bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified celluloses improve the proofing performance and quality of bread made with a high content of resistant starch
Authors: Arp Carlos Gabriel , Correa María Jimena , Ferrero Cristina
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Adding resistant starch (RS) to bread formulations is a promising way of increasing fiber content of white bread. However, the partial replacement of wheat flour (WF) by RS can lead to a decrease in technological quality. The objective of this study was to analyze the performance of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose as improvers of wheat bread with a high level of replacement (30%) with maize RS. The levels of the modified celluloses were 1% and 1.5% (WF + RS basis), and a formulation without modified celluloses was used as control. Proofing time, loaf volume, crumb characteristics (porosity, texture), and bread staling parameters (hardness increase, moisture loss), among other attributes, were analyzed, and principal component analysis was applied to compare samples.

RESULTS

The use of both modified celluloses was effective in improving the quality of breads. Specific volume and crumb porosity were enhanced, particularly at the 1.5% level. Breads with modified celluloses also allowed a higher retention of water and a better preservation of mechanical properties during storage. The principal component analysis projection graph for the first two principal components showed that samples with modified celluloses were clustered by the level of hydrocolloid addition rather than by the type of hydrocolloid used, although all the samples with modified celluloses were close to each other and distant from the control sample without hydrocolloids.

CONCLUSION

The quality decrease resulting from the replacement of WF by a high level of RS can be greatly compensated by the use of structuring agents such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Modulating effects of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides on the immune response by regulating gut microbiota in cyclophosphamide‐treated mice
Authors: Tian Baoming , Liu Renjian , Xu Tianrui , Cai Ming , Mao Rongliang , Huang Liangshui , Yang Kai , Zeng Xiaoxiong , Peilong Sun
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

The gut microbiota (GM) is recognized as a significant contributor to the immune system. In the present study, the effects of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides (HEP) on immunoregulation and GM in cyclophosphamide (CTX)‐treated mice were investigated to elucidate the attenuate of immunosuppression by modulating GM.

RESULTS

The results revealed that HEP significantly improved the body weight and immune organ index in immunodeficient mice (P < 0.05). They significantly increased operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (P < 0.05), adjusted the α and β diversity of the GM, and the bacterial community structure was more similar to that of control group. Taxonomic composition analysis found that HEP increased the abundance of Alistipse, uncultured_bacterium_f_Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, uncultured_bacterium_f_Lachnospiracea, uncultured_bacterium_f_Ruminococcaceae and Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐014, and decreased Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Alloprevotella, suggesting that HEP can improve the GM structure and inhibit CTX‐induced GM dysregulation. Moreover, HEP increased short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA)‐producing bacteria, recovered SCFA levels, alleviated immunosuppression caused by CTX, enhanced the serum immune cytokine factors, and upregulated TLR4/NF‐κB pathway key proteins (TLR4, NF‐κB p65) at mRNA and protein levels.

CONCLUSION

Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides effectively regulated GM and enhancement of intestinal immune function, so they have the potential to be developed as functional ingredients or foods to modulate immune responses. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Microfiber Fabricated via Microfluidic Spinning toward Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Tian Lingling , Ma Jingyun , Li Wei , Zhang Xu , Gao Xinghua
Published: December 2022

Microfibers, a type of long, thin, and flexible material, can be assembled into functional 3D structures by folding, binding, and weaving. As a novel spinning method, combining microfluidic technology and wet spinning, microfluidic spinning technology can precisely control the size, morphology, structure, and composition of the microfibers. Particularly, the process is mild and rapid, which is suitable for preparing microfibers using biocompatible materials and without affecting the viability of cells encapsulated. Furthermore, owing to the controllability of microfluidic spinning, microfibers with well‐defined structures (such as hollow structures) will contribute to the exchange of nutrients or guide cell orientation. Thus, this method is often used to fabricate microfibers as cell scaffolds for cell encapsulation or adhesion and can be further applied to biomimetic fibrous tissues. In this review, the focus is on different fiber structures prepared by microfluidic spinning technology, including solid, hollow, and heterogeneous structures, generated from three essential elements: spinning platform, fiber composition, and solidification methods. Furthermore, the application of microfibers is described with different structures in tissue engineering, such as blood vessels, skeletal muscle, bone, nerves, and lung bronchi. Finally, the challenges and future development prospects of microfluidic spinning technology in tissue engineering applications are discussed.
Tuning Human Serum Albumin (HSA) Hydrogels through Albumin Glycation
Authors: Volmer Jonas , Arabi S. Hamidreza , Henning Christian , Glomb Marcus A. , Hinderberger Dariush
Published: December 2022

The changes of technological properties of albumin‐based hydrogels induced by increasing degrees of post‐translational modification of the protein are reported. Maillard‐type modification of amino acids arginine and lysine of albumin is achieved through glyoxal as an α‐dicarbonyl compound. The degrees of modification are fine‐tuned using different molar ratios of glyoxal. Hydrogels are thermally induced by heating highly concentrated precursor solutions above the protein's denaturation temperature. While the post‐translational modifications are determined and quantified with mass spectrometry, continuous‐wave (CW) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy shed light on the protein fatty acid binding capacity and changes thereof in solution and in the gel state. The viscoelastic behavior is characterized as a measure of the physical strength of the hydrogels. On the nanoscopic level, the modified albumins in low concentration solution reveal lower binding capacities with increasing degrees of modification. On the contrary, in the gel state, the binding capacity remains constant at all degrees of modifications. This indicates that the loss of fatty acid binding capacity for individual albumin molecules is partially compensated by new binding sites in the gel state, potentially formed by modified amino acids. Such, albumin glycation offers a fine‐tuning method of technological and nanoscopic properties of these gels.
Effect of Test Parameters on Tribological and Hardness Properties of UHMWPE/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites
Authors: Soares Pedro Henrique Vilela , Amurin Leice Gonçalves , da Silva Aline Bruna
Published: December 2022

Ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) exhibits high wear resistance, low coefficient of friction (COF), and high impact strength. The operating conditions can influence the performance of the UHMWPE in specific applications. Graphene is applied as reinforcement to the UHMWPE matrix in order to improve the tribological and mechanical properties. In the present work, the effects of the test parameters on the hardness and tribological behavior of nanocomposites are evaluated. The Vickers microhardness of the UHMWPE/rGO nanocomposites increases by up to 25% at 0.50 wt% of rGO, regardless of the indentation applied load. Pin‐on‐disc tests are performed for the polymer at several sliding speeds and applied normal loads to get information about friction responses. Once the most suitable parameters have been defined, the pin‐on‐disc tests of the UHMWPE/rGO nanocomposites are performed, resulting in a decrease of up to 48% of the COF at 0.25 wt% of rGO.
Mechanical Properties of PLA/PCL Blends Compatibilized with PEG‐b‐PCL Multiblock Copolymer
Authors: Staffa Lucas H. , Bettini Sílvia H. P. , Chinelatto Marcelo A.
Published: December 2022

Among the various kinds of copolymers that can be used as compatibilizers in poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) blends, copolymers containing segments of ε‐caprolactone and ethylene glycol (PEG) are an interesting choice because they are also biodegradable and biocompatible. A multiblock copolymer containing PEG and PCL segments, synthesized via one‐step bulk polycondensation, is added into PLA/PCL blend (80/20 wt%) at 1 and 5 wt% from the molten state, using a twin‐screw extruder. The effect of the PEG‐b‐PCL copolymer on the mechanical properties of PLA/PCL blends is investigated by tensile and Izod impact tests. The mixing of PCL with PLA does not promote adequate matrix toughness due to the incompatibility between the phases. The addition of only 1 wt% of the multiblock copolymer little changes the mechanical behavior of the blend. Only the compatibilized PLA/PCL blend with 5 wt% of the multiblock copolymer exhibits a significant increase in strain at break and notches Izod impact resistance in comparison with uncompatibilized PLA/PCL blends or neat PLA. Therefore, the addition of the PEG‐b‐PCL multiblock copolymer results in a marked change in the mechanical behavior, from brittle to ductile at room temperature, and confirms its compatibilization potential for the PLA/PCL immiscible blends.
Effect of Vulcanization System on Damping Properties of Natural Rubber
Authors: Baruel Amanda Faria , de Mello Sandra Aparecida Coelho , Menezes Fernanda , Cassu Silvana Navarro
Published: December 2022

Natural rubber (NR) is vulcanized with three different systems, using sulfur, peroxide and a mixed system consisting of peroxide and sulfur. The viscoelastic behavior of rubbers is evaluated by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), using constant or multiple frequencies. From both DMA analysis methods, it is possible to verify that the rubbers vulcanized with sulfur or with the mixed system presented superior storage modulus in the rubbery region, and higher Tg values compared to the rubber vulcanized with dicumyl peroxide. These results indicate a higher degree of crosslinking for the NR containing sulfur in its vulcanization system. The master curves show that the rubber vulcanized with sulfur presented relaxation at a lower frequency due to the higher hardness, which is a consequence of the higher degree of crosslinking.
Reduced D2/D3 Receptor Binding and Glucose Metabolism in a Macaque Model of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Weiss Alison R. , Bertoglio Daniele , Liguore William A. , Brandon Kristin , Templon John , Link Jeanne , McBride Jodi L.
Published: December 2022

Background

Dopamine system dysfunction and altered glucose metabolism are implicated in Huntington's disease (HD), a neurological disease caused by mutant huntingtin (mHTT) expression.

Objective

The aim was to characterize alterations in cerebral dopamine D2/D3 receptor density and glucose utilization in a newly developed AAV‐mediated NHP model of HD that expresses mHTT throughout numerous brain regions.

Methods

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was performed using [18F]fallypride to quantify D2/D3 receptor density and 2‐[18F]fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose ([18F]FDG) to measure cerebral glucose utilization in these HD macaques.

