bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling the formation, mechanism, and evolvement of the covalent methanesulfonyl fluoride acetylcholinesterase adduct: Insights into an aged‐like inactive complex susceptible to reactivation by a combination of nucleophiles
Authors: Stojan Jure , Pesaresi Alessandro , Meden Anže , Lamba Doriano
Published: April 2024

Chemical warfare nerve agents and pesticides, known as organophosphorus compounds inactivate cholinesterases (ChEs) by phosphorylating the serine hydroxyl group located at the active site of ChEs. Over the course of time, phosphorylation is followed by loss of an organophosphate‐leaving group and the bond with ChEs becomes irreversible, a process known as aging. Differently, structurally related irreversible catalytic poisons bearing sulfur instead of phosphorus convert ChEs in its aged form only by covalently binding to the key catalytic serine. Kinetic and crystallographic studies of the interaction between Torpedo californica acetylcholinesterase (TcAChE) and a small organosulfonate, methanesulfonyl fluoride (MSF), indeed revealed irreversibly methylsulfonylated serine 200, to be isosteric with the bound aged sarin/soman analogues. The potent bulky reversible inhibitor 7‐bis‐tacrine (BTA) adopts, in the active site of the crystal structure of the MSF‐enzyme adduct, a location and an orientation that closely resemble the one being found in the crystal structure of the BTA‐enzyme complex. Remarkably, the presence of BTA accelerates the rate of methanesulfonylation by a factor of two. This unexpected result can be explained on the basis of two facts: i) the steric hindrance exerted by BTA to MSF in accessing the active site and ii) the acceleration of the MSF‐enzyme adduct formation as a consequence of the lowering of the rotational and translational degrees of freedom in the proximity of the catalytic serine. It is well known that pralidoxime (2‐Pyridine Aldoxime Methyl chloride, 2‐PAM) alone or in the presence of the substrate acetylcholine cannot reactivate the active site serine of the TcAChE‐MSF adduct. We show that the simultaneous presence of 2‐PAM and the additional neutral oxime, 2‐[(hydroxyimino)methyl]‐l‐methylimidazol (2‐HAM), triggers the reactivation process of TcAChE within the hour timescale. Overall, our results pave the way toward the likely use of a cocktail of distinctive oximes as a promising recipe for an effective and fast reactivation of aged cholinesterases.
Three‐dimensional ultrastructural and anatomical analysis of prostatic neuroendocrine cells in mice
Authors: Uemura Kei‐Ichiro , Togo Akinobu , Hiroshige Tasuku , Ohta Keisuke , Ueda Kosuke , Nishihara Kiyoaki , Nakiri Makoto , Hirashima Shingo , Igawa Tsukasa , Nakamura Kei‐Ichiro
Published: April 2024

Background

A few studies have examined the ultrastructure of prostatic neuroendocrine cells (NECs), and no study has focused on their ultrastructure in three dimensions. In this study, three‐dimensional ultrastructural analysis of mouse prostatic NECs was performed to clarify their anatomical characteristics.

Methods

Three 13‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice were deeply anesthetized, perfused with physiological saline and 2% paraformaldehyde, and then placed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate (pH 7.3) buffer for electron microscopy. After perfusion, the lower urinary tract, which included the bladder, prostate, coagulation gland, seminal vesicle, upper vas deferens, and urethra, was removed, and the specimen was cut into small cubes and subjected to postfixation and en bloc staining. Three‐dimensional ultrastructural analysis was performed on NECs, the surrounding cells, tissues, and nerves using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope tomography.

Results

Twenty‐seven serial sections were used in the present study, and 32 mouse prostatic NECs were analyzed. Morphologically, the NECs could be classified into three types: flask, flat, and closed. Closed‐shaped NECs were always adjacent to flask‐shaped cells. The flask‐shaped and flat NECs were in direct contact with the ductal lumen and always had microvilli at their contact points. Many of the NECs had accompanying nerves, some of which terminated on the surface in contact with the NEC.

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional ultrastructural analysis of mouse prostatic NECs was performed. These cells can be classified into three types based on shape. Novel findings include the presence of microvilli at their points of contact with the ductal lumen and the presence of accompanying nerves.
Position‐based fluid simulation for robotic injection sealing of pavement cracks
Authors: Schaefer Samuel D. , Xu Jie , Palin Damian , Al‐Tabbaa Abir , Iida Fumiya
Published: April 2024

Automated crack sealing could significantly benefit the maintenance of road pavements, but there is difficulty in depositing the correct volume of sealant material into the hidden crack space. A simulated model of the material flow within a crack space would allow the development of a predictive control scheme, such that the repair robot can apply suitable trajectories and operational parameters to accomplish neatly sealed surfaces. For the first time, the position‐based fluid (PBF) method, a computationally cheap and fast but approximate model of fluid flows, is studied for its feasibility for sealant flow simulation in the robotic injection crack sealing scenario. A Real‐to‐Sim experiment is performed, in which a PBF simulation of sealant in a virtual robotic crack sealing environment is mirrored from the physical lab setup. The fluid simulation is tuned to match the real‐world dynamics through comparison with 132 simulation runs, varying the artificial viscosity parameters (fluid–fluid viscous interaction) and (fluid–wall viscous interaction). It was found that had a varied three‐stage influence on the simulation error while 's negative influence on the simulation error only effectively applied to fluids satisfying . Through comparing the physical and virtual crack sealing results, the simulation was validated with an average fluid level error of 1.26 mm along a 3.1 mm wide, 16 mm deep and 80 mm long artificial crack, which shows the usefulness of the PBF method for robotic injection sealing. The accuracy and computational requirements of the PBF method are also discussed.
Intercropping prairie cordgrass with kura clover had little effect on soil biogeochemistry
Authors: Varikuti Vaishnavi , Bansal Sangeeta , Xu Suite , Mahal Navreet K.
Published: April 2024

