bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LC/MS analysis and deep sequencing reveal the accurate RNA composition in the HIV-1 virion
Authors: Šimonová Anna , Svojanovská Barbora , Trylčová Jana , Hubálek Martin , Moravčík Ondřej , Zavřel Martin , Pávová Marcela , Hodek Jan , Weber Jan , Cvačka Josef , Pačes Jan , Cahová Hana
Published: June 2019

The mechanism of action of various viruses has been the primary focus of many studies. Yet, the data on RNA modifications in any type of virus are scarce. Methods for the sensitive analysis of RNA modifications have been developed only recently and they have not been applied to viruses. In particular, the RNA composition of HIV-1 virions has never been determined with sufficiently exact methods. Here, we reveal that the RNA of HIV-1 virions contains surprisingly high amount of the 1-methyladenosine. We are the first to use a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (LC/MS) of virion RNA, which we combined with m1A profiling and deep sequencing. We found that m1A was present in the tRNA, but not in the genomic HIV-1 RNA and the abundant 7SL RNA. We were able to calculate that an HIV-1 virion contains per 2 copies of genomic RNA and 14 copies of 7SL RNA also 770 copies of tRNA, which is approximately 10 times more than thus far expected. These new insights into the composition of the HIV-1 virion can help in future studies to identify the role of nonprimer tRNAs in retroviruses. Moreover, we present a promising new tool for studying the compositions of virions.
Neutralization of Acidic Intracellular Vesicles by Niclosamide Inhibits Multiple Steps of the Dengue Virus Life Cycle In Vitro
Authors: Jung Eunhye , Nam Sangwoo , Oh Hyeryeon , Jun Sangmi , Ro Hyun-Joo , Kim Baek , Kim Meehyein , Go Yun Young
Published: June 2019

Dengue fever is one of the most important mosquito-borne viral infections in large parts of tropical and subtropical countries and is a significant public health concern and socioeconomic burden. There is an urgent need to develop antivirals that can effectively reduce dengue virus (DENV) replication and decrease viral load. Niclosamide, an antiparasitic drug approved for human use, has been recently identified as an effective antiviral agent against a number of pH-dependent viruses, including flaviviruses. Here, we reveal that neutralization of low-pH intracellular compartments by niclosamide affects multiple steps of the DENV infectious cycle. Specifically, niclosamide-induced endosomal neutralization not only prevents viral RNA replication but also affects the maturation of DENV particles, rendering them non-infectious. We found that niclosamide-induced endosomal neutralization prevented E glycoprotein conformational changes on the virion surface of flaviviruses, resulting in the release of non-infectious immature virus particles with uncleaved pr peptide from host cells. Collectively, our findings support the potential application of niclosamide as an antiviral agent against flavivirus infection and highlight a previously uncharacterized mechanism of action of the drug.
Iron (II/III) perchlorate electrolytes for electrochemically harvesting low-grade thermal energy
Authors: Kim Ju Hyeon , Lee Ju Hwan , Palem Ramasubba Reddy , Suh Min-Soo , Lee Hong H. , Kang Tae June
Published: June 2019

Remarkable advances have recently been made in the thermocell array with series or parallel interconnection, however, the output power from the thermocell array is mainly limited by the electrolyte performance of an n-type element. In this work, we investigate iron (II/III) perchlorate electrolytes as a new n-type electrolyte and compared with the ferric/ferrous cyanide electrolyte at its introduction with platinum as the electrodes, which has been the benchmark for thermocells. In comparison, the perchlorate electrolyte (Fe2+/Fe3+) exhibits a high temperature coefficient of redox potential of +1.76 mV/K, which is complementary to the cyanide electrolyte (Fe(CN)63−/Fe(CN)64−) with the temperature coefficient of −1.42 mV/K. The power factor and figure of merit for the electrolyte are higher by 28% and 40%, respectively, than those for the cyanide electrolyte. In terms of device performance, the thermocell using the perchlorate electrolyte provides a power density of 687 mW/m2 that is 45% higher compared to the same device but with the cyanide electrolyte for a small temperature difference of 20 °C. The advent of this high performance n-type electrolyte could open up new ways to achieve substantial advances in p-n thermocells as in p-n thermoelectrics, which has steered the way to the possibility of practical use of thermoelectrics.
Structural, functional, and stability change predictions in human telomerase upon specific point mutations
Authors: Kalathiya U. , Padariya M. , Baginski M.
Published: June 2019

Overexpression of telomerase is one of the hallmarks of human cancer. Telomerase is important for maintaining the integrity of the ends of chromosomes, which are called telomeres. A growing number of human disease syndromes are associated with organ failure caused by mutations in telomerase (hTERT or hTR). Mutations in telomerase lead to telomere shortening by decreasing the stability of the telomerase complex, reducing its accumulation, or directly affecting its enzymatic activity. In this work, potential human telomerase mutations were identified by a systematic computational approach. Moreover, molecular docking methods were used to predict the effects of these mutations on the affinity of certain ligands (C_9i, C_9k, 16A, and NSC749234). The C_9k inhibitor had the best binding affinity for wild-type (WT) telomerase. Moreover, C_9i and C_9k had improved interactions with human telomerase in most of the mutant models. The R631 and Y717 residues of WT telomerase formed interactions with all studied ligands and these interactions were also commonly found in most of the mutant models. Residues forming stable interactions with ligands in molecular dynamics (MD) were traced, and the MD simulations showed that the C_9k ligand formed different conformations with WT telomerase than the C_9i ligand.
Optimization of tube voltage in X-ray dark-field chest radiography
Authors: Sauter Andreas P. , Andrejewski Jana , De Marco Fabio , Willer Konstantin , Gromann Lukas B. , Noichl Wolfgang , Kriner Fabian , Fischer Florian , Braun Christian , Koehler Thomas , Meurer Felix , Fingerle Alexander A. , Pfeiffer Daniela , Rummeny Ernst , Herzen Julia , Pfeiffer Franz
Published: June 2019

