bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facetal distraction as treatment for single- and multilevel cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and myelopathy: a preliminary report
Authors: Goel Atul , Shah Abhidha
Published: March 2011

The authors discuss their successful preliminary experience with 36 cases of cervical spondylotic disease by performing facetal distraction using specially designed Goel cervical facet spacers. The clinical and radiological results of treatment are analyzed. The mechanism of action of the proposed spacers and the rationale for their use are evaluated.

Between 2006 and February 2010, 36 patients were treated using the proposed technique. Of these patients, 18 had multilevel and 18 had single-level cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. The average follow-up period was 17 months with a minimum of 6 months. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association classification system, visual analog scale (neck pain and radiculopathy), and Odom criteria were used to monitor the clinical status of the patient. The patients were prospectively analyzed. The technique of surgery involved wide opening of the facet joints, denuding of articular cartilage, distraction of facets, and forced impaction of Goel cervical facet spacers into the articular cavity. Additionally, the interspinous process ligaments were resected, and corticocancellous bone graft from the iliac crest was placed and was stabilized over the adjoining laminae and facets after adequately preparing the host bone. Eighteen patients underwent single-level, 6 patients underwent 2-level, and 12 patients underwent 3-level treatment. The alterations in the physical architecture of spine and canal dimensions were evaluated before and after the placement of intrafacet joint spacers and after at least 6 months of follow-up.

All patients had varying degrees of relief from symptoms of pain, radiculopathy, and myelopathy. Analysis of radiological features suggested that the distraction of facets with the spacers resulted in an increase in the intervertebral foraminal dimension (mean 2.2 mm), an increase in the height of the intervertebral disc space (range 0.4–1.2 mm), and an increase in the interspinous distance (mean 2.2 mm). The circumferential distraction resulted in reduction in the buckling of the posterior longitudinal ligament and ligamentum flavum. The procedure ultimately resulted in segmental bone fusion. No patient worsened after treatment. There was no noticeable implant malfunction. During the follow-up period, all patients had evidence of segmental bone fusion. No patient underwent reexploration or further surgery of the neck.

Distraction of the facets of the cervical vertebra can lead to remarkable and immediate stabilization-fixation of the spinal segment and increase in space for the spinal cord and roots. The procedure results in reversal of several pathological events related to spondylotic disease. The safe, firm, and secure stabilization at the fulcrum of cervical spinal movements provided a ground for segmental spinal arthrodesis. The immediate postoperative improvement and lasting recovery from symptoms suggest the validity of the procedure.
Simultaneous Optimization for Hybrid Electric Vehicle Parameters Based on Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Fang Lincun , Qin Shiyin , Xu Gang , Li Tianli , Zhu Kemin
Published: March 2011

Compared to conventional vehicles Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) provide fairly high fuel economy with lower emissions. To enhance HEV performance in terms of fuel economy and emissions, and ensure user satisfaction with driving performance, the need for simultaneous optimization for the main parameters of powertrain components and control system is inevitable. However, this problem is challenging due to the large amount of coupling design parameters, conflicting design objectives and nonlinear constraints. Considering the defect of the methods which convert multi-objective optimization problems into single-objective ones, a comprehensive methodology based on the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithms II (NSGA II) to achieve parameter optimization for powertrain components and control system simultaneously and successfully find the Pareto-optimal solutions set is presented in this paper. A case simulation is carried out and simulated by ADVISOR, The simulation results show that this method can produce many Pareto-optimal solutions and a satisfactory solution can be selected by decision-makers according to their requirements. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithms proposed in this paper.
Forests and Climate Change in Latin America: Linking Adaptation and Mitigation
Authors: Locatelli Bruno , Evans Vanessa , Wardell Andrew , Andrade Angela , Vignola Raffaele
Published: March 2011

Climate change can be addressed by mitigation (reducing the sources or enhancing the sinks of greenhouse gases) and adaptation (reducing the impacts of climate change). Mitigation and adaptation present two fundamentally dissimilar approaches whose differences are now well documented. Forest ecosystems play an important role in both adaptation and mitigation and there is a need to explore the linkages between these two options in order to understand their trade-offs and synergies. In forests, potential trade-offs can be observed between global ecosystem services, such as the carbon sequestration relevant for mitigation, and the local ecosystem services that are relevant for adaptation. In addition, mitigation projects can facilitate or hinder the adaptation of local people to climate change, whereas adaptation projects can affect ecosystems and their potential to sequester carbon. Linkages between adaptation and mitigation can also be observed in policies, but few climate change or forest policies have addressed these linkages in the forestry sector. This paper presents examples of linkages between adaptation and mitigation in Latin American forests. Through case studies, we investigate the approaches and reasons for integrating adaptation into mitigation projects or mitigation into adaptation projects. We also analyze the opportunities for mainstreaming adaptation–mitigation linkages into forest or climate change policies.
Metabolic Resistance in Bed Bugs
Authors: Mamidala Praveen , Jones Susan C. , Mittapalli Omprakash
Published: March 2011

