bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frictional boundary condition for lattice Boltzmann modelling of dense granular flows
Authors: Yang G.C. , Huang Y.J. , Lu Y. , Kwok C.Y. , Sobral Y.D. , Yao Q.H.
Published: October 2023

Hydrodynamic approaches that treat granular materials as a continuum via the homogenization of discrete flow properties have become viable options for efficient predictions of bulk flow behaviours. However, simplified boundary conditions in computational fluid dynamics are often adopted, which have difficulty in describing the complex stick–slip phenomenon at the boundaries. This paper extends the lattice Boltzmann method for granular flow simulations by incorporating a novel frictional boundary condition. The wall slip velocity is first calculated based on the shear rate limited by the Coulomb friction, followed by the reconstruction of unknown density distribution functions through a modified bounce-back scheme. Validation is performed against a unique plane Couette flow configuration, and the analytical solutions for the flow velocity profile and the wall slip velocity, as functions of the friction coefficient, are reproduced by the numerical model. The transition between no-slip and partial-slip regimes is captured well, but the convergence rate drops from second order to first order when slip occurs. The rheological parameters and the basal friction coefficient are calibrated further against the discrete element simulation of a square granular column collapsing over a horizontal bottom plane. It is found that the calibrated continuum model can predict other granular column collapses with different initial aspect ratios and slope inclination angles, including the basal slip and the complex internal flow structures, without any further adjustments to the model parameters. This highlights the generalization ability of the numerical model, which has a wide range of application in granular flow predictions and controls.
Increased hippocampal blood flow in people at clinical high risk for psychosis and effects of cannabidiol
Authors: Davies Cathy , Bossong Matthijs G , Martins Daniel , Wilson Robin , Appiah-Kusi Elizabeth , Blest-Hopley Grace , Zelaya Fernando , Allen Paul , Brammer Michael , Perez Jesus , McGuire Philip , Bhattacharyya Sagnik
Published: October 2023

Background

Hippocampal hyperperfusion has been observed in people at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR), is associated with adverse longitudinal outcomes and represents a potential treatment target for novel pharmacotherapies. Whether cannabidiol (CBD) has ameliorative effects on hippocampal blood flow (rCBF) in CHR patients remains unknown.

Methods

Using a double-blind, parallel-group design, 33 CHR patients were randomized to a single oral 600 mg dose of CBD or placebo; 19 healthy controls did not receive any drug. Hippocampal rCBF was measured using Arterial Spin Labeling. We examined differences relating to CHR status (controls v. placebo), effects of CBD in CHR (placebo v. CBD) and linear between-group relationships, such that placebo > CBD > controls or controls > CBD > placebo, using a combination of hypothesis-driven and exploratory wholebrain analyses.

Results

Placebo-treated patients had significantly higher hippocampal rCBF bilaterally (all pFWE<0.01) compared to healthy controls. There were no suprathreshold effects in the CBD v. placebo contrast. However, we found a significant linear relationship in the right hippocampus (pFWE = 0.035) such that rCBF was highest in the placebo group, lowest in controls and intermediate in the CBD group. Exploratory wholebrain results replicated previous findings of hyperperfusion in the hippocampus, striatum and midbrain in CHR patients, and provided novel evidence of increased rCBF in inferior-temporal and lateral-occipital regions in patients under CBD compared to placebo.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that hippocampal blood flow is elevated in the CHR state and may be partially normalized by a single dose of CBD. CBD therefore merits further investigation as a potential novel treatment for this population.
Shaking Up Earthquake Science in Cascadia
Authors: Hasler Caroline
Published: October 2023

A new center will bring together earthquake scientists to study the Cascadia Subduction Zone and clarify seismic hazards.
Disproportionation of Iron in Almandine‐Pyrope‐Grossular Garnet From 25 to 65 GPa
Authors: Swadba K. E. , Davis A. H. , Zurkowski C. C. , Chariton S. , Prakapenka V. B. , Campbell A. J.
Published: October 2023

The production of metal via the iron disproportionation reaction in the deep Earth has been a long debated topic with important implications for the geochemistry of the lower mantle. To explore the occurrence of the iron disproportionation reaction from 25 to 65 GPa, a natural almandine‐pyrope‐grossular garnet was studied with in situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) in the laser‐heated diamond anvil cell and ex situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Upon heating the natural almandine‐pyrope‐grossular garnet up to 3000 K up to 65 GPa, the formation of phase assemblage consisting of bridgmanite, stishovite, and davemaoite was confirmed by XRD, but because of the low abundance of Fe metal and small grain size, XRD was determined not to be effective in detecting the disproportionation reaction. Examination of the samples recovered between 39 and 64 GPa by SEM analysis revealed the presence of nm‐scale disproportionated iron metal grains as an additional product of this reaction that was not detectable in the XRD patterns. Volume compression data of bridgmanite synthesized in the experiments were fit to the Birch‐Murnaghan equation of state and compared to similar compositions. Bridgmanite was found to decompress to the LiNbO3‐type structure, indicating a high FeAlO3 content, in accordance with the occurrence of a disproportionation reaction. The experimental confirmation of disproportionated metallic Fe has significant implications for the distribution of siderophile and volatile elements in the lower mantle.
Enhanced Mixing at the Edges of Mesoscale Eddies Observed From High‐Resolution Seismic Data in the Western Arctic Ocean
Authors: Yang Shun , Song Haibin , Coakley Bernard , Zhang Kun
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the Arctic Ocean has experienced a dramatic decrease in sea ice cover, leading to enhanced turbulent mixing and eddy activity. Due to the scarcity of high‐resolution observations, our understanding of turbulent mixing in the Arctic is incomplete. Using three seismic reflection transects with high spatial resolution (∼O (10) m) and concurrent ADCP‐derived current velocity, this study identified 11 mesoscale eddies on the ice‐free Chukchi Borderlands of the western Arctic Ocean. 82% of them are intra‐halocline anticyclones. The total length of horizontal scales of these 11 eddies occupies ∼40% of the total length of three seismic lines. Diapycnal diffusivities estimated from seismic data were enhanced and can be up to 10−4 m2 s−1 at the edges of these eddies, compared with the average values (∼10−6 m2 s−1) at the Chukchi Borderlands. Seismic‐estimated diffusivities were validated by fine‐scale parameterization using ADCP‐derived velocity data and historical hydrographic data. Enhanced diffusivities at the edges of eddies may be attributed to shear instabilities at the top and bottom edges and to submesoscale motions at the lateral edges of these eddies. We highlight the enhanced mixing at the edges of eddies in the halocline can increase the upward heat flux. This upward heat flux can transfer the heat of the warm Atlantic water below to the surface, which may further promote the melting of surface sea ice.
The Benefits and Challenges of Downscaling a Global Reanalysis With Doubly‐Periodic Large‐Eddy Simulations
Authors: van Stratum B. J. H. , van Heerwaarden C. C. , Vilà‐Guerau de Arellano J.
Published: October 2023

