bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoids desensitize hypothalamic CRH neurons to norepinephrine and somatic stress activation via rapid nitrosylation-dependent regulation of α1 adrenoreceptor trafficking
Authors: Weiss Grant L , Harrison Laura M , Jiang Zhiying , Nielsen Alyssa M , Feygin Maximillian S , Nguyen Sandy , Tirrell Parker S , Tasker Jeffrey
Published: December 2024

Noradrenergic afferents to hypothalamic corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) neurons provide a major excitatory drive for somatic stress activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We showed that glucocorticoids rapidly desensitize CRH neurons to norepinephrine and suppress inflammation-induced HPA activation via a glucocorticoid receptor- and endocytosis-dependent mechanism. Here, we show that α1 adrenoreceptor (ARα1) trafficking is regulated by convergent glucocorticoid and nitric oxide synthase signaling mechanisms. Live-cell imaging of ARα1b-eGFP-expressing hypothalamic cells revealed rapid corticosterone-stimulated redistribution of internalized ARα1 from rapid recycling endosomes to late endosomes and lysosomes via a nitrosylation-regulated mechanism. Proximity assay demonstrated interaction of glucocorticoid receptors with ARα1b and β-arrestin, and showed corticosterone blockade of norepinephrine-stimulated ARα1b/β-arrestin interaction, which may prevent ARα1b from entering the rapid recycling endosomal pathway. These findings demonstrate a rapid glucocorticoid regulation of G protein-coupled receptor trafficking and provide a molecular mechanism for rapid glucocorticoid desensitization of noradrenergic signaling in CRH neurons.
Impaired fatty acid import or catabolism in macrophages restricts intracellular growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Simwela Nelson V , Jaecklein Eleni , Sassetti Christopher M , Russell David G
Published: December 2024

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
Mtb
) infection of macrophages reprograms cellular metabolism to promote lipid retention. While it is clearly known that intracellular
Mtb
utilize host derived lipids to maintain infection, the role of macrophage lipid processing on the bacteria’s ability to access the intracellular lipid pool remains undefined. We utilized a CRISPR-Cas9 genetic approach to assess the impact of sequential steps in fatty acid metabolism on the growth of intracellular
Mtb
. Our analyzes demonstrate that mutated macrophages that cannot either import, store or catabolize fatty acids restrict
Mtb
growth by both common and divergent anti-microbial mechanisms, including increased glycolysis, increased oxidative stress, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhanced autophagy and nutrient limitation. We also show that impaired macrophage lipid droplet biogenesis is restrictive to
Mtb
replication, but increased induction fails to rescue
Mtb
growth. Our work expands our understanding of how host fatty acid homeostasis impacts
Mtb
growth in the macrophage.
A spatial threshold for astrocyte calcium surge
Authors: Lines Justin , Baraibar Andres , Nanclares Carmen , Martin Eduardo D , Aguilar Juan , Kofuji Paulo , Navarrete Marta , Araque Alfonso
Published: December 2024

Astrocytes are active cells involved in brain function through the bidirectional communication with neurons, in which astrocyte calcium plays a crucial role. Synaptically evoked calcium increases can be localized to independent subcellular domains or expand to the entire cell, i.e., calcium surge. Because a single astrocyte may contact ~100,000 synapses, the control of the intracellular calcium signal propagation may have relevant consequences on brain function. Yet, the properties governing the spatial dynamics of astrocyte calcium remains poorly defined. Imaging subcellular responses of cortical astrocytes to sensory stimulation in mice, we show that sensory-evoked astrocyte calcium responses originated and remained localized in domains of the astrocytic arborization, but eventually propagated to the entire cell if a spatial threshold of >23% of the arborization being activated was surpassed. Using Itpr2-/- mice, we found that type-2 IP3 receptors were necessary for the generation of astrocyte calcium surge. We finally show using in situ electrophysiological recordings that the spatial threshold of the astrocyte calcium signal consequently determined the gliotransmitter release. Present results reveal a fundamental property of astrocyte physiology, i.e., a spatial threshold for astrocyte calcium propagation, which depends on astrocyte intrinsic properties and governs astrocyte integration of local synaptic activity and subsequent neuromodulation.
Livestock abortion surveillance in Tanzania reveals disease priorities and importance of timely collection of vaginal swab samples for attribution
Authors: Lankester Felix , Kibona Tito J , Allan Kathryn J , de Glanville William , Buza Joram J , Katzer Frank , Halliday Jo E , Mmbaga Blandina T , Wheelhouse Nick , Innes Elisabeth A , Thomas Kate M , Nyasebwa Obed M , Swai Emanuel , Claxton John R , Cleaveland Sarah
Published: December 2024

Lack of data on the aetiology of livestock diseases constrains effective interventions to improve livelihoods, food security and public health. Livestock abortion is an important disease syndrome affecting productivity and public health. Several pathogens are associated with livestock abortions but across Africa surveillance data rarely include information from abortions, little is known about aetiology and impacts, and data are not available to inform interventions. This paper describes outcomes from a surveillance platform established in Tanzania spanning pastoral, agropastoral and smallholder systems to investigate causes and impacts of livestock abortion. Abortion events were reported by farmers to livestock field officers (LFO) and on to investigation teams. Events were included if the research team or LFO could attend within 72 hr. If so, samples and questionnaire data were collected to investigate (a) determinants of attribution; (b) patterns of events, including species and breed, previous abortion history, and seasonality; (c) determinants of reporting, investigation and attribution; (d) cases involving zoonotic pathogens. Between 2017–2019, 215 events in cattle (n=71), sheep (n=44), and goats (n=100) were investigated. Attribution, achieved for 19.5% of cases, was significantly affected by delays in obtaining samples. Histopathology proved less useful than PCR due to rapid deterioration of samples. Vaginal swabs provided practical and sensitive material for pathogen detection. Livestock abortion surveillance, even at a small scale, can generate valuable information on causes of disease outbreaks, reproductive losses and can identify pathogens not easily captured through other forms of livestock disease surveillance. This study demonstrated the feasibility of establishing a surveillance system, achieved through engagement of community-based field officers, establishment of practical sample collection and application of molecular diagnostic platforms.
High-Resolution Laminar Identification in Macaque Primary Visual Cortex Using Neuropixels Probes
Authors: Zhang Li A , Li Peichao , Callaway Edward M
Published: December 2024