Intercropping kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum) (KC) with prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) (PCG) has great potential for biofuel feedstock on marginal lands. This study evaluated the impacts of 10‐year PCG‐KC intercropping and PCG monoculture fertilized with different nitrogen (N) rates of granular urea (five treatments: PCG‐KC, PCG‐0N, PCG‐75N, PCG‐150N, and PCG‐225N) on soil biogeochemical properties: (i) in the surface soil (0‐ to 10‐cm depth) at three different sampling times during the crop growing season: spring (April, pre‐emergence), summer (June, active growth), and fall (November, post‐harvest); and (ii) at different soil depths (0–5, 5–15, 15–30, 30–45, and 45–60 cm) (only total carbon (C) and N) in fall 2021. All soil biogeochemical parameters were higher during summer as compared to spring and/or fall, except urease activity, ammonium‐N, microbial biomass C and N, and fluorescein diacetate (FDA). On average over the sampling times, PCG‐KC had significantly higher β‐glucosidase activity and hot‐water extractable organic N than PCG‐0N; but no significant difference between PCG‐KC and N‐fertilized PCG. Cold‐water extractable organic N was significantly lower than the highest N rate, but not significantly different from PCG‐0N and lower N rate treatments. Urease activity under PCG‐KC treatment was double that of PCG‐0N and PCG‐75N; FDA was higher in PCG‐KC than all monocultures. No treatment effect was found on soil total C and N, except that they decreased with depth. Overall, intercropping PCG‐KC showed some benefits in terms of promoting soil biogeochemical properties during crop growth periods, having lower residual reactive N in the soil, and maintaining biomass yield and quality on marginal lands.
Note on the unparallel vertical distribution of nitrate and sulfate in Mollisols
Authors: Russi Daniela , Gutierrez Boem Flavio H. , Rubio Gerardo
Published: April 2024

Soil fertility diagnosis often omits subsoil measurements, impacting precision. Our objective was to compare the vertical distribution of nitrate and sulfate in agricultural Mollisols. Both anions were measured in 34 Mollisols of the Pampean region (Argentina) sampled to 160‐cm depth at 20 cm intervals. Nitrate exhibited a continuous downward trajectory, with maximum values at 0–20 cm (12.7 mg N kg−1) and minimum values at 140–160 cm (3.3 mg N kg−1). Sulfate displayed a sinuous pattern, with a minimum at 60–80 cm (3 mg S kg−1). The 60–160/0–160 cm concentration ratio was 42% for nitrate and 60% for sulfate, indicating greater topsoil stratification for nitrate. Predicting deep‐layer nitrate concentrations from topsoil data was more accurate than for sulfate. This poses a challenge for assessing soil S bioavailability, as subsoil sulfates go undetected in conventional sampling.
Magnetic, Electric, and Antimicrobial Properties of Chromium‐ Doped Cobalt Zinc Ferrite Nanoplates
Authors: Badiger Hanamanta , Hegde B. G. , Kumbar Suresh , Dodamani Suneel , Khatavi Santosh Y , Matteppanavar Shidaling
Published: April 2024

In the present work, Co0.5Zn0.5CrxFe2‐xO4 (CZFCO) (x=0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) has been successfully driven from self‐ignited sol‐gel method, using citric acid as a chelating agent. The powder XRD patterns are confirming the formation of single‐phase cubic crystallographic structure with satisfying the Fd‐3m space group. The Rietveld refinement process is carried out to obtain the structural information, including lattice parameters, cell volume, and bond length. Crystallite size and micro‐strain values are found by the Debye Scherrer formula as well as by HR‐TEM the particle size is shown at about 7.86 nm and the presence of two distinct lattice fringes. The SEM digital images display soft wart grains nature, where the majority of grains are forming a dense agglomerate nature with nano plate texture. EDS spectra reflect the presence of all the elements without impurities. The formations of spinel ferrite and metal‐oxygen bond were approbated by FT‐IR Spectra. Further, RT UV‐Vis spectra (DRS) show a decrease in the optical band gap from 1.56 eV to 1.46 eV. The magnetic properties indicate soft ferromagnetic behaviour and as increasing Cr dopant saturation magnetization and coercivity significantly decrease while in the case of X=0.5 suddenly enhanced the Ms, this well corroborates with cation distribution. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique has confirmed the presence of all elements and shows the valance of the Cr is +3 and +2 states at respected octahedral and tetrahedral sites. RT dielectric studies firmly agreed with the Maxwell‐Wagner type of polarization following Koop's theory. RT Impedance spectra suggest consent of the Debye type of relaxation and the Cole‐Cole map shows semi arc‐shaped curve fitted with Gaussian distribution. The imaginary and real parts of the relative permeability of frequency‐dependent curves decayed and firmly showed the favourable character of electric properties. Finally, all the antimicrobial activity results suggested the potential utility of derived compounds as antibacterial agents.
Controlling Nonlinear Optical Switch of Diarylethene by Changing Sizes of Fullerene: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Xiong Xiantao , Zhang Fengyi , Zhang Yongjun , Zhao Xiaoyu , Xu Hongliang , Zhang Kun , Wang Yaxin
Published: April 2024