Grating-based X-ray dark-field imaging is a novel imaging modality which has been refined during the last decade. It exploits the wave-like behaviour of X-radiation and can nowadays be implemented with existing X-ray tubes used in clinical applications. The method is based on the detection of small-angle X-ray scattering, which occurs e.g. at air-tissue-interfaces in the lung or bone-fat interfaces in spongy bone. In contrast to attenuation-based chest X-ray imaging, the optimal tube voltage for dark-field imaging of the thorax has not yet been examined. In this work, dark-field scans with tube voltages ranging from 60 to 120 kVp were performed on a deceased human body. We analyzed the resulting images with respect to subjective and objective image quality, and found that the optimum tube voltage for dark-field thorax imaging at the used setup is at rather low energies of around 60 to 70 kVp. Furthermore, we found that at these tube voltages, the transmission radiographs still exhibit sufficient image quality to correlate dark-field information. Therefore, this study may serve as an important guideline for the development of clinical dark-field chest X-ray imaging devices for future routine use.
The poplar pangenome provides insights into the evolutionary history of the genus
Authors: Zhang Bingyu , Zhu Wenxu , Diao Shu , Wu Xiaojuan , Lu Junqian , Ding ChangJun , Su Xiaohua
Published: June 2019

The genus Populus comprises a complex amalgam of ancient and modern species that has become a prime model for evolutionary and taxonomic studies. Here we sequenced the genomes of 10 species from five sections of the genus Populus, identified 71 million genomic variations, and observed new correlations between the single-nucleotide polymorphism–structural variation (SNP–SV) density and indel–SV density to complement the SNP–indel density correlation reported in mammals. Disease resistance genes (R genes) with heterozygous loss-of-function (LOF) were significantly enriched in the 10 species, which increased the diversity of poplar R genes during evolution. Heterozygous LOF mutations in the self-incompatibility genes were closely related to the self-fertilization of poplar, suggestive of genomic control of self-fertilization in dioecious plants. The phylogenetic genome-wide SNPs tree also showed possible ancient hybridization among species in sections Tacamahaca, Aigeiros, and Leucoides. The pangenome resource also provided information for poplar genetics and breeding.
Protein Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Martinez Ana , Gil Carmen
Published: June 2019

Dysregulation of the activity of protein kinases has been associated with numerous diseases such as cancer or chronic inflammatory conditions. Therefore, protein kinases are attractive drug targets that are the most intensively pursued by both industrial and academic laboratories, with great success in the cancer field. Today, more than 40 protein kinase inhibitors have been approved for cancer therapy. This success, coupled with a greater understanding of inflammatory signalling cascades and cell death and regeneration pathways, led to kinase inhibitors taking centre stage in the pursuit for new drugs for the treatment of many unmet diseases. Moreover, considering that multiple sclerosis (MS) is classified as an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), protein kinases as key drivers of many inflammatory-mediated diseases represent an important and promising class of emerging therapeutic targets for MS. It is only a matter of time to witness whether the modulation of the protein kinases collected in this chapter may become a valuable option for the future treatment of MS.
Development of CaCO3 microsphere-based composite hydrogel for dual delivery of growth factor and Ca to enhance bone regeneration
Authors: Gong Yihong , Zhang Yiling , Cao Zhinan , Ye Feng , Lin Zefeng , Li Yan
Published: June 2019

CaCO3 microspheres based composite hydrogel for dual delivery of BMP-2 and Ca enhanced in vitro osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and significantly fastened bone regeneration in rabbit tibia defects.
Oral α-lipoic acid supplementation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: effects on adipokines and liver histology features
Authors: Rahmanabadi Alireza , Mahboob Soltanali , Amirkhizi Farshad , Hosseinpour-Arjmand Sonya , Ebrahimi-Mameghani Mehrangiz
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to investigate the effect of α-LA supplementation on adipokines and liver steatosis in obese patients with NAFLD.
Correction: Boosting the activity of catalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-diformylfuran over nitrogen-doped manganese oxide catalysts
Authors: Ke Qingping , Jin Yangxin , Ruan Fei , Ha Minh Ngoc , Li Dandan , Cui Peixin , Cao Yali , Wang Hao , Wang Tongtong , Nguyen Van Noi , Han Xinya , Wang Xi , Cui Ping
Published: June 2019

Correction for ‘Boosting the activity of catalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-diformylfuran over nitrogen-doped manganese oxide catalysts’ by Qingping Ke et al., Green Chem., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c9gc01041f.
Enhancement of ultralow-intensity NIR light-triggered photodynamic therapy based on exo- and endogenous synergistic effects through combined glutathione-depletion chemotherapy
Authors: Shi Jun-hui , Wang Tian-ran , You Yong-qiang , Akhtar Muhammad Luqman , Liu Zong-jun , Han Fang , Li Yu , Wang You
Published: June 2019

An ultralow-intensity (0.30 W cm−2) near-infrared light-triggered PDT was developed and enhanced through combination of GSH-depletion chemotherapy based on both exo- and endogenous synergistic effects.
Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of dihydrofuran-spirooxindoles from benzylidene malononitriles and dioxindoles
Authors: Balha Megha , Mondal Buddhadeb , Pan Subhas Chandra
Published: June 2019