Laminar electrode arrays allow simultaneous recording of activity of many cortical neurons and assignment to layers using current source density (CSD) analyses. Electrode arrays with 100-micron contact spacing have been used to estimate borders between layer 4 versus superficial or deep layers, but in macaque primary visual cortex (V1) there are far more layers, such as 4A which is only 50-100 microns thick. Neuropixels electrode arrays have 20-micron spacing, and thus could potentially discern thinner layers and more precisely identify laminar borders. Here we show that laminar distributions of CSDs lack consistency and the spatial resolution required for thin layers and accurate layer boundaries. To take full advantage of high density Neuropixels arrays, we have developed approaches based on higher resolution electrical signals and analyses, including spike waveforms and spatial spread, unit density, high-frequency action potential (AP) power spectrum, temporal power change, and coherence spectrum, that afford far higher resolution of laminar distinctions, including the ability to precisely detect the borders of even the thinnest layers of V1.
Reevaluating the Neural Noise Hypothesis in Dyslexia: Insights from EEG and 7T MRS Biomarkers
Authors: Glica Agnieszka , Wasilewska Katarzyna , Jurkowska Julia , Żygierewicz Jarosław , Kossowski Bartosz , Jednoróg Katarzyna
Published: December 2024

The neural noise hypothesis of dyslexia posits an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) brain activity as an underlying mechanism of reading difficulties. This study provides the first direct test of this hypothesis using both EEG power spectrum measures in 120 Polish adolescents and young adults (60 with dyslexia, 60 controls) and glutamate (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations from magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) at 7T MRI scanner in half of the sample. Our results, supported by Bayesian statistics, show no evidence of E/I balance differences between groups, challenging the hypothesis that cortical hyperexcitability underlies dyslexia. These findings suggest alternative mechanisms must be explored and highlight the need for further research into the E/I balance and its role in neurodevelopmental disorders.
BAD: Body – Art – Digital technology
Authors: Skregelid Lisbet
Published: December 2024

During the first lockdown in March 2020, I started running two to three times a week to a nearby beach. Since then, I have stopped each time about halfway, and have been filming the sea view from the same spot for 30 seconds with my mobile phone. The now over 550 films (October 2024) are stored on the digital platform Padlet that makes it possible to share with others. The project My stunning stream - Made with a little mischief (Skregelid, 2020-) makes use of a/r/tography which is a practice-based methodological approach that unites art, education, and research. A/r/tography explores art, research and education as forms of performative, explorative and lived inquiry, and thereby stretches the boundaries between these domains. This article draws attention to how the body and digital technology are entangled and interwoven in this project, and how this affective connectedness offers potentials for enabling ecological awareness in educational settings. It makes use of theories that consider bodies and technologies as united intra-actions and that are concerned with how to live your life in the world.
Photo: Libeth Skregelid
Dutch Therapists’ Professional Autonomy and Moral Agency After the Marketization and Bureaucratization of Mental Healthcare: Between Impracticalities and Impossibilities
Authors: Krikken Mulders Linda , Tonkens Evelien , Trappenburg Margo
Published: December 2024

Over the last decades, western mental healthcare has increasingly been governed by market and bureaucratic principles. As a consequence, therapists are faced with conflicting demands and decreased autonomy. This study examines how they cope and whether their strategies suffice. Drawing on the direct experience of therapists through interviews, we demonstrate that psychologists have become quite skilled at balancing and navigating bureaucratic and market demands that were at odds with professionalism. However, when they were structurally faced with bureaucratic and market demands that were already irreconcilable with each other, these skills fell short. Trying to meet all requirements took up so much of their resources that sometimes, professional reasoning and agency disappeared altogether. In some cases, this led to detachment, burnout, and patient neglect. Our findings suggest that the public interest in having a well-functioning mental healthcare system requires more room for professional autonomy.
PARA ALÉM DA PROVOCAÇÃO DE JAUSS
Authors: Nazario Luciano da Costa , Lauria Gabrielle Gonçalves
Published: December 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo vislumbrar os pontos de convergência e divergência entre as abordagens da estética da recepção proposta por Hans Robert Jauss no campo da literatura e da música, perscrutando até que ponto a leitura de uma obra literária pode se assimilar à leitura de uma obra musical. Metodologicamente, os(as) autores(as) deste estudo conduziram uma investigação bibliográfica que se concentrou na literatura científica nacional, abordando dois aspectos principais: (a) a utilização da estética da recepção proposta por Jauss como viés teórico e analítico, e (b) o enfoque em usos específicos da abordagem da estética da recepção de Jauss tanto em textos literários quanto musicais. Os resultados revelaram semelhanças nos processos de recepção em ambos os campos de estudo, uma vez que estes compartilham características semelhantes de horizontes de expectativas, bem como a presença das categorias fundamentais de poiesis, aisthesis e karthasis. Além disso, ambos os campos estão sujeitos a críticas que variam de acordo com a perspectiva adotada, seja ela moderna ou pós-moderna.
LONDRES LITERÁRIA
Authors: Da Cunha Zamberlan Lucas
Published: December 2024

