bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome profiles revealed the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of yak to high-altitude environments
Authors: Xin Jin-Wei , Chai Zhi-Xin , Zhang Cheng-Fu , Zhang Qiang , Zhu Yong , Cao Han-Wen , Ji Qiu-Mei , Zhong Jin-Cheng
Published: May 2019

The yak is a valuable species in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of China. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying its adaptation to high-altitude environments remain largely unknown. In the present study, comparative transcriptome sequencing was performed for lung and gluteus tissues from two species of low-altitude cattle (Sanjiang and Holstein cattle), Tibetan cattle (living at a moderate altitude), and yak (living at a high altitude) and the differentially expressed genes were validated using real-time quantitative PCR. The results showed that CD36 antigen was up-regulated and CD59 antigen was down-regulated in yak in comparison to the other animals, which might promote the development of red blood cells and inhibit the development of lymphocytes in yak. In addition, thrombospondin type 1, coagulation factor 5/8, and fibronectin were all down-regulated, but serpin and alpha 2-macroglobulin (A2M) were up-regulated. These differences would inhibit blood coagulation, thus reducing the risk of pulmonary edema. The expression levels of the calcium-release, potassium, and transient receptor potential channels decreased in yak, minimizing membrane depolarization and the harmful effects of pulmonary edema. Eleven KEGG pathways associated with innate immunity were more activated in yak and Tibetan cattle than in other cattle strains, which should reduce their risk of infection and disease. These changes together might facilitate the adaptation of yak and Tibetan cattle to live in high-altitude habitats.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated ablation of elovl2 in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) inhibits elongation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and induces Srebp-1 and target genes
Authors: Datsomor Alex K. , Zic Nikola , Li Keshuai , Olsen Rolf E. , Jin Yang , Vik Jon Olav , Edvardsen Rolf B. , Grammes Fabian , Wargelius Anna , Winge Per
Published: May 2019

Atlantic salmon can synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3), arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) via activities of very long chain fatty acyl elongases (Elovls) and fatty acyl desaturases (Fads), albeit to a limited degree. Understanding molecular mechanisms of PUFA biosynthesis and regulation is a pre-requisite for sustainable use of vegetable oils in aquafeeds as current sources of fish oils are unable to meet increasing demands for omega-3 PUFAs. By generating CRISPR-mediated elovl2 partial knockout (KO), we have shown that elovl2 is crucial for multi-tissue synthesis of 22:6n-3 in vivo and that endogenously synthesized PUFAs are important for transcriptional regulation of lipogenic genes in Atlantic salmon. The elovl2-KOs showed reduced levels of 22:6n-3 and accumulation of 20:5n-3 and docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3) in the liver, brain and white muscle, suggesting inhibition of elongation. Additionally, elovl2-KO salmon showed accumulation of 20:4n-6 in brain and white muscle. The impaired synthesis of 22:6n-3 induced hepatic expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (srebp-1), fatty acid synthase-b, Δ6fad-a, Δ5fad and elovl5. Our study demonstrates key roles of elovl2 at two penultimate steps of PUFA synthesis in vivo and suggests Srebp-1 as a main regulator of endogenous PUFA synthesis in Atlantic salmon.
Affimer reagents as tools in diagnosing plant virus diseases
Authors: Hesketh Emma L. , Tiede Christian , Adamson Hope , Adams Thomas L. , Byrne Matthew J. , Meshcheriakova Yulia , Kruse Inga , McPherson Michael J. , Lomonossoff George P. , Tomlinson Darren C. , Ranson Neil A.
Published: May 2019

Plant viruses can cause devastating losses to agriculture and are therefore a major threat to food security. The rapid identification of virally-infected crops allowing containment is essential to limit such threats, but plant viral diseases can be extremely challenging to diagnose. An ideal method for plant virus diagnosis would be a device which can be implemented easily in the field. Such devices require a binding reagent that is specific for the virus of interest. We chose to investigate the use of Affimer reagents, artificial binding proteins and a model plant virus Cowpea Mosaic virus (CPMV) empty virus like particles (eVLPs). CPMV-eVLP mimic the morphology of wild-type (WT) CPMV but lack any infectious genomic material and so do not have biocontainment issues. We have produced and purified an Affimer reagent selected for its ability to bind to CPMV-eVLP and have shown that the selected Affimer also specifically binds to WT CPMV. We have produced a 3.4 Å structure of WT CPMV bound to the Affimer using cryo-electron microscopy. Finally, we have shown that this Affimer is capable of reliably detecting the virus in crude extracts of CPMV-infected leaves and can therefore form the basis for the future development of diagnostic tests.
Loss of Disabled-2 Expression in Pancreatic Cancer Progression
Authors: Hocevar Barbara A.
Published: May 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer type characterized by rapid metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy, properties that are shared by cancer stem cells (CSCs). In pancreatic cancer, tumor cells which possess the properties of CSCs also phenotypically resemble cells that have undergone epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT. Disabled-2 (Dab2) is a multifunctional scaffold protein frequently downregulated in cancer that has been linked to the process of EMT. However, the role of Dab2 in pancreatic cancer development and progression remains unclear. Downregulation of Dab2 expression in pancreatic cancer cell lines was found to trigger induction of genes characteristic of EMT and the CSC phenotype, while overexpression of Dab2 in the Panc1 cell line blocked the process of TGFβ-stimulated EMT. In addition, selective inhibition of the TGFβRI/RII receptors was found to reverse genes altered by Dab2 downregulation. Dab2 mRNA expression was found to be decreased in PDAC tumor samples, as compared to levels observed in normal pancreatic tissue. Methylation of the Dab2 gene promoter was demonstrated in Stage I PDAC tumors and in the MiaPaCa2 cell line, suggesting that promoter methylation may silence Dab2 expression early in pancreatic cancer progression. These results suggest that Dab2 may function as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer by modulation of the TGFβ-stimulated EMT and CSC phenotype.
Periodontitis is associated with an increased risk for proximal colorectal neoplasms
Authors: Kim Gun Woo , Kim Young-Sang , Lee Soo Hyun , Park Seung Geon , Kim Duk Hwan , Cho Joo Young , Hahm Ki Baik , Hong Sung Pyo , Yoo Jun-Hwan
Published: May 2019

