bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Influence Mechanisms of Tempering Temperature and N‐alloying on Mechanical Properties of AISI M42 High‐Speed Steel
Authors: Jiao Wei-Chao , Li Hua-Bing , Feng Hao , Wang Hai-Jian , Zhu Hong-Chun , Zhang Shu-Cai , Jiang Zhou-Hua , Wu Wei
Published: February 2023

The variations in microstructure and mechanical properties of N‐free and high‐nitrogen (0.18 wt%) M42 HSS with tempering temperatures are investigated. The microstructure of steels after austenitizing primarily consists of martensite, retained austenite (RA), undissolved M2C, and M6C carbides. With increasing tempering temperature (450–600 °C), the RA content and martensite lattice strain of steels gradually decrease. At 540 and 600 °C, RA is almost or fully transformed into martensite, and massive nanosized M2C secondary carbides are precipitated. The M2C secondary carbides at 600 °C obviously coarse compared to those at 540 °C. Further, the addition of N increases RA content and martensite lattice strain. With increasing tempering temperature, the bulk hardness and compressive strength of steels first increase and then decrease, whereas their impact toughness shows an opposite trend. This is ascribed to the combined effect of RA decomposition, precipitation and coarsening of secondary precipitates, and decrease in dislocation density and martensite lattice strain. Compared to N‐free steel, 0.18N steel tempered at peak‐hardening temperature (540 °C) and above has higher bulk hardness and compressive strength because of the increased solid solution, dislocation, and precipitation strengthening, but lower impact toughness owing to higher matrix hardness and martensite lattice strain.
Envision and Appraisal of Biomolecules and Their Interactions through Scanning Probe Microscopy
Authors: Ghoderao Prachi , Sahare Sanjay , Lee Shern-Long , Sonar Prashant
Published: February 2023

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) has gifted a novel eye to envision nanotechnology and nanoscience. The SPM technique involves a sharp probe that moves over the sample surface and leads to produce signals, which facilitates a deep understanding of the structural, electronic, vibrational, optical, magnetic, (bio) chemical, and mechanical properties of the material. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measure various kinds of physical properties such as electric current, force, and capacitance. Moreover, AFM shows a prominent feature over STM that it accepts insulating surfaces and can work under physiological conditions, making it feasible to study biological molecules. Herein, the SPM approach toward biomolecule imaging and appraising different physiological processes with molecular resolution is highlighted. The review raises awareness regarding current obstacles in biological sample preparation and possible ways to conquer these difficulties. Subsequently, the recent applications of STM and AFM on various biomolecules with representative examples like DNA, protein, and carbohydrates are discussed. The conductance measurement studies of the biological samples emphasize applications like drug delivery, biosensors, molecular electronics, and spintronics fields. This is followed by an outlook of future perspectives making a pavement toward the basic science and applied field of biomolecules using SPM technology.
Tragverhalten hochfester Verbundstützen und Werkstoffverhalten im Brandfall – FOSTA‐Forschungsverbund HOCHFEST: Projekte „Hochfeste Verbundstützen und Brand“
Authors: Knobloch Markus , Feldmann Markus , Claßen Martin , Zehfuß Jochen , Mensinger Martin , Uszball Sara , Schurgacz Przemyslaw , Schäfers Michael , Janiak Till , Nonn Jonas , Jalaeeyan Asieh , Ameri Shaghayegh , Wolters Kevin , Röß Rudolf
Published: February 2023

Im Hoch‐ und Industriebau werden zunehmend betongefüllte Hohlprofil‐Verbundstützen eingesetzt, da diese insbesondere unter Verwendung von Einstellprofilen hohe Tragkapazitäten bei gleichzeitig kleinen Querschnitten ermöglichen. Zudem zeichnen sich Verbundstützen durch hohe Feuerwiderstände ohne zusätzliche Brandschutzmaßnahmen aus. Die Verwendung von höherfesten Bau‐ und Werkstoffen für Verbundstützen ermöglicht es dabei zusätzlich, Stahl‐Beton‐Verbundkonstruktionen nachhaltiger, effizienter und wirtschaftlicher zu realisieren und so langfristig die Konkurrenzfähigkeit von Stahl‐Beton‐Verbundstützen zu erhalten. Der Einsatz hoch‐ bzw. höchstfester Bau‐ und Werkstoffe für Verbundstützen wird derzeit noch durch den Anwendungsbereich des Eurocode 4 begrenzt. Genau hier setzen die in diesem Heft der Stahlbau vorgestellten FOSTA‐Forschungsvorhaben des Forschungsverbunds HOCHFEST an. Der Forschungsverbund HOCHFEST umfasst insgesamt 15 Forschungsvorhaben, welche das vielfältige Anwendungspotenzial von hochfesten Stählen aufzeigen. Die hier vorgestellten Forschungsprojekte P 1287, P 1349, P 1500, P 1501 und P 1502 adressieren das Tragverhalten von Hochleistungsverbundstützen und das Werkstoffverhalten hochfesten Stahls bei Normaltemperatur sowie im Brandfall und bei Erdbebenbeanspruchung. Damit bilden die Erkenntnisse der Forschungsprojekte die wesentliche Grundlage für die zukünftige Weiterentwicklung von Bemessungsvorschriften für Hochleistungsverbundstützen.
Data‐driven reliability and cost‐based design optimization of steel fiber reinforced concrete suspended slabs
Authors: Alotaibi Emran , Nassif Nadia , Barakat Samer
Published: February 2023