Este texto propõe um panorama diacrônico acerca da literatura situada na cidade de Londres, desde a Idade Média até a contemporaneidade, com o intuito de compor uma cartografia que confunde o real e o imaginário; a concretude urbana e a fantasia. Para alcançar esse objetivo, até pela largueza do escopo, recorremos a um recorte especialmente marcado pelo entrecruzamento entre o que é definido pelo cânone e os caminhos tortuosos da singularidade pessoal. Nesse diálogo, foi trazida à discussão, uma leitura de Cidades Invisíveis, do escritor italiano Ítalo Calvino, além de teóricos como Watt (2010), Bloom (1994), Williams (1984), Eco (1994), Carpeaux (2008), D’Onofrio (2000) e Weise (2017). Como resultado, fica evidente a relevância do espaço da cidade, bem como seu corpo social, como palco plural e multifacetado onde os dramas humanos tomam as mais diversas formas em produtos culturais que determinam a conformação nem sempre definida entre o figurado e o histórico.
HISTÓRIAS CURTAS DE JULIA DE ASENSI
Authors: Antonelli Pivetta Luzia
Published: December 2024

Esta resenha aborda o livro Histórias Curtas (2020) originalmente nomeado Novelas cortas (1889) da escritora oitocentista espanhola Julia de Asensi (1849-1921), cuja produção literária tem início no ano de 1873 e está composta por diversos textos e poemas publicados em periódicos; uma peça teatral; algumas traduções de poetas franceses e alemães; um romance; dois livros de contos adultos e quase cem contos infantis. Mesmo com essa vasta produção, a autora madrilenha é pouco conhecida entre os leitores brasileiros e Histórias curtas (2020) destaca-se por ser sua primeira obra publicada no Brasil. O livro possui treze contos, cujas temáticas de cunho romântico ainda trazem os traços de um movimento literário em declínio na Espanha do séc. XIX. A tradução ao português brasileiro foi realizada por seis alunos do curso de Pós-Graduação em Estudos da Tradução da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, e o resultado apresenta-se em e-book disponível na página da UFSC.
BAKHTIN E EISENSTEIN / LITERATURA E CINEMA / DIALOGISMO E MONTAGEM INTELECTUAL
Authors: Moro Gláucio Henrique Matsushita , Carlos Gonçalves Jean
Published: December 2024

Este artigo, de caráter ensaístico-bibliográfico, apresenta um conjunto de digressões sobre formação estética, nos entremeios de teorias da literatura e do cinema, enquanto explora os conceitos de dialogismo e montagem intelectual de Mikhail Bakhtin e Sergei Eisenstein, respectivamente. Figuras seminais em suas áreas de estudo, estes autores marcam profundamente a teoria literária e teoria cinematográfica a partir do século XX. Bakhtin, filósofo da linguagem russo, é amplamente reconhecido por sua teoria das relações dialógicas, que explora a multiplicidade de vozes e a interação social na vida e na arte. Suas ideias desafiaram as abordagens tradicionais da crítica literária e introduziram uma nova dinâmica para a compreensão de modos de ser, viver e agir no mundo. Por outro lado, Sergei Eisenstein, um inovador diretor e teórico de cinema, transformou a linguagem visual cinematográfica com sua teoria da montagem, que defendia que a colisão entre imagens independentes poderia criar um sentido, provocando respostas sensoriais e emocionais nos espectadores. O trabalho desses pensadores ofereceu uma nova lente através da qual é possível vislumbrar relações entre arte e vida ainda pouco exploradas, especialmente quando se põem em jogo diferentes perspectivas sobre as visualidades contemporâneas. Esse texto pergunta, assim, embora não apresente respostas: quais as contribuições desse diálogo entre dois autores e suas teorias para a ampliação do que se sabe sobre formação estética?
CONTRIBUIÇÃO DA COMUNICAÇÃO PARA O ENGAJAMENTO DO APRENDIZ EM SITUAÇÕES DE APRENDIZAGEM ORGANIZACIONAL
Authors: Ciliato Sâmia Cristiane , Bortoluzzi Valeria Iensen , Ghisleni Taís Steffenello
Published: December 2024

A comunicação é um processo social que envolve a troca de informações, ideias e sentimentos, e sendo assim, é uma das ferramentas mais importantes para o engajamento do aprendiz em situações de aprendizagem organizacional. O estudo objetiva explorar achados em trabalhos bibliográficos sobre a contribuição da comunicação para o engajamento do aprendiz e para fomento à cultura de aprendizagem. Esta pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, método exploratório e levantamento bibliográfico por meio de um levantamento na plataforma de busca Google Acadêmico, utilizando os descritores: "aprendizagem organizacional" e "comunicação”. Por fim, conclui-se que independentemente do tamanho da organização, existem meios mais simples e mais robustos para estabelecer uma comunicação organizacional adequada e assertiva. Verifica-se a importância do engajamento e do papel do líder para o estabelecimento de uma cultura de aprendizagem organizacional e o quanto faz-se necessário investir em diferentes recursos metodológicos e experiências de aprendizagem para o engajamento do aprendiz.
An Empirical Study on the Progression of Self Help Groups in India
Authors: C Saranya , Devi K. Sita
Published: December 2024