The first organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of dihydrofuran-spirooxindoles having a linkage at the 2-position of the dihydrofuran motif has been developed from dioxindoles and benzylidene malononitriles.
A theoretical investigation into the first-row transition metal–O2adducts
Authors: Li Xiao-Xi , Cho Kyung-Bin , Nam Wonwoo
Published: June 2019

Effects of both metal center and ligand ring size on the properties of metal–O2adducts.
Correction: Performance evaluation of interfacial polymerisation-fabricated aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes in forward osmosis
Authors: Liang Zhixia , Yun Yanbin , Wang Manxiang , Liu Guicheng , Lu Peng , Yang Woochul , Li Chunli
Published: June 2019

Correction for ‘Performance evaluation of interfacial polymerisation-fabricated aquaporin-based biomimetic membranes in forward osmosis’ by Zhixia Liang et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 10715–10726.
Correction: Facile preparation of bithiazole-based material for inkjet printed light-emitting electrochemical cell
Authors: Huo Jingpei , Zou Wanying , Zhang Yubang , Chen Weilan , Hu Xiaohong , Deng Qianjun , Chen Dongchu
Published: June 2019

Correction for ‘Facile preparation of bithiazole-based material for inkjet printed light-emitting electrochemical cell’ by Jingpei Huo et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 6163–6168.
The shape of hanging elastic cylinders
Authors: Mora Serge , Andò Edward , Fromental Jean-Marc , Phou Ty , Pomeau Yves
Published: June 2019

Equilibrium shapes of soft elastic cylinders (polyacrylamide hydrogels) resulting from the action of gravity.
Dynamic covalent urea bonds and their potential for development of self-healing polymer materials
Authors: Wang Zhanhua , Gangarapu Satesh , Escorihuela Jorge , Fei Guoxia , Zuilhof Han , Xia Hesheng
Published: June 2019

The highly resonance-stabilized urea covalent moiety can be made dynamic through mediation of metal salts, thus allowing the development of novel classes of self-healing polymer materials with excellent healing efficiency.
Controlling the threshold voltage of β-Ga2O3 field-effect transistors via remote fluorine plasma treatment
Authors: Kim Janghyuk , Tadjer Marko J. , Mastro Michael A. , Kim Jihyun
Published: June 2019

The threshold voltage of β-Ga2O3 metal–insulator–semiconductor field-effect transistors is controlled via remote fluorine plasma treatment, enabling an enhancement-mode operation under double gate condition.
Combined training strategy for low‐resolution face recognition with limited application‐specific data
Authors: Zeng Dan , Spreeuwers Luuk , Veldhuis Raymond , Zhao Qijun
Published: June 2019

Application‐specific data for certain biometric applications are often not sufficiently available. The authors present a solution for face recognition with limited application‐specific data. Existing methods often use a classifier with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) as feature extractors. The CNNs are trained with massive general (i.e. not application specific) data and the classifier is trained with application‐specific data. Alternatively, the authors propose a combined training strategy to train the classifier on a balanced mixture of general and application‐specific data, such that the recognition performance is maximised. The proposed method largely alleviates the needs for application‐specific data. To prove its effectiveness, they apply the proposed method to low‐resolution face recognition. Specifically, they use the heterogeneous joint Bayesian (HJB) classifier that is capable of comparing features from the same modality but with different characteristics. To further boost performance, the authors augment the training data by pre‐processing it to resemble application‐specific data. They conducted extensive experiments on challenging datasets, namely, SCface and COX. The results show that the proposed method improves the true match rate on SCface at a false match rate of 10% by ∼11% and the true match rate on COX at a false match rate of 1% by ∼12%.
Learning one‐to‐many stylised Chinese character transformation and generation by generative adversarial networks
Authors: Chen Jiefu , Ji Yanli , Chen Hua , Xu Xing
Published: June 2019

Owing to the complex structure of Chinese characters and the huge number of Chinese characters, it is very challenging and time consuming for artists to design a new font of Chinese characters. Therefore, the generation of Chinese characters and the transformation of font styles have become research hotspots. At present, most of the models on Chinese character transformation cannot generate multiple fonts, and they are not doing well in faking fonts. In this article, the authors propose a novel method of Chinese character fonts transformation and generation based on generative adversarial networks. The authors’ model is able to generate multiple fonts at once through font style‐specifying mechanism and it can generate a new font at the same time if the authors combine the characteristics of existing fonts.
Generative adversarial networks model for visible watermark removal
Authors: Cao Zhiyi , Niu Shaozhang , Zhang Jiwei , Wang Xinyi
Published: June 2019

Previously visible watermark removal algorithms required the location of known watermarks. A corresponding removal algorithm is then proposed based on the location and the feature of the watermark. If the location of the watermark is random or the watermark has different angles, the watermark removal algorithm will encounter problems. The authors recommend a visible watermark removal algorithm based on generative adversarial networks (GANs) and self‐attention mechanisms. During the training, the authors introduce a GANs model to build mappings between watermarked images and real images. The authors observe that the feature of the watermarked region in different watermarked images is invariant in nature, and the other regions are changed. The self‐attention layer will automatically focus on this invariant feature. Experiments on two public datasets prove that the authors’ model has gained excellent performance. Compared with the other four most competitive watermark removal models, the authors improve the watermark removal rate indicator from 17 to 92%. For the other four evaluation indicators, the authors have improved performance by up to 20%.
Automatic generation control of a solar thermal and dish‐stirling solar thermal system integrated multi‐area system incorporating accurate HVDC link model using crow search algorithm optimised FOPI Minus FODF controller
Authors: Ram Babu Naladi , Chandra Saikia Lalit
Published: June 2019