Fullerene is a material with good electrical conductivity and thermal stability, and its size is an important factor to influence its photoelectric property. In this work, effect of fullerene size (C20, C60, and C70) on nonlinear optical (NLO) switchable molecule diarylethene (DAE) was explored. In the aspect of molecular NLO properties, it could be found that the static first hyperpolarizability βtot of Cx‐O (x=20, 60, 70) was larger than that of Cx‐C (x=20, 60, 70), and the βtot difference between open‐ring and closed‐ring structure increased from 19 to 1431 au with the size of fullerene increased. Especially for C70‐DAE, its largest contrast of βtot values between open‐ring and closed‐ring structure suggested its superiority among three groups of NLO switchable complexes. The result could attribute to C70‐O exhibits a strong dipole characteristic, whereas C70‐C displays a weak dipole characteristic. By analyzing dynamic first hyperpolarizability, it could be found large NLO response mainly depended on molecular dipole characteristics. As a result, for C70‐DAE, βHRS of open‐ring structure was still larger than that of closed‐ring structure. However, the dynamic first hyperpolarizability βHRS of open‐ring structure was smaller than that of closed‐ring structure in both C20‐DAE and C60‐DAE. The switching efficiency was reversed.
Magnetic, Optical, Electrical and Antimicrobial Properties of MnCuZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Surendra Babu B. , Bhonsle Ramakrishna Rao , H.V. Srikanth , Ramesh S. , Naidu K. Chandra Babu
Published: April 2024

The Mn0.92Cu0.08‐yZnyFe2O4 (y=0.02, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08) nanoparticles (MCZF NPs) were synthesized via the hydrothermal process at low operating temperature. The MCZF system generated a cubic spinel structure as seen by the X‐ray diffraction patterns. The average crystallite size was observed to be increasing from 25 to 30 nm. The broad (γ1) and narrow (γ2) absorption bands were seen in FTIR spectra and the cation distributions at tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) sites, respectively, was indicated. The surface morphology was analyzed using electron microscopy. Clarification was provided for the dependence of the optical bandgap shift (Eg~1.96–2.15 eV) on the concentration of substituent. The superparamagnetic nature of MCZF can be advantageous for biomedical applications and it was demonstrated by the magnetization versus applied magnetic field (M−H) loops. Small values of remanence magnetization (Mr) and coercivity (Hc) were found using magnetization versus magnetic field (M−H) curves at y=0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08. This proved that MCZF NPs exhibited the superparamagnetic behavior. The cation distribution at two sublattices was also estimated using a two‐sublattice model. The greatest zone of inhibition in an antibacterial study of MCZF (produced by the green method) was 10.8 mm for Pseudomonosa aeruginosa and 9.4 mm for Staphylococcus aureus.
Polycaprolactone Microsphere‐Encapsulated Fluconazole‐Loaded Zinc Oxide and Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites for Enhanced Biological Performance
Authors: Das Abinash , Ringu Togam , Ghosh Sampad , Pramanik Nabakumar
Published: April 2024

Osteomyelitis (OM), a debilitating disease caused by a microbial infection of the bones, continues to pose a formidable obstacle for orthopedic surgeons. The conventional methods for the prevention and treatment of OM are insufficient. In this research work, we developed a strategic green nanostructure using the antifungal drug Fluconazole (FCZ)‐assimilated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanostructures as filler and hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) as matrix by a solution‐based chemical method. The ceramic carrier‐like nanostructures ZnO and HAp were synthesized by the in situ precipitation method. The physicochemical characterization of the prepared polymer‐coated drug ceramic nanocomposite (FCZ‐ZnO‐HAp‐PCL) was achieved using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), particle size distribution (PSD), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis. Furthermore, the biocompatibility and anticancer activity of the nanocomposite were explored by an MTT assay study. Successfully synthesized FCZ‐ZnO‐HAp‐PCL nanocomposite exhibited profound antimicrobial activity against targeted microbe species and potential cytotoxicity towards MCF‐7 human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines, which may be potentially used for the treatment of OM and prospective infections.
One‐Pot Etching Pyrolysis to Defect‐Rich Carbon Nanosheets to Construct Multiheteroatom‐Coordinated Iron Sites for Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Peng Shichao , Ma Xilan , Tian Jiachen , Du Changliang , Yang Lifen , Meng Erchao , Zhu Youqi , Zou Meishuai , Cao Chuanbao
Published: April 2024

Constructing multiheteroatom coordination structure in carbonaceous substrates demonstrates an effective method to accelerate the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of supported single‐atom catalyst. Herein, the novel etching route assisted by potassium thiocyanate (KCNS) is developed to convert metal‐organic framework to 2D defect‐rich porous N,S‐co‐doped carbon nanosheets for anchoring atomically dispersed iron sites as the high‐performance ORR catalysts (Fe‐SACs). The well‐designed KCNS‐assisted etching route can generate spatial confinement template to direct the carbon nanosheet formation, etching condition to form defect‐rich structure, and additional sulfur atoms to coordinate iron species. Spectral and microscopy analysis reveals that the iron element in Fe‐SACs is highly isolated on carbon nanosheet and anchored by nitrogen and sulfur atoms in unsymmetrical Fe‐S1N3 structure. The optimized Fe‐SACs with large specific surface area could show remarkable alkaline ORR performances with a high half‐wave potential of 0.920 V versus RHE and excellent durability. The rechargeable zinc–air battery assembled with Fe‐SACs air electrodes delivers a large power density of 350 mW cm−2 and a stable voltage platform during charge and discharge over more than 1300 h. This work proposes a novel strategy for the preparation of single‐atom catalysts with multiheteroatom coordination structure and highly exposed active sites for efficient ORR.
Effect of Case Depth and Hardness Distribution on the Rolling Contact Fatigue Performance of G20CrNi2MoA Carburized Steel
Authors: Liu Su , Yang Zhiyong , Liu Tao , Li Zhiqiang , Cong Tao
Published: April 2024