As per NABARD report, India has the largest microfinance programme in the world with 17.80 crores of household through more than 144 lakh SHGs with deposit of Rs. 65, 089 crores, Rs. 2,09,286 crores as annual loan offtake and Rs. 2, 59, 664 crores as outstanding loan with an average of Rs. 3.35 lakh per SHG. With this background, this present study has been carried to study the performance of SHGs for the period from 2009-10 to 2023-24. The compound annual growth rate has revealed that the overall growth of loan amount availed by SHGs (19.93 per cent) has the greatest growth rate, when compared to saving amount and outstanding amount. The Cuddy Delle Valle Instability index has revealed that the saving amount and outstanding loan against SHGs has low instability. This shows that the SHG-BLP is progressing among the rural people through National Rural Livelihoods Mission and National Urban Livelihoods Mission. The financial literacy and capacity building has been increasing by means of mobilisation of money.
Valuation of Proceed PlusTMMD and Verification of CelestTop312.5FS Fungicides for the Control of Loose Smut of Wheat in Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Abebele Getnet Muche , Zerihun Alemu Ayele
Published: December 2024

Wheat is considered one of the utmost grown agricultural grain crops in the world to meet the food requirements of the domain’s population. In Ethiopia, wheat is one of key cereal crops whose area of cultivation and volume of produced boosted year after year. However, the production and productivity of wheat is truncated by various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses, wheat loose smut disease caused by Ustilago tritici is one of quality and quantity incurring diseases but getting lower research attention. A field experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate and verify the efficacy of fungicides against wheat loose smut diseases and put updated recommendation for users. It was executed at three loose smut hot spot locations, Meraro on-station, Kulumsa main center and Wonjigora on farm in 2023 main cropping season. Two different fungicides including the test fungicide (CelestTop312.5FS) and standard check (Proceed PlusTMMD), as well as untreated plot were used as a treatment. The trial was laid out in non-replicated plots at three sites where locations were considered as replica. The result of the research finding revealed that fungicide treated treatments significantly reduced loose smut diseases severity to the lowest level possible over the nil application. However, there was no statistically significant difference (p ≤ 5%) between the test and check fungicides in reducing loose smut diseases severity. Test fungicide revealed comparable level of efficacy on loose smut diseases severity reduction compared to the standard check. There was highly significant difference (p ≤ 5%) hectoliter weight between fungicide treatments and nil application of fungicide but insignificant variation in grain yield and thousand seed weight. Both fungicide treatments also revealed significant diseases management advantage than untreated plots. Thus, the newly verified fungicide CelestTop312.5 FS at a rate of 200ml fungicide with 1 to 2 liters of water as wetting agent for 100 Kg of wheat seed is found to be very effective in controlling loose smut diseases and is recommended for registration. Similarly, proceed PlusTM MD at a rate of  0.004 liter fungicide per kilogram of seed is suggested for further use for producers to control wheat loose smut diseases as sole or integrated disease management options.
Application of the CMIP6 Approach for Determination of Climate Change Impact on Inflow to Malampuzha Reservoir, India
Authors: Yesubabu Vinnakota , Varughese Anu , P Aravind
Published: December 2024

Optimal operation of a reservoir is important for the efficient planning and management of water resources.  Inflow estimation into the reservoir is the basic information needed by a policy maker for the optimal planning of the reservoir operation.  Climate change has become a major cause for the changes in the hydrological phenomena.  An attempt was made to analyse the impact of climate change on Malampuzha reservoir inflow for the future using recent Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) scenarios.  Two SSP scenarios, SSP 245 and SSP 585 were considered for the evaluation of changes in the meteorological variables for the future period.  Rainfall-runoff modelling of the catchment area of the Malampuzha reservoir was done with IHACRES model for the period 2003-2022. The model performance was accepted in calibration (2003-2016) and validation (2017-2022) periods with R2 of 0.90 and 0.91 and RMSE 2.63 and 4.53 m3/s respectively.  The outputs of SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios were given to the developed runoff model to estimate the future inflow volume into Malampuzha reservoir for the period of 2023 to 2042. From the results, the change in monthly temperature varies from -0.88oC to 3.3oC and change in monthly precipitation varies from -0.64% to 1.73% which indicates a decrease in the inflow of water into the reservoir for future period by 2.6% and 9.3% than the base period (2003– 2022) for SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios, respectively.  The results of the study implies that better planning of the reservoir operation is needed for meeting the future demands.
Projected Shifts in Potential Evapotranspiration under the Impact of Climate Change for India and Karnataka: A Jensen-Haise Approach
Authors: B. S. Thanushree , Patil R. H. , Sumesh K. G.
Published: December 2024