This article demonstrates the automatic generation control of a multi‐area system incorporating various sources. Area‐1 and area‐2 consist of thermal and parabolic trough solar thermal plant (PTSTP) of fixed and random solar insolation, respectively, and area‐3 comprises of thermal and realistic dish‐stirling solar thermal system units. A maiden effort has been made to use a fractional order (FO) proportional‐integral minus FO derivative with filter coefficient (FOPI‐FODF) controller as a secondary controller. The controller gains are optimised using a novel algorithm called crow search algorithm. Comparisons of system dynamic response with and without renewable energy sources for FOPI‐FODF, and for some commonly used integer order and FO controller's reveals the better performance of FOPI‐FODF controller. A study comparing both fixed and random solar insolation in PTSTP of different areas have been tested. An accurate high‐voltage direct current (AHVDC) line model is designed using inertia emulation strategy and is placed instead of AC tie line, and with parallel AC tie lines resulting in better system dynamic performances than AC tie line alone. The selection of the optimum location of AHVDC line in parallel AC tie line exposes the AHVDC line connected with the area where the system is disturbed.
Using the wingbeat corner reflector effect to increase detection range of avian radar systems
Authors: Gong Jiangkun , Yan Jun , Li Deren , Chen Ruizhi
Published: June 2019

Most avian radars use the resonance effect within the S‐band to estimate the maximum bird detection distance. However, the specified range (2 km) for a standard avian target (SAT) with a 0.5 kg mass and 0.025 m2 radar cross section (RCS) as reported by the US Federal Aviation Administration is too small to cover the airfield clear zone at airports. The research shows that the measured RCS value of a pigeon is 0.25 m2, and furthermore, the authors argue that Ku‐band avian radar can detect a pigeon as a SAT at a longer range, 12 km. They attribute this magnification effect on bird RCS due to the corner reflector effect related to wingbeats. During certain flapping motions, the wings and body of birds in flight act as corner reflectors; thereby, when radar echoes fall upon either face will impinge onto the other face, and subsequently reflected towards the illuminator, thus contributing considerably to bird RCS. The measured RCS of a pigeon is consistent with the theoretical RCS of a dihedral corner reflector. An expanded coverage of the avian radar larger than the main area of an airfield clear zone can improve the detection probability and reduce bird strike hazards.
Characterization of aerosol types over Lake Urmia Basin
Authors: Moghim Sanaz , Ramezanpoor Reyhaneh
Published: June 2019

Atmospheric aerosols affect the Earth's climate, air quality, and thus human health. This study used the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and the Ångström exponent to cluster different particle types over the Lake Urmia Basin. This classification found desert dust and marine (mixed with continental or local-pollution aerosols) as two main aerosol types over the region, while their sources are not well defined. Although different air masses and wind circulation over the study domain in varied months can help to distinguish aerosol sources, measurements are crucial for a complete evaluation.
A Review of Satellite Constraints on Airborne Dust: What We Can Say, and What We Can't
Authors: Kahn Ralph A.
Published: June 2019

This is a review paper rather than the report on a single line of research. Satellites offer a broad range of constraints on dust particle amount, daily and longer-scale 3-d spatial distribution, particle properties, source locations, and transport pathways. Yet, the data contain spatial and temporal gaps, lack detail in some important respects, and interpretation of the remote-sensing retrieval results requires careful consideration of the information content, which can vary greatly with observing conditions. To date, these data have been applied much more extensively to dust from North African sources, and their journey across the Atlantic, than to Asian sources and Pacific transports, offering rich opportunities for future work.
A dust event in the Mongolian Gobi Desert in spring 2016: Observations and vertical dust flux estimation
Authors: Jugder Dulam
Published: June 2019

A meteorological and dust monitoring tower with 20 m height set up at a Nomgon site in the Mongolian Gobi Deserts in 2010. The Nomgon monitoring tower equipped with wind speed sensors at 2, 4, 10 and 20 m height above the ground level (AGL), a wind direction sensor at 10 m height, a sonic anemometer to measure turbulent momentum flux at 8 m height and a soil moisture sensor at 5 cm depth. A dust storm was expected in the Mongolian Gobi from 30 April to 1 May 2016 and two aerosol monitors (Dust-Trak) were set at 0.9 and 2.95 m heights in the tower for measuring PM10. Above mentioned data from the tower during an intensive observation period (IOP) of the dust event are used in this study. In association with a surface cyclone, its frontal system and a trough aloft, dust concentrations of PM10 increased during the dust storm period due to raised wind speed in the dry conditions of air and soil. The present study aims to estimate friction velocity (u*) and vertical dust flux (F) around the Nomgon site during the dust storm period. The observations and estimation results are presented.
Sand and Dust Storms (SDS): Types, Characteristics, and Indications
Authors: Al-Dousari Ali , Al Hamoud Ali , Ahmed Modi , Al-Dousari Noor
Published: June 2019