Interval colorectal cancers detected after colonoscopy are known to be highly associated with proximal colorectal neoplasms (CRNs). This cross-sectional study investigated whether periodontitis could be a risk factor for proximal CRNs in healthy individuals. A total of 2504 subjects who received a colonoscopy and dental exam were enrolled in this study. We divided the subjects into the periodontitis group (n = 216) and the control group (n = 2288). The periodontitis group was defined as subjects who had one or more teeth with a probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥4 mm. The prevalence of proximal CRNs was significantly higher in the periodontitis group (25.0%) than in the control group (12.3%) (P < 0.001). Independent risk factors for proximal CRNs in the multivariate analysis were periodontitis, smoking, age, waist circumference, and triglycerides, and those for proximal advanced CRNs were periodontitis, age, and family history of CRC. However, periodontitis was not a risk factor for overall CRNs and advanced CRNs. Periodontitis was associated with an increased risk of proximal CRNs (odds ratio [OR], 1.525; 95% confidence intervals [95% CI], 1.071–2.172) and proximal advanced CRNs (OR, 2.671; 95% CI, 1.088–6.560). Periodontitis might be associated with proximal CRNs and proximal advanced CRNs.
Effect of mycalolides isolated from a marine sponge Mycale aff. nullarosette on actin in living cells
Authors: Hayashi-Takanaka Yoko , Kina Yuto , Nakamura Fumiaki , Yamazaki Shota , Harata Masahiko , Soest Rob W. M. van , Kimura Hiroshi , Nakao Yoichi
Published: May 2019

Discovery of novel bioactive compounds is important not only for therapeutic purposes but also for understanding the mechanisms of biological processes. To screen bioactive compounds that affect nuclear morphology in marine organism extracts, we employed a microscopy-based assay using DNA staining of human cancer cells. A crude extract from a marine sponge Mycale aff. nullarosette, collected from the east coast of Japan, induced cellular binucleation. Fractionation of the extract led to the isolation of mycalolides A and B, and 38-hydroxymycalolide B as the active components. Mycalolides have been identified as marine toxins that induce depolymerization of the actin filament. Live cell imaging revealed that low concentrations of mycalolide A produce binucleated cells by inhibiting the completion of cytokinesis. At higher concentrations, however, mycalolide A causes immediate disruption of actin filaments and changes in cell morphology, yielding rounded cells. These results suggest that the completion of cytokinesis is a process requiring high actin polymerization activity. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays with mycalolide A treatments support the view that the level of globular actin can affect transcription of a serum response gene.
15-deoxy-Δ12,14-Prostaglandin J2 inhibits human soluble epoxide hydrolase by a dual orthosteric and allosteric mechanism
Authors: Abis Giancarlo , Charles Rebecca L. , Kopec Jolanta , Yue Wyatt W. , Atkinson R. Andrew , Bui Tam T. T. , Lynham Steven , Popova Simona , Sun Yin-Biao , Fraternali Franca , Eaton Philip , Conte Maria R.
Published: May 2019

Human soluble epoxide hydrolase (hsEH) is an enzyme responsible for the inactivation of bioactive epoxy fatty acids, and its inhibition is emerging as a promising therapeutical strategy to target hypertension, cardiovascular disease, pain and insulin sensitivity. Here, we uncover the molecular bases of hsEH inhibition mediated by the endogenous 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-Prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2). Our data reveal a dual inhibitory mechanism, whereby hsEH can be inhibited by reversible docking of 15d-PGJ2 in the catalytic pocket, as well as by covalent locking of the same compound onto cysteine residues C423 and C522, remote to the active site. Biophysical characterisations allied with in silico investigations indicate that the covalent modification of the reactive cysteines may be part of a hitherto undiscovered allosteric regulatory mechanism of the enzyme. This study provides insights into the molecular modes of inhibition of hsEH epoxy-hydrolytic activity and paves the way for the development of new allosteric inhibitors.
The impact of clothing on ozone and squalene ozonolysis products in indoor environments
Authors: Lakey Pascale S. J. , Morrison Glenn C. , Won Youngbo , Parry Krista M. , von Domaros Michael , Tobias Douglas J. , Rim Donghyun , Shiraiwa Manabu
Published: May 2019

Multiphase reactions of ozone with human skin oils impact indoor air quality by depleting ozone and forming semi-volatile organic compounds, which can be respiratory and skin irritants. Here we demonstrate the impact of clothing on indoor air composition and human exposure by integrating indoor chemistry modeling over a wide range of different spatial and temporal scales. Constrained by molecular dynamics simulations that provide key kinetic parameters, the kinetic model reproduces experimental measurements and predicts that squalene could persist in clothing for several hours to over a day depending on ozone concentrations. Soiled clothing protects skin from ozone exposure even with high concentrations, but can enhance concentrations of oxidation products to a ppb level depending on air exchange rates. Computational fluid dynamics simulations reveal that primary products have ~1.6–2.0 times higher concentrations in the breathing zone than in bulk room air, while secondary products are distributed more uniformly throughout a room.
End-to-end capacities of a quantum communication network
Authors: Pirandola Stefano
Published: May 2019