Blood-feeding insects have evolved resistance to various insecticides (organochlorines, pyrethroids, carbamates, etc.) through gene mutations and increased metabolism. Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are hematophagous ectoparasites that are poised to become one of the major pests in households throughout the United States. Currently, C. lectularius has attained a high global impact status due to its sudden and rampant resurgence. Resistance to pesticides is one factor implicated in this phenomenon. Although much emphasis has been placed on target sensitivity, little to no knowledge is available on the role of key metabolic players (e.g., cytochrome P450s and glutathione S-transferases) towards pesticide resistance in C. lectularius. In this review, we discuss different modes of resistance (target sensitivity, penetration resistance, behavioral resistance, and metabolic resistance) with more emphasis on metabolic resistance.
L'agrandissement récent des exploitations agricoles dans la Sarthe
Authors: Blondeau Pascal
Published: March 2011

Among the departments of the Pays de la Loire, la Sarthe has stood out for a long time by the rapid expansion of its farming concerns which maintains the deficit of these installations. According to generally well known principles, it is therefore not surprising to observe the concentration of landowners in recent years (1988-1993) which has been stimulated by a series of economic, social and environmental measures. Expansion equally takes place from individual decisions which are motivated by more or less rational choices. It would be good to evaluate the reasons the farmers have given in individualised surveys. A range of detailed plans carried out on these occasions reveals that the increase in the size of farms can lead to a detrimental breaking up of the land structures in the present climate.
Le réseau de villes de la Galice
Authors: Bouhier Abel
Published: March 2011

En Galice occidentale, l'axe urbain La Corogne-Vigo, constitué par les deux grandes villes qui en occupent les extrémités et par tout un cortège de villes intermédiaires, villes moyennes (Santiago de Compostela, Pontevedra) et petites villes, sert d'épine dorsale à de larges espaces ruraux ; un peu à l'écart, au nord de La Corogne, la ville du Ferrol n 'est pas véritablement intégrée à cet axe. Dans les deux provinces orientales, les deux capitales provinciales, Lugo et Ourense, ne sont que des villes moyennes, centres régionaux, qui ne régnent que sur des étendues relativement restreintes.
Les espaces rétro-littoraux, un nouvel enjeu du développement touristique : l'exemple du canton de Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (Vendée)
Authors: Pihet Christian
Published: March 2011

In the hinterland of many seaside resorts we observe a growing number of touristic schemes. Those schemes are duly set up with the use og the green and cultural local heritage (the sustainable tourism) and should balance the crowd of tourists throughout space and time. A good integration of the hinterland should ensure a renewal of the touristic seaside economics. However there is still a great deal of liabilities related either to money or to the crumbling of local government as is shown by this case study on the Vendée coast.
Two Patterns of Alanine Aminotransferase Increase to Predict Long-Term Viral Response in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Virus- or Host-Induced?
Authors: You Hong , Wu Xiaoning , Ou Xiaojuan , Ma Hong , Wang Qianyi , Liu Tianhui , Cong Min , Wang Ping , Wang Baoen , Jia Jidong
Published: March 2011

Background

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase is a well-known phenomenon during interferon treatment for chronic hepatitis B. However, little is known about these increases during nucleoside/ nucleotide treatment and the effects on long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods

A total of 170 treatment-naive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients were treated with a nucleoside/nucleotide analogue for at least 2 years and followed up for 1 more year post-treatment. Clinical characteristics were detected and analysed at baseline and at every 3-month interval.

Results

Two patterns of ALT increase, virus- and host-induced, were detected. Virus-induced increases were characterized by a rapid increase in serum ALT and HBV DNA typically after 2 years of treatment, and were more common than host-induced ALT increases (15.9% versus 6.5%; P<0.05) with a median ALT increase of 5.7fold the upper limit of normal (ULN). Host-induced ALT increases were characterized by moderately increased ALT (median 2.5-fold ULN) with a slow decrease in HBV DNA that occurred mainly in the first year of treatment (63.6%). Most importantly, host-induced increases were associated with favourable long-term treatment outcomes in HBV DNA undetectable rate (82% versus 0%), HBeAg seroconversion (82% versus 7%) and histological improvement. Moreover, interferon-γ-expressing T-helper cells were increased in patients with host-induced ALT increases.

Conclusions

Two patterns of ALT increases may occur during nucleoside/nucleotide analogue treatment. Host induced ALT increases, accompanied by decreased HBV DNA, lead to better long-term clinical outcomes.
La Réduction des risques
Authors: Couteron Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2011

Résumé Qu’est ce qu’une politique de Réduction des risques efficace ? Elle vise à rétablir la dignité de l’usager et permettre l’épanouissement de la personne, le sujet devenant acteur de son propre rétablissement, qu’il s’agisse de soins psychiatriques, de prise en charge des addictions ou de l’insertion dans le tissu social. Cette approche, fondement de la politique de Réduction des risques efficiente tout à la fois en termes de santé et de délinquance liées aux usagers de drogues, a aussi un impact sur les pratiques en psychiatrie et sur les actions dans le champ de la précarité. La Réduction des risques devient laboratoire de pratiques nouvelles accompagnant l’usager pour lui permettre d’avancer vers une reconstruction de son autonomie.
La Réduction des risques
Authors: Beauverie Patrick , Dumand Dominique
Published: March 2011