Results

Compared to controls, HD macaques showed significantly reduced dopamine D2/D3 receptor densities in basal ganglia (P < 0.05). In addition, HD macaques displayed significant glucose hypometabolism throughout the cortico‐basal ganglia network (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

[18F]Fallypride and [18F]FDG are PET imaging biomarkers of mHTT‐mediated disease progression that can be used as noninvasive outcome measures in future therapeutic studies with this AAV‐mediated HD macaque model. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Spectral analysis and its applications for a class of scale‐free network based on the weighted m‐clique annex operation
Authors: Zhang Zhizhuo , Wu Bo , Cao Jinde , Kashkynbayev Ardak
Published: December 2022

The spectrum of network is an important tool to study the function and dynamic properties of network, and graph operation and product are an effective mechanism to construct a specific local and global topological structure. In this study, a class of weighted
‐clique annex operation
controlled by scale factor
and weight factor
is defined, through which an iterative weighted network model
with small‐world and scale‐free properties is constructed. In particular, when the number of iterations
tends to infinity, the network has transfinite fractal property. Then, through the iterative features of the network structure, the iterative relationship of the eigenvalues of the normalized Laplacian matrix corresponding to the network is studied. Accordingly, some applications of the spectrum of the network, including the Kenemy constant
, Multiplicative Degree‐Kirchhoff index
, and the number of weighted spanning trees
, are further given. In addition, we also study the effect of the two factors controlling network operation on the structure and function of the iterative weighted network
, so that the network operation can better simulate the real network and have more application potential in the field of artificial network.
Numerical prediction on the photovoltaic performance of CZTS‐based thin film solar cell
Authors: Abir Ahnaf Tahmid , Joy Arifuzzaman , Mondal Bipanko Kumar , Hossain Jaker
Published: December 2022

This article presents an enormously effective Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS)‐based n‐ZnS/p‐CZTS/p+‐WSe2 thin film solar cell. The device has been studied by varying the thickness, doping concentration and defect density of each layer utilizing SCAPS‐1D simulation software. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) for n‐ZnS/p‐CZTS single heterojunction is 14.06% with the JSC = 20.26 mA cm−2, VOC = 0.88 V and FF = 78.59%, respectively. This PCE is elevated to 27.31% with the JSC = 33.72 mA cm−2, VOC = 0.97 V and FF = 83.75%, respectively due to insertion of WSe2 back surface field (BSF) layer in the same structure. The significant improvement of PCE mainly depends on short circuit current which is resulted due to WSe2 layer that absorbs sub‐band gap photons through tail‐states‐assisted (TSA) photon upconversion method. These entire results demonstrate the potential of WSe2 as BSF layer in CZTS‐based thin film solar cells.
Multi‐objective optimization‐based robust fault estimation observer design for fuzzy singularly perturbed systems with time‐varying state delays
Authors: Zeng Qiuyuan , Sun Chao , Huang Shengjuan , Yi Suhuan
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the problem of multi‐objective robust fault estimation based on observer is addressed for T‐S fuzzy nonlinear singularly perturbed systems with time‐varying state delay and external disturbance. Under performance constraint, a fuzzy augmented fault estimation observer is introduced to improve the performance of actuator and sensor fault estimation simultaneously. The sufficient conditions for the existence of fault estimator are given in the form of LMIs, where ‐dependent Lyapunov function is considered. The given multi‐objective fault estimator design strategy has a good ability to suppress external disturbance and ensure the estimation accuracy and convergence rate work well for all . Then the largest stability bound and the best attenuation capacity are guaranteed by deriving a modified optimal algorithm. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the feasibility and correctness of the proposed design method.
Loss of protective anti‐HBs titers and seroconversion to hepatitis B vaccination in children during chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Rajendran Prasanth Varikkattu , Thankamony Priyakumari , Rajeswari Binitha , Sojamani Guruprasad Chellapan , Nair Manjusha , Parukuttyamma Kusumakumary , Krishna KM Jagathnath
Published: December 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate loss of protective anti‐hepatitis B (HBs) titers and seroconversion to hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) during chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods

Anti‐HBs titers were done at diagnosis. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I (protective titers >10 mIU/ml) received single double dose of HBV as booster. Titers were repeated at three time points: end of phase 1b, beginning of re‐induction, and start of maintenance chemotherapy. Group II (nonprotective titers <10 mIU/L) received hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG), prior to start of chemotherapy, followed by three double doses of HBV as booster. Titers were repeated at two time points: prior to first dose, and 4 weeks after third dose of vaccine.

Results

Total 125 patients were included: 88 in group I; 37 in group II. Among group I patients, 98.7%, 90%, and 84% retained protective titers at the three points, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that those with initial titers greater than 100 mIU/L retained protective titers better than those with titers between 11 and 100 mIU/L (p = .0001). Among group II patients, 62% and 64% attained protective titers at the two points, respectively.

Conclusions

HBV boosters helped maintain protective titers during intensive ALL chemotherapy in immunized children having titers more than 10 mIU/L, and more so if titer was more than 100 mIU/L. Therefore, we propose that cut off for protective anti‐HBs titers be changed to greater than or equal to 100 mIU/L. Titers between 11 and 100 mIU/L may require combined active and passive immunization. Around one‐third of group II patients who fail to attain protective titers may need frequent doses of HBIG.
The varied spectrum of nephroblastomatosis, nephrogenic rests, and Wilms tumors: Review of current definitions and challenges of the field
Authors: Fialkowski Elizabeth , Sudour‐Bonnange Hélène , Vujanic Gordan M. , Shamberger Robert C. , Chowdhury Tanzina , Aldrink Jennifer H. , Davick Jonathan , Sandberg Jesse , Furtwaengler Rhoikos , Mullen Elizabeth
Published: December 2022