This study aims to investigate the effects of the case depth and hardness distribution of carburizing on the rolling contact fatigue (RCF) properties of G20CrNi2MoA steel under deeper carburizing conditions. Four groups of specimens of different case depths are prepared and subjected to RCF tests. A 2D finite element model based on continuum damage mechanics is developed to further analyze these two factors. As the depth of the carburized case increases, the RCF life first increases and then decreases. The optimum case depth is approximately one‐quarter of the thickness of the specimen. A gentler hardness distribution due to a change in the diffusion process parameters ensures a minimal increase (8%) in the RCF performance. The proper case depth has a more notable effect on the RCF life compared with those of the gentle or steep hardness distribution. It is expected that the results can help to promote a better understanding of the heat treatment process of carburized bearings and ensure more reliable carburized bearings are produced.
Vadose zone flushing of fertilizer tracked by isotopes of water and nitrate
Authors: Weitzman Julie N. , Brooks J. Renée , Compton Jana E. , Faulkner Barton R. , Peachey R. Edward , Rugh William D. , Coulombe Robert A. , Hatteberg Blake , Hutchins Stephen R.
Published: April 2024

A substantial fraction of nitrogen (N) fertilizer applied in agricultural systems is not incorporated into crops and moves below the rooting zone as nitrate (NO3−). Understanding mechanisms for soil N retention below the rooting zone and leaching to groundwater is essential for our ability to track the fate of added N. We used dual stable isotopes of nitrate (δ15N–NO3− and δ18O–NO3−) and water (δ18O–H2O and δ2H–H2O) to understand the mechanisms driving nitrate leaching at three depths (0.8, 1.5, and 3.0 m) of an irrigated corn field sampled every 2 weeks from 2016 to 2020 in the southern Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA. Distinct periods of high nitrate concentrations with lower δ15N–NO3− values indicated that a portion of that nitrate was from recent fertilizer applications. We used a mixing model to quantify nitrate fluxes associated with recently added fertilizer N versus older, legacy soil N during these “fertilizer signal periods.” Nitrate leached below 3.0 m in these periods made up a larger proportion of the total N leached at that depth (∼52%) versus the two shallower depths (∼13%–16%), indicating preferential movement of recently applied fertilizer N through the deep soil into groundwater. Further, N associated with recent fertilizer additions leached more easily when compared to remobilized legacy N. A high volume of fall and winter precipitation may push residual fertilizer N to depth, potentially posing a larger threat to groundwater than legacy N. Optimizing fertilizer N additions could minimize fertilizer losses and reduce nitrate leaching to groundwater.
Polyphosphorus Compounds Derived from P4 Conversion with Sterically Demanding Cobalt Complexes
Authors: Dielmann Fabian , Elsayed Moussa Mehdi , Riesinger Christoph , Scheer Manfred
Published: April 2024

The conversion of P4 with [CpBnCo(CO)2] (CpBn=C5(CH2C6H5)5) under thermal conditions gives almost exclusively the P10 complex [(CpBnCo)4(μ4‐η4:η4:η2:η2:η1:η1‐P10)]. However, its reaction with [CpBnCo]n, under mild conditions afforded a mixture of products including the P8 species [(CpBnCo)3(μ3‐η4:η2:η2:η1:η1‐P8)] and a rare Co3 cluster [(CpBnCo)2Co(μ3‐η5:η2:η1:η1‐C40H33)(μ‐H)(μ3‐H)]. The products were studied in solution by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry and, for some compounds in the solid state, by single crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Transformative Commons and Education in Greece. Τhree Case Studies
Authors: Kioupkiolis Alexandros , Tselepi Νaya
Published: April 2024

This chapter offers a summary account of three case studies conducted in Greece by the research team of Aristotle University, in 2021–2023, in the context of the Horizon 2020 research project SMOOTH. The studies considered practices of commoning in diverse educational settings from the perspective of their transformative effects and their contribution to the democratic empowerment of young students in the classroom and beyond. In two cases, in the private institutions of the School of Nature (kindergarten) and the Big Bang School (elementary school) in Thessaloniki, activities of educational commons were experimentally pursued by the researcher and the staff as part of the research project. At the other site, the informal Solidarity School Mesopotamia in Moschato, Athens, the case study combined observation of existing practices with limited intervention through focus groups and interviews. Despite their critical divergences, the studies corroborate our main research thesis: the enactment of educational commons, however limited and constrained, addresses inequalities and can instil radical democratic habits in young students. Beyond this broad finding, the three studies pivot around different aspects and dynamics of educational commoning, which this chapter sets out to highlight and critically discuss. The commons-based organization and the alter-political nature of the Solidarity School generate considerable transformative effects which are reflected markedly in the ambiance of teaching and learning. A culture of equal freedom, solidarity and civic engagement refashions the hegemonic habitus of consumerist individualism, passivity and submission to socio-political hierarchies. The two other studies at the School of Nature and the Big Bang School, in which the methodology of sociocracy proved to be a good practice fostering educational commons, further developed core insights of relevant research: the role of teachers as ‘companions’ promoted children’s autonomy, while collective decision-making with consent educated young people in peer governance, cultivating collective consciousness and building a sense of equal power.
Educational Commons in Art Museums
Authors: Nikonanou Niki , Kanellopoulos Panagiotis A. , Viseri Elena , Moraitopoulou Elina
Published: April 2024

This chapter reports on four case studies that took place at four museums of the Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts (MOMus) in Thessaloniki, Greece, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Experimental Center for the Arts, the Museum of Photography and the Museum of Modern Art-Costakis Collection. Different groups of young people participated in case studies that sought to bring together educational commons and collaborative artistic experimentation, leading to the co-creation of artistic projects. The chapter focuses on how commoning processes might contribute to the transformation of the museum towards an open-source institution through the cultivation of commoning practices in museum education. We also highlight the value of delving into forms of creative artistic engagement that induce unlearning traditional roles and questioning hierarchical power distribution.
Collaboratively Setting Daily Step Goals with a Virtual Coach: Using Reinforcement Learning to Personalize Initial Proposals
Authors: Dierikx Martin , Albers Nele , Scheltinga Bouke L. , Brinkman Willem-Paul
Published: April 2024