Climate change, driven by long-term shifts in weather patterns caused by greenhouse gas emissions, has profound effects on agriculture, particularly crop production, which is highly dependent on weather conditions. Changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures can significantly reduce crop yields, especially in subtropical regions like India. Elevated levels of CO2 and temperature influence key biological processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, plant growth, reproduction, and water use. One crucial aspect of crop management affected by climate change is evapotranspiration, which plays a central role in the soil-plant-atmosphere water balance and determines irrigation frequency. Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) refers to the total water loss through the combined processes of transpiration and evaporation, both of which are governed by weather factors such as temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind. PET is an important indicator of the water that needs to be replenished through rainfall or irrigation, and its estimation is critical for calculating crop water requirements and adjusting irrigation schedules to maximize water efficiency. As climate change intensifies, it is essential to estimate PET for various crops, cropping systems, and agro-ecosystems over the coming decades to ensure effective crop and resource management. This study estimates PET for India, including Karnataka, from 2021 to 2070 using the Jensen-Haise method. The results show a mix of increasing and decreasing trends in annual PET, but an overall slight upward trend is projected over the 50-year period. The average annual PET for Karnataka is estimated at 2,516 mm/year, with an increasing trend expected in the next five decades. The highest monthly PET values are predicted for April (279.30 mm), May (307.46 mm), and June (319.36 mm). These projected increases in PET must be factored into crop selection, cropping systems, and water management plans to ensure sustainable crop yields and improved water use efficiency in the face of climate change.
Determination of Kaolin Optimum Dose to Inhibit Iron Toxic Effect on Rice Plant in Lowland Rice Cultivation
Authors: Sylvain Sehi Zokagon , Elie Kouakou Konan , Firmin Konan , Brahima Koné , Albert Yao-Kouamé
Published: December 2024

In tropical areas, lowland rice cultivation with or without water control is often faced with iron toxicity constraint. This problem causes a drop of the rice grain yield when the iron concentration in soil solution is more than 300 ppm. To resolve iron toxicity problem, drainage and fertilizers as industrial silicon applying have been recommended. However, the used of industrial silicon is not adopted by the farmers because of his high cost and his accessibility. Kaolin contains 54.7% of SiO2 the aim of this research is to explore the potential of kaolin as a natural substitute of industrial silicon. A pot test was carried in 900 ppm iron toxicity condition. of Fe2+ the condition out for two successive rice cultivation cycles by applying 900ppm of Fe2+. Five kaolin treatments were analyzed (T0 = 0, T1 = 366, T2 = 735, T3 = 1097 and T4 = 1465 kg kaolin ha-1) in a complete randomized block design with 5 repetitions. The dose of 366 kg ha-1 reduced the symptoms of iron toxicity on rice plant.  kaolin applying improved the grain yield of rice (0 tha-1 to 1.8 tha-1). The dose of 1465 kg kaolin ha-1 gave the best grain yield (1.08 t ha-1). The response of rice to kaolin doses was an equation RDG = 0.98 ×Dose more linear than quadratic and the dose of 1465 kg kaolin ha-1 was recommended as the optimal dose in the conditions of 900 ppm Fe2+.
Die Weiterverarbeitung von Gesundheitsdaten nach dem GDNG — Eine neue Rechtsgrundlage zur Beseitigung bisheriger Rechtsunsicherheit?
Authors: Kuss Christian , Langenheim Niccolo
Published: December 2024

Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über das Gesundheitsdatennutzungsgesetz (nachfolgend: GDNG) und im Speziellen die Weiterverarbeitung von Gesundheitsdaten nach § 6 GDNG. Große praktische Relevanz erhält die Rechtsgrundlage für die Verarbeitung von Gesundheitsdaten, da diese eine einheitliche, deutschlandweite Regelung ohne Einwilligungserfordernis schafft. Das GDNG knüpft die Weiterverarbeitung an bestimmte Voraussetzungen, um die Interessen der betroffenen Personen zu wahren.
Minimierung des Strafbarkeitsrisikos für IT-Sicherheitsforschung — Lehren aus dem Referentenentwurf des BMJ zu einer Modernisierung des Computerstrafrechts
Authors: Marnau Ninja
Published: December 2024

Noch vor dem Bruch der Ampelkoalition hat das Bundesministerium der Justiz unter Marco Buschmann am 22.10.2024 den Referentenentwurf eines Gesetzes zur Änderung des Strafgesetzbuches - Modernisierung des Computerstrafrechts zur Ressortabstimmung vorgelegt. Ziel des Entwurfs ist es, die Rechtsunsicherheit für die IT-Sicherheitsforschung zu beseitigen. Zwar ist nach dem Bruch der Ampelkoalition eine Verabschiedung vor den Bundestagsneuwahlen Ende Februar 2025 äußerst unwahrscheinlich, gleichwohl nimmt der Beitrag diesen Entwurf zum Anlass, um die Auswirkungen auf das Strafbarkeitsrisiko für die IT-Sicherheitsforschung näher zu betrachten und daraus Erkenntnisse für eine künftige gesetzgeberische Neugestaltung zu gewinnen.
Wohnungseigentum: Aktuelle Entwicklungen zu Altvereinbarungen, Nutzungsrechten, Erhaltung und baulichen Veränderungen sowie Jahresabrechnung
Authors: Riecke Olaf
Published: December 2024

Der folgende Beitrag schließt an die Rechtsprechungsübersichten Riecke, MDR 2024, 82 ff. und Riecke, MDR 2024, 129 ff. an und stellt die Rechtsprechung (ergänzt um wenige Literaturhinweise) nicht nur des V. Zivilsenats des BGH, sondern auch der Instanzgerichte, aus den letzten gut 12 Monaten zu den Regelungen des seit 1.12.2020 (bzw. 17.10.2024) geltenden WEG (neugefasst am 12.1.2021; BGBl.I 2021, S. 34 ff.) dar. Den thematischen Schwerpunkt dieser Übersicht bilden Altvereinbarungen, Nutzungsrechte, Erhaltung und bauliche Veränderungen. Eine Übersicht zu den Schwerpunkten „Eigentümerversammlung“, „Verwalter“ und „Verfahren“ folgt in der nächsten Ausgabe.
Treatment of Multiorgan Sarcoidosis With Tofacitinib
Authors: Damsky William , Young Bryan D. , Sloan Brett , Miller Edward J. , Obando J. Antonio , King Brett
Published: January 2020

Objective

Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic inflammatory disorder that is difficult to treat. There is accumulating evidence that constitutive activation of Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK‐STAT) signaling occurs in sarcoidosis and represents a target for treatment. Here we report the efficacy of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, in a single patient with multiorgan sarcoidosis.