The governing failure mode for flat slabs is punching shear, which occurs when the punching forces exceed the slab resistances in the critical area around the column surface. Recently, considerable knowledge has been obtained on understanding steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) suspended slabs as a sustainable and reliable technique to enhance post‐cracking behavior and resist loading effects, including punching shear. The properties of the materials, loading, and dimension vary inevitably and may be represented in the form of statistical distributions. In this study, all parameters affecting the punching shear of the SFRC suspended slabs were treated as random variables. Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) and punching shear model developed previously using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) were combined (ANN‐MCS) to conduct a reliability analysis, cost optimization, and model calibration. Reliability results have shown that the inclusion of fibers increased the safety level (20% in terms of the reliability index β) of the slabs against punching shear. Furthermore, a reliability‐based cost optimization was performed on the ANN‐MCS model. The optimization outcomes demonstrated steel ratio has a significant impact on SFRC slab cost, and thus it should be minimized/reduced when the steel fibers are included in the mix. Moreover, the ANN model was calibrated following a code calibration procedure to account for the model, material, and fabrication uncertainties. The calibration results have shown that a reduction factor of 0.6 should be applied to the ANN‐based model to achieve the target reliability level, β ≥ 2.5.
Green demolition technology of reinforced concrete slab: Application of soundless chemical demolition agents and its evaluation system
Authors: Jiang Zhisheng , Zheng Wenzhong , Wang Ying , Li Sheng , Sun Linqi
Published: February 2023

The annual global building demolition is burdensome due to the rapid development of cities. The pollution associated with building demolition severely endangers the urban environment. Soundless chemical demolition agents (SCDAs) can effectively avoid environmental hazards in the demolition of concrete buildings. However, related literature on optimal hole layout design is still vacant. The demolition of reinforced concrete slabs was therefore explored in this paper. In total, 18 slab specimens were tested. Results showed that the slab specimens were demolished into several blocks due to sufficient development of cracks. Following this, a set of complete evaluation system was proposed. First, the volumetric expansion ratio of SCDAs was provided as a new evaluation index. Based on this evaluation index, the influences of critical parameters and the influence mechanism of reinforcements were investigated. Second, a novel multi‐parameter hole layout computational model was established. With this model, an optimal hole layout scheme could be obtained. Finally, the application prospect of SCDAs was discussed. This work can open up a new vision for the demolition industry.
Prolonged exposure to the herbicide atrazine promotes kidney fibrosis by activating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in rats
Authors: Wang Taiwei , Huang Xuemiao , Liu Jian , Liu Wei , Yang Zhaoyun , He Kang , Chen Junyu , Zhao Lijing
Published: February 2023

Exposure to atrazine (ATR), a widely‐used herbicide, is a potential harmful to human health due to its long‐term environmental persistence and bioaccumulation. The effects of chronic exposure to ATR on renal function in rats were evaluated in this research. Female Sprague–Dawley rats at 4 weeks of age were treated with different concentrations of ATR for 6 months. No significant differences  in terms of renal functions were observed after ATR treatment. In histopathological examination of the kidney, Hematoxylin–Eosin staining indicated the development of degenerative changes in a dose‐dependent manner. The results revealed that ATR exposure leads to renal fibrosis and that activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway plays a potential role in ATR‐related renal fibrosis. Levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and TGF‐β1 levels and the reactive oxygen species were significantly upregulated after ATR treatment. In conclusion, long‐term exposure to ATR could cause kidney fibrosis, which is the result of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition caused by inflammation and oxidative stress.
Acute generation of reactive oxygen species that induced by doxycycline pretreatment results in rapid cell death in polyphyllin G‐treated osteosarcoma cell lines
Authors: Li Yi‐An , Chen Hsuan‐Ying , Hsieh Cheng‐Pu , Chen Chiu‐Liang , Hung Shih‐Chieh , Huang Yi‐Fu
Published: February 2023

Polyphyllin G, a pennogenyl saponin extracted from Paris polyphylla, has been shown to possess antitumor effects. In this study, we demonstrated that doxycycline, an antibiotic medicine, could significantly enhance the sensitivities of osteosarcoma cell lines to polyphyllin G. As the cells were pretreated with doxycycline at non‐toxic concentrations and then co‐exposed to polyphyllin G, this combination could induce a rapid cell death distinct from apoptosis. The non‐apoptotic cell death was characterized by a loss of integrity of plasma membrane without externalization of phosphatidyl serine. Furthermore, this combined treatment resulted in suppression of cell viability and colony‐forming ability, and increased the level of γ‐H2A.X, a critical marker for DNA damage, in osteosarcoma cell lines. When examining the underlying mechanism, it was revealed combination of polyphyllin G and doxycycline triggered an enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and up‐regulated mitochondrial oxidative stress within 0.5 h. Co‐administration of the ROS inhibitor NAC reversed the suppressed cell viability and colony‐forming ability, and abolished the increased level of γ‐H2A.X in the cells with the combined treatment, indicating that the enhanced ROS was involved in the anti‐proliferative effect of the combined treatment. Overall, the results demonstrated that doxycycline may function as chemosensitizers by inducing an acute and lethal ROS production to enhance cytotoxic of polyphyllin G in osteosarcoma cell lines, and the combined use of drugs may provide an alternative thinking for the development of new therapeutic agents.
Pharmacokinetics of tenvermectin in swine, a novel antiparasitic drug candidate—comparison with ivermectin
Authors: Li Guiyu , Cao Xingyuan , Liao Jianwei , Wei Yanming
Published: February 2023