Global reanalyzes like ERA5 accurately capture atmospheric processes at spatial scales of  km or larger. By downscaling ERA5 with large‐eddy simulation (LES), LES can provide details about processes at spatio‐temporal scales down to meters and seconds. Here, we present an open‐source Python package named the “Large‐eddy simulation and Single‐column model—Large‐Scale Dynamics,” or (LS)2D in short, designed to simplify the downscaling of ERA5 with doubly‐periodic LES. A validation with observations, for several sensitivity experiments consisting of month‐long LESs over Cabauw (the Netherlands), demonstrates both its usefulness and limitations. The day‐to‐day variability in the weather is well captured by (LS)2D and LES, but the setup under‐performs in conditions with broken or near overcast clouds. As a novel application of this modeling system, we used (LS)2D to study surface solar irradiance variability, as this quantity directly links land‐surface processes, turbulent transport, and clouds, to radiation. At a horizontal resolution of 25 m, the setup reproduces satisfactorily the solar irradiance variability down to a timescale of seconds. This demonstrates that the coupled LES‐ERA5 setup is a useful tool that can provide details on the physics of turbulence and clouds, but can only improve on its host reanalysis when applied to meteorological suitable conditions.
Neuronal RBM5 modulates cell signaling responses to traumatic and hypoxic-ischemic injury in a sex-dependent manner
Authors: Snyder Kara , Gorse Kiersten , Kochanek Patrick M. , Jackson Travis C.
Published: October 2023

It is not clear if inhibiting the pro-death gene RNA binding motif 5 (RBM5) is neuroprotective in isolated primary neurons or if it regulates cell survival in a sex-dependent manner. Here we established sex-dichotomized primary cortical neuron cultures from transgenic mice harboring a floxed RBM5 gene-trap. Lentivirus-mediated expression of CRE was used to silence RBM5 expression. Male and female neurons were maintained in next-generation Neurobasal-Plus media and subjected to a mechanical stretch-injury (to model traumatic brain injury) or oxygen-glucose deprivation/OGD (to model ischemia). RBM5 KO did not affect 24 h post-injury survival as determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, in either paradigm. In contrast, female KO neurons had increased spectrin breakdown products post-insult (in both models). Furthermore, in OGD, RBM5 KO in male neurons exacerbated injury-induced downregulation of pro-survival AKT activation (pAKT473) but conversely led to pAKT473 sparing in female neurons. Moreover, global proteomics identified 19 differentially expressed (DE) proteins in OGD-injured male neurons, and 102 DE proteins in injured female neurons. Two novel RBM5-regulated proteins (PIGQ and EST1C) were identified in injured male KO neurons, and 8 novel proteins identified in injured female KO neurons (S35A5, DHTK1, STX3, IF3M, RN167, K1C14, DYHS, and MED13). In summary, RBM5 inhibition does not modify neuronal survival in primary mouse neurons in 2 clinically relevant models of excitotoxic insult, but RBM5 does regulate intracellular responses to injury in a sex-dependent manner.
Metformin potentiates nephrotoxicity by promoting NETosis in response to renal ferroptosis
Authors: Cai Zhaoxian , Wu Xiaotian , Song Zijun , Sun Shumin , Su Yunxing , Wang Tianyi , Cheng Xihao , Yu Yingying , Yu Chao , Chen En , Chen Wenteng , Yu Yongping , Linkermann Andreas , Min Junxia , Wang Fudi
Published: October 2023