The diagnosis of multiple or diffuse renal lesions in a child is challenging by imaging and/or pathology. Optimal management requires distinguishing benign lesions such as nephrogenic rests from cancerous lesions such as Wilms tumor, but this is often difficult or impossible. This difficulty is compounded by the overlapping nature of our current radiologic and pathologic definitions of lesions along the spectrum of nephrogenic rests/nephroblastomatosis. We provide a review of these issues, as a collaborative effort between the Children's Oncology Group Renal Tumor Committee and International Society of Pediatric Oncology Renal Tumor Study Group. Our aim is to discuss current challenges in diagnosis and management of these renal lesions, encouraging future work toward consensus definitions for research and patient care.
Automated Quantification of 3D Wound Morphology by Machine Learning and Optical Coherence Tomography in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wang Yinhai , Freeman Adrian , Ajjan Ramzi , Del Galdo Francesco , Tiganescu Ana
Published: December 2022

Background

Driven by increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes and ageing populations, wounds affect millions of people each year, but monitoring and treatment remain limited. Glucocorticoid (stress hormones) activation by the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) also impairs healing. We recently reported that 11β-HSD1 inhibition with oral AZD4017 improves acute wound healing by manual 2D optical coherence tomography (OCT), although this method is subjective and labour-intensive.

Objectives

Here, we aimed to develop an automated method of 3D OCT for rapid identification and quantification of multiple wound morphologies.

Methods

We analysed 204 3D OCT scans of 3 mm punch biopsies representing 24 480 2D wound image frames. A u-net method was used for image segmentation into 4 key wound morphologies: early granulation tissue, late granulation tissue, neo-epidermis, and blood clot. U-net training was conducted with 0.2% of available frames, with a mini-batch accuracy of 86%. The trained model was applied to compare segment area (per frame) and volume (per scan) at days 2 and 7 post-wounding and in AZD4017 compared to placebo.

Results

Automated OCT distinguished wound tissue morphologies, quantifying their volumetric transition during healing, and correlating with corresponding manual measurements. Further, AZD4017 improved epidermal re-epithelialisation (by manual OCT) with a corresponding trend towards increased neo-epidermis volume (by automated OCT).

Conclusion

Machine learning and OCT can quantify wound healing for automated, non-invasive monitoring in real-time. This sensitive and reproducible new approach offers a step-change in wound healing research, paving the way for further development in chronic wounds.
Effect of Hollow Glass Microspheres with Different Contents and Types on Properties of Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Zhu Zhaolin , Wang Jinxiang , Liu Yin , Xian Guiyang , Wang Yan , Wu Chongmei , Peng Xiaobo , Fang Yongwei , Kong Ling Bing
Published: December 2022

In this paper, hollow glass microspheres (HGM) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared. The effects of the type and content of HGM on the mechanical properties of the composite materials were investigated. It is found that the introduction of HGM leads to a decrease in the density of the composites, where the smallest density is 0.85 g cm−3. The tensile, bending, and impact strengths of the HGM/PP composites are slightly lower than those of pure PP resin. For a given type of HGM, as the filler content increases, the tensile properties of the HGM/PP composite decrease. A similar trend is observed in the impact strength, however, it is not observed in the bending performance. The mechanical properties of the HGM/PP composites are not only affected by the density of HGM fillers, but also by its content. The maximum bending modulus of the composites could be 24 % higher than that of the pure PP resins. In addition, the PP sample with HGM modified with γ‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane (KH550) showed promising interfacial bonding strength.
Three‐Dimensional Graphene Network Decorated with Bimetallic Cerium/Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Non‐Enzymatic Diagnosis of Phenylketonuria
Authors: Rezaie Maryam , Nemati Fatemeh , Firoozbakhtian Ali , Tabesh Hadi , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Hosseini Morteza
Published: December 2022

Exceptional sensitivity and user‐friendly operation of electrochemical sensors have made them a potential promise in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating Phenylketonuria (PKU). A three‐dimensional graphene matrix decorated with cerium and copper oxide particles was synthesized by a one‐pot hydrothermal technique. Because of several functional groups and active sites on the graphene composite, the fabricated sensor is able to detect PKU based on the non‐enzymatic sensing strategy. The bimetallic composite with excellent electrocatalyst activity accelerates the electrooxidation of phenylalanine. The as‐fabricated enzyme‐free sensor exhibited a wide linearity toward concentration of L‐phenylalanine (L‐Phe), from 50 to 8000 μm with R2=0.9935 and a detection limit of 12 μm (S/N=3). The experiments have been completed towards determining the L‐Phe concentrations in human serum with the recovery of 96 % and 105 %.
Catalyst‐ and Solvent‐Free Thioamidation of Aromatic Aldehydes through a Willgerodt‐Kindler Reaction
Authors: Kale Arun D. , Dalal Dipak S.
Published: December 2022

A simple, straightforward, and highly efficient approach has been developed to synthesize thioamide derivatives under catalyst‐ and solvent‐free conditions at 100 °C/room temperature. Total 51 thioamides were synthesized via a one‐pot multicomponent Willgerodt‐Kindler reaction between substituted aromatic aldehydes, elemental sulfur powder and amines with 70–98 % yield within 20–70 min using cyclic secondary amines and 1.5–24 h using aliphatic primary and secondary amines. The cyclic secondary amines react faster than aliphatic amines. Twenty‐one newer compounds were prepared and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS. Mild reaction conditions, good yields, and a wide range of reactions demonstrate the excellent synthetic utility of this method. The developed protocol showed that there is no need to collect, purify, recycle, and remove the solvent after the reaction is complete. Reaction rates are generally high due to the high availability of reactants, i. e., shortens the reaction time, is environmentally friendly, and which makes the overall process more sustainable and economical.
Effect of Choline Cation Derivatives on the Efficacy of Plant Resistance Inducers
Authors: Czerwoniec Patrycja
Published: December 2022