Methods

A patient with long‐standing multiorgan sarcoidosis who was unresponsive to other commonly used therapies, including methotrexate, prednisone, and tumor necrosis factor α blockade, was treated with tofacitinib.

Results

Tofacitinib treatment resulted in clinical remission of cutaneous sarcoidosis lesions and resolution of positron emission tomography avid lesions in internal organs after 6 months. An evaluation of lesional tissue and blood before and during treatment showed resolution of granulomatous inflammation and normalization of disease biomarkers.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the promise of JAK inhibition as a strategy to treat recalcitrant sarcoidosis and suggests that further study of JAK inhibitors in sarcoidosis is needed.
Sequential Enzyme Activation of a “Pro‐Staramine”‐Based Nanomedicine to Target Tumor Mitochondria
Authors: Du Yunai , Li Yanan , Li Xuezhao , Jia Changrong , Wang Lei , Wang Yanqi , Ding Yuan , Wang Sheng , Sun Huimin , Sun Wen , Tu Jiasheng , Sun Chunmeng
Published: January 2020

Blocking cancer metabolism represents an attractive therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. However, the lack of selective mitochondria targeting compromises the efficacy and safety of antimetabolic agents. Given that β‐glucuronidase (β‐G) is overexpressed in the tumor extracellular microenvironment and intracellular endosomes and lysosomes, a new concept of “pro‐staramine” is proposed to achieve multistage tumor mitochondrial targeting. The pro‐staramine, namely GluAcNA, is engineered by conjugating a β‐glucuronic acid to staramine via a “seamless” linker. When exposed to β‐G, the β‐glucuronic acid in GluAcNA can be hydrolyzed, followed by a rapid 1,6‐self‐elimination of the “seamless”, thus transforming anionic GluAcNA to cationic staramine. Liposomes containing GluAcNA (GluAcNA‐Lip) show long‐circulating characteristics and undergo a sequentially β‐G‐triggered activation, resulting in a cation‐driven mitochondrial accumulation. The multistage mitochondrial targeting and the promising antitumoral efficacy of GluAcNA‐Lip are validated by employing lonidamine as a model drug.
Van der Waals SnSe2(1−x)S2x Alloys: Composition‐Dependent Bowing Coefficient and Electron–Phonon Interaction
Authors: Kudrynskyi Zakhar R. , Wang Xueting , Sutcliffe Jake , Bhuiyan Mahabub A. , Fu Yuhao , Yang Zhuo , Makarovsky Oleg , Eaves Laurence , Solomon Andrij , Maslyuk Volodymyr T. , Kovalyuk Zakhar D. , Zhang Lijun , Patanè Amalia
Published: January 2020

The design of advanced functional materials with customized properties often requires the use of an alloy. This approach has been used for decades, but only recently to create van der Waals (vdW) alloys for applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and thermoelectrics. A route to engineering their physical properties is by mixing isoelectronic elements, as done for the SnSe2(1−x)S2x alloy. Here, by experiment and first‐principles modeling, it is shown that the value of x can be adjusted over a wide range, indicating good miscibility of the SnS2 and SnSe2 compounds. The x‐dependence of the indirect bandgap energy from Eind = 1.20 eV for SnSe2 to Eind = 2.14 eV for SnS2, corresponds to a large bowing coefficient b ≈ 1 eV, arising from volume deformation and charge exchange effects due to the different sizes and orbital energies of the S‐ and Se‐atoms. This also causes composition‐dependent phonon energy modes, electron–phonon interaction, and temperature dependence of Eind. The alloys are exfoliable into thin layers with properties that depend on the composition, but only weakly on the layer thickness. This work shows that the electronic and vibrational properties of the SnSe2(1−x)S2x alloy and its thin layers provide a versatile platform for development and exploitation.
From Molecular Precursors to Nanoparticles—Tailoring the Adsorption Properties of Porous Carbon Materials by Controlled Chemical Functionalization
Authors: Perovic Milena , Qin Qing , Oschatz Martin
Published: January 2020

Nanoporous carbon materials (NCMs) provide the “function” of high specific surface area and thus have large interface area for interactions with surrounding species, which is of particular importance in applications related to adsorption processes. The strength and mechanism of adsorption depend on the pore architecture of the NCMs. In addition, chemical functionalization can be used to induce changes of electron density and/or electron density distribution in the pore walls, thus further modifying the interactions between carbons and guest species. Typical approaches for functionalization of nanoporous materials with regular atomic construction like porous silica, metal–organic frameworks, or zeolites, cannot be applied to NCMs due to their less defined local atomic construction and abundant defects. Therefore, synthetic strategies that offer a higher degree of control over the process of functionalization are needed. Synthetic approaches for covalent functionalization of NCMs, that is, for the incorporation of heteroatoms into the carbon backbone, are critically reviewed with a special focus on strategies following the concept “from molecules to materials.” Approaches for coordinative functionalization with metallic species, and the functionalization by nanocomposite formation between pristine carbon materials and heteroatom‐containing carbons, are introduced as well. Particular focus is given to the influences of these functionalizations in adsorption‐related applications.
Routing Nanomolar Protein Cargoes to Lipid Raft‐Mediated/Caveolar Endocytosis through a Ganglioside GM1‐Specific Recognition Tag
Authors: Imre Norbert , Hetényi Anasztázia , Szabó Enikő , Bodnár Brigitta , Szkalisity Abel , Gróf Ilona , Bocsik Alexandra , Deli Mária A. , Horvath Peter , Czibula Ágnes , Monostori Éva , Martinek Tamás A.
Published: January 2020