Given the rapidly aging population, aging-related diseases are becoming an excessive burden on the global healthcare system. Metformin has been shown to be beneficial to many age-related disorders, as well as increase lifespan in preclinical animal models. During the aging process, kidney function progressively declines. Currently, whether and how metformin protects the kidney remains unclear. In this study, among longevity drugs, including metformin, nicotinamide, resveratrol, rapamycin, and senolytics, we unexpectedly found that metformin, even at low doses, exacerbated experimentally-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and increased mortality in mice. By single-cell transcriptomics analysis, we found that death of renal parenchymal cells together with an expansion of neutrophils occurs upon metformin treatment after AKI. We identified programmed cell death by ferroptosis in renal parenchymal cells and blocking ferroptosis, or depleting neutrophils protects against metformin-induced nephrotoxicity. Mechanistically, upon induction of AKI, ferroptosis in renal parenchymal cells initiates the migration of neutrophils to the site of injury via the surface receptor CXCR4–bound to metformin–iron–NGAL complex, which results in NETosis aggravated AKI. Finally, we demonstrated that reducing iron showed protective effects on kidney injury, which supports the notion that iron plays an important role in metformin-triggered AKI. Taken together, these findings delineate a novel mechanism underlying metformin-aggravated nephropathy and highlight the mechanistic relationship between iron, ferroptosis, and NETosis in the resulting AKI.
Streamlined structure determination by cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging using TomoBEAR
Authors: Balyschew Nikita , Yushkevich Artsemi , Mikirtumov Vasilii , Sanchez Ricardo M. , Sprink Thiemo , Kudryashev Mikhail
Published: October 2023

Structures of macromolecules in their native state provide unique unambiguous insights into their functions. Cryo-electron tomography combined with subtomogram averaging demonstrated the power to solve such structures in situ at resolutions in the range of 3 Angstrom for some macromolecules. In order to be applicable to the structural determination of the majority of macromolecules observable in cells in limited amounts, processing of tomographic data has to be performed in a high-throughput manner. Here we present TomoBEAR—a modular configurable workflow engine for streamlined processing of cryo-electron tomographic data for subtomogram averaging. TomoBEAR combines commonly used cryo-EM packages with reasonable presets to provide a transparent (“white box”) approach for data management and processing. We demonstrate applications of TomoBEAR to two data sets of purified macromolecular targets, to an ion channel RyR1 in a membrane, and the tomograms of plasma FIB-milled lamellae and demonstrate the ability to produce high-resolution structures. TomoBEAR speeds up data processing, minimizes human interventions, and will help accelerate the adoption of in situ structural biology by cryo-ET. The source code and the documentation are freely available.
uAUG creating variants in the 5’UTR of ENG causing Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Soukarieh Omar , Tillet Emmanuelle , Proust Carole , Dupont Charlène , Jaspard-Vinassa Béatrice , Soubrier Florent , Goyenvalle Aurélie , Eyries Mélanie , Trégouët David-Alexandre
Published: October 2023

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare, autosomal dominant, vascular disorder. About 80% of cases are caused by pathogenic variants in ACVRL1 (also known as ALK1) and ENG, with the remaining cases being unexplained. We identified two variants, c.-79C>T and c.-68G>A, in the 5’UTR of ENG in two unrelated patients. They create upstream AUGs at the origin of upstream overlapping open reading frames (uoORFs) ending at the same stop codon. To assess the pathogenicity of these variants, we performed functional assays based on the expression of wild-type and mutant constructs in human cells and evaluated their effect on ALK1 activity in a BMP-response element assay. This assay is mandatory for molecular diagnosis and has been so far only applied to coding ENG variants. These variants were associated with a decrease of protein levels in HeLa and HUVEC cells and a decreased ability to activate ALK1. We applied the same experiments on three additional uoORF-creating variants (c.-142A>T, c.-127C>T and c.-10C>T) located in the 5’UTR of ENG and previously reported in HHT patients. We found that all the analyzed variants alter protein levels and function. Additional experiments relying on an artificial deletion in our mutated constructs show that identified uAUGs could initiate the translation indicating that the associated effect is translation-dependent. Overall, we have identified two 5’UTR ENG variations in HHT patients and shed new light on the role of upstream ORFs on ENG regulation. Our findings contribute to the amelioration of molecular diagnosis in HHT.
Skin-integrated, biocompatible, and stretchable silicon microneedle electrode for long-term EMG monitoring in motion scenario
Authors: Ji Huawei , Wang Mingyu , Wang Yutong , Wang Zhouheng , Ma Yinji , Liu Lanlan , Zhou Honglei , Xu Ze , Wang Xian , Chen Ying , Feng Xue
Published: October 2023

Electromyography (EMG) signal is the electrical potential generated by contracting muscle cells. Long-term and accurate EMG monitoring is desirable for neuromuscular function assessment in clinical and the human–computer interfaces. Herein, we report a skin-integrated, biocompatible, and stretchable silicon microneedle electrode (SSME) inspired by the plant thorns. The silicon microneedles are half encapsulated by the polyimide (PI) to enhance the adaptability to deformation and resistance to fatigue. Thorn-like SSME is realized by the semi-additive method with a stretchability of not less than 36%. The biocompatibility of SSME has been verified using cytotoxicity tests. EMG monitoring in motion and long-term has been conducted to demonstrate the feasibility and performance of the SSME, which is compared with a commercial wet electrode. Hopefully, the strategies reported here can lead to accurate and long-term EMG monitoring, facilitating an effective and reliable human–computer interface.
In situ observation of melt pool evolution in ultrasonic vibration-assisted directed energy deposition
Authors: El-Azab Salma A. , Zhang Cheng , Jiang Sen , Vyatskikh Aleksandra L. , Valdevit Lorenzo , Lavernia Enrique J. , Schoenung Julie M.
Published: October 2023