This article presents the synthesis, physical properties, phytotoxicity, and SAR induction activity of 48 new ionic liquids composed of cations which are choline derivatives and anions of inducers such as salicylic acid, 2,6‐dichloroisonicotinic acid, and benzo[1.2.3]thiadiazole‐7‐carboxylic acid. The cations from which the reported salts were obtained differ in the length of the aliphatic chain bonded to the N,N‐dimethylethanolamine, N,N‐diethylethanolamine, and N,N‐dibutylethanolamine groups. Examination of the obtained series of compounds determined the correlation between the structure of the cation and the biological action of the resistance inducer and investigated the relationship between the structure of the cation and its phytotoxic effect on the plant. Systemic acquired resistance efficacy tests were performed on tobacco Nicotiana tabacum var. Xanthi infected by tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and phytotoxic tests were performed on Agrimonia eupatoria seeds. The results indicate that the phytotoxicity of salts composed of the same cation increases with the introduction of anions in the following order: salicylate<2,6‐dichloroisonicotinate<benzo[1.2.3]thiadiazole‐7‐carboxylate. Efficacy tests of systemic acquired resistance conducted on tobacco plants show that the presented salts reduced the size of necrotic spots on TMV‐infected tobacco leaves by up to 100 % ([C10DMEA][BTHCOO] and [Allyl‐DEEA][BTHCOO]) compared to control (untreated) plants. The examples of salts composed of choline cation derivatives presented in this study indicate that changing the cation structure in most cases did not alter or increased the biological activity of the resulting salts with resistance inducer anions relative to their carboxylic acid counterparts.
Structural Advancement in Shoc2‐MAPK Signaling Pathways in the Treatment of Cancer and Other Diseases
Authors: Chawla Udeep , Chopra Deepak
Published: December 2022

The structural advancement in Shoc, a prototypical Leucine rich protein, involved in MAPK pathway has added a new dimension in the development of drugs and therapeutics in treatment of cancer and other diseases. Here we have used computational studies to show that Shoc2 protein likely exhibits a dimer or even higher order oligomer structure during its scaffolding activity. The new perspective needs to be further explored for development of effective treatment against cancer, and other diseases.
Colorful Pigments Based on Multicomponent Metal‐Phenol Network Nanoparticles for Hair Dyeing
Authors: Jia Dongshuang , Shen Yuhe , Zhang Xuelin , Wang Yuefei , Su Rongxin , Qi Wei
Published: December 2022

In this study, we developed a complex polyphenol‐metal ion system, in which two polyphenols represented by gallic acid (GA) and tannic acid (TA) chelated with metal ions leading to the formation of pigments composed of metal‐phenol networks (MPN). The doping of GA and TA creates a mutual synergistic effect, which makes it chelate with metal ions to produce a more complex structure of MPN, and finally obtain more colorful MPN pigments. The MPN pigments can be easily deposited on the hair surface through covalent and non‐covalent interactions, resulting in a series of hair dyeing effects with high color saturation and excellent stability. With many advantages such as low raw material cost, short hair dyeing time, simple process, good biocompatibility, less fading, and antioxidant, this composite polyphenol‐metal ion material offers the possibility to replace the classical irritant hair dyes commonly used in existing cosmetics.
Dimerization Triggered Magnetoelectric Coupling Effect and Magnetic Anisotropy in Organic Ternary Crystals
Authors: Chen Zhiyan , Lu Xiangqian , Liu Jianqiang , Qin Wei
Published: December 2022

Developing a new universal strategy to design all organic ferromagnets or multiferroics with satisfactory properties always remains challenging. In this work, ternary charge transfer crystals are fabricated to realize organic multiferroic magnetoelectric coupling effect. Through incorporating the third component into binary crystals, a dimerization between neighbor donor and acceptor is induced to form a lattice symmetry breaking, where a nonpolar to polar phase transition is ensuing to lead to a dipolar polarization. Magnetic field can effectively tune the dipolar polarization to present a magnetoelectric coupling effect. Moreover, the introduction of the third component can result in a rearrangement in molecular configuration to modify the electron–phonon interaction. As a result, anisotropic magnetism is observed due to anisotropic electron–phonon coupling in ternary crystals. Overall, this study forecasts that incorporating an appropriate third component is a potential method for designing all organic multiferroics.
Oxidized Carbon Materials as Hole Transport Layers for High‐Performance Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Han Nara , Lee Minwoo , Moon Yina , Yang Dongseong , Kim Dong-Yu
Published: December 2022