In quantum mechanics, a fundamental law prevents quantum communications to simultaneously achieve high rates and long distances. This limitation is well known for point-to-point protocols, where two parties are directly connected by a quantum channel, but not yet fully understood in protocols with quantum repeaters. Here we solve this problem bounding the ultimate rates for transmitting quantum information, entanglement and secret keys via quantum repeaters. We derive single-letter upper bounds for the end-to-end capacities achievable by the most general (adaptive) protocols of quantum and private communication, from a single repeater chain to an arbitrarily complex quantum network, where systems may be routed through single or multiple paths. We analytically establish these capacities under fundamental noise models, including bosonic loss which is the most important for optical communications. In this way, our results provide the ultimate benchmarks for testing the optimal performance of repeater-assisted quantum communications.
Graphite oxide- and graphene oxide-supported catalysts for microwave-assisted glucose isomerisation in water
Authors: Yu Iris K. M. , Xiong Xinni , Tsang Daniel C. W. , Ng Yun Hau , Clark James H. , Fan Jiajun , Zhang Shicheng , Hu Changwei , Ok Yong Sik
Published: May 2019

Oxygen functionalities on GIO/GO are involved in the formation of active Al sites potentially with a microwave-absorbing ability, which facilitates glucose–fructose isomerisation in water.
2D materials: molecular design and engineering perspectives
Authors: Jariwala Deep , Hersam Mark C.
Published: May 2019

Guest Editors Deep Jariwala and Mark Hersam introduce this themed collection showcasing the latest research leveraging principles of surface, physical, and covalent chemistry to modify the properties of 2D materials and guide the understanding of charge and energy transfer across mixed-dimensional heterointerfaces to enable enhanced performance or distinct functionality in emerging applications.
Vapour sensing properties of graphene-covered gold nanoparticles
Authors: Piszter Gábor , Kertész Krisztián , Molnár György , Pálinkás András , Deák András , Osváth Zoltán
Published: May 2019

A corrugated graphene overlayer can increase the sensitivity and selectivity of local surface plasmon resonance-based vapour sensing with gold nanoparticles.
Carbon dots, a powerful non-toxic support for bioimaging by fluorescence nanoscopy and eradication of bacteria by photothermia
Authors: Belkahla H. , Boudjemaa R. , Caorsi V. , Pineau D. , Curcio A. , Lomas J. S. , Decorse P. , Chevillot-Biraud A. , Azaïs T. , Wilhelm C. , Randriamahazaka H. , Hémadi M.
Published: May 2019

Carbon Dots (CDs) are innovative materials which have potential applications in many fields, including nanomedicine, energy and catalysis.
Rapid increase in transparency of biological organs by matching refractive index of medium to cell membrane using phosphoric acid
Authors: Umezawa Masakazu , Haruguchi Shinsuke , Fukushima Rihito , Sekiyama Shota , Kamimura Masao , Soga Kohei
Published: May 2019

Tissue clearing effect of phosphoric acid is fast and needs only 60 min incubation.
In situ aluminium ions regulation for quantum efficiency and light stability promotion in white light emitting material
Authors: Liu Qian , Wu Qi-Long , Nie Man-Xiu , Zhang Da-Shuai , Zhao Jiong-Peng , Liu Fu-Chen
Published: May 2019

An in situ ion regulation strategy to assemble white-light-emitting material with high stability and efficiency.
TA Anisotropy Summary
Authors: Kawata K. , di Matteo A. , Fujii T. , Ivanov D. , Jui C.C.H. , Lundquist J.P. , Matthews J.N. , Ogio S. , Sagawa H. , Thomson G.B. , Tinyakov P. , Tkachev I. , Troitsky S.
Published: May 2019

The Telescope Array (TA) is the largest ultra-high-energy cosmic-ray (UHECR) detector in the northern hemisphere. It consists of an array of 507 surface detectors (SD) covering a total 700 km2 and three fluorescence detector stations overlooking the SD array. In this proceedings, we summarize recent results on the search for directional anisotropy of UHECRs using the latest dataset collected by the TA SD array. We obtained hints of the anisotropy of the UHECRs in the northern sky from the various analyses.
Hadronic interaction studied by TA
Authors: Sako Takashi
Published: May 2019

Two studies by the Telescope Array group related to the hadronic interaction observed with Extensive Air Showers are reviewed. (1) Inelastic p-air cross section $ \sigma _{p - air}^{inel} = 567.0 \pm 70.5\,[{\rm{stat]}}_{ - 25}^{ + 29} [{\rm{sys}}]\,{\rm{mb}} $ and total p-p cross section $ \sigma _{p - p}^{tot} = 170_{ - 44}^{ + 48} [{\rm{stat}}]_{ - 17}^{ + 19} [{\rm{sys}}]\,{\rm{mb}} $ were determined using the 5 years of TA hybrid data with one of the 3 FD stations. These results at the highest energy $ \sqrt {S_{NN} } = 95\,{\rm{TeV}} $ showed good agreements with the extrapolation from the previous measurements and model predictions. (2) The signal sizes of SD were compared between data and MC using 7 years of TA SD data in the energy range from 1018.8 eV to 1019.2 eV. It was found that the data/MC ratios exceed unity and the deviation becomes larger when the expected fraction of muon signal, defined as muon purity P, is higher. The results support the muon excess (with respect to MC) problem reported by the previous observations.
Probing the π0 spectrum at high-x in proton-Air interactions at ultra-high energies
Authors: Cazon Lorenzo , Conceição Ruben , Martins Miguel Alexandre , Riehn Felix
Published: May 2019