The presence of defects, such as pores, in materials processed using additive manufacturing represents a challenge during the manufacturing of many engineering components. Recently, ultrasonic vibration-assisted (UV-A) directed energy deposition (DED) has been shown to reduce porosity, promote grain refinement, and enhance mechanical performance in metal components. Whereas it is evident that the formation of such microstructural features is affected by the melt pool behavior, the specific mechanisms by which ultrasonic vibration (UV) influences the melt pool remain elusive. In the present investigation, UV was applied in situ to DED of 316L stainless steel single tracks and bulk parts. For the first time, high-speed video imaging and thermal imaging were implemented in situ to quantitatively correlate the application of UV to melt pool evolution in DED. Extensive imaging data were coupled with in-depth microstructural characterization to develop a statistically robust dataset describing the observed phenomena. Our findings show that UV increases the melt pool peak temperature and dimensions, while improving the wettability of injected particles with the melt pool surface and reducing particle residence time. Near the substrate, we observe that UV results in a 92% decrease in porosity, and a 54% decrease in dendritic arm spacing. The effect of UV on the melt pool is caused by the combined mechanisms of acoustic cavitation, ultrasound absorption, and acoustic streaming. Through in situ imaging we demonstrate quantitatively that these phenomena, acting simultaneously, effectively diminish with increasing build height and size due to acoustic attenuation, consequently decreasing the positive effect of implementing UV-A DED. Thus, this research provides valuable insight into the value of in situ imaging, as well as the effects of UV on DED melt pool dynamics, the stochastic interactions between the melt pool and incoming powder particles, and the limitations of build geometry on the UV-A DED technique.
Physiological and biochemical responses of soft coral Sarcophyton trocheliophorum to doxycycline hydrochloride exposure
Authors: Xu Wenxin , Ahmed Waqas , Mahmood Mohsin , Li Weidong , Mehmood Sajid
Published: October 2023

In light of the rapid expansion of the marine aquaculture industry, there has been widespread and irregular usage of aquatic drugs to combat biological diseases, which significantly impact the neighboring aquatic ecosystems. This study delves into the impact of the antibiotic aquatic drug known as doxycycline hydrochloride (DOX) on offshore soft corals, providing valuable data for the responsible use and management of aquatic drugs. In this investigation, we subjected Sarcophyton trocheliophorum to acute exposure to varying concentrations of DOX (0, 1, 5, and 10 mg L−1). We meticulously assessed critical parameters and observed alterations in protein levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, lipid peroxidation (LPO), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, Acid phosphatase (ACP) activity, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, glutathione (GSH) concentration, glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, zooxanthellae density, and chlorophyll content. Our findings reveal that in the presence of DOX-induced environmental stress, there is a significant increase in LPO, MDA, chlorophyll, carotenoid levels, and the activities of ACP, GST, and GSH-Px in soft corals. Simultaneously, there is a noteworthy decrease in zooxanthellae density. Additionally, the protein concentration and SOD activity in soft corals experience substantial reduction when exposed to 5 mg L−1 DOX. Notably, CAT activity varies significantly in environments with 1 and 10 mg L−1 DOX. Moreover, these conditions exhibit a discernible influence on AKP activity, GSH content, and chlorophyll levels. These findings suggest that DOX exposure carries the potential for toxicity in aquaculture settings, affecting protein synthesis in soft corals and influencing oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, immunity, and detoxification processes within these organisms. There is also a risk of compromising the coral defense system, potentially leading to coral bleaching. Furthermore, this study underscores the significant impact on photosynthesis, growth, and the metabolic dynamics of the coral-zooxanthellae symbiotic system. Consequently, our research offers vital insights into the mortality and bleaching effects of aquatic drugs on marine corals, offering a foundation for the prudent use and management of such substances.
Evaluation of a novel MRI-safe needle guidance toolkit for streamlined arthrography procedures
Authors: Monfaredi Reza , Yarmolenko Pavel , Lee Eung-Joo , Cleary Kevin , Sharma Karun
Published: October 2023

Currently, Magnetic Resonance arthrography procedures require two rooms and two imaging modalities: fluoroscopically guided needle insertion in a fluoroscopy suite, followed by diagnostic MRI in a separate MRI suite. The use of fluoroscopy for needle placement exposes patients to ionizing radiation, which is an important concern, especially in pediatrics. The need for two different rooms and coordinating times for these rooms complicates hospital resource scheduling and logistics. In addition, the added delays could expose younger children to additional risks associated with the use of general anesthesia. To address these issues, we propose a new technique to streamline the arthrography procedure. Our proposed technology aims to eliminate exposure to ionizing radiation and to streamline arthrography procedures that are conducted solely under MRI. This toolkit consists of a 3D slicer-based user interface, a spatially unique silicone grid template, and a hand-held needle guidance device. Together, these tools are intended to simplify and shorten the procedure while maintaining accuracy and precision comparable to the current gold standard procedure. In our cadaver study, we evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of our novel MRI-safe Needle Guidance Toolkit for MRI arthrography procedures, achieving an average targeting accuracy of 3.2 ± 1.0 mm. The results presented in this study showed the feasibility and promise of our novel MRI-safe needle guidance toolkit for arthrography procedures.
Quantum metrology with boundary time crystals
Authors: Montenegro Victor , Genoni Marco G. , Bayat Abolfazl , Paris Matteo G. A.
Published: October 2023