Résumé Patrick Beauverie, membre avec Anne Coppel de l’équipe de la clinique Libertés à Bagneux, retrace l’histoire de la Réduction des risques au travers de son expérience de Médecins du Monde et ouvre des perspectives : il constate l’importance de la prise en considération des mutations sociales dans l’émergence d’une pratique à risque chez les personnes les plus vulnérables, compte tenu de leur trajectoire et de leur place dans la société. En résumé pour lui et les équipes de Médecins du Monde, il s’agit de témoigner et de respecter l’identité des personnes et afficher les valeurs de l’association, malgré un environnement politique hostile. Résister, faire preuve de pédagogie et remettre au centre du débat le sujet plus que l’objet, c’est-à-dire l’homme plus que la drogue.
Poudre blanche et continent noir
Authors: Petereit Emilie
Published: March 2011

Résumé Les cartels de la drogue attaquent désormais l’Afrique. Comment est-elle devenue une région pivot de la distribution de drogue à travers le monde ? Le continent est-il en passe de devenir une plaque tournante du trafic de drogue ? Et quelles sont les conséquences majeures de ce nouveau paysage du trafic international de la drogue et de l’augmentation de la consommation observée dans de nombreux pays africains pour les populations en matière de lutte contre le SIDA et contre les hépatites virales B et C ?
Drogue et travail du sexe
Authors: Tarrius Alain
Published: March 2011

Résumé Alain Tarrius, anthropologue, analyse les nouvelles transmigrations féminines européennes, à des fins de prostitution, à partir des Balkans, du Caucase et du pourtour méditerranéen vers les « clubs » du Levant espagnol, via Naples, Bari, Brindisi. Ces femmes, Ukrainiennes, Moldaves, Roumaines, Macédoniennes, Albanaises, Libanaises, Tunisiennes et Marocaines sont initiées à la maîtrise de la « cocaïne pour le client ». La passe se négocie désormais avec une dose de cocaïne, ce qui double le prix du rapport.
Drogues, trafics, imaginaire de la guerre
Authors: Kokoreff Michel
Published: March 2011

Résumé Michel Kokoreff, sociologue des drogues, met en avant l’échec de la stratégie du gouvernement consistant à s’attaquer en aval aux réseaux de trafics dans les périphéries urbaines. Elle intensifie les tensions alors que les drogues entrent par tonnes sur le territoire national. Les sciences sociales se doivent de poursuivre les enquêtes locales sur les commerces illicites mais plus encore de conduire des recherches sur les formes plus professionnalisées de trafics et la consistance sociale des réseaux dans les villes. Ces recherches pourraient permettre de participer à la définition par la communauté internationale d’une ligne politique commune et durable pour envisager dans les pays producteurs des modèles de développement alternatifs.
The Teen Plague
Authors: Bisson Frédéric
Published: March 2011

Résumé L’art hybride n’est pas un art total, c’est un art mineur. Sa vigueur consiste dans le contraste entre les ressources hétérogènes qu’il met en symbiose. Hybride par excellence, la bande dessinée trouve dans le thème des mutants un emblème de sa propre forme. Par sa structure rythmique, elle donne une image de l’adolescence dans son polymorphisme. Chef-d’œuvre de l’art mineur, Black Hole de Charles Burns illustre cette adéquation entre forme et contenu. La « peste des ados » est un modèle du devenir dans son ambiguïté à l’égard du pouvoir.
Nous sommes tous des cyborgs
Authors: Kyrou Ariel
Published: March 2011

Résumé En cinquante ans, l’utopie cyborg est devenue une vérité paradoxale de notre planète connectée : de la création du concept à des fins d’exploration spatiale en 1960 à sa concrétisation à l’ère de l’Internet omniprésent en passant par le manifeste cyberféministe de Donna Haraway en 1985. Son idéal d¹hybridation de l’homme et de la machine, de nos mondes intérieurs et extérieurs n’est plus une figure purement spéculative. Il s’agit désormais d’une fiction en actes, se réalisant à des années lumières de la surface chromée des Robocop et autres Terminator de notre imaginaire collectif.
Serralongue Undercover!
Authors: Secretan Victor
Published: March 2011

Résumé À la fin des années 1990, Bruno Serralongue a réalisé deux séries assez singulières au regard du reste de son œuvre, en s’immergeant dans les rédactions de deux journaux quotidiens. Ces séries, sur lesquelles nous nous sommes entretenus, sont issues d’une démarche qui renverse les codes habituels de l’artiste. Car, en prenant intentionnellement la place du journaliste, Serralongue questionne les frontières de la représentation du réel. Faisant de sa dernière exposition, Feu de camp , un « moment de direct », le photographe cherche à renouveler la pratique en opérant un subtil glissement de l’art à l’événement.
Échapper au réel
Authors: Formis Barbara
Published: March 2011

Résumé L’art contemporain se rend indiscernable de la vie par une relation de réciprocité où le réel et le fictif se brouillent dans une hybridation mutuelle. Cette hybridation de l’art avec le non-art vient se conjuguer au phénomène de l’interdisciplinarité, où les pratiques acquièrent une force nouvelle et demandent une nouvelle conceptualisation. En partant des études accomplies par Arthur Danto, cet article essaie de redéfinir les notions d’ œuvre d’art et de valeur esthétique à la lumière des pratiques corporelles.
Host-range testing of a mixture of two nucleopolyhedroviruses of Choristoneura fumiferana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Kaupp William J. , Barber Kevin N. , Fick William E. , Ebling Peter M. , Ladd Tim R. , Holmes Stephen B.
Published: March 2011