The average number of muons in air showers and its connection with shower development has been studied extensively in the past. With the upcoming detector upgrades, UHECR observatories will be able to probe higher moments of the distribution of the number of muons. Here a study of the physics of the fluctuations of the muon content is presented. In addition to proving that the fluctuations must be dominated by the first interactions, we show that low-Nμ tail of the shower-to-shower distribution of the number of muons is determined by the high-xL region of the production cross-section of neutral pions in the first interaction.
High-energy emissions from neutron star mergers
Authors: Kimura Shigeo S.
Published: May 2019

In 2017, LIGO-Virgo collaborations reported detection of the first neutron star merger event, GW170817, which is accompanied by electromagnetic counterparts from radio to gamma rays. Although high-energy neutrinos were not detected from this event, mergers of neutron stars are expected to produce such high-energy particles. Relativistic jets are launched when neutron stars merge. If the jets contain protons, they can emit high-energy neutrinos through photomeson production. In addition, neutron star mergers produce massive and fast ejecta, which can be a source of Galactic high-energy cosmic rays above the knee. We briefly review what we learned from the multi-messenger event, GW170817, and discuss prospects for multi-messenger detections and hadronic cosmic-ray production related to the neutron star mergers.
High-Energy Cosmic Rays from Radio Galaxies
Authors: Eichmann Björn
Published: May 2019

A detailed investigation of radio galaxies has recently stressed these sources as the possible origin of the cosmic rays observed above 3 EeV. Here, the relevance of this model at energies below 3 EeV is investigated. It is shown that the average contribution of radio galaxies can accurately explain the observed CR flux between the second knee and the ankle in the case of a strong source evolution. However, the model cannot provide the increasing heaviness and variance at energies ≲ 1 EeV of the observed chemical composition. In addition, it is exposed that the resulting variance of the chemical composition at Earth shows also at higher energies a clear disagreement with the observations, indicating that the compositional contributions by Centaurus A and Cygnus A need to be less different.
Cosmic ray acceleration to ultrahigh energy in radio galaxies
Authors: Matthews James H. , Bell Anthony R. , Araudo Anabella T. , Blundell Katherine M.
Published: May 2019

The origin of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) is an open question. In this proceeding, we first review the general physical requirements that a source must meet for acceleration to 10-100 EeV, including the consideration that the shock is not highly relativistic. We show that shocks in the backflows of radio galaxies can meet these requirements. We discuss a model in which giant-lobed radio galaxies such as Centaurus A and Fornax A act as slowly-leaking UHECR reservoirs, with the UHECRs being accelerated during a more powerful past episode. We also show that Centaurus A, Fornax A and other radio galaxies may explain the observed anisotropies in data from the Pierre Auger Observatory, before examining some of the difficulties in associating UHECR anisotropies with astrophysical sources.
Multi-wavelength observation of cosmic-ray air-showers with CODALEMA/EXTASIS
Authors: Escudie Antony , Charrier Didier , Dallier Richard , García-Fernández Daniel , Lecacheux Alain , Martin Lilian , Revenu Benoît
Published: May 2019

Since 2003, significant eﬀorts have been devoted to the understanding of the radio emission of extensive air shower in the range [20-200] MHz. Despite some studies led until the early nineties, the [1-10] MHz band has remained unused for 20 years. However, it has been measured by some pioneering experiments that extensive air shower emit a strong electric field in this band and that there is evidence of a large increase in the amplitude of the radio pulse at lower frequencies. The EXTASIS experiment, located within the Nançay Radioastronomy Observatory and supported by the CODALEMA experiment, aims to reinvestigate the [1-10] MHz band, and especially to study the so-called “Sudden Death” contribution, the expected electric field emitted by shower front when hitting the ground level. Currently, EXTASIS has confirmed some results obtained by the pioneering experiments, and tends to bring explanations to the other ones, for instance the role of the underlying atmospheric electric field. Moreover, CODALEMA has demonstrated that in the most commonly used frequency band ([20-80] MHz) the electric field profile of EAS can be well sampled, and contains all the information needed for the reconstruction of EAS: an automatic comparison between the SELFAS3 simulations and data has been developed, allowing us to reconstruct in an almost real time the primary cosmic ray characteristics.
Cloud distribution evaluated by the WRF model during the EUSO-SPB1 flight
Authors: Shinozaki K , Monte S , Ferrarese S , Manfrin M , Bertaina ME , Anzalone A , Bisconti F , Bruno A , Diaz A , Eser J , Fenu F , Michel A , Vrabel M , Wiencke L
Published: May 2019

EUSO-SPB1 was a balloon-borne mission of the JEM-EUSO (Joint Experiment Missions for Extreme Universe Space Observatory) Program aiming at the ultra-high energy cosmic ray (UHECR) observations from space. We operated the EUSO-SPB1 telescope consisting of 1 m2 Fresnel refractive optics and multi-anode photomultiplier tubes. With a total of 2304 channels, each performed the photon counting every 2.5 µs, allowing for spatiotemporal imaging of the air shower events in an ~ 11°× 11° field of view. EUSO-SPB1 was the first balloon-borne fluorescence detector with a potential to detect air shower events initiated by the EeV energy cosmic rays. On 24 April 2017 UTC, EUSO-SPB1 was launched on the NASA’s Super Pressure Balloon that flew at ~16 – 33 km flight height for ~12 days. Before the flight was terminated, ~27 hours of data acquired in the air shower detection mode were transmitted to the ground. In the present work, we aim at evaluating the role of the clouds during the operation of EUSO-SPB1. We employ the WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) model to numerically simulate the cloud distribution below EUSO-SPB1. We discuss the key results of the WRF model and the impact of the clouds on the air shower measurement and the efficiency of the cosmic ray observation. The present work is a part of the collaborative effort to estimate the exposure for air shower detections.
Results from the first missions of the JEM-EUSO program
Authors: Bertaina Mario
Published: May 2019