Quantum sensing is one of the arenas that exemplifies the superiority of quantum technologies over their classical counterparts. Such superiority, however, can be diminished due to unavoidable noise and decoherence of the probe. Thus, metrological strategies to fight against or profit from decoherence are highly desirable. This is the case of certain types of decoherence-driven many-body systems supporting dissipative phase transitions, which might be helpful for sensing. Boundary time crystals are exotic dissipative phases of matter in which the time-translational symmetry is broken, and long-lasting oscillations emerge in open quantum systems at the thermodynamic limit. We show that the transition from a symmetry unbroken into a boundary time crystal phase, described by a second-order transition, reveals quantum-enhanced sensitivity quantified through quantum Fisher information. We also determine the critical exponents of the system and establish their relationship. Our scheme is indeed a demonstration of harnessing decoherence for achieving quantum-enhanced sensitivity. From a practical perspective, it has the advantage of being independent of initialization and can be captured by a simple measurement.
MoSe2/C60 heterojunction may be efficient for photovoltaic applications: time-domain ab initio analysis of interfacial charge separation and recombination dynamics
Authors: Zhang Pingzhi , Xue Ting , Wang Zhiguo , Wei Wei , Xie Xiaoyin , Jia Ran , Li Wei
Published: October 2023

The MoSe2/C60 vdW heterojunction can be used for potential high-efficiency photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications.
Distinct electronic effects of borane– and boryl–nickel complexes for catalyzing H2 activation
Authors: Chen Zhe , Liang Huayu , Lin Jiaxin , Liu Yubang , Li Yinwu , Ke Zhuofeng
Published: October 2023

Electrophilic borane and nucleophilic boryl transition metal catalysts for H2 activation.
Molecular modification of planar four-coordinated cobalt active site for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide: a density functional theory study
Authors: Ding Xu , Jin Yucheng , Wang Hailong , Qi Dongdong
Published: October 2023

A systematic theoretical investigation on the carbon dioxide reduction reaction over ten single cobalt-containing compounds was performed to screen the excellent catalyst candidates from the thermodynamics perspective.
Polypyrrole micro/nanostructures and their soft materials in versatile forms: construction and applications
Authors: Wang Shi , Chen Yukai , Hu Boyuan , Wang Yong , Jing Xinli , Li Yu
Published: October 2023

Key issues regarding the syntheses of polypyrrole nanomaterials and their recent application were discussed. Polypyrrole derived dispersions, hydrogels, membranes and composites were outlined by considering improved conductivity and processability.
Respiratory drive during carbachol challenge in allergic sheep
Authors: Strömberg T. , Adams J. A. , Abraham W. M. , Sackner M. A.
Published: October 2023

Diaphragmatic activity is the standard assessment of respiratory neural output but is difficult to measure and cannot be used for long‐term clinical monitoring. The tidal breathing minute ventilation (
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and mean inspiratory flow (VT/tI) reflect respiratory drive and can be monitored non‐invasively using respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP). Recent findings indicate that peak inspiratory acceleration (PIA) correlates to diaphragmatic activity during CO2 rebreathing in piglets. The aim of the present study was to assess whether tidal breathing peak inspiratory acceleration reflects respiratory drive during carbachol challenge. Aerosolized carbachol was administered to 15 allergic sheep until pulmonary resistance increased by at least 400%. After threshold dose, slight increases in

image

  and VT/tI were seen (8 and 5%, respectively; P=NS), while PIA increased by 30% (P<0·05). The change in PIA was closely correlated to changes in

image

  and VT/tI (r=0·73, P<0·01 and r=0·88, P<0·001, respectively). In conclusion, peak inspiratory acceleration reflected respiratory drive during bronchoprovocation. Further, this new measure of drive has the potential to accurately estimate drive in chronic obstructive lung disease where intrinsic positive end expiratory pressure prevents accurate selection of beginning inspiration necessary for computation of, e.g. VT/tI.
A deep Hα survey of the Carina tangent arm direction
Authors: Russeil D. , Zavagno A. , Amram P. , Elia D. , Molinari S. , Lecoarer E.
Published: October 2023

Aims. The arm tangent direction provides a unique viewing geometry, with a long path in relatively narrow velocity ranges and lines of view that cross the arm perpendicular to its thickness. The spiral arm tangent regions are therefore the best directions for studying the interstellar medium within spiral density waves in the Milky Way, probing the internal structure in the arms. We focus here on the gas kinematics and star formation in the Galactic plane zone with longitudes of between 281° and 285.5° and latitudes of between ∼−2.5° and ∼1°, respectively, which contains the Carina arm tangency.

Methods. The Carina arm tangent direction was observed as part of a velocity-resolved Hα survey of the southern Milky Way using a scanning Fabry-Perot mounted on a telescope, which makes it possible to obtain data cubes containing kinematic information. Our detailed analysis of the resultant Hα profiles reveals the presence of several layers of ionized gas with different velocities over the surveyed region. We combine the Hα data with multi-wavelength information in order to assign velocity and distance to the H II regions in the probed area and to study the star-formation activity in the Carina arm tangency.

Results. We find that the Carina arm tangency is at l = 282°, and that it spreads from 2 to 6 kpc with a VLSR range of between −20 and +20 km s−1. We deduce an arm width of ∼236 pc. We also probe the star formation on a scale of ∼1 kpc−2, showing that the star-formation activity is intermediate in comparison with the quiescient Solar neighborhood and the most active Galactic central molecular zone. From our analysis of the stellar motions extracted from the Gaia DR3 catalog, we observe that stars around 2.5 kpc are tracing the trailing and the leading sides of the arm, while stars at greater distances more closely trace the inner part of the arm. In parallel, we studied the Hα velocity structure of the H II regions RCW48 and RCW49 in detail, confirming the expansion velocity of ∼20 km s−1 for RCW 49 and the double-shell structure of RCW 48, which is in agreement with a wind interaction with a previous mass-loss episode.
Operative Methoden bei rheumatischen Fingergelenken zum Erhalt der
Beweglichkeit der Daumen- und Fingergelenke
Authors: Tenbrock Arne , Url Matthias , Bock Markus , Kim Simon , Lautenbach Martin
Published: October 2023