Sand and dust storms (SDS) is a common weather phenomenon in the Middle East. Topography and the northern or northwesterly wind are the main control factors for types of SDS trajectories. The main SDS corridors in the Middle East were classified and spotted from March 2000 to March 2017. The SDS can be classified in the region in accordance to shape and magnitude into three main types namely; Small with 3 subtypes (Arrow shape-straight, Arrow shape-curved and Needle like), Intermediate with 3 subtypes (Curved, Hook and Straight), and Extensive with 6 subtypes (Spiral, Agglomerated-Dense, Agglomerated-Dispersed, Wavy, Hook-Single head, and Hook-multiple heads). Most of the trajectories are located within the northeastern parts of the Middle East. Dust properties led us to sort SDS and their indications. Dust deposits in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea and are initiated from Northern Desert of Africa (NDA). On the other hand, dust deposits in the Middle East originate from NDA, Western Desert of Iraq (WD), Mesopotamian Flood Plain (MFP), Ahwaz (HZ), Ahwar (HR) and Baluchistan Desert (BSH). The deposited dust in coastal areas is categorized as trimodal particle size distribution, finer mean size fractions with higher values of particles surface area and contains more carbonates and less quartz percentages compared to fallen dust in inland regions which is dominantly initiated from Western Desert of Iraq (WD), Nafud Desert (NFD) and Empty Quarter (EQ)..
Intercomparisons of some dust models over West Asia
Authors: Nikfal Amirhossein , Ranjbar Saadatabadi Abbas , Rahnama Mehdi , Tajbakhsh Sahar , Moradi Mohammad
Published: June 2019

Evaluation and assessment of dust model results is of primary importance to get a better understanding of the models' performance, and therefore, enhancing the models' set up and structure. Besides some SDS-WAS dust models, two other high resolution WRF-Chem runs have been carried out for two dust episodes over the West Asia with alterations in the soil erodibility fields as one of the primary criteria of dust sources. The main aim of this article was to investigate the high resolution WRF-Chem modeling with the default and altered soil erosion, against the WMO SDS-WAS models. In this paper we investigated the application of WRF-Chem dust modeling for the region of interest (Iran), which cannot be seen entirely by the SDS-WAS models' domains. Comparisons of modelled dust surface concentrations with ground based measurements on 8 air quality stations show that the high resolution WRF-Chem could more or less lead to better predictions. For some cases, the results of the high resolution WRF-Chem unexpectedly presented a declined performance, which indicate that the improvements in the horizontal resolution and soil erodibility could not always lead to improved dust predictions, and more factors such as the model set-up and structure should be considered.
Long-range transport of mineral dust observed with the Asian Dust and aerosol lidar observation Network (AD-Net)
Authors: Sugimoto Nobuo , Shimizu Atsushi , Nishizawa Tomoaki , Jin Yoshitaka
Published: June 2019

AD-Net is an aerosol observation network using continuously operated multi-parameter lidars consists of 20 stations in East Asia. It is a “contributing network” of the WMO Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Program and is an Asian component of the GAW Aerosol Lidar Observation Network (GALION). The standard lidars in AD-Net are two-wavelength (1064 and 532 nm) and polarization (532 nm) lidars, but multiwavelength Raman lidars and a multiwavelength high-spectral-resolution (532 nm) and Raman (355 nm) lidar are also employed. The Mie scattering data from the AD-Net lidars are processed in near realtime (every hour) and published on the AD-Net www page in NetCDF format and graphical indications. AD-Net data are used in monitoring and various studies of Asian dust and regional air pollution. Analyses combining with chemical transport models showed that dust affecting the lower troposphere in Japan was mostly from the Gobi Desert, and dust from the Taklamakan was often transported in the free troposphere very long range. A case of Sahara dust transported through the Middle East and Central Asia was also found. Asian dust transported through polluted areas in East Asia is often internally mixed with air pollution. Results of studies using AD-Net lidars, in-situ polarization particle counters (POPCs), and sampling measurements of chemical composition are introduced.
Observations and transport modeling of dust storm event over Northeast Asia using HYSPLIT: case study
Authors: Ganbat Gantuya , Jugder Dulam
Published: June 2019

This study analyzes a regional dust storm event that occurred in spring 2016 using data from observation sites, Lidar measurements, and satellite imageries. PM10 concentrations at surface observation stations are considered as a primary indicator of the dust events. The dust events occurred on 3-12 March with PM10 reaching a maximum beyond 1682, 1498, 706, and 165 μg m−3 at observation sites in Mongolia, China, Korea and Japan, respectively. The dust event in Northeast Asia is captured by time series of PM10 concentrations at observation sites. On 3-4 March, the dust storm event originated from Mongolia move toward China, Korea and Japan. Vertical distributions of dust observed by Lidar measurements from stations in AD-Net capture a thick layer of nearly 2.2 km of high concentrations above surface in the area of origin. The maximum PM10 concentration drops with downwind transport. Dust source identification and dust-loaded air parcel trajectories are calculated using the HYSPLIT model. According to the HYSPLIT model, the dust storm started on 3-4 March from Mongolia and reached northern Japan in about 4 days passing over northern China and Korea.
Asian Dust properties investigated by multi-instruments
Authors: Nee Janbai
Published: June 2019

Dust and many types of aerosols are major pollutants significantly affecting the environment in the East Asia. To identify and classify various types of aerosols is a challenge. In Taiwan and nearby areas, Asian Dust mainly arrive in spring with an average of about 5 dust storms each year. They usually come with some other aerosol sources, therefore it is important to identify these aerosols and their properties. In this paper, we report studying of dust aerosols by using several ground-based and remote sensing measurements. The AERONET data is used to find optical properties of aerosols in 2008-2012. The lidar observations can investigate further properties and atmospheric processes for specific dust events, including observations of aerosol-cloud interactions. These combined with model or space observations can help us to understand long range dust particles transported to distant areas and their interaction with weather systems. A real time case of observation of dust-cloud interaction is provided.
Potential source areas for Lower Volga loess: provenance analysis using detrital zircon U-Pb ages
Authors: Költringer Chiara , Stevens Thomas , Kurbanov Redzhep
Published: June 2019