The host range of a mixture of Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) nucleopolyhedroviruses (CfMNPV and CfDefNPV) was investigated using a per os bioassay of larvae of 29 species of Lepidoptera and adult males of Megachile rotundata (F.) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae). Using a whole-genomic DNA probe, positive results were obtained in 8 of 10 Tortricidae: Archips cerasivorana (Fitch), Choristoneura fractivittana (Clemens), C. fumiferana, Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman, Choristoneura pinus pinus Freeman, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), Clepsis persicana (Fitch), and Cydia pomonella (L.); one Crambidae: Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner); one arctiine Erebidae: Estigmene acrea (Drury); and two Noctuidae: Oligia illocata (Walker) and Pyrrhia exprimens (Walker). Mortality rates were highest among C. fumiferana, C. occidentalis, C. pinus pinus, A. cerasivorana, and C. pomonella. Sequenced polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons from infected individuals from several species confirmed that the primer sets amplified the target viruses. CfMNPV was consistently found in virus-fed C. fumiferana; whereas, CfDefNPV was present only occasionally. The presence of CfMNPV and CfDefNPV in A. cerasivorana was confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Significant treatment-mortality rates were induced in the noctuids P. exprimens and Acronicta impleta Walker; PCR determined that both viruses were present in treated P. exprimens but only CfMNPV was present in A. impleta. No virus was detected in M. rotundata.
Biology and integrated management of wheat stem sawfly and the need for continuing research
Authors: Beres B.L. , Dosdall L.M. , Weaver D.K. , Cárcamo H.A. , Spaner D.M.
Published: March 2011

The wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), is historically one of the most important economic insect pests in the northern Great Plains of North America. Within this geographical region, the areas subjected to greatest attack are southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, southwestern Manitoba, eastern and northern Montana, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, and western Minnesota. Cumulative grain-yield losses and annual economic losses associated with this pest can exceed 30% and $350 million, respectively. Solid-stemmed cultivars of common wheat, Triticum aestivum L. (Poaceae), tolerant of infestation, are critical for C. cinctus management, but outbreaks of this pest continue to occur even after six decades of cultivar development. Furthermore, chemical control (a primary control option for other cereal (Poaceae) insect pests) has proven ineffective; this underscores the need to integrate resistant cultivars into a comprehensive integrated pest management program. We provide overviews of wheat stem sawfly biology, recent advances in applied research, the efficacy and integration of cultural and biological management strategies, and future directions for global research activities to manage wheat stem sawfly.
European ectoparasitoids of two classical weed biological control agents released in North America
Authors: Muller Franck J. , Mason Peter G. , Dosdall Lloyd M. , Kuhlmann Ulrich
Published: March 2011