Goal-setting is commonly used in behavior change applications for physical activity. However, for goals to be effective, they need to be tailored to a user’s situation (e.g., motivation, progress). One way to obtain such goals is a collaborative process in which a healthcare professional and client set a goal together, thus making use of the professional’s expertise and the client’s knowledge about their own situation. As healthcare professionals are not always available, we created a dialog with the virtual coach Steph to collaboratively set daily step goals. Since judgments in human decision-making processes are adjusted based on the starting point or anchor, the first step goal proposal Steph makes is likely to influence the user’s final goal and self-efficacy. Situational factors impacting physical activity (e.g., motivation, self-efficacy, available time) or how users process information (e.g., mood) may determine which initial proposals are most effective in getting users to reach their underlying previous activity-based recommended step goals. Using data from 117 people interacting with Steph for up to five days, we designed a reinforcement learning algorithm that considers users’ current and future situations when choosing an initial step goal proposal. Our simulations show that initial step goal proposals matter: choosing optimal ones based on this algorithm could make it more likely that people move to a situation with high motivation, high self-efficacy, and a favorable daily context. Then, they are more likely to achieve, but also to overachieve, their underlying recommended step goals. Our dataset is publicly available.
Technische Zusammenfassung
Authors: Tappeiner Ulrike , Erb Karl-Heinz , Jandl Robert , Anderl Michael , Baumgarten Andreas , Bohner Andreas , Borsky Stefan , Bruckman Viktor J. , Bruckner Martin , Díaz-Pinés Eugenio , Dobernig Karin , Dumke Hartmut , Eitzinger Josef , Fischer Tatjana , Formayer Herbert , Freudenschuss Alexandra , Gaube Veronika , Getzner Michael , Gingrich Simone , Glatzel Stephan , Gratzer Georg , Haas Willi , Jäger Jill , Kirchner Mathias , Kitzler Barbara , Koch Andreas , Kottusch Charlotte , Kraxner Florian , Lapin Katharina , Leitinger Georg , Lexer Manfred J. , Lindenthal Thomas , Loibl Wolfgang , Mehdi-Schulz Bano , Meyer Ina , Miloczki Julia , Obrovsky Michael , Penker Marianne , Sandén Taru , Scharler Markus , Schauberger Günther , Mag. Dr. MSc. Schaumberger Andreas , Schinko Thomas , Shinozaki Kyoko , Schirpke Uta , Schmid Carmen , Schneider Stefan , Schöner Wolfgang , Schüler Silvio , Sinabell Franz , Spiegel Heide , Stöglehner Gernot , Stumpp Christine , Sturmbauer Christian , Tasser Erich , Thaler Thomas , Theurl Michaela , Tötzer Tanja , Voigt Andreas , Weber Karin , Weber Gerlind , Weiss Peter , Wenzel Walter , Zessner Matthias , Zoboli Ottavia , Zollitsch Werner , Zuvela-Aloise Maja
Published: April 2024

Die Technische Zusammenfassung des APCC-Sonderberichts ″Landnutzung und Klimawandel in Österreich″ umfasst die Kernbotschaften der Kapitel 1–9. In ihr sind die Hauptaussagen zu den sozioökonomischen und klimatischen Treibern der Landnutzungsänderungen, zu den Auswirkungen von Landnutzung und -bewirtschaftung auf den Klimawandel, zu Minderungs- und Anpassungsoptionen im Kontext nachhaltiger Entwicklungsziele sowie zu Synergien, Zielkonflikten und Umsetzungsbarrieren von Klimamaßnahmen enthalten.
The field of moduli of sets of points in $$\mathbb {P}^{2}$$
Authors: Bresciani Giulio
Published: April 2024

For every $$n\ge 6$$

n
≥
6

, we give an example of a finite subset of $$\mathbb {P}^{2}$$

P

2

of degree n which does not descend to any Brauer–Severi surface over the field of moduli. Conversely, for every $$n\le 5$$

n
≤
5

, we prove that a finite subset of degree n always descends to a 0-cycle on $$\mathbb {P}^{2}$$

P

2

over the field of moduli.
Präklinische Versorgung von anaphylaktischen Reaktionen durch die Dresdner Luft- und Bodenrettung
Authors: Cuevas Mandy , Frank Mark , Haacke Wladimir , Lüdke Theresa
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Anaphylaxie kann lebensbedrohlich sein. Eine schnelle Diagnose und sofortige Therapie sind daher notwendig. Im Fall einer Anaphylaxie mit kardiovaskulärer und/oder respiratorischer Beteiligung wird die unmittelbare Verabreichung von Adrenalin i.m. (oder i.v. bei ausreichender medizinischer Erfahrung) in Leitlinien empfohlen. Bisherige Studien ergaben, dass bei Anaphylaxien häufig keine leitliniengerechte Therapie durchgeführt und insbesondere Adrenalin selten verabreicht wird.

Fragestellung

Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, die Daten der Dresdner Luft- und Bodenrettung hinsichtlich der Therapie und des Outcomes von Patient/innen mit Anaphylaxien zu untersuchen. Zudem erfolgte eine Gegenüberstellung der Ergebnisse aus der Luft- und Bodenrettung. Der Fokus lag auf der Verabreichung von Adrenalin sowie auf dem Outcome.

