratus and implications for management
Authors: Lollback Gregory W. , Lockwood Michele A. , Hannah David S.
Published: January 2021

Mixophyes iteratus (giant barred frog) is listed as Endangered in state and federal legislation, but there have been only two previous studies in scientific literature that have focused on habitat preferences of this species. This study aimed to shed light on habitat selection of M. iteratus by conducting surveys during the 2019–2020 breeding season within the Tweed Valley, northern New South Wales, Australia. Detection rate was also quantified, which is a first for the species. A nested survey method was used in conjunction with a conditional survey design. There were 118 detections of M. iteratus over 31 habitat sites, all beside permanent stream pools >10m in length. Occupancy modelling suggested that frogs were more likely found in sites with ≥12m of undercut bank. Over three survey rounds, detection rate was 0.54–0.65. Surveys at historical sites showed that the species can survive severe drought, which was experienced through 2018 and 2019. Findings suggest that at least two surveys for M. iteratus should be conducted at favourable sites or when targeting the species, especially if land management at the site is proposed to change. Riparian management that retains undercut banks and pools is encouraged for the conservation of this species.
Declarative programming of TV applications using NCL
Authors: Guedes Álan L.V. , Colcher Sergio
Published: January 2021

NCL is the declarative programming language used to develop TV applications in IPTV systems and Terrestrial TV standardized by ITU and
Brazilian TV Forum, respectively. Its main characteristics are: defining temporal synchronization among media assets and viewer
interactions; layout reuse facilities; support multi-device presentation; support embed HTML code and scripts in the lightweight scripting
language Lua; and an API for life-cycle controls (start, pause, resume, stop) and modifying applications on-the-fly called NCL editing
command. This talk briefly introduces NCL, highlights its recent advances, and discuss the future of the language.
Plain text processingin structured documents
Authors: Verwer Nico
Published: January 2021

Applications that analyze and process natural language can be used for things like named entity recognition, anonymization, topic
extraction, sentiment analysis. In most cases, these applications use the plain text of a document, and may add or change markup. This
causes problems when the original document already contains markup that must be preserved. The text to be analyzed may run across markup
boundaries, and newly generated markup may lead to unbalanced (non well-formed) structures. This presentation shows how the Separated Markup
API for XML (SMAX) can be used to apply natural language processing to XML documents. It preserves the existing document structure and
allows for balanced insertion of new markup. A demonstration will be given of the use of SMAX for extracting and marking references in legal
documents. This Link eXtractor was built for the Dutch center for governmental publications. SMAX and Simple Pipelines of Event API
Transformers (SPEAT) will be available as open source software at the time of Declarative Amsterdam.
Predicting middle‐distance track and cross‐country performances of national and international level adolescent runners
Authors: Bliss Alex , Waldron Mark , Maxwell Neil
Published: January 2021

This study evaluated the contribution of physiological data collected during laboratory testing in predicting race performances of trained junior middle‐distance track (TK) and cross‐country (XC) athletes. Participants performed a submaximal incremental ramp test, followed by an incremental test to exhaustion in a laboratory, with the results used to predict either 800 m TK, 1500 m TK or 4000–6000 m XC race performance. Twenty‐eight participants (male (M), 15; female (F), 13) were analysed (age = 17 ± 2 years, height = 1.72 ± 0.08 m, body mass = 58.9 ± 8.9 kg). Performance times (min:s) for 800 m were: M, 1:56.55 ± 0:05.55 and F, 2:14.21 ± 0:03.89; 1500 m: M, 3:51.98 ± 0:07.35 and F 4:36.71 ± 0:16.58; XC: M (4900 ± 741 m), 16:00 ± 01:53; F (4628 ± 670 m), 17:41 ± 02:09. Stepwise regression analysis indicated significant contributions of speed at ⩒O2max (s⩒O2max), and heart rate maximum (HRmax) to the prediction of 800 m TK (F(2,15) = 22.51, p < 0.001, adjusted R 2 = 0.72), s⩒O2max for 1500 m TK (F(1,13) = 36.65, p < 0.001, adjusted R 2 = 0.72) and ⩒O2max, allometrically scaled to body mass and speed at lactate threshold (sLT) for XC (F(2,17) = 25.1, p < 0.001, adjusted R 2 = 0.72). Laboratory‐based physiological measures can explain 72% of the variance in junior TK and XC events, although factors that explain performance alter depending on the race distance and tactics. The factors determining performance in TK and XC events are not interchangeable.
Sparsity-based nonlinear reconstruction of optical parameters in two-photon photoacoustic computed tomography
Authors: Gupta Madhu , Kumar Mishra Rohit , Roy Souvik
Published: January 2021

We present a new nonlinear optimization approach for the sparse reconstruction of single-photon absorption and two-photon absorption coefficients in the photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT). This framework comprises of minimizing an objective functional involving a least squares fit of the interior pressure field data corresponding to two boundary source functions, where the absorption coefficients and the photon density are related through a semi-linear elliptic partial differential equation (PDE) arising in photoacoustic tomography. Further, the objective functional consists of an L
1 regularization term that promotes sparsity patterns in absorption coefficients. The motivation for this framework primarily comes from some recent works related to solving inverse problems in acousto-electric tomography and current density impedance tomography. We provide a new proof of existence and uniqueness of a solution to the semi-linear PDE. Further, a proximal method, involving a Picard solver for the semi-linear PDE and its adjoint, is used to solve the optimization problem. Several numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
A European perspective on dental cone beam computed tomography systems with a focus on optimisation utilising diagnostic reference levels
Authors: Siiskonen Teemu , Gallagher Aoife , Ciraj Bjelac Olivera , Novak Leos , Sans Merce Marta , Farah Jad , Dabin Jérémie , Malchair Françoise , Knežević Željka , Kortesniemi Mika
Published: January 2021