In der Rheumahandchirurgie werden bei der Behandlung von Arthritiden der Hand
verschiedene operative Methoden verwendet, um Patient*innen
Schmerzfreiheit, Beweglichkeit und Funktionserhalt zu ermöglichen. Einen
erheblichen Fortschritt stellen dabei die Teilarthrodesen des Handgelenks sowie
Endoprothesen zum Ersatz der Fingergrund- und Mittelgelenke dar.
Medikamentöse Rheumatherapie
Authors: Bock Markus , Tenbrock Arne , Url Matthias , Weber Stefan , Lautenbach Martin
Published: October 2023

Rheuma ist der Überbegriff für mehr als 100 verschiedene
Erkrankungen. Um Patient*innen mit rheumatischen Erkrankungen die
bestmögliche Therapie zukommen zu lassen, sind Rheumatolog*innen
auf die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit mit den zuständigen
Hausarztpraxen angewiesen. Ohne funktionierende Zusammenarbeit droht die
Unterversorgung der von Rheuma betroffenen Menschen.
Rheumatologische Labordiagnostik – was, wann warum?
Authors: Schwarz Tobias , Weller-Heinemann Frank , Hinze Claas
Published: October 2023

Für die differenzialdiagnostische Abklärung von Symptomen des muskuloskelettalen Systems kann neben Anamnese, klinischer Untersuchung und bildgebenden Verfahren auch eine gezielte Labordiagnostik wegweisend sein. Aufgrund der Fülle von möglichen Laborparametern sollte die Diagnostik dabei zielgerichtet entsprechend der im Vordergrund stehenden Klinik erfolgen. Da die meisten entzündlich-rheumatischen Erkrankungen nicht aufgrund von pathognomonischen Laborwerten diagnostiziert werden, ist es erforderlich, die Sensitivität und Spezifität der jeweiligen Untersuchungen zu berücksichtigen, um eine Verunsicherung von Patienten und Eltern durch als auffällig interpretierte Laborparameter zu vermeiden. So finden sich antinukleäre Antikörper (ANA) bei 10–30 % der gesunden Kinder und stellen keinen Beweis für das Vorliegen von relevanter Autoimmunität dar. Auf der anderen Seite kann der Nachweis von Antikörpern gegen definierte Epitope hochspezifisch für das Vorliegen bestimmter Autoimmunerkrankungen sein. Aber auch für Erkrankungen mit im Vordergrund stehender Aktivierung des angeborenen Immunsystems existieren Parameter für eine gezielte differenzialdiagnostische Abklärung.
Minderung der Erwerbsfähigkeit (MdE) in der gesetzlichen
Unfallversicherung
Authors: Wich Michael , Scholtysik Dirk , Grützner Paul Alfred , Hoffmann Reinhard
Published: October 2023

Veränderungen des Arbeitsmarktes sowie verbesserte prothetische
Versorgungsmöglichkeiten waren für die Deutsche Gesetzliche
Unfallversicherung e. V. (DGUV) Anlass, die MdE-Erfahrungswerte nach
Arbeitsunfällen einer Überprüfung unterziehen zu lassen.
Seit dem 01.11.2019 kommen die neuen MdE-Erfahrungswerte
(„MdE-Eckwerte“) zur Anwendung. Dieser Beitrag fasst das
Konsensuspapier der unabhängigen Expertengruppe zusammen.
Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen in der Diabetologie
Authors: Bretschneider Maxi Pia , Schwarz Peter E.H.
Published: October 2023

Stand September 2023 sind bereits 3 Diabetes-DiGAs zugelassen – HelloBetter (Zulassung Dezember 2021), Vitadio (vorläufige Zulassung April 2022) und mebix (vorläufige Zulassung Juli 2023). Des Weiteren gibt es mit Zanadio (Zulassung November 2020) und Oviva Direkt (Zulassung Oktober 2021) 2 Adipositas-DiGAs, welche ebenfalls Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus unterstützen. Viele weitere DiGAs sind in den Startlöchern und werden im Laufe des nächsten halben Jahres das DiGA-Verzeichnis füllen.
Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser,
Authors: Schmidt-Ohlemann Matthias
Published: October 2023

die Meldungen zur Klimakatastrophe und den anscheinend noch unzureichenden
Bewältigungsversuchen sind gerade aktuell nicht zu übersehen.
Menschen sind davon mehr oder weniger beeindruckt, oft genervt, vielfach
verunsichert und besorgt. Auch die Akteure im Gesundheitswesen und in der
Rehabilitation sind mit den Folgen des Klimawandels konfrontiert, als Thema in der
Behandlung z. B. von Erkrankungen durch Hitze, aber auch der
Prävention. Sie sehen sich außerdem aufgefordert, zur
Bewältigung des Klimawandels Beiträge zu leisten, u. a.
durch Strategien für Nachhaltigkeit innerhalb des Systems der Rehabilitation
und als Bürger:innen der Zivilgesellschaft.
Der Mensch im Mittelpunkt der Integrativen Schmerztherapie
Authors: Irnich Dominik
Published: October 2023

Dieser Beitrag wurde in Gedenken an Dr. Jochen Gleditsch verfasst 1. Neben vielen Verdiensten (siehe Nachruf S. 70) hat er die Schmerztherapie am Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München entscheidend mit beeinflusst. In der studentischen Lehre hat Jochen Gleditsch im Rahmen eines Lehrauftrages an der LMU, Klinik für Anaesthesiologie über 25 Jahre Akupunktur, Naturheilverfahren und ganzheitliche Schmerztherapie gelehrt.