Tenvermectin (TVM) is a novel 16‐membered macrolide compound isolated and purified from the fermentation broth of genetically engineered Streptomyces avermitilis strain MHJ1011. TVM and ivermectin were administered at the dose of 0.3 mg/kg body weight through a single subcutaneous injection route followed by plasma collectiom and analysis at different time intervals. Plasma concentrations of TVM and IVM were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector. Pharmacokinetic analysis was completed using the non‐compartmental method with WinNonlin™ 6.4 software. TVM is rapidly absorbed after administration with peak plasma concentrations (Cmax, 9.78 ± 2.34 ng/ml) obtained within 6–22 h. AUC0‐last was 586.86 h·ng/ml ± 121.24 h·ng/ml. The mean elimination half‐life of TVM (T1/2λz) was 97.99 h ± 46.41 h. The T1/2λz of IVM was 146.59 h ± 22.26 h in the study. The present study showed that subcutaneous administration of TVM at 0.3 mg/kg body weight (BW) in swine is absorbed more rapidly than IVM in swine. Compared to the pharmacokinetic characteristics of IVM, there was little difference in the half‐life of TVM among different individuals. The data will contribute to refining the formulation and dosage regime for TVM administration.
Introduction
Authors: McHaffie M. W.
Published: February 2023

The introduction makes three points to frame this study. First, French legal-historical scholarship views warranty in terms of the garantie d’éviction, a contractual obligation that remains deeply indebted to terms and concepts drawn from Roman law. Second, warranty has also viewed largely as a thirteenth-century development, thought to reflect the emergence of the individual’s right to alienate property with relative freedom from restrictions imposed by kin and/or lords. Third, the role of lordship in giving shape to warranty has been severely neglected in French legal-historical scholarship, which differs sharply from how scholarship examining warranty in the Anglo-Norman realm has approached the subject. I lay out therefore the basic questions that run throughout the study, which ultimately concern how we understand the causality of legal change in the central Middle Ages.
Warranty, Litigation, and Compensation
Authors: McHaffie M. W.
Published: February 2023

This chapter examines warranty in practice. It presents an overview of what alienees expected their warrantors to do for them in the event of an outside challenge, discussing warranty commitments both within court and outside of court. The chapter presents the rich case material from the region to provide a composite picture of expectations and areas of debate about warranty. The chapter then discusses what happens when a warrantor failed to discharge his or her commitments. Here I examine the various claims to compensation that an alienee might make, and likewise present the case material that illustrates how such claims worked in practice. I draw particular attention to cases in which one party sought redress from a warrantor for properties seized or lost in warfare. The overall conclusion of the chapter is that warranty throughout our period was a recognised feature of court practice, and the ability to summon a warrantor to one’s defence amounted to a sort of procedural right available to defendants during our period.
Phase transitions in TGFT: a Landau-Ginzburg analysis of Lorentzian quantum geometric models
Authors: Marchetti Luca , Oriti Daniele , Pithis Andreas G. A. , Thürigen Johannes
Published: February 2023