There is a pressing need to develop ways to deliver therapeutic macromolecules to their intracellular targets. Certain viral and bacterial proteins are readily internalized in functional form through lipid raft‐mediated/caveolar endocytosis, but mimicking this process with protein cargoes at therapeutically relevant concentrations is a great challenge. Targeting ganglioside GM1 in the caveolar pits triggers endocytosis. A pentapeptide sequence WYKYW is presented, which specifically captures the glycan moiety of GM1 (KD = 24 nm). The WYKYW‐tag facilitates the GM1‐dependent endocytosis of proteins in which the cargo‐loaded caveosomes do not fuse with lysosomes. A structurally intact immunoglobulin G complex (580 kDa) is successfully delivered into live HeLa cells at extracellular concentrations ranging from 20 to 160 nm, and escape of the cargo proteins to the cytosol is observed. The short peptidic WYKYW‐tag is an advantageous endocytosis routing sequence for lipid raft‐mediated/caveolar cell delivery of therapeutic macromolecules, especially for cancer cells that overexpress GM1.
No‐tillage with reduced water and nitrogen supply improves water use efficiency of wheat in arid regions
Authors: Guo Yao , Yin Wen , Fan Zhilong , Hu Falong , Fan Hong , Zhao Cai , Yu Aizhong , Chai Qiang , Coulter Jeffrey A.
Published: January 2020

No‐tillage, plastic mulching, optimal irrigation, nutrient management, and crop rotation are valuable strategies for improving water use efficiency (WUE) in arid regions, but the effect of no‐tillage combined with plastic mulching on WUE has not been tested. In 2016 and 2017, a field experiment was conducted after plastic mulched maize (Zea mays L.) in northwestern China to assess how tillage, irrigation, and nitrogen levels affect soil evaporation (E), evapotranspiration (ET), grain yield (GY), and WUE of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This study evaluated all combinations of two tillage practices (NT, no‐tillage with previous plastic mulching; CT, conventional tillage), two irrigation levels (high: local conventional irrigation amount, 240 mm; and low: local conventional irrigation amount reduced by 20%, 192 mm), and three nitrogen levels (high: local conventional nitrogen amount, 225 kg ha−1; medium: local conventional nitrogen amount reduced by 20%, 180 kg ha−1; and low: local conventional nitrogen amount reduced by 40%, 135 kg ha−1). Across the study years, NT reduced E and E/ET and increased GY and WUE at all irrigation and nitrogen levels compared with CT. No‐tillage with low irrigation and medium nitrogen reduced E, ET, and E/ET by 29%, 4%, and 26%, respectively, and improved GY and WUE by 19% and 24%, respectively, compared with CT with high supplies of irrigation and nitrogen. We concluded that NT into plastic mulched maize with a reduction in irrigation and a moderate level of nitrogen can improve WUE of wheat in arid regions, thereby enhancing the sustainability of cereal production.
Cover crop and tillage affect sweet sorghum production and soil chemical properties
Authors: Han Kun‐Jun , Alison Montgomery
Published: January 2020

Sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench] is known for high production potential, even on marginal land. Field research was conducted in northeast and southeast Louisiana for 3 yr to determine the changes of sweet sorghum productivity and soil‐chemical properties influenced by applications of tillage and legume cover crop. Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatumL.), and hairy vetch (Vicia villosaRoth) were planted in the fall and then compared for the following sweet sorghum production and soil‐chemical properties with those receiving 0, 56, and 112 kg ha−1of synthetic N fertilizer under conventional tillage (CT) or no‐tillage (NT). Sweet sorghum cultivated after either legume cover crop produced equivalent amounts of sweet sorghum biomass and sugar as those of sweet sorghum receiving 56 or 112 kg ha−1N fertilization. Increasing N fertilization rates from 56 to 112 kg ha−1did not increase sweet sorghum production. Proportion of sucrose averaged 48% of fermentable carbohydrate in the juice, followed by glucose (23%) and fructose (16%). The proportion of sugars did not differ regardless of tillage or N treatment. Potential N production from hairy vetch ranged from 74–108 kg ha−1, which was greater than that from crimson clover. The benefit of CT was found in greater fresh biomass and higher plant population of sweet sorghum compared to those of NT. Soil organic matter varied in years and cultivation practices. Due to moderate N demand of sweet sorghum, legume cover crops are promising N providers without sweet sorghum production losses.
Seasonal changes in crop growth and grain yield of different japonica rice cultivars in southeast China
Authors: Chen Song , Liu Shaowen , Yin Min , Zheng Xi , Chu Guang , Xu Chunmei , Wang Dangying , Zhang Xiufu
Published: January 2020