Unzählige Studierende und Ärztinnen und Ärzte haben die Besonderheit seines Umganges mit chronischen Schmerzpatient*innen erlebt. Grundsatz ist die Annahme des individuellen Leids und das Mitfühlen auf Augenhöhe und dabei Hoffnung geben und Ressourcen stärken, immer begleitet von einer schnell wirkenden, individuellen Akupunktur.

Eine umfassende Darstellung der Verdienste von Dr. Jochen Gleditsch wurde kürzlich publiziert 2
3.
Verletzungsrisiko und die Bedeutung von Laufschuhen
Authors: Brüggemann Gert-Peter
Published: October 2023

Rund 17 Millionen Menschen in Deutschland betreiben den Laufsport, meist aus gesundheitlichen Gründen. Etwa 50 % aller Läuferinnen und Läufer berichten von mindestens einer laufassoziierten Verletzung im Jahr. Während das Knie die häufigste Verletzung darstellt, melden über 12 % der regelmäßig Laufenden Rückenbeschwerden beim oder durch das Laufen. Rückenschmerzen machen damit ¼ aller Laufverletzungen aus. Laufen ist mit hohen kumulativen Belastungen der lumbalen Wirbelsäule verbunden, wobei die Laufgeschwindigkeit und die Beanspruchungsdauer in Bezug auf die kumulative Gesamtbelastung zentrale Steuerungsgrößen darstellen.

Aktuell finden sich 5 konkurrierende Laufschuhtechnologien auf dem Markt. Es wird gezeigt, dass diese unterschiedlichen Laufschuhsohlen die Biomechanik und damit die Belastung der Gelenke der unteren Extremität sowie auch der lumbalen Wirbelsäule beeinflussen. Außerdem kann auf der Basis empirischer und epidemiologischer Befunde demonstriert werden, dass die biomechanisch unterschiedlichen Laufschuhtechnologien das Risiko von Laufverletzungen und auch das von Rückenschmerzen beeinflussen. Das geringste Risiko von Verletzungen des Knies und von laufassoziierten Rückenschmerzen ist der neuen -U-TECH-Technologie zuzuweisen. Ein erhöhtes Risiko von Verletzungen beim Laufen wird bei Verwendung von minimalen Laufschuhen oder sog. Barfußschuhen berichtet. Die Technologie des Laufschuhs hat einen Einfluss auf die Belastung insbesondere der lumbalen Wirbelsäule und kann mit dem Risiko von Rückenschmerzen in Verbindung gebracht werden.
Ganzheitliche Schmerzbehandlung mittels Hydrotherapie
Authors: Gündling Peter W.
Published: October 2023

Obgleich eine tragende Säule der klassischen Naturheilkunde, spielen hydrotherapeutische Maßnahmen in der ärztlichen Praxis eine eher untergeordnete Rolle. Dennoch bieten sie als nichtmedikamentöse Maßnahme eine wertvolle Option im Rahmen einer ganzheitlich-naturheilkundlichen Therapie, speziell auch bei Schmerzen. Als typische Regulationsverfahren wirken sie ausgleichend auf die Aktivität des vegetativen Nervensystems und tragen so zur Normalisierung des Muskeltonus, des Stoffwechsels und der Durchblutung bei. Damit können sie nicht nur andere analgetische Maßnahmen ergänzen und verstärken, sondern auch die Selbsthilfefähigkeit der betroffenen Patienten wirksam unterstützen.
Spatial heterogeneity in biofilm metabolism elicited by local control of phenazine methylation
Authors: Evans Christopher R. , Smiley Marina K. , Asahara Thio Sean , Wei Mian , Florek Lindsey C. , Dayton Hannah , Price-Whelan Alexa , Min Wei , Dietrich Lars E. P.
Published: October 2023

Within biofilms, gradients of electron acceptors such as oxygen stimulate the formation of physiological subpopulations. This heterogeneity can enable cross-feeding and promote drug resilience, features of the multicellular lifestyle that make biofilm-based infections difficult to treat. The pathogenic bacterium
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
produces pigments called phenazines that can support metabolic activity in hypoxic/anoxic biofilm subzones, but these compounds also include methylated derivatives that are toxic to their producer under some conditions. In this study, we uncover roles for the global regulators RpoS and Hfq/Crc in controlling the beneficial and detrimental effects of methylated phenazines in biofilms. Our results indicate that RpoS controls phenazine methylation by modulating activity of the carbon catabolite repression pathway, in which the Hfq/Crc complex inhibits translation of the phenazine methyltransferase PhzM. We find that RpoS indirectly inhibits expression of CrcZ, a small RNA that binds to and sequesters Hfq/Crc, specifically in the oxic subzone of
P. aeruginosa
biofilms. Deletion of
rpoS
or
crc
therefore leads to overproduction of methylated phenazines, which we show leads to increased metabolic activity—an apparent beneficial effect—in hypoxic/anoxic subpopulations within biofilms. However, we also find that under specific conditions, biofilms lacking RpoS and/or Crc show increased sensitivity to phenazines indicating that the increased metabolic activity in these mutants comes at a cost. Together, these results suggest that complex regulation of PhzM allows
P. aeruginosa
to simultaneously exploit the benefits and limit the toxic effects of methylated phenazines.
Politely warning?
Authors: Takebe Amy Ives
Published: October 2023