Abstract

In the tensorial group field theory (TGFT) approach to quantum gravity, the basic quanta of the theory correspond to discrete building blocks of geometry. It is expected that their collective dynamics gives rise to continuum spacetime at a coarse grained level, via a process involving a phase transition. In this work we show for the first time how phase transitions for realistic TGFT models can be realized using Landau-Ginzburg mean-field theory. More precisely, we consider models generating 4-dimensional Lorentzian triangulations formed by spacelike tetrahedra the quantum geometry of which is encoded in non-local degrees of freedom on the non-compact group SL(2, ℂ) and subject to gauge and simplicity constraints. Further we include ℝ-valued variables which may be interpreted as discretized scalar fields typically employed as a matter reference frame. We apply the Ginzburg criterion finding that fluctuations around the non-vanishing mean-field vacuum remain small at large correlation lengths regardless of the combinatorics of the non-local interaction validating the mean-field theory description of the phase transition. This work represents a first crucial step to understand phase transitions in compelling TGFT models for quantum gravity and paves the way for a more complete analysis via functional renormalization group techniques. Moreover, it supports the recent extraction of effective cosmological dynamics from TGFTs in the context of a mean-field approximation.
A 3+1 formulation of the 1/c expansion of General Relativity
Authors: Elbistan Mahmut , Hamamcı Efe , Van den Bleeken Dieter , Zorba Utku
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Expanding General Relativity in the inverse speed of light, 1/c, leads to a nonrelativistic gravitational theory that extends the Post-Newtonian expansion by the inclusion of additional strong gravitational potentials. This theory has a fully covariant formulation in the language of Newton-Cartan geometry but we revisit it here in a 3+1 formulation. The appropriate 3+1 formulation of General Relativity is one first described by Kol and Smolkin (KS), rather than the better known Arnowitt-Deser-Misner (ADM) formalism. As we review, the KS formulation is dual to the ADM formulation in that the role of tangent and co-tangent spaces get interchanged. In this 3+1 formulation the 1/c expansion can be performed in a more systematic and efficient fashion, something we use to extend the computation of the effective Lagrangian beyond what was previously achieved and to make a number of new all order observations.
EFT strings and emergence
Authors: Marchesano Fernando , Melotti Luca
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We revisit the Emergence Proposal in 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2 vector multiplet sectors that arise from type II string Calabi-Yau compactifications, with emphasis on the role of axionic fundamental strings, or EFT strings. We focus on large-volume type IIA compactifications, where EFT strings arise from NS5-branes wrapping internal four-cycles, and consider a set of infinite-distance moduli-space limits that can be classified in terms of a scaling weightw= 1,2,3. It has been shown before how one-loop threshold effects of an infinite tower of BPS particles made up of D2/D0-branes generate the asymptotic behaviour of the gauge kinetic functions along limits withw= 3. We extend this result tow= 2 limits, by taking into account D2-brane multi-wrapping numbers. Inw= 1 limits the leading tower involves EFT string oscillations, and one can reproduce the behaviour of both weakly and strongly-coupled U(1)’s independently on whether the EFT string is critical or not, by assuming that charged modes dominate the light spectrum.
The branching fraction of $$ {B}_s^0\to {K}^0{\overline{K}}^0 $$: three puzzles
Authors: Amhis Yasmine , Grossman Yuval , Nir Yosef
Published: February 2023

Abstract

The branching fraction of the $$ {B}_s\to {K}^0{\overline{K}}^0 $$

B
s

→

K
0

K
¯

0

decay has been recently measured by the LHCb and Belle experiments. We study the consistency of the measured value with three relations to other decay rates and CP asymmetries which follow from the Standard Model, and from the approximate flavor SU(3) symmetry of the strong interactions. We find that each of these relations is violated at a level of above 3σ. We argue that various subleading effects — rescattering, electroweak penguins and SU(3) breaking — if larger than theoretically expected, can account for some of these puzzles, but not for all of them simultaneously.
Would quantum coherence be increased by curvature effect in de Sitter space?
Authors: Wu Shu-Min , Wang Chun-Xu , Liu Dan-Dan , Huang Xiao-Li , Zeng Hao-Sheng
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We study the quantum coherence in de Sitter space for the bipartite system of Alice and Bob who initially share an entangled state between the two modes of a free massive scalar field. It is shown that the space-curvature effect can produce both local coherence and correlated coherence, leading to the increase of the total coherence of the bipartite system. These results are sharp different from the Unruh effect or Hawking effect, which, in the single mode approximation, cannot produce local coherence and at the same time destroy correlated coherence, leading to the decrease of the total coherence of the bipartite systems. Interestingly, we find that quantum coherence has the opposite behavior compared with the quantum correlation in de Sitter space. We also find that quantum coherence is most severely affected by the curvature effect of de Sitter space for the cases of conformal invariance and masslessness. Our result reveals the difference between the curvature effect in the de Sitter space and the Unruh effect in Rindler spacetime or the Hawking effect in black hole spacetime on quantum coherence.
A new approach for evaluating experienced assembly complexity based on Multi Expert-Multi Criteria Decision Making method
Authors: Verna Elisa , Genta Gianfranco , Galetto Maurizio
Published: February 2023

In manufacturing, complexity is considered a key aspect that should be managed from the early phases of product and system design to improve performance, including productivity, efficiency, quality, and costs. The identification of suitable methods to assess complexity has always been of interest to researchers and practitioners. As complexity is affected by several aspects of different nature, it can be assessed from objective or subjective viewpoints or a combination of both. To assess experienced complexity, the analysis relies on the subjective evaluations given by practitioners, usually expressed on nominal or ordinal scales. However, methods found in the literature often violate the properties of the scales, potentially leading to bias in the results. This paper proposes a methodology based on the analysis of categorical data using the multi expert-multi criteria decision making method. A number of criteria are adopted to assess assembly complexity and, from subjective evaluations of operators, product assembly complexity is assessed at an individual level and then, aggregating results, at a global level. A comparison between experienced complexity and an objective assessment of complexity is also performed, highlighting similarities and differences. The assessment of experienced complexity is much more straightforward and less demanding than objective assessments. However, this study showed that it is preferable to use objective assessments for highly complex products as individuals do not discriminate between different complexity levels. An experimental campaign is conducted regarding a manual assembly of ball-and-stick products to show the applicability of the methodology and discuss the results.
Design of additively manufactured moulds for expanded polymers
Authors: Alessio Franco , Alessio Mattia , Savoldelli Pietro , Vedani Maurizio , Viganò Roberto
Published: February 2023