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been available since the late 1990s for use in dentistry. European legislation requires optimisation of protection and the use of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) as well as regular quality control (QC) of the imaging devices, which is well outlined in existing international recommendations. Nevertheless, the level of application is not known. Earlier studies have indicated that few European countries have established DRLs and that patient doses (exposure parameters) have not been properly optimised. The EURADOS Working Group 12—Dosimetry in Medical Imaging undertook a survey to identify existing practices in Member States. Questionnaires were developed to identify equipment types, clinical procedures performed, and exposure settings used. The surveys were circulated to 22 countries resulting in 28 responses from 13 countries. Variations were identified in the exposure factors and in the doses delivered to patients for similar clinical indicators. Results confirm that patient doses are still not properly optimised and DRLs are largely not established. There is a need to promote the importance of performing QC testing of dental CBCT equipment and to further optimise patient exposure by establishment and use of DRLs as a part of a continuous optimisation process.
Fast and robust fringe projection profilometry for surface with hole discontinuities via backlighting
Authors: Tan Ji , He Zhaoshui , Dong Bo , Bai Yulei , Lei Liang , Li Jianqing
Published: January 2021

In fringe projection profilometry (FPP), objects with hole discontinuities can lead to shadows and even phase unwrapping morbidity. To solve this problem, we propose an enhanced FPP system by employing the backlighting technique in this paper. This method consists of shadow compensation (SC) and high dynamic range (HDR) imaging; the SC is implemented using the optimal mask, which is obtained by fusing two high-contrast images from different backlight intensities; the HDR imaging is performed by a multi-exposure technique to tackle the issue of multi-colored or specular reflections. Since the proposed method does not require complex phase-unwrapping algorithms, it is fast and robust for three-dimensional shape measurement of objects with hole discontinuities. To validate the method, morphological measurements of a wheel rim and a multi-colored human mask were performed. The results show that the proposed method can overcome discontinuity problems without degrading performance.
Diagnosis of an incipient defect in a worm gearbox using minimum entropy deconvolution and local cepstrum
Authors: Kumar Surinder , Kumar Rajesh
Published: January 2021

A worm gearbox is a slow speed gear arrangement which can greatly reduce velocity (in some cases 100:1 in a single stage). The early detection of a gear fault in this high reduction gearbox is a challenging task as the fundamental frequencies in the spectrum are close together. The sliding mechanism of its operation and the presence of loud noise further complicate the task. A signal processing technique has been proposed to extract weak fault features in the worm and wheel gearbox signal. In the preprocessing stage, the signal is decimated, and an autoregressive minimum entropy deconvolution (AR-MED) is applied. The decimation process enhances the data handling capability. The AR-MED filter denoises the signal. The signal obtained is further processed for the local cepstrum (LC) to identify the quefrencies. The quefrencies provide information regarding the period of repetition of impulses corresponding to the defect. The results of quefrencies validate the values of fault frequency for the faulty gear. A comparison with the autocorrelation LC and squared envelope spectrum kurtosis is presented to establish the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. The accuracy of the results of the proposed method is 99.27%.
Gram-scale synthesis of electrochemically oxygenated graphene nanosheets for removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution
Authors: Hao Pham Van , Minh Phan Ngoc , Hong Phan Ngoc , Huy Nguyen Nhat , Oanh Phung Thi , Nguyen Hai Thanh , Tran Trang Doan , Van Thanh Dang , Nguyen Van Thi Khanh , Dang Nguyen Van
Published: January 2021

In this study, oxygenated graphene nanosheets (OGNs) were successfully synthesized using a simple electrochemical exfoliation approach and applied to remove methylene blue (MB) in an aqueous solution. The surface morphology and structure of the OGNs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The adsorption performance of OGNs towards aqueous MB was tested by batch experiments. Results showed that a large number of functional groups in OGNs enhanced the removal of MB from the aqueous solution due to the electrostatic interactions between the electrochemically oxygenated groups (e.g. C–OH, C–O, and C=O) and dye molecules. Using Langmuir adsorption isotherm, the maximum MB adsorption capacity (q
max) was determined as high as 476.19 mg g−1. These results suggested that the as-prepared OGNs is an effective and promising adsorbent for removing MB, which could be studied extensively for color removal in wastewater treatment.
Self-assembly nuclei with a preferred orientation at the extended hydrophobic surface toward textured growth of ZnO nanorods in aqueous chemical bath deposition
Authors: Yu Chia-Hao , Lo Chang-Chen , Chen Kuan-Hung , Chang Yih-Ren , Chen Chun-Wei , Wen Cheng-Yen
Published: January 2021

Textured growth of ZnO nanorods with no restriction of the substrate material is beneficial to their applications. The approaches to grow ZnO nanorods with texture are based on preparing suitable surface structure on the growth substrate, e.g. using a crystalline substrate with a specific surface structures or pre-depositing seed layers by high-temperature annealing of precursors. In the aqueous nutrient solution of the chemical bath deposition (CBD) process for ZnO growth, the concentration of Zn2+ ions at the extended hydrophobic surface is sufficiently high for forming self-assembly nuclei with a preferred orientation, resulting in the subsequent textured growth of ZnO nanorods. In this research, the hydrophobic surface is prepared by modifying Si surface with a self-assembly octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS) monolayer. The formation mechanism of the nuclei on this hydrophobic surface for the textured growth of ZnO nanorods is investigated. It is shown that the nuclei form at the beginning of the CBD process and later transform into the Wurtzite structure to seed ZnO growth. An alternative approach to prepare seed layers is therefore involved in the aqueous CBD process, which is applicable to a range of hydrophobic substrates for textured growth of ZnO nanorods.