Taking a usage-based approach, this study examines the social meaning of Japanese honorifics when they are used in
call-to-action statements in official disaster warnings on Twitter. This study finds two honorific request constructions,
Verb-te kudasai and o-Verb kudasai, to be dominant directives used in the
data collected for this study. Discourse analysis of the texts found the two honorific request constructions signaling different
levels of severity of the impending threats in accordance with the different degrees of freedom of actions given to the warning
recipients upon complying with the recommended actions. The findings also suggest the use of honorifics helps maintain the warning
sender’s institutional identity as they communicate safety information to the public on behalf of the meteorological agency. This
paper extends the discussion of the multifunctionality of honorifics by highlighting the use of them in digitally mediated
institutional discourse contexts.
Development of self-cleaning superhydrophobic cotton fabric through silica/PDMS composite coating
Authors: Sutar Rajaram S , Shi Bairu , Kanchankoti Susmita S , Ingole Sagar S , Jamadar Wahida S , Sayyad Alsaba J , Khot Priyanka B , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Latthe Sanjay S , Liu Shanhu , Bhosale Appasaheb K
Published: October 2023

The lotus effect informs that self-cleaning superhydrophobic surfaces can be obtained by creating rough surface structures and modifying them with chemicals that have low surface energy. Herein, the composite of hydrophobic silica nanoparticles (SNPs) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was deposited on cotton fabric by multiple dip cycles. At optimal condition, the agglomerated SNPs in PDMS produces a hierarchical rough surface, as a result the coated cotton fabric has revealed a water contact angle (WCA) of 158.41 ± 1.58° and 4° of sliding angle. Due to negligible water adhesion to a superhydrophobic surface, coated cotton fabric reveals excellent self-cleaning behavior, which was tested by dust particles, muddy water and tea droplets. Furthermore, coated cotton fabric sustains superhydrophobicity over the mechanical robustness tests including adhesive tape peeling test, sandpaper abrasion test, and ultrasonication. Therefore, such an approach may be applicable in textile industries for self-cleaning purposes.
Cross-dimensional valley excitons from Förster coupling in arbitrarily twisted stacks of monolayer semiconductors
Authors: Li Ci , Yao Wang
Published: October 2023

In stacks of transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers with arbitrary twisting angles, we explore a new class of bright excitons arising from the pronounced Förster coupling, whose dimensionality is tuned by its in-plane momentum. The low energy sector at small momenta is two-dimensional, featuring a Mexican Hat dispersion, while the high energy sector at larger momenta becomes three-dimensional (3D) with sizable group velocity both in-plane and out-of-plane. By choices of the spacer thickness, versatile surface or interface exciton modes localized at designated layers can emerge out of the cross-dimensional bulk dispersion for a topological origin, which can be mapped to the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger soliton. Moreover, step-edges in spacers can be exploited for engineering lateral interfaces to enable interlayer communication of the topological interface exciton. Combined with the polarization selection rule inherited from the monolayer building block, these exotic exciton properties open up new opportunities for multilayer design towards 3D integration of valley exciton optoelectronics.
Crosslinked γ-cyclodextrin metal organic framework for stable ibuprofen loading
Authors: Li Menglu , Shao Yinlin , Tang Shengling , Zhang Le , Yang Minghua , Zhu Tingting , Deng Danfeng , Liang Xiaomei
Published: October 2023

Ibuprofen (IBU) is a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), but its solubility is poor in both aqueous and physiological environments . To improve its oral bioavailability and absorption, IBU is loaded into a material, with cyclodextrin metal–organic frameworks (CD-MOFs) being a promising drug carrier. To overcome the instability of CD-MOFs in humid conditions, a cross-linking agent Isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) was introduced, and a novel cross-linked material CL-CD-MOFs was prepared. On this basis, two IBU-loaded materials, CL-CD-MOFs-IBU, were prepared through different reaction sequences. Research shows that CL-CD-MOFs exhibit stability in water and humid environments, whereas CD-MOFs readily dissolve. Furthermore, this material demonstrates higher IBU loading and encapsulation rates, as well as sustained drug release. Cell toxicity studies indicate that CL-CD-MOFs-IBU exhibit good biocompatibility.
Biopolymer-coated composites for enhanced dielectric and electromagnetic interference shielding applications - a green initiative
Authors: Nivedhitha Durgam Muralidharan , Jeyanthi S , Rajamanickam Sathish Kumar , Balajivasan R J , R Harshavardhan , Thiagamani Senthil Muthu Kumar , Hashem Mohamed , Fouad Hassan , Ansari AbuZar , Bhat Irshad Ul Haq
Published: October 2023

The utilization of natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites has been tremendously growing in various applications of automotive and aerospace components. In this aspect, the researcher’s community is approaching the global market with new ideas for developing a complete eco-friendly, sustainable, and green composite. Plant-based composites have received great interest from the initial stage due to their unique features, such as lightweight, corrosion resistance, specific properties, excellent mechanical and thermal properties. This research article attempts a novel technique of coating the fibres with polylactic acid (PLA) as a part of surface modification which improves fibre properties. Then the fibres were reinforced with various weight percentages of conductive fillers, such as Copper (Cu), Alumina (Al2O3), and Graphene (Gr), to improve the electrical properties using the hand layup technique. Then the fabricated samples were tested for dielectric and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) using resonance and open shielded method. Based on the test results, it was noted that the dielectric strength (K) and shielding effectiveness (SE) of the composites started to increase with the increase of weight percentage of conductive fillers, which highlighted that by incorporating conductive fillers, the fibres started losing their insulation properties. The composites with 0.9 wt% of nanofillers achieved maximum SEabs of −19.61 dB and a SEtotal of −22.67 dB at a frequency range of 8–12 GHz.