The ceutorhynchine weevilsHadroplontus litura(F.) andMicroplontus edentulus(Schultze) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), are established in North America as biological control agents for Canada thistle,Cirsium arvense(L.) Scop., and scentless chamomile,Tripleurospermum perforatum(Mérat) M. Lainz (Asteraceae), respectively. In North America, both weeds occur sympatrically and in similar habitats as another ceutorhynchine,Ceutorhynchus obstrictus(Marsham) (cabbage seedpod weevil), an important pest of canola,Brassica napusL., andBrassica rapaL. (Brassicaceae). Ceutorhynchinae weevils released to control weeds in cultivated crops may serve as alternate hosts if agents released for biological control ofC. obstrictusare not specific to that species. Parasitoids associated withM. edentulusandH. liturainflict similar levels of mortality on their hosts, yet a single species was associated with the latter host, whereas 13 species attacked the former. The stem-miningM. edentulusappears to be at some risk but not the root-crown feedingH. litura, should the parasitoidsTrichomalus perfectus(Walker) andMesopolobus morys(Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) be introduced as biological control agents of the silique-feedingC. obstrictus. These findings suggest that feeding niche may be an important criterion for developing a nontarget species test list for host-range testing of potential biological control agents.
Comparison of ambient aerosol extinction coefficients obtained from in-situ, MAX-DOAS and LIDAR measurements at Cabauw
Authors: Zieger P. , Weingartner E. , Henzing J. , Moerman M. , de Leeuw G. , Mikkilä J. , Ehn M. , Petäjä T. , Clémer K. , van Roozendael M. , Yilmaz S. , Frieß U. , Irie H. , Wagner T. , Shaiganfar R. , Beirle S. , Apituley A. , Wilson K. , Baltensperger U.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. In the field, aerosol in-situ measurements are often performed under dry conditions (relative humidity RH<30–40%). Since ambient aerosol particles experience hygroscopic growth at enhanced RH, their microphysical and optical properties – especially the aerosol light scattering – are also strongly dependent on RH. The knowledge of this RH effect is of crucial importance for climate forcing calculations or for the comparison of remote sensing with in-situ measurements. Here, we will present results from a four-month campaign which took place in summer 2009 in Cabauw, The Netherlands. The aerosol scattering coefficient σsp(λ) was measured dry and at various, predefined RH conditions between 20 and 95% with a humidified nephelometer. The scattering enhancement factor f(RH,λ) is the key parameter to describe the effect of RH on σsp(λ) and is defined as σsp(RH,λ) measured at a certain RH divided by the dry σsp(dry,λ). The measurement of f(RH,λ) together with the dry absorption measurement (assumed not to change with RH) allows the determination of the actual extinction coefficient σep(RH,λ) at ambient RH. In addition, a wide range of other aerosol properties were measured in parallel. The measurements were used to characterize the effects of RH on the aerosol optical properties. A closure study showed the consistency of the aerosol in-situ measurements. Due to the large variability of air mass origin (and thus aerosol composition) a simple parameterization of f(RH,λ) could not be established. If f(RH,λ) needs to be predicted, the chemical composition and size distribution need to be known. Measurements of four MAX-DOAS (multi-axis differential optical absorption spectroscopy) instruments were used to retrieve vertical profiles of σep(λ). The values of the lowest layer were compared to the in-situ values after conversion of the latter ones to ambient RH. The comparison showed a good correlation of R2 = 0.62–0.78, but the extinction coefficients from MAX-DOAS were a factor of 1.5–3.4 larger than the in-situ values. Best agreement is achieved for a few cases characterized by low aerosol optical depths and low planetary boundary layer heights. Differences were shown to be dependent on the applied MAX-DOAS retrieval algorithm. The comparison of the in-situ extinction data to a Raman LIDAR (light detection and ranging) showed a good correlation and higher values measured by the LIDAR (R2 = 0.82−0.85, slope of 1.69–1.76) if the Raman retrieved profile was used to extrapolate the directly measured extinction coefficient to the ground. The comparison improved if only nighttime measurements were used in the comparison (R2 = 0.96, slope of 1.12).
Inventory of uncertainties associated with the process of tsunami damage assessment on buildings (SCHEMA FP6 EC co-funded project)
Authors: Gardi A. , Valencia N. , Guillande R. , André C.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Within the framework of the SCHEMA FP6 EC co-funded project (http://www.schemaproject.org), we have identified the sources of errors/uncertainties that can be introduced at several steps of the damage assessment process, from post-disaster field measures up to hazard and damages maps production. Errors, for instance, are introduced when collecting post-disaster observations owing to different types of instruments/methods, water marks considered, tide correction, etc.: in extreme cases, differences of meters can be found between water heights data published by different teams for the same locations. Much uncertainty comes from difficulties in identifying and characterizing the potential tsunami sources and from numerical modelling. Moreover, the resolution of the employed Digital Terrain Models can noticeably affect the predicted inundation extent. We have also verified that the consistency of the computations on the long term varies sensitively depending on the code, raising the problem of results reliability for emergency management in dangerous coasts exposed to repeated waves. In addition, damage assessment is performed using damage functions linking the mean damage level on buildings with the maximum water elevation measured in the field without considering other tsunami parameters such as stream velocity. Finally, we examined uncertainties introduced in hazard and vulnerability mapping due to cartographic processing.
Extremile Regression
Authors: Daouia Abdelaati , Stupfler Gilles
Published: May 2024

Extremiles are a least squares alternative to quantiles, defined by probability‐weighted moments rather than tail probabilities. They benefit from several interpretations and closed‐form expressions that are equivalent for continuous distributions, and they characterize a distribution just as quantiles do. Their regression versions similarly define a least squares analog of regression quantiles. We give a comprehensive overview of the state of the art regarding probabilistic and statistical properties of unconditional extremiles and their regression counterparts and provide a comparison between extremiles and other important classes of descriptors of unconditional and conditional distributions on real data examples.
Current Advances and Material Innovations in the Search for Novel Treatments of Phenylketonuria
Authors: Delbreil Philippe , Dhondt Sofie , Kenaan El Rahbani Rita Maria , Banquy Xavier , Mitchell John J. , Brambilla Davide
Published: May 2024

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetically inherited disease caused by a mutation of the gene encoding phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) and is the most common inborn error of amino acid metabolism. A deficiency of PAH leads to increased blood and brain levels of phenylalanine (Phe), which may cause permanent neurocognitive symptoms and developmental delays if untreated. Current management strategies for PKU consist of early detection through neonatal screening and implementation of a restrictive diet with minimal amounts of natural protein in combination with Phe‐free supplements and low‐protein foods to meet nutritional requirements. For milder forms of PKU, oral treatment with synthetic sapropterin (BH4), the cofactor of PAH, may improve metabolic control of Phe and allow for more natural protein to be included in the patient's diet. For more severe forms, daily injections of pegvaliase, a PEGylated variant of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL), may allow for normalization of blood Phe levels. However, the latter treatment has considerable drawbacks, notably a strong immunogenicity of the exogenous enzyme and the attached polymeric chains. Research for novel therapies of PKU makes use of innovative materials for drug delivery and state‐of‐the‐art protein engineering techniques to develop treatments which are safer, more effective, and potentially permanent.
High‐Entropy Ceramics Enhanced Droplet Electricity Generator for Energy Harvesting and Bacterial Detection
Authors: Wang Congyu , Wang Jianming , Wang Peng , Sun Yihan , Ma Wenlong , Li Xiaoyi , Zhao Maomi , Zhang Dun
Published: May 2024