The origin and nature of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECRs) remain unsolved in contemporary astroparticle physics. To give an answer to these questions is rather challenging because of the extremely low flux of a few per km2 per century at extreme energies such as E > 5 × 1019 eV. The objective of the JEM-EUSO program, Extreme Universe Space Observatory, is the realization of a space mission devoted to scientific research of cosmic rays of highest energies. Its super-wide-field telescope will look down from space onto the night sky to detect UV photons emitted from air showers generated by UHECRs in the atmosphere. The JEM-EUSO program includes different missions using fluorescence detectors to make a proof-of-principle of the UHECR observation from space and to raise the technological level of the instrumentation to be employed in a space mission. EUSO-TA, installed at the Telescope Array site in Utah in 2013, is in operation. It has already detected 9 UHECRs in coincidence with Telescope Array fluorescence detector at Black Rock Mesa. EUSO-Balloon flew on board a stratospheric balloon in August 2014. It measured the UV intensity on forests, lakesandthecityofTimminsaswellasprovedtheobservationofUHECR-likeeventsbyshootinglasertracks. EUSO-SPB was launched on board a super pressure balloon on April 25th and flew for 12 days. It proved the functionality of all the subsystems of the telescope on a typical duration of a balloon flight; observed the UV emission on oceans and has a self-trigger system to observe UHECRs with energy E > 3×1018 eV. TUS, the Russian mission on board the Lomonosov satellite in orbit since April 28th 2016, is now included in the JEMEUSO program and has detected so far in the UHECR trigger-mode a few interesting signals. Mini-EUSO is in its final phase of integration in Italy, where several performance tests are being held. Mini-EUSO will be installed inside the International Space Station (ISS) in 2019. The main results obtained so far by such missions are summarized and put in prospect of future space detectors such as K-EUSO and POEMMA.
A novel method for the absolute end-to-end calibration of the Auger fluorescence telescopes
Authors: Mathes Hermann-Josef
Published: May 2019

The fluorescence detector technique is using the atmosphere as a calorimeter. Besides the precise monitoring of the parameters of the atmosphere a proper knowledge of the optical properties in the UV range of all optical components involved in the measurements of the fluorescence light is vital.

Until now, the end-to-end calibration was performed with a 4.5 m2 large, uniformly lit light source attached to the aperture of the telescopes. To improve the maintainability we propose an alternative setup where a small and lightweight light source of known optical properties re-samples the measurement of the big light source piece by piece. This will be achieved by moving the light source based on an integrating sphere in two dimensions in front of the aperture. A prototype setup has been installed and we are currently optimizing the parameters of the system and the procedures. The aim is to reduce the effort for the procedure without diminishing the quality of the measurement.

First measurements with this setup have already been performed and the measurements of the geometrical and optical properties of the light source are an ongoing activity. We present our calibration scheme and the first, preliminary results.
Development of the calibration device using UAV mounted UV-LED light source for the fluorescence detector
Authors: Tomida Takayuki , Inadomi Taichi , Seki Terutsugu , Tameda Yuichiro , Oku Yuya , Sano Kengo
Published: May 2019

We have developed a standard UV-LED light source mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), so-called the Opt-copter, for the calibration of the fluorescence detectors (FDs) of the Telescope Array experiment. The positioning accuracy of the UAV controlled by GPS is ~ 10 cm, which enables a precision calibration of the pointing directions of the FD phototubes. We report the hardware details of the device and the status of data analysis.
Cloud monitoring system at Telescope Array site by Visible Fisheye CCD
Authors: Nakamura Ryo , Tomida Takayuki , Saito Yasunori , Yamazaki Katsuya
Published: May 2019

The Telescope Array (TA) is an international experiment studying ultra-high energy cosmic rays. TA uses the fluorescence detection technique to observe cosmic rays. In order to estimate the energy of cosmic rays with a fluorescence detector (FD), it is necessary to measure the condition of the observation area. Clouds affect the accuracy of the energy estimation. It is necessary to measure the existence of clouds and their direction in the Field Of View (FOV) of the FD. We developed a cloud monitoring system to measure the night sky weather using a CCD camera. In this report, we present our progress on our CCD cloud monitoring system.
Search for Extreme Energy Cosmic Rays with the TUS orbital telescope and comparison with ESAF
Authors: Bertaina Mario , Castellina Antonella , Cremonini Roberto , Fenu Francesco , Klimov Pavel , Salsi Anthony , Sharakin Sergey , Shinozaki Kenji , Zotov Mikhail
Published: May 2019

The Tracking Ultraviolet Setup (TUS) detector was launched on April 28, 2016 as a part of the scientific payload of the Lomonosov satellite. TUS is a pathfinder mission for future space-based observation of Extreme-Energy Cosmic Rays (EECRs, E > 5x1019 eV) with experiments such as K-EUSO. TUS data offer the opportunity to develop strategies in the analysis and reconstruction of the events which will be essential for future space-based missions. During its operation, TUS has detected about 80 thousand events which have been subject to an offline analysis to select among them those that satisfy basic temporal and spatial criteria of EECRs. A few events passed this first screening. In order to perform a deeper analysis of such candidates, a dedicated version of ESAF (EUSO Simulation and Analysis Framework) code as well as a detailed modelling of TUS optics and detector are being developed.
Performance analysis of κ-μ distribution for Global Positioning System (GPS) L1 frequency-related ionospheric fading channels
Authors: Moraes Alison , Sousasantos Jonas , de Paula Eurico Rodrigues , da Cunha Josué Jürgen Popov Pereira , Lima Filho Vicente Carvalho , Vani Bruno Cesar
Published: May 2019