The traditional tools used in steam-chest moulding technologies for the shaping of expanded polymers can be replaced today by lighter moulds, accurately designed and produced exploiting the additive manufacturing technology. New paradigms have to be considered for mould design, assuming that additive manufacturing enables the definition of different architectures that are able to improve the performance of the moulding process. This work describes the strategies adopted for the design and manufacturing by Laser powder bed fusion of the moulds, taking into specific consideration their functional surfaces, which rule the heat transfer to the moulded material, hence the quality of the products and the overall performance of the steam-chest process. The description of a case study and the comparison between the performance of the traditional solution and the new moulds are also presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new approach. This study demonstrates that the re-design and optimization of the mould shape can lead to a significant reduction of the energy demand of the process, thanks to a homogeneous delivery of the heating steam throughout the part volume, which also results in a remarkable cutting of the cycle time.
The effect of Islamic revolution and war on income inequality in Iran
Authors: Farzanegan Mohammad Reza , Kadivar Mohammad Ali
Published: February 2023

Existing research has pointed to the decreasing effect of revolutions and wars on income inequality. It is unclear whether this reduction is the result of ongoing changes before revolutions and wars or if the results are standalone effects. In this study, we focus on the case of the Iranian Revolution of 1978–1979 and the subsequent Iran–Iraq war from 1980 to 1988. We use the synthetic control method to study the effect of revolution and war on changes in income inequality levels. Had there been no revolution and war in Iran, how would income inequality have developed? Utilizing the synthetic control method, we create a counterfactual Iran that reproduces the socioeconomic characteristics of Iran before the Islamic revolution. Then, we compare the income inequality of the counterfactual Iran without the revolution and war to the factual Iran under a new political regime for the period of 1970–1988. Our results, based on two different indicators of Iran’s Gini index, show a significant effect of the revolution and war on reducing income inequality. Over the entire 1979–1988 period, on average and per year, the Gini index of Iran was reduced by approximately three standard deviations of the index. The main findings are robust to a series of tests, including placebo tests.
Development and safety of PI3K inhibitors in cancer
Authors: Yu Miaomiao , Chen Jiajia , Xu Zhifei , Yang Bo , He Qiaojun , Luo Peihua , Yan Hao , Yang Xiaochun
Published: February 2023

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signalling pathway regulates cell survival, proliferation, migration, metabolism and other vital cellular life processes. In addition, activation of the PI3K signalling pathway is important for cancer development. As a result, a variety of PI3K inhibitors have been clinically developed to treat malignancies. Although several PI3K inhibitors have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for significant antitumour activity, frequent and severe adverse effects have greatly limited their clinical application. These toxicities are mostly on-target and immune-mediated; nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Current management usually involves intervention through symptomatic treatment, with discontinuation if toxicity persists. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively understand these adverse events and ensure the clinical safety application of PI3K inhibitors by establishing the most effective management guidelines, appropriate intermittent dosing regimens and new combination administration. Here, the focus is on the development of PI3K inhibitors in cancer therapy, with particular emphasis on isoform-specific PI3K inhibitors. The most common adverse effects of PI3K inhibitors are also covered, as well as potential mechanisms and management approaches.
A review of the bioactive components and pharmacological properties of Lavandula species
Authors: Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Teibo John Oluwafemi , Wasef Lamiaa , Shaheen Hazem M. , Akomolafe Ayomide Peter , Teibo Titilade Kehinde Ayandeyi , Al-kuraishy Hayder M. , Al-Garbeeb Ali I. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios
Published: February 2023

Lavandula species is a flowering plant that is common in Europe and across the Mediterranean. Lavender has many health benefits for humans. In addition to its use in herbal medicine, it is widely used in the fields of cosmetics, perfumes, foods, and aromatherapy. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to search for relevant material on the phytochemical ingredients, the pharmacologic effects of the ingredients, and the mechanism of action of the Lavandula species identified. These materials were reviewed in order to have access to important updates about the Lavandula species. Lavender as referred to in English contains essential oils, anthocyanins, phytosterols, sugars, minerals, coumaric acid, glycolic acid, valeric acid, ursolic acid, herniarins, coumarins, and tannins. It has been used to treat colic and chest ailments, worrisome headaches, and biliousness, and in cleaning wounds. It has antifungal, antibacterial, neurologic, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, anti-diabetic, and analgesic effects among others. Lavandula species has prospects for various biological applications, especially with its dermatological application. Advances in drug development would enable characterization of various bioactive constituents; thus, its development and application can have a more positive impact on humanity. Here, we highlighted updated information on the history, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical components, pharmacology, and various biological activities of Lavandula species.
A Gromov–Witten Theory for Simple Normal-Crossing Pairs Without Log Geometry
Authors: Tseng Hsian-Hua , You Fenglong
Published: February 2023