Knowledge about origin and transport of aeolian mineral dust in the past and modern times plays an important role in the understanding of climate. Atmospheric circulation patterns and dust dynamics can be revealed by tracing back the provenance of airborne material. The source of loess deposits in the Lower Volga region of Russia is not known, yet represents a key location for Eurasian climate history reconstruction. The problem is addressed using U-Pb dating of detrital zircons from the loess deposits and potential source sediments such as East European Plain, Crimea, Caucasus, Volga, Caspian Sea and Central Asian desert sediments. Identifying the actual source of Lower Volga loess will help to understand past dust transport pathways and climate evolution in the region and its implications for regional and global climate.
Dynamics change of chemical compounds in the composition of the dust aerosol on period of dust storms in Tajikistan
Authors: Khodzhakhon Mukhammad I. , Nazarov Bahron I. , Abdullaev Sabur F. , Karieva Rafika A.
Published: June 2019

This contribution presents the composition of dust aerosol collected in dust storms in the territory of the weather station Ayvaj southern Tajikistan, during the years 2007-2015. High concentrations of the compounds SiO2 (54.23%), CaO (11.25%) and Al2O3 (10.16%) were found, which is characteristic for dust. The statistical characteristics of measured compounds is determined and the correlation coefficients between certain compounds are calculated. A significant high correlation is observed between SiO2 and Na2O (r=0.98), between Fe2O3 and SO3 (r=0.89), between Fe2O3 and Al2O3 as well as between K2O and MgO (r=0.89).
The influence of tropical and subtropical air masses on the chemical composition of the tropospheric aerosol of Western Siberia based on the results of systematic aircraft sounding in 1997-2017
Authors: Simonenkov Denis , Belan Boris , Tolmachev Gennadii , Rasskazchikova Tatyana
Published: June 2019

Almost monthly sensing of the troposphere from 500 to 7000 m above Karakansky bor (Novosibirsk Province) are conducted since 1997 up to now by using of the aircraft-laboratory "Optik" based on Antonov-30 or Tupolev-134. Aerosol sampling on to Petryanov filters AFA-CP-20 for subsequent laboratory quantitative analysis of the content of inorganic ions and the next elements in the aerosol composition: Al, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, Ti, V, Be, Cd, Si, Co, Cr, Sr, Zn, Zr was performed for each flight. For the region of the study of tropospheric aerosol, the chemical composition of the aerosol was classified for the main air masses during the period of airborne sounding from September 1997 to June 2017 - continental arctic, continental moderate, and combined into one “southern” group of the continental tropical and subtropical air masses. Explicit "southern" origin, along with silicon, have chromium, manganese, silver and bicarbonate-anion. To the same group, the ions of chlorine and sodium are attracted, which probably were transported together with salt particles originating from Central Asian deserts.
Estimation of dust related ice nucleating particles in the atmosphere: Comparison of profiling and in-situ measurements
Authors: Haarig Moritz , Ansmann Albert , Walser Adrian , Baars Holger , Urbanneck Claudia , Weinzierl Bernadett , Schöberl Manuel , Dollner Maximilian , Mamouri Rodanthi , Althausen Dietrich
Published: June 2019

Vertical profiles of number concentrations of dust particles relevant for ice nucleation in clouds are derived from lidar measurements. The results are compared to coincidental airborne in-situ measurements of particle number and surface area concentrations in the dust layer. The observations were performed in long- range transported Saharan dust at Barbados and Asian dust at Cyprus. The Asian dust data analysis is ongoing. A comparison of Asian and Saharan dust will be given at the conference. Concentrations of ice nucleating particles in the order of 10 to 1000 per cm-3 in the dust layer are derived for a temperature of -25°C at Barbados. The method can be used to continuously monitor the concentration of ice nucleating dust particles vertically resolved from lidar measurements.
The WMO SDS-WAS Regional Center for Northern Africa, Middle East and Europe
Authors: Basart Sara , Nickovic Slobodan , Terradellas Enric , Cuevas Emilio , Pérez García-Pando Carlos , García-Castrillo Gerardo , Werner Ernest , Benincasa Francesco
Published: June 2019

Sand and dust storms (SDS) are an important threat to life, health, property, environment and economy in many countries, and play a significant role in different aspects of weather, climate and atmospheric chemistry. There is an increasing need for SDS accurate information and predictions to support early warning systems, and preparedness and mitigation plans. The present contribution introduces the current activities of the Regional Center for Northern Africa, Middle East and Europe of the WMO Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System (SDS-WAS). The Center has the mission is to enhance the ability of countries in the region to deliver timely and quality SDS forecasts, observations, information and knowledge to users through an international partnership of research and operational communities.
Assessing Ecotoxicity of Size-fractionated Airborne Particulate Matter
Authors: Eck-Varanka Bettina , Hubai Katalin , Horváth Eszter , Kováts Nora , Teke Gábor , Tóth Ádám
Published: June 2019

Particulate matter (PM) is grouped as coarse, fine, and ultrafine particles (UFPs) with aerodynamic diameters of 2.5 to 10 μm (PM10), <2.5 μm (PM2.5), and <0.1 μm (PM0.1), respectively. The course and fine fractions have been well characterised from numerous aspects, including potential environmental hazard. However, more and more studies are targeted to the UFP fraction, as they bind relatively higher concentrations of potentially toxic materials and they might penetrate through cell biological barriers, posing higher risk to the biota. In our study, ecotoxic potential of size-fractionated urban aerosol was evaluated, using the kinetic version of the Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition bioassay. The kinetic protocol makes it possible to avoid false ecotoxicity readings which might appear in case of coloured and/or turbid samples. Our results showed that all PM fractions elucidated significant toxic response, highest toxicity was experienced in the range of 0.25/0.5μm and 0.5/1 μm (with the EC50s of 7.07 and 7.8%). Ecotoxicity in general followed the typical pattern of number size distributions of submicron particles experienced in Europe.
Return to Work im Spannungsfeld zwischen Erwerbs- und Gesundheitsorientierung
Authors: Bartel Susanne
Published: June 2019