The present work aims to evaluate the application of the κ-μ distribution as a representation of the fading effect caused by the phenomenon of scintillation on L-band transionospheric radio links. The ionospheric scintillation is a phenomenon defined as a rapid variation in the amplitude and phase of electromagnetic wave signals. This phenomenon starts in the first hours of the night, at latitudes near the geomagnetic equator. Scintillation occurs when radio signals cross ionospheric irregularities, also known as plasma bubbles. These plasma bubble structures are generated after the sunset due to instabilities in the F region of ionosphere. Distributions with non-single parameter usually present better results, however, this point requires further investigation by comparing different models. The goals of this study are: (1) the modeling of experimental data using the κ-μ distribution; (2) the κ-μ parameters characterization for empirical data and the evaluation of parameters estimation based in different approaches; (3) the comparison between the distribution proposed and other models adopted in the literature in order to verify the performance of two parameter models. The results of the analysis performed showed that the κ-μ distribution presents good fitting of the empirical scintillation data. These fitting results were calculated through the chi-square fit test under which the values reveal fair E[χ2] for κ-μ distribution in most of the cases. The evaluation of κ-μ parameters suggests that the distribution has a more conservative outcome than in the distributions traditionally used, but being a legitimate approximation due to its adjustable features in the tail region of the distribution. Typical pairs of κ-μ coefficients are presented for theoretical works. The comparison of κ-μ distribution to Rice, Nakagami-m and α-μ models showed that κ-μ is capable of describing more severe scintillation scenarios where the tail of the distribution is more raised in comparison to the other models.
Psychosoziale Betreuung und Homöopathie für eine Dolmetscherin für Flüchtlinge
Authors: Hoffmann-Durben Marita
Published: May 2019

Der Fallbericht dokumentiert die psychosoziale Betreuung einer aus dem Iran stammenden Dolmetscherin durch traumatherapeutische und akuttherapeutische homöopathische Interventionen. Die Dolmetscherin, die bei einem Betreuungsprojekt für Flüchtlinge mitarbeitete, litt darunter, dass durch ihre Übersetzungen traumatischer Erfahrungen der Flüchtlinge eigene traumatische Erfahrungen getriggert wurden. Die psychische und körperliche Stabilität war nach 10 Sitzungen innerhalb eines Jahres wieder gegeben.
Häufige Erkrankungen durch Reisen homöopathisch behandelt
Authors: Albrecht Daniela
Published: May 2019

Das Vorgehen und die Möglichkeiten einer homöopathischen Reiseberatung werden neben einer konventionellen Reiseberatung in der ärztlichen Praxis beschrieben. Zur Verdeutlichung wird ein Fall einer Kinetose dargestellt und aufgezeigt, wie im Vorfeld beraten und versorgt wurde. Als weiterer Fall wird die Erkrankung einer Reiserückkehrerin mit einer anhaltenden postinfektiösen Diarrhö beschrieben, die erfolgreich homöopathisch behandelt wurde. Neben einer individuellen Behandlung von Reiserückkehrern in der Praxis sollte während der Reise auch die Gabe von homöopathischen Mittel nach vereinfachten individualisierten Indikationen durch die Reisenden selbst in Betracht gezogen und entsprechend beraten werden.
Muskuloskelettale Beschwerden mit internistischem oder
viszeralem Hintergrund
Authors: Zalpour Christoff
Published: May 2019

Um den Anforderungen eines Erstkontaktes in der Physiotherapie gerecht zu werden,
ist es unerlässlich, internistische oder viszerale Erkrankungen zu (er)kennen,
die sich hinter muskuloskelettalen Symptomen verbergen können. Dr. Christoff
Zalpour stellt die häufigsten Erkrankungen und ihre Symptome vor.
Physiotherapeut, Personal Trainer und Politiker – Robert Möritz: ein Therapeut mit vielen Facetten
Authors: Mischner Julia , Möritz Robert
Published: May 2019

Er ist einer, der die Dinge anpackt, anstatt sich nur zu beklagen: Physiotherapeut Robert Möritz beschloss im vergangenen Jahr, den Schritt in die Politik zu gehen und sich aktiv für eine bessere Situation von Heilmittelerbringern einzusetzen. Eine 70-Stunden-Woche nimmt er dabei gerne in Kauf.
Wer richtig sucht, wird fündig – Qualifizierte Mitarbeiter finden
Authors: Kraus Dennis
Published: May 2019

Im Schnitt suchen Inhaber von physiotherapeutischen Praxen mehr als 150 Tage nach neuen Mitarbeitern. Bei Ergotherapeuten ist die Lage nicht anders – man kann also sagen, dass die aktuelle Mitarbeitersituation mehr als bescheiden aussieht. Es braucht Ideen, auch ungewöhnliche. physiopraxis-Themenscout Dennis Kraus gibt ein paar wertvolle Tipps, wie die Suche erfolgreich werden kann.
Hüft-TEP – Welcher Schuh ist der richtige? – In-vivo-Belastungsmessungen im Hüftgelenk
Authors: Gadewoltz Pia Natalie
Published: May 2019

Mit In-vivo-Messung lassen sich Kräfte direkt im Gelenk messen. So kann man beurteilen, wie etwa verschiedene Schuhe das Hüftgelenk belasten. Forscher des Julius Wolff Institutes an der Charité stießen dabei auf verblüffende Daten: Sohlendämpfungen scheinen die Gelenkbelastung nicht zu reduzieren – Barfußgehen ist am schonendsten.
Dauerbrenner Rückenschmerz – Radikuläre Syndrome differenzieren
Authors: Garlich Christian
Published: May 2019

Ischialgie, radikulärer Schmerz oder Radikulopathie – was genau es ist, sollten Physiotherapeuten abgrenzen können. Und das ist gar nicht so einfach, da viele der gängigen Tests unauffällig sind, obwohl eine Pathologie vorliegt.
Zwischen Mensch und Technik – Physiotherapie auf der traumatologischen Intensivstation
Authors: Kistermann Sibylle
Published: May 2019