Material und Methoden

Retrospektiv wurden die Einsätze der Dresdner Bodenrettung (von 2012 bis 2016) sowie Luftrettung (von 2008 bis 2015), die aufgrund anaphylaktischer Reaktionen stattfanden, ausgewertet. Für alle Einsätze wurde der Schweregrad der Anaphylaxie, die verabreichte Notfallmedikation sowie die weitere Überwachung und der Ausgang untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Für die Luftrettung wurden 152 Erwachsene/29 Kinder und für die Bodenrettung 1131 Erwachsene/223 Kinder ausgewertet. Erwachsene mit höhergradiger Anaphylaxie (Grad II–IV) erhielten in 19 % (Luftrettung) bzw. in 7 % (Bodenrettung) der Fälle Adrenalin. Bei den Kindern waren es 7 % (Luftrettung) bzw. 8 % (Bodenrettung) der Fälle. Die Therapie mit Antihistaminika und/oder Glukokortikoiden und/oder Adrenalin führte bei 96–98 % (Luftrettung) bzw. 72–77 % der Fälle (Bodenrettung) zu einer Verbesserung. Es wurde ein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen Verabreichen von Adrenalin und Verbesserung des Outcomes in der Kohorte der Bodenrettung gezeigt.

Schlussfolgerung

In der Mehrheit der höhergradigen Anaphylaxien erfolgte trotz Leitlinienempfehlung keine Therapie mit Adrenalin. Der in dieser Studie gezeigte signifikante Einfluss von Adrenalin auf den Outcome unterstreicht den Handlungsbedarf zur Optimierung der Notfallbehandlung anaphylaktischer Reaktionen.
Sodic-calcic alteration and transpressional shear along the Atacama fault system during IOCG mineralization, Copiapó, Chile
Authors: Seymour N. M. , Singleton J. S. , Gomila R. , Arancibia G. , Ridley J. , Gevedon M. L. , Stockli D. F. , Seman S. M.
Published: April 2024

The Punta del Cobre district near Copiapó is a center of iron oxide-copper–gold (IOCG) mineralization spatially and temporally associated with regional sodic-calcic hydrothermal alteration, the Atacama fault system (AFS), and two phases of Early Cretaceous magmatism. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal and geochemical relationships between magmatism, ductile deformation, and hydrothermal alteration along the ~ 200 to 300-m-thick steeply NW-dipping Sierra Chicharra shear zone, interpreted to be the major strand of the AFS. Mylonitic fabrics and oblique sinistral-reverse kinematic indicators together record coaxial flattening in a transpressional regime. Deformation on the AFS took place before, during, and after intrusion of the synkinematic Sierra Chicharra quartz diorite of the Coastal Cordillera arc at ~ 122 Ma and terminated before intrusion of the unstrained ~ 114 Ma Sierra Atacama diorite of the Copiapó batholith. Geochemical data show that the Copiapó batholith was more mafic and more K-rich than the calc-alkaline Coastal Cordillera arc. This time period thus overlaps IOCG mineralization in the Punta del Cobre district (~ 120 to 110 Ma). Multiple phases of sodic-calcic alteration in and around the AFS shear zone are recognized. Textures of altered rock in the shear zone show both synkinematic assemblages and post-kinematic hydrothermal oligoclase. A ~ 775-m-long andradite vein that cuts the shear zone formed broadly at the end of magmatism in the district (~ 95 Ma). Oxygen isotope ratios from the vein indicate that hydrothermal fluids were likely magmatically derived. Together, this work shows the AFS-related shear zone and nearby IOCG mineralization developed in a regional transpressional regime produced by SE-directed oblique convergence across a NE-striking shear zone. IOCG-related magmatic-hydrothermal fluids exploited this transcrustal shear zone to produce multiple episodes of regional sodic-calcic alteration formed from fluids exsolved from magmas or driven by the heat of the Coastal Cordillera arc and Copiapó batholith.
Electron beam powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of Ti6Al4V alloy lattice structures: orientation-dependent compressive strength and fracture behavior
Authors: Huang Yawen , Chen Zhan Wen , Wan Antony Rey O. , Schmidt Kurt , Sefont Peter , Singamneni Saret
Published: April 2024

High porosity level lattice structures made using electron beam powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (EBPBF) need to be sufficiently strong and the understanding of the mechanical anisotropy of the structures is important for the design of orthopedic implants. In this work, the combined effects of loading direction (LD), cell orientation, and strut irregularity associated with EBPBF of Ti6Al4V alloy lattices on the mechanical behavior of the lattices under compressive loading have been studied. Three groups of simple cubic unit cell lattices were EBPBF made, compressively tested, and examined. The three groups were [001]//LD lattices, [011]//LD lattices, and [111]//LD lattices. Simulation has also been conducted. Yield strength (σy-L) values of all lattices determined experimentally have been found to be comparable to the values predicted by simulation; thus, EBPBF surface defects do not affect σy-L. σy-L of [001]//LD lattices is 1.8–2.0 times higher than those of [011]//LD and [111]//LD lattices. The reason for this is shown to be due to the high stress concentrations in non-[001]//LD samples, causing yielding at low loading levels. Furthermore, plastic strain (εp) at ultimate compression strength of [001]//LD samples has been determined to be 4–6 times higher than the values of non-[001]//LD samples. Examining the tested samples has shown cracks more readily propagating from EBPBF micro-notches in non-[001]//LD samples, resulting in low εp.
A new method for improving the solar photovoltaic unit efficiency through neem oil as coolant medium for high power applications—an experimental investigation
Authors: Ganesan Karthikeyan , Palanisamy Satheeshkumar , Muthusamy Suresh , Muthusamy Prabha Maheswari , Ramamoorthi Ponarun , Ravi Ranjith Kumar , Sha Mizaj Shabil , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: April 2024