We define a new Gromov–Witten theory relative to simple normal crossing divisors as a limit of Gromov–Witten theory of multi-root stacks. Several structural properties are proved including relative quantum cohomology, Givental formalism, Virasoro constraints (genus zero) and a partial cohomological field theory. Furthermore, we use the degree zero part of the relative quantum cohomology to provide an alternative mirror construction of Gross and Siebert (Intrinsic mirror symmetry, arXiv:1909.07649) and to prove the Frobenius structure conjecture of Gross et al. (Publ Math Inst Hautes Études Sci 122:65–168, 2015) in our setting.
Meniscus repair via collagen matrix wrapping and bone marrow injection: clinical and biomolecular study
Authors: Bąkowski Paweł , Mieloch Adam Aron , Porzucek Filip , Mańkowska Monika , Ciemieniewska-Gorzela Kinga , Naczk Jakub , Piontek Tomasz , Rybka Jakub Dalibor
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The functional outcomes of arthroscopic matrix-based meniscus repair (AMMR) in patients two and five years after the treatment clearly show that the use of the collagen matrix and bone marrow aspirate creates favorable biological conditions for meniscus healing. This study not only provides ten follow-up results but also investigates biomolecular mechanisms governing the regenerative process.

Methods

Case series was based on data collected from patients who underwent AMMR procedure, starting with preoperatively through two-year and five-year till ten-year follow-up. The outcomes are presented as IKDC and the Lysholm subjective scores as well as the imaging results. Biomolecular investigation of the membranes utilized in the AMMR procedure include DNA content analysis, cell viability and proliferation study of bone marrow and bone marrow concentrate-derived cells, and cytokine array performed on monocytes cultured on the membranes.

Conclusion

Data collected from patients who underwent AMMR procedure, starting with pre-operatively through two year and five year till ten year follow-up, indicate the possibility for long-term, stable meniscus preservation. Outcomes are manifested with a visible improvement of the IKDC and the Lysholm subjective scores as well as in the imaging results. The type of the meniscal tear or complexity of the knee injury (isolated AMMR vs. AMMR + ACL) did not affect the clinical outcomes. The study highlighted the role of the membrane in facilitating cell adhesion and proliferation. Additionally, several cytokines were selected as potentially crucial products of the membrane vs. monocyte interactions, driving the tissue regeneration and remodeling. Interestingly, thresholds of what constitutes a safe and well-decellularized membrane according to relevant literature have been significantly breached, but ultimately did not elicit detrimental side effects.
Application of Fuzzy Composite Programming in a Questionnaire as a Methodological Test to Study the Effect of Reservoir Management on Social Interests—A Survey Based on Two Case Studies in Southern Germany
Authors: Daus Milan , Weber Daniel , Glaser Rüdiger
Published: February 2023

To understand the concerns, approvals and disapprovals of expert opinions about managerial issues from around reservoirs this study uses the approach of Fuzzy Composite Programming (FCP) in direct questionnaires to parameterize and rate a set of indicators with statements about managerial issues concerning societal implications by the responding experts. The personal ratings get summarized in four different layers and converted into one final numerical value which will be in the range of 0 as the absolute disapproval of the indicators and 1 as the absolute approval of the indicators. The FCP approach thereby rates the individual indicator, secondly the indicator category, thirdly the compensational factor and fourthly the dimensions of sustainability. This facilitates a rapid comparison of results of rather complicated sets of pre-set indicators in topics reaching from legal issues to societal concerns in one final numerical value to identify crucial topics and start open debates. This study was carried out as a methodological test at two water reservoirs in southern Germany. The results show a general possibility of using a rather retrospect methodology towards current ratings of experts in the field of reservoir management. 10 respondents answered the FCP questionnaires, 5 at each study site. The scores of the calculation showed a higher level of positive connection in the case of the Schwarzenbachtalsperre (SBT) with a score of 0.77, compared to a score of 0.54 in the case of the Franconian Lake District (FLD). Apart from the pure numerical scores, FCP can show conflicting issues and possible compromise solutions between the different stakeholders, in/based on the individual ratings. The findings could help reach a more sustainable management of water resources that includes all stakeholders, by pointing out debatable implications.
Transarterial Chemoembolization with Anthracyclines-Loaded Polyethylene Glycol Drug Eluting Microspheres for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pooled Multicentric Analysis of Survival in 580 Patients
Authors: Veloso Gomes Filipe , de Baère Thierry , Verset Gontran , Coimbra Élia , Tovar-Felice Gerardo , Malagari Katerina , Bruix Jordi
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To evaluate survival, efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), through a pooled analysis of patients with BCLC 0, A and B HCC stages, treated with polyethylene glycol drug eluting microspheres (PEG-DEM) TACE.

Materials and Methods

Patients from 3 retrospective and 2 prospective registries were included. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), tumour response and safety were evaluated. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of OS.

Results

A total of 580 patients (72.1% males, mean age 66.9 ± 10.3 years) were included. 43.5% had BCLC A, and 41.0% BCLC B disease stage, and 85.8% were Child–Pugh class A. Complete and partial response (mRECIST or RECIST1.1) were achieved in 60.14% and 27.11% of patients, with overall response and disease control rates of 87.30% and 94.60%, respectively. Median OS was 50.8 months for the total population, and 61.2 and 38.1 months for BCLC 0 + A and BCLC B patients, respectively. Median PFS for the total population, BCLC 0 + A and BCLC B groups was 15.6, 21.6 and 12.7 months, respectively.