The droplet electricity generator (DEG) is a solid–liquid triboelectric nanogenerator with transistor‐inspired bulk effect, which is regarded as an effective strategy for raindrop energy harvesting. However, further enhancement of DEG output voltage is necessary to enable its widespread applications. Here, high‐entropy ceramics are integrated into the design of DEG intermediate layer for the first time, achieving a high output voltage of 525 V. High‐entropy ceramics have colossal dielectric constant, which can help to reduce the triboelectric charge decay for DEG. Furthermore, the effect of factors on DEG output performance when employing high‐entropy ceramics as the intermediate layer is extensively analyzed, and the underlying mechanisms and mathematical models are explored. Finally, the enhanced output voltage of DEG not only facilitates faster energy harvesting but also develops a novel method for rapid bacterial detection. This work successfully integrates high‐entropy ceramics into DEG design, significantly enhances the output voltage, and offers a novel direction for DEG development.
Singular Hall Response from a Correlated Ferromagnetic Flat Nodal‐Line Semimetal
Authors: Cho Woohyun , Kang Yoon‐Gu , Cha Jaehun , Lee Dong Hyun David , Kiem Do Hoon , Oh Jaewhan , Joo Yanggeun , Yer Sangsu , Kim Dohyun , Park Jongho , Kim Changyoung , Yang Yongsoo , Kim Yeongkwan , Han Myung Joon , Yang Heejun
Published: May 2024

Topological quantum phases are largely understood in weakly correlated systems, which have identified various quantum phenomena, such as the spin Hall effect, protected transport of helical fermions, and topological superconductivity. Robust ferromagnetic order in correlated topological materials particularly attracts attention, as it can provide a versatile platform for novel quantum devices. Here, a singular Hall response arising from a unique band structure of flat topological nodal lines in combination with electron correlation in a van der Waals ferromagnetic semimetal, Fe3GaTe2, with a high Curie temperature of Tc = 347 K is reported. High anomalous Hall conductivity violating the conventional scaling, resistivity upturn at low temperature, and a large Sommerfeld coefficient are observed in Fe3GaTe2, which implies heavy fermion features in this ferromagnetic topological material. The scanning tunneling microscopy, circular dichroism in angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations support the original electronic features of the material. Thus, low‐dimensional Fe3GaTe2 with electronic correlation, topology, and room‐temperature ferromagnetic order appears to be a promising candidate for robust quantum devices.
Photoacoustic Imaging‐Guided Self‐Adaptive Hyperthermia Supramolecular Cascade Nano‐Reactor for Diabetic Periodontal Bone Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Miao , Peng Xu , Xu Hong , Sun Xiaoning , Liu Yizhu , Li Qian , Ding Yuan , Ding Shaopei , Luo Jun , Xie Jing , Li Jianshu
Published: May 2024

Commencing with the breakdown of the diabetic osteoimmune microenvironment, multiple pathogenic factors, including hyperglycemia, inflammation, hypoxia, and deleterious cytokines, are conjointly involved in the progression of diabetic periodontal bone regeneration. Based on the challenge of periodontal bone regeneration treatment and the absence of real‐time feedback of blood oxygen fluctuation in diabetes mellitus, a novel self‐adaptive hyperthermia supramolecular cascade nano‐reactor ACFDG is constructed via one‐step supramolecular self‐assembly strategy to address multiple factors in diabetic periodontal bone regeneration. Hyperthermia supramolecular ACFDG possesses high photothermal conversion efficiency (32.1%), and it can effectively inhibit the vicious cycle of ROS‐inflammatory cascade through catalytic cascade reactions, up‐regulate the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) under near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation, which promotes periodontal bone regeneration. Remarkably, ACFDG can provide real‐time non‐invasive diagnosis of blood oxygen changes during periodontal bone regeneration through photoacoustic (PA) imaging, thus can timely monitor periodontal hypoxia status. In conclusion, this multifunctional supramolecular nano‐reactor combined with PA imaging for real‐time efficacy monitoring provides important insights into the biological mechanisms of diabetic periodontal bone regeneration and potential clinical theranostics.
Status and prospects of the ornamental fish industry in Kenya
Authors: Munguti Jonathan M. , Mboya Jimmy B. , Iteba Jacob O. , Kirimi James G. , Obiero Kevin O. , Kyule Domitila N. , Opiyo Mary A. , Njonge Francis K.
Published: May 2024

Kenya is a major player in the global ornamental trade, exporting substantial quantities of ornamental fish to the global market. The sector plays an important role in the country's economy through foreign exchange. However, the country's ornamental fish industry has not fully developed to generate more economic benefits. This paper sought to identify the existing opportunities for enhancing the production and trade of ornamental fish in the country. The findings reveal that there are opportunities for collection of native freshwater ornamental fish species from the vast freshwater resources in the country; for the culture of marine ornamental fish; for public aquariums as centres of recreation, conservation, research and education; and for employment and development of support industries. The findings also show that there are international legislations and national policies that create an enabling environment for the growth of the industry. To unlock the full potential of the industry, training and research, investment and infrastructure development, quality assurance, collaboration and networking, and environmental sustainability strategies need to be put in place. This will ensure Kenya's position as a key player in the global ornamental fish trade.
Festphasen‐Alkoholoxidation mittels Direkter Mechanokatalyse
Authors: Wohlgemuth Maximilian , Schmidt Sarah , Mayer Maike , Pickhardt Wilm , Graetz Sven , Borchardt Lars
Published: May 2024