The utilization of electric energy is rising in the technological world. Solar PV (photovoltaic) cells convert sunlight into electricity, and sunlight radiation also has heat, reducing the panel's efficiency. The heat should control the limited value or otherwise reduce the panel's performance so that heat is moved to the cooling medium, thus maintaining the heat within the functioning limit. The proposed method is explained by the probability of cooling the monocrystalline and polycrystalline structures used as neem oil through an integrated oil container fitted into the unit's backside—the neem oil acts as phase-changing material (PCM). The solar PV rear side neem oil absorbs the heat of the solar PV panel. The neem oil is not filled in the backside tank completely for the reason that the oil needed some breathing gap. The breathing gap of PCM is to enhance the heat-withstand efficiency. The backside neem oil is replaced every 30 min. As an outcome, the front side of solar PV heat is reduced. Neem oil has not polluted the environment and is thus also used to exchange noxious mineral oils. The neem oil moved from the depository tank to the backside of the unit and together into an additional depositor tank, thus being able to be reused. The proposed method is investigated, and functioning comparison occurs in different PV types, such as monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules, with various kinds of edible oil. Thus, the critical outcomes of the monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV panels are to decrease the panel temperature by 2.29% and 4.34%, respectively, and enhance the efficiency of the PV panels by 15.0% and 17.8%, respectively.
On the critical regularity of nonlinearities for semilinear classical wave equations
Authors: Chen Wenhui , Reissig Michael
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we consider the Cauchy problem for semilinear classical wave equations $$\begin{aligned} u_{tt}-\Delta u=|u|^{p_S(n)}\mu (|u|) \end{aligned}$$

u

tt

-
Δ
u
=

|
u
|

p
S

(
n
)

μ

(
|
u
|
)

with the Strauss exponent $$p_S(n)$$

p
S

(
n
)

and a modulus of continuity $$\mu =\mu (\tau ),$$

μ
=
μ
(
τ
)
,

which provides an additional regularity of nonlinearities in $$u=0$$

u
=
0

comparing with the power nonlinearity $$|u|^{p_S(n)}.$$

|
u
|

p
S

(
n
)

.

We obtain a sharp condition on $$\mu $$
μ
as a threshold between global (in time) existence of small data radial solutions by deriving polynomial-logarithmic type weighted $$L^{\infty }_tL^{\infty }_r$$

L
t
∞

L
r
∞

estimates, and blow-up of solutions in finite time even for small data by applying iteration methods with slicing procedure. These results imply a conjecture for the critical regularity of source nonlinearities for semilinear classical wave equations. We verify this conjecture in the 3d case.
Sample-to-answer lateral flow assay with integrated plasma separation and NT-proBNP detection
Authors: Strohmaier-Nguyen Dan , Horn Carina , Baeumner Antje J.
Published: April 2024

Through enabling whole blood detection in point-of-care testing (POCT), sedimentation-based plasma separation promises to enhance the functionality and extend the application range of lateral flow assays (LFAs). To streamline the entire process from the introduction of the blood sample to the generation of quantitative immune-fluorescence results, we combined a simple plasma separation technique, an immunoreaction, and a micropump-driven external suction control system in a polymer channel-based LFA. Our primary objective was to eliminate the reliance on sample-absorbing separation membranes, the use of active separation forces commonly found in POCT, and ultimately allowing finger prick testing. Combining the principle of agglutination of red blood cells with an on-device sedimentation-based separation, our device allows for the efficient and fast separation of plasma from a 25-µL blood volume within a mere 10 min and overcomes limitations such as clogging, analyte adsorption, and blood pre-dilution. To simplify this process, we stored the agglutination agent in a dried state on the test and incorporated a filter trench to initiate sedimentation-based separation. The separated plasma was then moved to the integrated mixing area, initiating the immunoreaction by rehydration of probe-specific fluorophore-conjugated antibodies. The biotinylated immune complex was subsequently trapped in the streptavidin-rich detection zone and quantitatively analyzed using a fluorescence microscope. Normalized to the centrifugation-based separation, our device demonstrated high separation efficiency of 96% and a yield of 7.23 µL (= 72%). Furthermore, we elaborate on its user-friendly nature and demonstrate its proof-of-concept through an all-dried ready-to-go NT-proBNP lateral flow immunoassay with clinical blood samples.

Graphical Abstract
Stability Threshold of the 2D Couette Flow in a Homogeneous Magnetic Field Using Symmetric Variables
Authors: Dolce Michele
Published: April 2024

We consider a 2D incompressible and electrically conducting fluid in the domain $${\mathbb {T}}\times {\mathbb {R}}$$

T
×
R

. The aim is to quantify stability properties of the Couette flow (y, 0) with a constant homogenous magnetic field $$(\beta ,0)$$

(
β
,
0
)

when $$|\beta |>1/2$$

|
β
|
>
1
/
2

. The focus lies on the regime with small fluid viscosity $$\nu $$
ν
, magnetic resistivity $$\mu $$
μ
and we assume that the magnetic Prandtl number satisfies $$\mu ^2\lesssim \textrm{Pr}_{\textrm{m}}=\nu /\mu \le 1$$

μ
2

≲

Pr
m

=
ν
/
μ
≤
1

. We establish that small perturbations around this steady state remain close to it, provided their size is of order $$\varepsilon \ll \nu ^\frac{2}{3}$$

ε
≪

ν

2
3

in $$H^N$$

H
N

with N large enough. Additionally, the vorticity and current density experience a transient growth of order $$\nu ^{-\frac{1}{3}}$$

ν

-

1
3

while converging exponentially fast to an x-independent state after a time-scale of order $$\nu ^{-\frac{1}{3}}$$

ν

-

1
3

. The growth is driven by an inviscid mechanism, while the subsequent exponential decay results from the interplay between transport and diffusion, leading to the dissipation enhancement. A key argument to prove these results is to reformulate the system in terms of symmetric variables, inspired by the study of inhomogeneous fluid, to effectively characterize the system’s dynamic behavior.
Product structure and regularity theorem for totally nonnegative flag varieties
Authors: Bao Huanchen , He Xuhua
Published: April 2024

The totally nonnegative flag variety was introduced by Lusztig. It has enriched combinatorial, geometric, and Lie-theoretic structures. In this paper, we introduce a (new) $J$
J
-total positivity on the full flag variety of an arbitrary Kac-Moody group, generalizing the (ordinary) total positivity.