Ziel der Studie Das Grundanliegen dieser Studie war es, gesundheitsbedingte Ausstiegsprozesse aus dem Erwerbsleben sowie deren Bedingungskonstellationen zu untersuchen. Der Fokus richtete sich auf die biografische Bewältigungsarbeit im Kontext der beruflichen Neuorientierung und Return to Work (RTW). Es war Ziel, u. a. Phasen, Merkmale und Mechanismen der Bewältigung einer ‚doppelten Brüchigkeit der Biografie’, d. h. die Bewältigung der chronischen Erkrankung und der vulnerablen beruflichen Situation zu beschreiben.

Methodik Für diese Untersuchung wurden 6 Frauen und 4 Männer im Alter von 25 bis 57 Jahren zu 2 verschiedenen Zeitpunkten zwischen 2011 und 2014 leitfadengestützt (episodisch-narrativ) interviewt: während ihrer medizinischen bzw. beruflichen Rehabilitation (t1) und erneut ca. ein Jahr später (t2). Übergreifendes Merkmal aller Fälle waren die sich anbahnenden bzw. bereits vollzogenen gesundheitsbedingten berufsbiografischen Einschnitte durch eine chronische muskuloskelettale Erkrankung und z. T. begleitet durch psychosomatische Beschwerden oder ausgelöst durch eine psychische Erkrankung. Den rahmenden Forschungsstil der Studie bildete die Grounded Theory 1.

Ergebnisse Der gesundheitsbedingte Ausstieg aus dem Berufsleben vollzieht sich in der Regel schleichend und ist bedingt durch komplexe Risikokonstellationen. Erst im Zusammenspiel personaler und kontextualer Einflussfaktoren baut sich ein Bedingungsrahmen des doppelten biografischen Bruchs auf. Die dadurch ausgelösten Bewältigungsherausforderungen liegen auf sozialer, biografischer und gesundheitlicher Ebene in den Bereichen des Privat- und Arbeitslebens. RTW wird als Versuchsphase erlebt, unter bedingter Gesundheit in den Arbeitsalltag zurückzukehren. Ein zentrales Ergebnis dieser Studie liegt in der Erkenntnis, dass sich in Ausstiegs- und Neuorientierungsprozessen eine Transformation der Bedeutung von Gesundheit vollzielt. Die vorliegende Ergebnisdarstellung fokussiert deren Bedeutung für den Rehabilitations- und RTW-Prozess.

Schlussfolgerung Eine erwerbsbiografische Perspektive ermöglicht es, gesundheitsbedingte Brüche als einen Statuswechsel von gesund zu krank, von leistungsstark zu leistungsgemindert zu beschreiben. Die professionellen Akteure in medizinischen und rehabilitativen Settings sollten verstärkt für die ausgelösten identitätsbildenden Prozesse, individuellen berufsbiografischen Krisen und Krankheitsbewältigungsprozesse der Betroffenen sensibilisiert werden. Es gilt, RTW nicht nur als einzigen Erfolg, zentrales Ergebnis und Abschluss des Rehabilitationsprozesses zu bewerten, sondern ihn als sich fortschreibenden Prozess beruflicher Neuorientierung unter bedingter Gesundheit zu verstehen und als einen partizipativen Begleitprozess zu gestalten.
Schlaf und Lernen in der Entwicklung
Authors: Albrecht Joëlle , Huber Reto
Published: June 2019

Die Hirnentwicklung von der Kindheit über die Adoleszenz bis zum Erwachsenenalter ist komplex und wird maßgeblich durch Lernen beeinflusst. Da bei Erwachsenen der lernförderliche Effekt von Schlaf überzeugend demonstriert wurde, könnte Schlaf für Kinder aufgrund der hohen Lernanforderungen speziell wichtig sein. In der Tat zeigen Kinder einen erhöhten Schlafbedarf und klinische Befunde weisen darauf hin, dass Schlafstörungen im Kindesalter langfristige kognitive Folgen haben können. Da Lernen auf Veränderungen von Verbindungen zwischen Neuronen zurückgeht, legen wir den Fokus des folgenden Artikels auf Befunde aus der Hirnreifungs- und der kognitiven Plastizitätsforschung im Kindes- und Jugendalter. Die Evidenzen aus diesen Forschungslinien zeigen, dass Schlaf auch im Kindesalter eng mit synaptischer Plastizität verbunden ist, und werden im Lichte der Hypothese besprochen, dass der Zusammenhang zwischen Schlaf und Lernen möglicherweise im Kindesalter besonders ausgeprägt ist.
Immer müde – Narkolepsie und Hypersomnie
Authors: Hackenberg Annette
Published: June 2019