Conclusions

This multicentric pooled analysis confirmed efficacy and safety of PEG-DEM TACE, with a median OS of 50.8 months.
Role of native defects on the opto-electronic properties of p-type ZnO synthesized during the most straightforward method: only water
Authors: Zagal-Padilla C. K. , Gamboa S. A.
Published: February 2023

The influence of predominant native defects in forming ZnO with p-type conductivity is discussed in this work when the semiconductor is synthesized only in water. The semiconductor was prepared by dissolving a Zn-salt in deionized water at 80 °C. The powders were thermally treated at 400 °C in an air atmosphere to obtain well-defined crystalline ZnO. XRD, SEM, EDS, Raman spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance, photoluminescence, and Seebeck effect techniques were used to characterize the synthesized material. The results showed a well-crystalline semiconductor in wurtzite phase. The crystal-oriented growth was the (002) plane. The sample morphology was formed by highly ordered sticks-like. The optoelectronic characterization showed that the synthesized ZnO had a lower band gap than that reported in the literature. It was related to deep energy levels corresponding to oxygen interstitials as the predominant native defects. Raman, EPR, and photoluminescence spectra analysis corroborated the existence of native defects in the crystalline structure. The p-type conductivity of the sample was determined by Seebeck coefficient analysis. A synthesis reaction mechanism involving the formation of oxygen interstitials was proposed in this work. Understanding the effects of native defects in wide band gap semiconductors is necessary to design new materials for sensors or energy conversion applications.
Data-driven determination of low-frequency dipole noise mechanisms in stalled airfoils
Authors: Carter Douglas W. , Ganapathisubramani Bharathram
Published: February 2023

An aeroacoustic investigation of planar time-resolved particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements in the streamwise surface-normal plane of a NACA 0012 airfoil in static stall is presented at chord-based Reynolds number $$\textrm{Re}_c=7.1\times 10^4$$

Re
c

=
7.1
×

10
4

. Instantaneous planar pressure reconstructions are obtained using a Poisson solver and the dipole noise emanating from the surface is extrapolated via Curle’s acoustic analogy. To correlate structure in the velocity field to the generation of noise, a data-driven framework utilising the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and the spectral Linear Stochastic Estimation (sLSE) is employed. The flow structures responsible for noise are found to concentrate in proximity to the trailing edge. In addition, a conditional analysis for the extreme noise events reveals that downwash and upwash events in proximity to the trailing edge, coupled with slow and fast-moving fluid at the incipient shear layer, are correlated to local maxima and minima in the acoustic fluctuations, respectively.

Graphical abstract
1-year outcomes of patients implanted with the Perceval sutureless valve: the Japanese post-marketing surveillance study
Authors: Niinami Hiroshi , Sawa Yoshiki , Shimokawa Tomoki , Domoto Satoru , Nakamura Yoshitsugu , Sakaguchi Taichi , Ito Toshiaki , Toda Koichi , Amano Atsushi , Gersak Borut
Published: February 2023