We show that the $J$
J
-totally nonnegative flag variety has a cellular decomposition into totally positive $J$
J
-Richardson varieties. Moreover, each totally positive $J$
J
-Richardson variety admits a favorable decomposition, called a product structure. Combined with the generalized Poincare conjecture, we prove that the closure of each totally positive $J$
J
-Richardson variety is a regular CW complex homeomorphic to a closed ball. Moreover, the $J$
J
-total positivity on the full flag provides a model for the (ordinary) totally nonnegative partial flag variety. As a consequence, we prove that the closure of each (ordinary) totally positive Richardson variety is a regular CW complex homeomorphic to a closed ball, confirming conjectures of Galashin, Karp and Lam in (Adv. Math. 351:614–620, 2019). We also show that the link of the totally nonnegative part of $U^{-}$

U
−

for any Kac-Moody group forms a regular CW complex. This generalizes the result of Hersh (Invent. Math. 197(1):57–114, 2014) for reductive groups.
Melanin depletion affects Aspergillus flavus conidial surface proteins, architecture, and virulence
Authors: Rudhra Ondippili , Gnanam Hariharan , Sivaperumal Sivaramakrishnan , Namperumalsamy VenkateshPrajna , Prajna Lalitha , Kuppamuthu Dharmalingam
Published: April 2024

Melanin is an Aspergillus flavus cell wall component that provides chemical and physical protection to the organism. However, the molecular and biological mechanisms modulating melanin-mediated host–pathogen interaction in A. flavus keratitis are not well understood. This work aimed to compare the morphology, surface proteome profile, and virulence of melanized conidia (MC) and non-melanized conidia (NMC) of A. flavus. Kojic acid treatment inhibited melanin synthesis in A. flavus, and the conidial surface protein profile was significantly different in kojic acid-treated non-melanized conidia. Several cell wall-associated proteins and proteins responsible for oxidative stress, carbohydrate, and chitin metabolic pathways were found only in the formic acid extracts of NMC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the conidial surface morphology difference between the NMC and MC, indicating the role of melanin in the structural integrity of the conidial cell wall. The levels of calcofluor white staining efficiency were different, but there was no microscopic morphology difference in lactophenol cotton blue staining between MC and NMC. Evaluation of the virulence of MC and NMC in the Galleria mellonella model showed NMC was less virulent compared to MC. Our findings showed that the integrity of the conidial surface is controlled by the melanin layer. The alteration in the surface protein profile indicated that many surface proteins are masked by the melanin layer, and hence, melanin can modulate the host response by preventing the exposure of fungal proteins to the host immune defense system. The G. mellonella virulence assay also confirmed that the NMC were susceptible to host defense as in other Aspergillus pathogens.

Key points

• l-DOPA melanin production was inhibited in A. flavus isolates by kojic acid, and for the first time, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed morphological differences between MC and NMC of A. flavus strains

• Proteome profile of non-melanized conidia showed more conidial surface proteins and these proteins were mainly involved in the virulence, oxidative stress, and metabolism pathways

• Non-melanized conidia of A. flavus strains were shown to be less virulent than melanised conidia in an in vivo virulence experiment with the G. melonella model
Evaluation of histological variants of upper tract urothelial carcinoma as prognostic factor after radical nephroureterectomy
Authors: Song Byeongdo , Kim Jung Kwon , Lee Hakmin , Lee Sangchul , Hong Sung Kyu , Byun Seok-Soo , Oh Jong Jin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of variant histology on patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) survival outcomes.

Materials and methods

A total of 519 patients underwent radical nephroureterectomy without neoadjuvant therapy for UTUC at a single institution between May 2003 and December 2019. Multivariate Cox regression analysis evaluated the impact of variant histology on progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

Among 84 patients (16.2%) with variant histology, the most frequent variant type was squamous cell differentiation (64.3%), followed by glandular differentiation (25.0%) and sarcomatoid variant (2.4%). They showed pathologically advanced T stage (for ≥ T3, 59.5% vs 33.3%, p < 0.001), higher tumor grade (96.4% vs 85.7%, p = 0.025), and higher rates of lymph node metastasis (17.9% vs 7.8%, p = 0.015), angiolymphatic invasion (41.7% vs 25.7%, p = 0.003), tumor necrosis (57.1% vs 29.0%, p < 0.001) and positive surgical margin (13.1% vs 5.7%, p = 0.015). On multivariate Cox regression analyses, variant histology was significantly associated with worse PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55–3.21; p < 0.001), CSS (HR 2.67; 95% CI 1.35–5.30; p = 0.005) and OS (HR 2.22; 95% CI 1.27–3.88; p = 0.005). In subgroup analysis, no significant survival gains of adjuvant chemotherapy occurred in patients with variant histology.

Conclusions

Variant histology was associated with adverse pathologic features and poor survival outcomes. Our results suggest that patients with variant histology may require a close follow-up schedule and novel adjuvant therapy other than chemotherapy postoperatively.