Seit über 30 Jahren arbeitet Sibylle Kistermann auf der Intensivstation der BG-Unfallklinik Tübingen. Zum ersten Mal wurde dort damals eine 50%-Stelle für eine Physiotherapeutin geschaffen. Davor betreuten die Kollegen der unfallchirurgischen Stationen „die Intensiv“ mit. Sibylle Kistermann ist Teil eines hochprofessionellen Teams, und ihre Arbeit ist anspruchsvoll. Sie appelliert an die Physiotherapeuten, sich dieses Arbeitsfeld zu erobern, denn sie sind bei der Versorgung von Intensivpatienten unterrepräsentiert.
PAIN 2020 – Projekt gegen Chronifizierung von Schmerzen
Authors: Moro Sabrina
Published: May 2019

Eine frühe bedarfsgerechte Steuerung von Patienten mit Risikofaktoren kann eine Schmerzchronifizierung verhindern. Um das zu überprüfen, untersucht das Projekt PAIN 2020 eine aktuelle Versorgungsform: Patienten werden darin interprofessionell untersucht und verschiedenen Behandlungssträngen zugewiesen.
Handschlag vermeiden – Influenza
Authors: Bossow Karsten , Trampuz Andrej , Baumgärtner Martina
Published: May 2019

Patienten mit laufender Nase, hustend und schwach auf den Beinen – im Winter keine Seltenheit in physiotherapeutischen Praxen. Und das, obwohl Patienten mit einer handfesten Grippe eigentlich ins Bett gehören. Da bleibt einem als Therapeut vor allem eines: konsequent den Handschlag zu vermeiden und Gebrauchsgegenstände so oft es geht zu desinfizieren.
Komplikation bei absolutem oder relativem Insulinmangel
Authors: Haller Dr. Nicola
Published: May 2019

Im hausärztlichen Setting befinden sich auch Menschen mit Typ-1-Diabetes (DMT1) oder (total) pankreatektomierte Patienten (seltener wegen des Diabetes, häufiger wegen anderer Krankheiten). Eine gefürchtete Komplikation bei diesen Patienten ist die Diabetische Ketoazidose. Auf diese genannte Patientengruppe bezieht sich der folgende Beitrag.
Novel telemetric sensor capsule for EGD urgency triage: a feasibility study
Authors: Schmidt Arthur , Zimmermann Melanie , Bauder Markus , Kuellmer Armin , Caca Karel
Published: May 2019

Background and study aims Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a frequent cause of hospitalization. Because of the lack of reliable noninvasive diagnostic tools, the decision to proceed with emergency endoscopy in these cases is made based on clinical parameters. A novel non-imaging telemetric real-time sensor capsule (HemoPill Acute, Ovesco Endoscopy AG) has shown promising results for noninvasive detection of UGIB in preclinical studies.

Patients and methods We conducted a prospective non-randomized, single center, open-label study to investigate feasibility and safety of the novel sensor capsule in patients with symptoms of UGIB. The primary aim of the first clinical study was to investigate feasibility and safety of the device in a clinical setting. All patients underwent endoscopy within 12 hours after capsule ingestion. Sensor data from the capsule within 10 minutes after ingestion were compared with endoscopic findings.

Results From April 2015 to February 2016, 30 consecutive patients with symptoms of acute UGIB were included; 27 were eligible for analysis. Capsule ingestion was well tolerated in all patients and there were no device-related adverse events. Endoscopy showed blood or hematin in the upper gastrointestinal tract of 10 of 27 patients; in 2 of 10 patients it was estimated to be more than 20 mL; in 4 of 8 patients it was between 5 and 20 mL and in 4 of 8 it was estimated to < 5 mL. The sensor capsule was positive in 2 of 2 patients (100 %) with > 20 mL of blood or hematin and in 1 of 8 patients (12.5 %) between 5 and 20 mL. All patients (17/17; 100 %) were correctly identified as non-bleeders.

Conclusion Both device and procedure proved to be safe and feasible. Larger studies will be necessary to evaluate the role of the sensor capsule in risk stratification of patients with acute UGIB.
Retrospektive Studie über die Anwendung der tiefen kontinuierlichen Sedierung bis zum Tod auf einer spezialisierten Palliativabteilung in der Schweiz
Authors: Camartin Cristian
Published: May 2019

Einleitung In der Palliative Care steht die Behandlung von belastenden Symptomen im Vordergrund. Im Falle einer ungenügenden Symptomkontrolle kann die Durchführung einer tiefen kontinuierlichen Sedierung bis zum Tod in Erwägung gezogen werden. Ziel dieser Maßnahme ist das Bewusstsein des Patienten in therapierefraktären Situationen zu reduzieren um so das Leiden mindern zu können.

Fragestellungen

1. Wie viele Patienten benötigten am Lebensende zur Symptomkontrolle eine tiefe kontinuierliche Sedierung bis zum Tod?

2. Bei welchen Erkrankungen wurde am häufigsten eine tiefe kontinuierliche Sedierung bis zum Tod benötigt?

3. Welche belastenden Symptome wurden angegangen?

4. Welche Medikation und Dosierung wurde angewendet?

5. Wie lange wurde eine Sedierung durchgeführt?

Methodik Retrospektive Studie mit Auswertung der Todesfälle auf der Palliativstation des Kantonsspitals Graubünden vom 01.01.2013 – 31.12.2016. Aus den Akten wurden die Diagnosen, Indikation sowie Dosierungen mit Dauer der tiefen kontinuierlichen Sedierung bis zum Tod und die Symptome, welche zur Indikation und Einleitung einer kontinuierlichen Sedierung bis zum Tod geführt haben, ausgewertet.