Zu den zentralen Hypersomnien zählen Narkolepsie Typ 1 (NT1) und Typ 2 (NT2), idiopathische Hypersomnie und Kleine-Levin-Syndrom. Am häufigsten ist die NT1 mit einer Prävalenz von 1/2000. Erste Symptome treten häufig vor dem 15. Geburtstag auf. Leitsymptome sind exzessive Tagesmüdigkeit, Kataplexie (affektiver Tonusverlust), hypnagoge Halluzinationen, Schlafparalyse und fragmentierter Nachtschlaf. Die Kataplexie kann bei Kindern durch eine anhaltende faziale Hypotonie und Zungen-Protrusion gekennzeichnet sein. Der Verlust des Neurotransmitters Hypocretin im Liquor gilt als spezifischer Biomarker. Die differenzialdiagnostische Einordnung der zentralen Hypersomnien gelingt in der Regel anhand der Anamnese und der Befunde von Polysomnografie (PSG) und multiplem Schlaflatenz-Test (MSLT). Frühe Diagnosestellung und Therapie führen zu einer Verbesserung der Lebensqualität und erleichtern die Eingliederung in das Berufsleben. Die Tagesmüdigkeit kann durch regelmäßigen Nachtschlaf und kurze Schlafpausen tagsüber gelindert werden, in der Regel werden zusätzlich Stimulanzien verabreicht. Das bei der NT1 häufig eingesetzte Natriumoxybat ist auch gegen die Kataplexie wirksam.
Clostridium difficile: Antikörpertherapie und Impfungen
Authors: Reisinger Emil Christian , Ebbers Meinolf , Löbermann Micha
Published: June 2019

Hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infections have become much more frequent in recent years. Besides treatment with antibiotics and fecal microbiota transplant, new preventive strategies are available now. Bezlotoxumab is an antibody against toxin B and may reduce the risk of relapse by roughly 10 %. Several vaccine candidates against toxins A and B and surface-associated antigens were immunogenic and are tested in clinical trials to investigate the efficacy and safety.
Monorchismus bei einem Kater
Authors: Backhaus Sophie , Krauß Maximiljan
Published: June 2019

Bei einem 9 Monate alten Kater, der zur Kastration in der Klinik vorgestellt
wurde, war nur der rechte Hoden im Skrotum palpierbar. Der Kater stammte aus
einer Inzuchtpaarung. Es bestand zunächst der Verdacht eines Kryptorchismus,
doch konnte durch weiterführende Untersuchungen (Ultraschall, diagnostische
Laparotomie) kein kryptorcher linker Hoden identifiziert werden. Die
histopathologische Untersuchung des entfernten rechten Hodens ergab ein
unauffälliges Organ mit Spermatogenese. Bei den im Rahmen der Laparotomie
entnommenen Gewebeproben aus dem subkutanen Gewebe des Inguinalbereichs zeigten
sich am proximalen Ende des Vas deferens nur Nebenhodenanteile mit angrenzendem
Fettgewebe. Klinisch-morphologische Kontrollen des Phänotyps unter besonderer
Betrachtung der primären Geschlechtsmerkmale sowie die Befunde eines
hCG-Stimulationstests 7 Monate nach Kastration des Katers festigten die Diagnose
eines unilateralen Monorchismus. Ursache eines Monorchismus kann eine
unilaterale testikuläre Agenesie oder eine Atrophie nach vaskulärem Insult sein.
Dieser Fall zeigt, dass dem Praktiker auch bei Routineeingriffen wie einer
Katerkastration seltene Anomalien wie ein Monorchismus begegnen können und
dieser diagnostisch zuverlässig gegenüber einem Kryptorchismus abgesichert
werden muss.
Detection of Hammondia heydorni-like oocysts in
feces of a dog with recurrent diarrhea
Authors: Steffl Martin , Nautscher Nadine
Published: June 2019

We report a male, 15-month-old American Canadian White Shepherd dog suffering
from recurrent diarrhea and anorexia. Fecal analysis revealed coccidian oocysts
of small size. Their morphology was similar to those of Hammondia
(H.) heydorni and Neospora (N.) caninum
isolates. Unsporulated oocysts had a mean length of 11.8 ± 0.96 µm
and a mean width of 11.9 ± 0.96 µm. H. heydorni infection was suggested
based on the larger size compared with N. caninum oocysts. Additionally,
real time PCR analysis for N. caninum from the fecal sample was negative.
After a single anti-coccidian treatment (0.45 mg/kg emodepside + 9 mg/kg
toltrazuril) accompanied by amoxicillin (12 mg/kg twice daily for 6 days) the
dog recovered very quickly from the disease. This case demonstrates that H.
heydorni-like oocysts may be associated with gastrointestinal disease in
canine species.
Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory, Antinociceptive, and Antipyretic Activities of Prunus persica var. nucipersica (Nectarine) Kernel
Authors: Elshamy Abdelsamed Ibrahim , Abdallah Heba Mohammed Ibrahim , El Gendy Abd El-Nasser Gaber , El-Kashak Walla , Muscatello Beatrice , De Leo Marinella , Pistelli Luisa
Published: June 2019

Nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) is a worldwide appreciated edible subspecies, with a high nutritional value and benefits on human health due to its phenolic content. Despite the large consumption of the fruit, the potential use of its kernel is poorly studied. Herein, the potential pharmacological activities and the phenolic constituents of an alcoholic extract of kernel nectarine fruits were investigated. Administering nectarine kernel extract (50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively) in rats reduced paw edema after carrageenan injection by 11 and 47% in 1 h, 24 and 33% in 2 h, and 23 and 32% in 4 h, when compared to the controls. At the higher dose (100 mg/kg), nectarine kernel extract increased the reaction time in the hot-plate model and produced a significant decrease in the rectal temperature of the pyretic rats, while both doses produced 52 and 59% of writhing inhibition compared to the control group. Total polyphenolic (55.91 ± 5.78 mg/g) and flavonoid (29.89 ± 0.55 mg/g) content indicated that the extract is a promising source of these constituents. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, such as naringenin and apigenin glycosides. The cyanogenic glycosides amigdalin and prunasin were also detected. These results highlight the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities of nectarine kernel alcoholic extract, together with significant phenolic content, promoting its exploitation as a source of bioactive molecules.