Sutureless offers an alternative to standard valves in surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). We sought to confirm the efficacy and safety of the Perceval sutureless valve in Japanese patients. Prospective observational study of 204 patients who underwent SAVR with Perceval at 19 sites in Japan between March and December 2019. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and postoperative complications; the secondary outcome was all-cause mortality at 1 year. Efficacy outcomes were changed in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, pressure gradients, effective orifice area (EOA), EOA indexed to body surface area (EOAi) and severity of aortic regurgitation. Mean age was 77.7 years, 62.7% were female. Procedural success rate was 99.0%. The median cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 68.0 and 108 min. Perceval size S and M were implanted in 95 (46.6%) and in 76 (37.3%) of patients, respectively. The 30-day and late mortality rate were 0.5% and 4.4%, while the new permanent pacemaker implantation rate was 4.4%. Mean pressure gradient was 13.0 mmHg at discharge, reaching 11.0 mmHg at 1 year; while the mean EOA was 1.5 cm2 at discharge remaining stable up to 1 year. No moderate or severe leakages were present at discharge or at 1 year. NYHA class improved by ≥ 1 level in 55.1% of the patients at discharge and in 69.4% of the patients at 1 year. 1-year outcomes of SAVR with the Perceval sutureless valve in Japanese patients were favorable. This valve offers a promising alternative to conventional biological AVR in this Japanese population.
Retinal pathological features and proteome signatures of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Koronyo Yosef , Rentsendorj Altan , Mirzaei Nazanin , Regis Giovanna C. , Sheyn Julia , Shi Haoshen , Barron Ernesto , Cook-Wiens Galen , Rodriguez Anthony R. , Medeiros Rodrigo , Paulo Joao A. , Gupta Veer B. , Kramerov Andrei A. , Ljubimov Alexander V. , Van Eyk Jennifer E. , Graham Stuart L. , Gupta Vivek K. , Ringman John M. , Hinton David R. , Miller Carol A. , Black Keith L. , Cattaneo Antonino , Meli Giovanni , Mirzaei Mehdi , Fuchs Dieu-Trang , Koronyo-Hamaoui Maya
Published: February 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathologies were discovered in the accessible neurosensory retina. However, their exact nature and topographical distribution, particularly in the early stages of functional impairment, and how they relate to disease progression in the brain remain largely unknown. To better understand the pathological features of AD in the retina, we conducted an extensive histopathological and biochemical investigation of postmortem retina and brain tissues from 86 human donors. Quantitative examination of superior and inferior temporal retinas from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients compared to those with normal cognition (NC) revealed significant increases in amyloid β-protein (Aβ42) forms and novel intraneuronal Aβ oligomers (AβOi), which were closely associated with exacerbated retinal macrogliosis, microgliosis, and tissue atrophy. These pathologies were unevenly distributed across retinal layers and geometrical areas, with the inner layers and peripheral subregions exhibiting most pronounced accumulations in the MCI and AD versus NC retinas. While microgliosis was increased in the retina of these patients, the proportion of microglial cells engaging in Aβ uptake was reduced. Female AD patients exhibited higher levels of retinal microgliosis than males. Notably, retinal Aβ42, S100 calcium-binding protein B+ macrogliosis, and atrophy correlated with severity of brain Aβ pathology, tauopathy, and atrophy, and most retinal pathologies reflected Braak staging. All retinal biomarkers correlated with the cognitive scores, with retinal Aβ42, far-peripheral AβOi and microgliosis displaying the strongest correlations. Proteomic analysis of AD retinas revealed activation of specific inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation/mitochondrial, and photoreceptor-related pathways. This study identifies and maps retinopathy in MCI and AD patients, demonstrating the quantitative relationship with brain pathology and cognition, and may lead to reliable retinal biomarkers for noninvasive retinal screening and monitoring of AD.
The influence of antibiotic administration on the outcomes of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing definitive (chemo)radiation
Authors: Rühle Alexander , Zou Jiadai , Glaser Margaretha , Halle Lennard , Gkika Eleni , Schäfer Henning , Knopf Andreas , Becker Christoph , Grosu Anca-Ligia , Popp Ilinca , Nicolay Nils H.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Effects of antibiotic administration on patients’ microbiome may negatively influence cancer outcomes, and adverse prognoses after antibiotic application have been demonstrated for cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. While the microbiome may play an important role also in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the prognostic value of antibiotic treatment here is largely unknown. We therefore analyzed whether antibiotic prescription is associated with impaired oncological outcomes of HNSCC patients undergoing definitive (chemo)radiation.

Methods

A cohort of 220 HNSCC patients undergoing definitive (chemo)radiation between 2010 and 2019 was analyzed. The influence of antibiotic administration on locoregional control, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was determined using Kaplan–Meier and Cox analyses.

Results

A total of 154 patients were treated with antibiotics within 30 days before (chemo)radiation (pretherapeutic) or during (chemo)radiation (peritherapeutic). While antibiotic prescription was not associated with age, ECOG, tumor localization or radiotherapy characteristics, patients treated with antibiotics had significantly higher tumor stages. Peritherapeutic antibiotic administration diminished PFS (HR = 1.397, p < 0.05, log-rank test) and OS (HR = 1.407, p < 0.05), whereas pretherapeutic administration did not. Antibiotic application was an independent prognosticator for OS (HR = 1.703, p < 0.05) and PFS (HR = 1.550, p < 0.05) in the multivariate Cox analysis within the subgroup of patients aged < 75 years.

Conclusion

Peritherapeutic antibiotic usage was associated with impaired oncological outcomes in HNSCC patients undergoing (chemo)radiation. Further studies including microbiome analyses are required to elucidate underlying mechanisms.
Tracking changes in physical activity during inpatient treatment in a psychiatric clinic in Germany by asking two simple questions
Authors: Roempler Jannik , Petzold Moritz Bruno , Bendau Antonia , Plag Jens , Ströhle Andreas
Published: February 2023

Increasing physical activity is essential to improve psychiatric patients’ physical and mental health. This study aimed to characterise the physical activity levels of inpatients in a general psychiatric clinic and to determine the feasibility of using a simple tool in everyday practice to assess physical activity levels in standard patient documentation. We assessed the level of physical activity undertaken by patients treated on an inpatient basis in a psychiatric hospital over 20 months. A total of 328 patients were included in the analysis. Physical activity was measured using a slightly altered version of the Exercise as a vital sign (EVS) questionnaire. All information was extracted from letters of discharge. During inpatient treatment, moderate to vigorous activity levels increased, and more patients engaged in physical activity. Patients with mood or anxiety disorders displayed the most considerable increase in physical activity. Patients with other diagnoses, such as schizophrenia, benefitted less or not at all. Factors associated with physical activity included—among others—history of substance use, education and month of admission. Investigating the feasibility of standardised documentation of physical activity showed fluctuation in documentation rates throughout the study. The level of physical activity performed by psychiatric patients can be increased during inpatient treatment. Implementing physical activity level as part of standard patient documentation is a first step in gathering data to assess the need for interventions to achieve an optimal physical activity in psychiatric patients throughout inpatient treatment.