Resultate In diesem Zeitrahmen gab es insgesamt 560 Todesfälle. Eine tiefe kontinuierliche Sedierung bis zum Tod musste bei 59 Patienten (10,5 %) durchgeführt werden. Diese Maßnahme wurde häufiger bei Patienten mit einem Tumorleiden eingesetzt. Es zeigte sich, dass insbesondere Patienten mit einem Lungentumor (in 17,5 % der Fälle) eine tiefe kontinuierliche Sedierung bis zum Tod brauchten. Einen hohen Anteil von tiefen kontinuierlichen Sedierungen bis zum Tod gab es bei Patienten mit Tumoren im Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Bereich sowie bei nicht onkologischen Patienten mit einer amyotrophen Lateralsklerose. Die tiefe kontinuierliche Sedierung bis zum Tod konnte fast ausschließlich mit Midazolam durchgeführt werden, mit einer mittleren Dosis von 5,5 mg/h (SD 5,0 mg/h). Die Dauer der Sedierung betrug im Mittelwert 29,2 h (SD 41,0 h).

Diskussion Eine tiefe kontinuierliche Sedierung bis zum Tod wird bei refraktären Symptomen eingesetzt. Die hauptsächlichen Beschwerden sind Unruhe und Atemnot. Patienten mit Lungentumoren benötigen zur Symptomlinderung anteilsmäßig am häufigsten eine tiefe kontinuierliche Sedierung bis zum Tod. Diese wird in einem begrenzten Zeitraum von 26,6 h im Durchschnitt (SD 41,0 h) angewendet. Als Standardmedikament wird Midazolam eingesetzt, um das Ziel einer tiefen kontinuierlichen Sedierung bis zum Tod erreichen zu können.
Fully-covered esophageal stent migration rates in benign and malignant disease: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Thomas Samuel , Siddiqui Ali , Taylor Linda , Parbhu Sheeva , Cao Christopher , Loren David , Kowalski Thomas , Adler Douglas
Published: May 2019

Background and study aims Stent migration is a common complication of fully-covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS), but the rate of clinically relevant migration as defined by stent migration followed by reintervention via endoscopy for stent replacement is unknown. The goal of this study is to gain insight into the total migration rate and clinically relevant migration rate of different types of FCSEMS placed within benign and malignant strictures with specific attention paid to stent manufacturer, diameter, and length.

Patients and methods Multicenter retrospective analysis of endoscopic data from patients with FCSEMS placed within benign or malignant strictures. FCSEMS used included a variety of sizes and manufacturers.

Results A total of 369 patients were included, 161 of whom had benign strictures and 208 of whom had malignant strictures. The total migration rate and clinically relevant migration rate in benign strictures were 30 % and 17 %, respectively. For benign strictures, Wallflex stents had a clinically relevant migration rate of 15 %, compared to Endomaxx stents with 19 %, and Evolution stents with 25 % (P = 0.52). The total migration rate and clinically relevant migration rates in malignant strictures were 23 % and 14 %, respectively. Evolution stents had a significantly higher clinically relevant migration rate (29 %) than the Wallflex stents (7 %) and the endomaxx stents (12 %), P = 0.003.

Conclusion This study is the largest to investigate migration rates for FCSEMS in benign and malignant strictures. Clinically relevant migration is a relatively common occurrence with all stent types studied and better anti-migration features are needed.
„Endlich handfeste Informationen“ – Wissenschaftliche Auswertung der Brandbriefe
Authors: Mischner Julia , Höppner Heidi
Published: May 2019

Von Heiko Schneiders Brandbriefe-Aktion war im Jahr 2018 überall zu lesen. Zwei Wissenschaft- lerinnen der Alice Salomon Hochschule Berlin werteten die rund 1.000 Briefe von Heilmittelerbringern aus. Wie sie das gestemmt haben und wofür die Ergebnisse genutzt werden, erzählt Prof. Dr. Heidi Höppner im Interview.
Importance of Temperament in Individualized Homeopathic Prescription: Evaluation by an Open, Randomized, Pilot Trial
Authors: Sultana Najne , Samanta Amitava , Koley Munmun , Saha Subhranil
Published: May 2019

Background The importance of temperament in the selection of an individualized homeopathic medicine has not been evaluated systematically. The current study explored this under-researched area.

Materials and Methods A prospective, open, randomized (1:1), two parallel arms, pilot trial was performed on patients suffering from various chronic diseases. Each patient's temperament was assessed using a newly developed “temperament diagnostic questionnaire”. Outcome measures were health status using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and a visual analog scale (VAS) of patient's self-rated health, measured at baseline and at 3 months. Homeopathic medicines were prescribed on the basis of individualization, randomly with or without accounting for individual temperament, and patients grouped accordingly (temperament(+) and temperament(−)). Baseline comparability of the two groups was checked, followed by analysis of group differences. A p-value < 0.01 was considered as statistically significant.

Results Fifty protocol-compliant patients were analyzed. The two groups were comparable at baseline. Over 3 months of intervention, there was significant improvement (p < 0.01) in each group. Though improvement in the EQ-5D-5L score was greater in the temperament(+) group (mean difference, 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2 to 4.5), the change did not achieve the threshold for statistical significance (p = 0.029). Improvement in VAS score was significantly greater in the temperament(+) group than in temperament(–) patients (mean difference, 15.2; 95% CI, 4.9 to 25.4; p = 0.004).

Conclusion Considering temperament as a key element of individualized prescription may enhance health improvement from homeopathic treatment in chronic diseases. Independently replicated rigorous trials with validated scales are warranted.

Trial Registration CTRI/2018/03/012433.