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have recently advanced as promising solar cells owing to their many advantages, including the possibility of a low‐temperature solution process, lightweight, and flexibility. In OPVs, the role of the interlayer is important for efficient charge transport from the photoactive layer to electrodes. However, as a hole‐transporting layer (HTL), molybdenum oxide and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)–poly(styrenesulfonate) are still used for commercialization despite their drawbacks. The development of novel materials with suitable energy levels and solvent orthogonality is required to enhance hole extraction and optimize the film morphology. Herein, oxidized carbon soot (OCS) and OCS‐functionalized octadecylamine (OCS‐ODA) nanoparticles as HTL materials are synthesized. As a large number of oxygen functional groups are produced via Hummer's method, the devices with the OCS‐ODA exhibit high hole extraction ability. The ODA long alkyl chains functionalized by facile process also improve film morphology to minimize contact resistance and charge recombination. The small‐area (SA), large‐area, and flexible (F) OPVs with OCS‐ODA show power conversion efficiencies of 15.04%, 14.57%, and 12.73%, respectively. In particular, OPVs with OCS‐ODA are further demonstrated to possess storage stability in SA‐OPVs (71% retention after 450 h) and mechanical stability in F‐OPVs (78% retention after 1000 bendings).
Systematic Review of Material and Structural Design in Interfacial Solar Evaporators for Clean Water Production
Authors: Ren Yuxuan , Zhou Rufan , Yang Ruijie , Dong Tao G. , Lu Qingye
Published: December 2022

Rational and sustainable utilization of resources is critical for the continuous development of this society. Solar energy, as one of the renewables, shows great potential in replacing part of the traditional energy supplies since it is clean, abundant, and easily convertible to thermal, electrical, and biological energies. Using solar energy as the green driving force, interfacial solar evaporation is a promising way for clean water production to alleviate global water shortage, taking advantage of its high evaporation efficiency (more than 80%) and strong adaptability toward various water sources and fields. In recent years, various kinds of materials with diverse designs have been synthesized and applied in interfacial solar evaporation for clean water production. Herein, recent progress in interfacial solar evaporators for clean water production is systematically reviewed, based on the photothermal conversion mechanisms of solar absorbers, including carbonous, semiconductor‐based, and plasmatic ones. Furthermore, key design factors and strategies in interfacial solar evaporators are reviewed and discussed from material and structural design point of view, such as water transport, thermal management, latent heat for water vaporization, and salt accumulation. Finally, some perspectives related to resolving existing problems in the field are given.
A distribution on ℤ via perturbing the Laplace distribution with applications to finance and health data
Authors: Bapat Sudeep R. , Bakouch Hassan S. , Chesneau Christophe
Published: December 2022

This paper is devoted to a new two‐parameter distribution on
having an original additive stochastic structure. It is defined by the sum of two independent discrete random variables, where one is defined based on the Laplace distribution and the other on a transformed version of a distribution that can be viewed as a relative binomial distribution. It can thus also be viewed as a perturbed version of the Laplace distribution. We present some interesting properties of the proposed distribution, such as its moments (ordinary, non‐central, incomplete moments, etc.), characteristic function, skewness, and kurtosis, among others. The distribution is also applied to practical datasets from finance and health studies, where it is seen to perform better than some of the existing models defined on
.
Black hole multipoles in higher-derivative gravity
Authors: Cano Pablo A. , Ganchev Bogdan , Mayerson Daniel R. , Ruipérez Alejandro
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We consider a broad family of higher-derivative extensions of four-dimensional Einstein gravity and study the multipole moments of rotating black holes therein. We carefully show that the various definitions of multipoles carry over from general relativity, and compute these multipoles for higher-derivative Kerr using the ACMC expansion formalism. We obtain the mass Mn and current Sn multipoles as a series expansions in the dimensionless spin; in some cases we are able to resum these series into closed-form expressions. Moreover, we observe the existence of intriguing relations between the corrections to the parity-odd multipoles S2n ≠ 0 and M2n+1 ≠ 0 that break equatorial symmetry, and the parity-preserving corrections that only modify S2n+1 and M2n. Further, we comment on the higher-derivative corrections to multipole ratios for Kerr, and we discuss the phenomenological implications of the corrections to the multipole moments for current and future gravitational wave experiments.
The no-hair theorem and black hole shadows
Authors: Tang Meirong , Xu Zhaoyi
Published: December 2022