It is unknown whether japonica rice bred up in the single season is suitable for growing in the late season in southeastern China. To evaluate the response of grain yield and growth traits of japonica varieties to the changing growing season, two types of japonica rice (inbred japonica and indica‐japonica hybrid rice) were planted during single and late seasons in 2016 and 2017. The grain yields of indica‐japonica hybrid rice were 8.3–9.5 t ha−1 and 9.2–10.8 t ha−1 in the late and single season, respectively, which were significantly greater than those of japonica inbred rice. In addition, the grain yields decreased when the growing season was switched from the single to the late season, being 17.3–23.7% for the inbred japonica rice and 4.0–9.7% for the indica‐japonica hybrid rice, indicating a small yield gap between the single and late season of the indica‐japonica hybrid rice. Furthermore, the indica‐japonica hybrid rice had a higher accumulated biomass, leaf area index (LAI), and spikelets per panicle; comparable phenological traits and leaf photosynthetic rate during panicle development; but lower grain weight and grain filling percentage compared with those of the inbred japonica rice. These results suggested that high grain yield of the indica‐japonica hybrid rice during the late season might be attributed to the high accumulation of biomass and the large panicle size. Thereby, we suggested that the great LAI during panicle development, high biomass accumulation before heading, and large panicle size might be useful as indicators for breeding the japonica variety during the late season.
Midseason application of organic fertilizer improves yield and nitrogen uptake in rice
Authors: Murray Anna C. , Linquist Bruce A.
Published: January 2020

Organic rice (Oryza sativa L.) systems in California utilize a 30‐d drain approximately one month into the growing season to control weeds. This drain may result in N losses and reduce yields. Two field trials were initiated to evaluate whether top‐dressing fertilizer N following the drain period could mitigate this problem by increasing N uptake and yields. Treatments evaluated rates and sources of commercially available organic fertilizers varying in N content and C to N ratio. The six treatments were a control with no top‐dress fertilizer, and top‐dress applications of 12–3–0 (applied at 22, 45, and 67 kg N ha−1) and 6–3–2 and 4–1–4 applied at 45 kg N ha−1. Total plant N uptake at harvest increased linearly with increasing N rate at both locations. At both sites, grain yields increased linearly (by 15 to 22 kg ha−1 for every kg N ha−1 applied) up to 45 kg N ha−1 above which yields plateaued at one site but continued to increase linearly at the other site. Application of 12–3–0 increased yields relative to the control at both locations but yields were not significantly different between the three fertilizer sources at the 45 kg N ha−1 rate at either location. Total plant N uptake and N recovery were higher in the 12–3–0 treatment compared to the other fertilizer sources at only one location. An economic analysis indicates that at the yield responses reported here, top‐dress N fertilizer applications were economical.
High nitrogen rates do not increase canola yield and may affect soil bacterial functioning
Authors: Becker Frederick , MacLaren Chloe , Brink Casparus Johannes , Jacobs Karin , le Roux Marcellous Remarque , Swanepoel Pieter Andreas
Published: January 2020

Nitrogen fertilization has a fundamental role in agricultural productivity. However, injudicious N applications to crops are common. It is important to ensure the minimum N required for satisfactory crop growth is applied but that excess amounts are avoided due to potential impacts on agroecosystem functioning. Nitrogen at 0, 60, and 150 kg ha–1 was applied as limestone ammonium nitrate to plots arranged in a randomized complete block design, on three farms to determine the impact of rate and temporal distribution of fertilizer on canola (Brassica napus L.) production in South Africa, and the effect of N fertilizer application on the composition and diversity of soil bacterial communities. The amount and distribution of N had only minor effects on canola growth (P < .05) and no effects on yield or harvest index. Splitting fertilizer into two or three applications throughout the season resulted in more mineral N available in the soil later in the season. Increasing the N rate from 60 to 150 kg ha–1 had a significant impact on bacterial community composition. The lower rate favored bacteria that are more able to break down N‐containing C sources. No effects of fertilizer amount or distribution were observed on either N fixation potential (number of nifH gene copies) or bacterial community diversity. Overall, a low rate of N fertilizer split into multiple applications is recommended for canola production, as higher rates do not increase yield and may have a detrimental impact on soil C and N cycling.
Secondary‐cell‐wall release: a particular pattern of secretion in the mucilaginous seed coat of Magonia pubescens
Authors: Souza Michely de Jesus , Mercadante‐Simões Maria Olívia , Ribeiro Leonardo Monteiro
Published: January 2020

Premise

Plant mucilages are composed of strongly hydrophilic polysaccharides and contribute to seed germination and seedling establishment. The myxospermic seeds of Magonia pubescens, a Cerrado (neotropical savanna) tree species, produces a voluminous mucilage capsule when hydrated. The development of the mucilaginous layer, the process of mucilage secretion and its role in seed germination was not previously studied so far.

Methods

Morphological, anatomical, histochemical, and ultrastructural evaluations of the seed coat during seed development were undertaken. The formation of the mucilage capsule was followed using scanning electron microscopy, and the coat's effects on seed hydration and germination were evaluated after experimental manipulation of the seed coat.

Results

The mucilaginous layer is contained in the outer coat of the seed. The mucilage‐secreting cells accumulate proteins in the outer periclinal region and acidic polysaccharides in the inner periclinal region of the periplasmic space. Neutral polysaccharides, which form the loosely organized secondary wall, form a folding, basket‐like structure surrounding the acidic polysaccharides. The protoplast collapses at maturity. With hydration, the mucilage expands, breaks the epidermal layer, and forms a mucilage capsule around the seed. The mucilaginous seed coat does not increase the germination rate.

Conclusions

Upon mucilage hydration, the secondary cell walls forming the network of neutral polysaccharides are released, along with proteins, and help retain the acidic polysaccharides—forming a peculiar architecture that imparts integrity and consistency to the mucilage capsule. As winged seeds are not usually buried, the mucilage capsule favors seedling hydration, contributing to its establishment on the soil surface.