Diese Publikation stellt einen neuartigen Ansatz für die selektive Oxidation von Alkoholen zu den entsprechenden Aldehyden durch direkte Mechanokatalyse vor, wobei ein mit Gold beschichtetes Mahlgefäß als Katalysator und Luftsauerstoff als Oxidationsmittel verwendet werden. Durch die Anpassung der Mahlfrequenz, der Mahlmedien und der Mahlzeit werden hohe Katalysatoraktivität und Selektivitäten erreicht. Zudem werden für bestimmte Substrate Ausbeuten von bis zu 99 % erzielt, sowie eine Turnover Number (TON) von 8200 und eine Turnover Frequency (TOF) von 0,77 s−1, was bestehende Alternativen übertrifft. Mittels Röntgenphotoelektronenspektroskopie (XPS) konnte bestätigt werden, dass die katalytische Reaktion tatsächlich auf der Oberfläche des Mahlwerkzeugs stattfindet.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Highly Selective Radical C−C Coupling from Carboxylic Acids with Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Ling Bo , Yao Shunruo , Ouyang Shengmao , Bai Haonan , Zhai Xinyi , Zhu Chengjian , Li Weipeng , Xie Jin
Published: May 2024

Controlling the cross‐coupling reaction between two different radicals is a long‐standing challenge due to the process occurring statistically, which would lead to three products, including two homocoupling products and one cross‐coupling product. Generally, the cross‐coupling selectivity is achieved by the persistent radical effect (PRE) that requires the presence of a persistent radical and a transient radical, thus resulting in limited radical precursors. In this paper, a highly selective cross‐coupling of alkyl radicals with acyl radicals to construct C(sp2)−C(sp3) bonds, or with alkyl radicals to construct C(sp3)−C(sp3) bonds have been achieved with the readily available carboxylic acids and their derivatives (NHPI ester) as coupling partners. The success originates from the use of tridentate ligand (2,2′ : 6′,2′′‐terpyridine) to enable radical cross‐coupling process to Ni‐mediated organometallic mechanism. This protocol offers a facile and flexible access to structurally diverse ketones (up to 90 % yield), and also a new solution for the challenging double decarboxylative C(sp3)−C(sp3) coupling. The broad utility and functional group tolerance are further illustrated by the late‐stage functionalization of natural‐occurring carboxylic acids and drugs.
Highly active and selective ZIF‐derived cobalt catalyst for methanol conversion to dimethyl carbonate
Authors: Wang Liping , Meng Fanhui , Ding Pengfei , Nawaz Muhammad Asif , Li Zhong
Published: May 2024

The oxidative carbonylation of methanol to synthesize dimethyl carbonate (DMC) has been extensively studied over Cu‐based catalysts, but the activity and selectivity are not high. The Co catalysts exhibit high DMC selectivity, but the difficulty in recycling homogeneous Co catalyst and the low conversion of heterogeneous Co catalyst limit the application of Co catalysts. Here, the core–shell ZIFs materials were synthesized and carbonized to obtain solid core–shell cobalt catalysts, and then the catalytic performance for methanol conversion to DMC was investigated. The CoNC@NC catalyst, carbonized from Z67@Z8 with Z67 as the core and Z8 as the shell, shows that the carbonized NC shell effectively suppressed the aggregation of Co NPs and the Co NPs were only 15.4 nm, which was much smaller than those of NC@CoNC (34.5 nm) and CoNC (48.1 nm) catalysts. Compared with the CoNC catalyst, CoNC@NC significantly improved the pulse chemisorption of CH3OH and CO, leading to a significant increase in methanol conversion from 6.9% to 17.1%. Furthermore, the deactivation rate of the CoNC@NC catalyst (22.8%) was much lower than that of CoNC (59.4%) after five reaction cycles. The results of this work provide a new strategy for the design and preparation of solid cobalt catalysts for the oxidative carbonylation of methanol to DMC.
Synthesis, crystal structure, and in vitro biological evaluation of bismuth (III) complexes incorporating pyrazinohydrazide‐derived Schiff bases
Authors: Li Chuan‐Hua , Qiu Ming‐Hui , Ma Hui‐Min , Peng Yan , Ji Chen , Jiang Jian‐Hong , Lan Xiao‐Bing , Li Xu , Tao Li‐Ming
Published: May 2024

Two new Schiff‐base bismuth (III) complexes were prepared by an equivalent reaction between Schiff‐base ligand and Bi (NO3)3•5H2O with the assistance of Mannitol. The chemical structures of the two complexes were characterized by spectroscopic studies (FT‐IR, NMR, and MS), elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The ligand‐to‐metal ion ratio was found to be 1:1 in the complexes. During the formation of the complexes, Schiff bases changed from the amidic forms to the iminol forms, and the resulting tautomers could coordinate with bismuth (III) ions to produce dinuclear BiIII complexes(1a and 2a). Structural analyses showed that each Bi (III) ion held a distorted capped octahedron geometry with a seven‐coordinate mode in two complexes. Screening in vitro biological activities revealed that two bismuth (III) complexes exhibited much higher antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity than their parent ligands. The cytotoxic activity of the complex(1a) was close to that of the known anticancer drug (Doxorubicin) by evaluating against SGC7901 cells, with the IC50 value 0.59 μM. The complex(1a) could effectively induce SGC7901 cell apoptosis and its oral acute toxicity for LD50 value was found to be 576 mg kg−1. The content of bismuth (III) in mitochondria was higher than that in the nucleus.
Limited spatiotemporal larval mixing of the Norway lobster from no‐take marine protected areas in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Clavel‐Henry Morane , Bahamon Nixon , Aguzzi Jacopo , Navarro Joan , López Miguel , Company Joan B.
Published: May 2024

The larvae of many marine species are pelagic drifters in the vast oceans, yet they are the first and, for sessile species, the only way to connect with other populations. Connectivity is of particular interest in designing and assessing marine protected areas (MPAs), as it is considered a factor of renewal and stability.