Abstract

The successful observation of M87 supermassive black hole by the Black Hole Event Horizon Telescope(EHT) provides a very good opportunity to study the theory of gravity. In this work, we obtain the exact solution for the short hair black hole (BH) in the rotation situation, and calculate in detail how hairs affect the BH shadow. For the exact solution part, using the Newman-Janis algorithm, we generalize the spherically symmetric short-hair black hole metric to the rotation case (space-time lie element (2.25)). For the BH shadow part, we study two hairy BH models. In model 1, the properties of scalar hair are determined by the parametersα0andL(We re-obtained the results in reference [48] for the convenience of discussion in this work). In model 2, the scalar hair of the BH is short hair. In this model, the shape of the BH shadow is determined by scalar chargeQmandk. The main results are as follows: (1) In the case of rotational short-hair BH, the value range of parameterkisk >1 (2.25), the range of short-hair charge valueQmis greatly reduced due to the introduction of the BH spina. When$$ 0\leqslant {Q}_m\leqslant \frac{2}{3}\times {4}^{\frac{1}{3}} $$0⩽Qm⩽23×413, the rotational short-hair BH has two event horizons at this time. When$$ {Q}_m>\frac{2}{3}\times {4}^{\frac{1}{3}} $$Qm>23×413, the rotational short-hair BH has three unequal event horizons, so the space-time structure of the BH is significantly different from that of Kerr BH. (2) For model 1, the effect of scalar hair on the BH shadows corresponds to that ofε >0 in reference [38, 48], but the specific changes of the shadows in model 1 are different. This is because the BH hair in reference [38] is considered as a perturbation to the BH, while the space-time metric of model 1 is accurate and does not have perturbation property. For model 2, that is, the change of the BH shadow caused by short hairs, the main change trend is consistent with that ofε <0 in reference [38]. Because of the special structure of the short-hair BH, the specific changes of BH shadows are different. (3) the variation ofRsandδswithLandα0is not a monotone function in model 1, but in model 2, it is. These results show that scalar hairs (model 1) have different effects on Kerr BH shadows than short hairs (model 2), so it is possible to distinguish the types and properties of these hairs if they are detected by EHT observations. (4) as for the effects of the hairs on energy emissivity, the main results in model 1 [48], different energy emissivity curves have intersection phenomenon, while in model 2 (short-hair BH), there is no similar intersection phenomenon. In general, various BH hairs have different effects on the shadows, such as non-monotonic properties and intersection phenomena mentioned in this work. Using these characteristics, it is possible to test the no-hair theorem in future EHT observations, so as to have a deeper understanding of the quantum effect of BHs. In future work, we will use numerical simulations to study the effects of various hairs on BHs and their observed properties.
Learning to identify semi-visible jets
Authors: Faucett Taylor , Hsu Shih-Chieh , Whiteson Daniel
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We train a network to identify jets with fractional dark decay (semi-visible jets) using the pattern of their low-level jet constituents, and explore the nature of the information used by the network by mapping it to a space of jet substructure observables. Semi-visible jets arise from dark matter particles which decay into a mixture of dark sector (invisible) and Standard Model (visible) particles. Such objects are challenging to identify due to the complex nature of jets and the alignment of the momentum imbalance from the dark particles with the jet axis, but such jets do not yet benefit from the construction of dedicated theoretically-motivated jet substructure observables. A deep network operating on jet constituents is used as a probe of the available information and indicates that classification power not captured by current high-level observables arises primarily from low-pT jet constituents.
Bestandsaufnahme der verfügbaren und aktuell eingesetzten Typisierungsmethoden einschließlich genombasierter Verfahren von Zoonoseerregern am Beispiel von Salmonella enterica
Authors: Pietsch Michael , Simon Sandra , Richter Anne , Malorny Burkhard , Uelze Laura , Hepner Sabrina , Dangel Alexandra , Sing Andreas , Huber Ingrid , Busch Ulrich , Linde Jörg , Methner Ulrich , Becker Natalie , Werner Guido , Mellmann Alexander , Fruth Angelika , Flieger Antje
Published: December 2022

Hintergrund

In den vergangenen Jahren hat sich die Gesamtgenomsequenzierung („whole genome sequencing“; WGS) in Kombination mit bioinformatischen Analysen zum Stand der Technik bei der Bewertung des Pathogenitäts- und Resistenzpotenzials sowie der Verwandtschaftsgrade zwischen Bakterien entwickelt. Die WGS-Analyse stellt somit ein zentrales Instrument bei der Typisierung von Erregern und der Untersuchung von Krankheits- und Ausbruchsclustern im Rahmen der molekularen Epidemiologie dar. Ziel der Studie war die Generierung eines Überblicks der in Deutschland auf Landes- und Bundesebene verfügbaren Erregertypisiermethoden von Salmonellen und Shiga-Toxin-bildenden bzw. enterohämorrhagischen Escherichia coli (STEC/EHEC) und den angewandten geno- und phänotypischen Methoden sowie über die Verfügbarkeit der genombasierten Typisierung und entsprechenden Analyseverfahren.

Methoden

Im Zeitraum vom Februar bis Juni 2020 wurde eine elektronische Umfrage bei Laboratorien durchgeführt, die für den öffentlichen Gesundheitsschutz und gesundheitlichen Verbraucherschutz tätig sind.

Ergebnisse und Fazit

Die Ergebnisse der Umfrage zeigten, dass viele der teilnehmenden Laboratorien über eine große Auswahl an phänotypischen und molekularbiologischen Methoden verfügen. Molekularbiologische Typisierungen werden am häufigsten für die Speziesidentifizierung von Salmonellen herangezogen. WGS-Verfahren sind vielfach schon bei Einrichtungen auf Bundes- und Landesebene etabliert oder befinden sich im Aufbau. Die Illumina-Sequenzierung ist dabei die am weitesten verbreitete Technologie. Die Umfrage bestätigt die Bedeutung von molekularbiologischen und genombasierten Typisierungstechnologien für die Laboratorien bei der Diagnostik von bakteriellen zoonotischen Erregern.
Complications and their management in the surgical treatment of Lipohyperplasia dolorosa. English version
Authors: Cornely Manuel , Gensior Matthias
Published: December 2022

Background

There are both conservative and surgical treatment options for Lipohyperplasia dolorosa (LiDo). A procedure that has been established since 1997 is the surgical treatment through Lymphological Liposculpture according to Cornely™.

Aim

After extensive suctioning of the extremities, an extensive subcutaneous wound cavity with a trabecular connective tissue scaffold remains. Nevertheless, surgery-related complications are rare. Postoperative management and administration of antibiotics and antithrombotics are reviewed. The therapies for complications are presented in detail.

Materials and methods

Retrospectively, the frequencies of adverse events in 1400 LiDo surgeries in 2020 were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 47.81 years (range 16–78 years). Symmetrically, 504 outer legs (outer half of the limb [BO]), 504 inner legs (inner half of the limb [BI]), and 392 arms [A] were surgically treated.

Results

Relevant adverse events rarely occurred: infections (1.79%), seromas (0.79%), erysipelas (0.28%), necrosis (0.14%) and deep vein thrombosis (0.07).

Discussion

We were able to reduce the rate of postoperative complications to 3.07% in the Lymphological Liposculpture™ regime for the surgical treatment of LiDo. In their meta-analysis on liposuction, Kanapathy et al. reported an overall incidence of major surgical complications of 3.35%. The overall incidence of minor surgical complications was 11.62%, with seroma (5.51%) being the most common minor complication [26]. Kruppa et al. report that the liposuction procedure including fat removal for esthetic reasons has a complication rate of 9.5%. Wound infections with 4.5% and the formation of erysipelas with 4% are clearly in the foreground [20].
Model of force interaction for stability prediction in turning of thin-walled cylindrical workpiece
Authors: Falta Jiří , Sulitka Matěj , Janota Miroslav , Frkal Vojtěch
Published: December 2022

Turning of the thin-walled cylindrical workpiece is technologically highly demanding process due to the high flexibility of the workpiece. In this paper, a mathematical treatment of integral-based model of the cutting force which takes into account feed, cutting speed, depth of cut and tool nose radius leading to a model of tool-workpiece interaction is presented. The force interaction together with the compliant workpiece dynamics leads to a machining stability formulation. The effect of the aforementioned parameters on characteristic exponents is calculated and validated by comparison with experimentally identified exponents. One of the outputs with immediate practical value is identification of the process damping, which is in the studied case shown to be significantly higher than structural damping of the workpiece itself. This means that without loss of reliability in stability prediction the experimental modal analysis of a given workpiece may be omitted and workpiece’s dynamics may be described only by mass and stiffness matrices which can be easily and reliably obtained by a finite element analysis.
Low mortality despite temporary liver dysfunction in severe courses of acute hepatitis E
Authors: Bauer David J. M. , Aberle Stephan , Farthofer Anna , Chromy David , Simbrunner Benedikt , Mandorfer Mattias , Schmidt Ralf , Trauner Michael , Strassl Robert , Mayer Florian , Holzmann Heidemarie , Reiberger Thomas
Published: December 2022

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can cause severe viral hepatitis and eventually liver failure. We aim to provide novel data on the epidemiology and the course of HEV infections from Q1/2008 to Q3/2018 at the Vienna General Hospital.

Methods

Of the 88,945 people tested, we identified HEV-IgM positive (+) or HEV-PCR (+) patients and retrospectively collated information on the course of infection from patient records.

Results

Among 151 HEV-IgM or PCR (+) (median age 51 years, 45.8% female), 7 (4.6%) had non-severe acute HEV infection (ALT ≥ 2–5-fold upper limit of normal, ULN), 11 (7.3%) had severe HEV infection without liver dysfunction (LD) (ALT > 5-fold ULN), and 9 (6.0%) with LD (ikterus or bilirubin > 5 mg/dL, OR coagulopathy or INR > 1.5, OR encephalopathy or ammonia > 100 µmol/L). HEV-RNA-PCR was performed in 58/190 (30.5%) HEV-IgM (+) patients and was positive in 19 (30.6%). Rates of HEV IgM/PCR positivity remained stable over the observation period.

The HEV genotype (GT) was GT‑1 in 71.4% (n = 5) and GT‑3 in 28.6% (n = 2). Travel history was recorded for 9/20 (45.0%) of severe HEV and 12/20 (60.0%) patients with severe HEV infection were hospitalized. One patient with pre-existing liver disease and concomitant EBV infection required intensive care. No patient required transplantation and the 30-day mortality was 3/151 (1.9%). Despite the increased testing rates, the absolute number of diagnosed HEV infections at Vienna General Hospital remained constant between 2008 to 2018.

Conclusion

Although approximately half of the patients with severe acute HEV infection required hospitalization, admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU) and short-term mortality were low.
Ethics teaching in medical school: the perception of medical students
Authors: Faihs Lorenz , Neumann-Opitz Carla , Kainberger Franz , Druml Christiane
Published: December 2022

Background

In times of a pandemic, morals and ethics take center stage. Due to the challenges of the pandemic and ongoing discussions about the end of life, student teaching demands might have changed. This study aimed to evaluate teaching ethics, law, and decision-making skills in medical education via a survey to customize the curriculum to the students’ needs. Furthermore, gender differences were examined to determine gender equality in medical education.

Methods

The medical students at the Medical University of Vienna were requested to complete an anonymous online survey, providing feedback on the teaching of ethics, law, and decision-making skills.

Results

Our study showed the students’ strong demand for more teaching of ethics, law, and decision-making skills. Moreover, we found that students were afraid to encounter ethical and moral dilemmas. Gender differences could be found, with female students assessing their knowledge and the teaching as being more insufficient, resulting in greater fear of encountering ethical and moral dilemmas.

Conclusion

The fear of encountering ethical and moral dilemmas might be linked to medical students’ self-perceived insufficient legal knowledge. The education should guarantee gender equality in medical training and be customized to the students to provide the future doctors with the ethical and legal expertise to preserve the patient’s rights and protect their mental health.