In this study, we focused on larval mixing between MPAs, investigating mixing rates during and at the end of their pelagic life, and how this is affected by the timing of larval release. We used a particle transport model coupled to the climatological hydrodynamics of the northwestern Mediterranean Sea to simulate the trajectories of Nephrops norvegicus larvae. Larvae were released from four no‐take MPAs, where fishery activity is banned, and started mixing between 7 and 12 days old.

At settlement time, larval mixing mainly occurred between two pairs of MPAs labelled AxB (49.4% ± 5.8%) and CxD (23.7% ± 10.7%), respectively, located on the northern and southern sides of a thermal front. Percentages of larval mixing between these pairs changed, and other MPA combinations were formed with delayed larval release times. Mixing of larvae released from the same MPA tended to decrease with increasing delays between release times.

This variability in mixing was related to the latitudinal distribution of MPAs along the continental slope and the spatiotemporal dynamics of the regional hydrodynamics, with a strong impact from a thermal front.

Larval mixing modelling is a useful measure for understanding connectivity in marine environments and can suggest new conservation decisions. It identifies MPAs that are spatially distributed to facilitate the convergence of larvae from various protected areas. It also underlines that recognizing the significance of hydrodynamic variability when designing MPAs is crucial for promoting efficient connectivity among these areas.
Insights Into Scalable Technologies and Process Chains for Sulfide‐Based Solid‐State Battery Production
Authors: Singer Célestine , Wach Lovis , Jaimez Farnham Elena , Daub Rüdiger
Published: May 2024

The successful utilization of innovative sulfide‐based solid‐state batteries in energy storage hinges on developing scalable technologies and machinery for upscaling their production. While multiple Gigafactories for lithium‐ion batteries are already operational worldwide, the upscaling of solid‐state batteries exhibiting their full potential remains to be seen in the near future. In this study, the conventional production of lithium‐ion batteries is reconsidered, and the feasibility of seamlessly integrating sulfide‐based solid‐state batteries into the existing process chains is discussed. Scalable technologies and key challenges along the process chain of sulfide‐based solid‐state batteries are accordingly addressed. Experimental investigations yield crucial insights into enabling large‐scale production of sulfide‐based battery components while highlighting remaining challenges from a production perspective. An overview of the roll‐to‐roll machinery housed in microenvironments under an inert atmosphere in the “Sulfidic Cell Production Advancement Center” at the Institute for Machine Tools and Industrial Management at the Technical University of Munich is given.
Basic leucine zipper transcription activators – tools to improve production and quality of human erythropoietin in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Wagner Nazgul , Musiychuk Konstantin , Shoji Yoko , Tottey Stephen , Streatfield Stephen J. , Fischer Rainer , Yusibov Vidadi
Published: May 2024

Human erythropoietin (hEPO) is one of the most in‐demand biopharmaceuticals, however, its production is challenging. When produced in a plant expression system, hEPO results in extensive plant tissue damage and low expression. It is demonstrated that the modulation of the plant protein synthesis machinery enhances hEPO production. Co‐expression of basic leucine zipper transcription factors with hEPO prevents plant tissue damage, boosts expression, and increases hEPO solubility. bZIP28 co‐expression up‐regulates genes associated with the unfolded protein response, indicating that the plant tissue damage caused by hEPO expression is due to the native protein folding machinery being overwhelmed and that this can be overcome by co‐expressing bZIP28.
The fluorescence mKate2 labeling as a visualizing system for monitoring small extracellular vesicles
Authors: Mao Kedan , Lv Youheng , Huo FangFang , Hu Enchang , Zhang Rui , Fu Yuxuan
Published: May 2024

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are nanosized vesicles enclosed in a lipid membrane released by nearly all cell types. sEVs have been considered as reliable biomarkers for diagnostics and effective carriers. Despite the clear importance of sEV functionality, sEV research faces challenges imposed by the small size and precise imaging of sEVs. Recent advances in live and high‐resolution microscopy, combined with efficient labeling strategies, enable us to investigate the composition and behavior of EVs within living organisms. Here, a modified sEVs was generated with a near infrared fluorescence protein mKate2 using a VSVG viral pseudotyping‐based approach for monitoring sEVs. An observed was made that the mKate2‐tagged protein can be incorporated into the membranes of sEVs without altering their physical properties. In vivo imaging demonstrates that sEVs labeled with mKate2 exhibit excellent brightness and high photostability, allowing the acquisition of long‐term investigation comparable to those achieved with mCherry labeling. Importantly, the mKate2‐tagged sEVs show a low toxicity and exhibit a favorable safety profile. Furthermore, the co‐expression of mKate2 and rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) peptide on sEVs enables brain‐targeted visualization, suggesting the mKate2 tag does not alter the biodistribution of sEVs. Together, the study presents the mKate2 tag as an efficient tracker for sEVs to monitor tissue‐targeting and biodistribution in vivo.