bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethylene-triggered subcellular trafficking of CTR1 enhances the response to ethylene gas
Authors: Park Hye Lin , Seo Dong Hye , Lee Han Yong , Bakshi Arkadipta , Park Chanung , Chien Yuan-Chi , Kieber Joseph J. , Binder Brad M. , Yoon Gyeong Mee
Published: January 2023

The phytohormone ethylene controls plant growth and stress responses. Ethylene-exposed dark-grown Arabidopsis seedlings exhibit dramatic growth reduction, yet the seedlings rapidly return to the basal growth rate when ethylene gas is removed. However, the underlying mechanism governing this acclimation of dark-grown seedlings to ethylene remains enigmatic. Here, we report that ethylene triggers the translocation of the Raf-like protein kinase CONSTITUTIVE TRIPLE RESPONSE1 (CTR1), a negative regulator of ethylene signaling, from the endoplasmic reticulum to the nucleus. Nuclear-localized CTR1 stabilizes the ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3) transcription factor by interacting with and inhibiting EIN3-BINDING F-box (EBF) proteins, thus enhancing the ethylene response and delaying growth recovery. Furthermore, Arabidopsis plants with enhanced nuclear-localized CTR1 exhibited improved tolerance to drought and salinity stress. These findings uncover a mechanism of the ethylene signaling pathway that links the spatiotemporal dynamics of cellular signaling components to physiological responses.
Photosensitive ion channels in layered MXene membranes modified with plasmonic gold nanostars and cellulose nanofibers
Authors: Yeom Jeonghee , Choe Ayoung , Lee Jiyun , Kim Jeeyoon , Kim Jinyoung , Oh Seung Hak , Park Cheolhong , Na Sangyun , Shin Young-Eun , Lee Youngoh , Ro Yun Goo , Kwak Sang Kyu , Ko Hyunhyub
Published: January 2023

Ion channels transduce external stimuli into ion-transport-mediated signaling, which has received considerable attention in diverse fields such as sensors, energy harvesting devices, and desalination membrane. In this work, we present a photosensitive ion channel based on plasmonic gold nanostars (AuNSs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) embedded in layered MXene nanosheets. The MXene/AuNS/CNF (MAC) membrane provides subnanometer-sized ionic pathways for light-sensitive cationic flow. When the MAC nanochannel is exposed to NIR light, a photothermal gradient is formed, which induces directional photothermo-osmotic flow of nanoconfined electrolyte against the thermal gradient and produces a net ionic current. MAC membrane exhibits enhanced photothermal current compared with pristine MXene, which is attributed to the combined photothermal effects of plasmonic AuNSs and MXene and the widened interspacing of the MAC composite via the hydrophilic nanofibrils. The MAC composite membranes are envisioned to be applied in flexible ionic channels with ionogels and light-controlled ionic circuits.
Antibody enhanced HPLC for serotype-specific quantitation of polysaccharides in pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
Authors: Deng James Z. , Kuster Nathan , Drumheller Ashley , Lin Mingxiang , Ansbro Frances , Grozdanovic Milica , Samuel Rachelle , Zhuang Ping
Published: January 2023

Bacterial infection remains as one of the major healthcare issues, despite significant scientific and medical progress in this field. Infection by Streptococcus Pneumoniae (S. Pneumoniae) can cause pneumonia and other serious infectious diseases, such as bacteremia, sinusitis and meningitis. The pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides (CPS) that constitute the outermost layer of the bacterial cell are the main immunogens and protect the pathogen from host defense mechanisms. Over 90 pneumococcal CPS serotypes have been identified, among which more than 30 can cause invasive pneumococcal diseases that could lead to morbidity and mortality. Multivalent pneumococcal vaccines have been developed to prevent diseases caused by S. Pneumoniae. These vaccines employ either purified pneumococcal CPSs or protein conjugates of these CPSs to generate antigen-specific immune responses for patient protection. Serotype-specific quantitation of these polysaccharides (Ps) antigen species are required for vaccine clinical dosage, product release and quality control. Herein, we have developed an antibody-enhanced high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay for serotype-specific quantitation of the polysaccharide contents in multivalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs). A fluorescence-labeled multiplex assay format has also been developed. This work laid the foundation for a serotype-specific antigen assay format that could play an important role for future vaccine research and development.
Colitis in a transgenic mouse model of autoimmune uveitis may be induced by neoantigen presentation in the bowel
Authors: Mölzer C. , Liu Y.-H. , Muckersie E. , Klaska I. P. , Cornall R. , Wilson H. M. , Kuffová L. , Forrester J. V.
Published: January 2023

Undifferentiated uveitis (intraocular inflammation, IOI) is an idiopathic sight-threatening, presumed autoimmune disease, accountable for ~ 10% of all blindness in the developed world. We have investigated the association of uveitis with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using a mouse model of spontaneous experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). Mice expressing the transgene (Tg) hen egg lysozyme (HEL) in the retina crossed with 3A9 mice expressing a transgenic HEL-specific TCR spontaneously develop uveoretinitis at post-partum day (P)20/21. Double transgenic (dTg TCR/HEL) mice also spontaneously develop clinical signs of colitis at ~ P30 with diarrhoea, bowel shortening, oedema and lamina propria (LP) inflammatory cell infiltration. Single (s)Tg TCR (3A9) mice also show increased histological LP cell infiltration but no bowel shortening and diarrhoea. dTg TCR/HEL mice are profoundly lymphopenic at weaning. In addition, dTg TCR/HEL mice contain myeloid cells which express MHC Class II-HEL peptide complexes (MHCII-HEL), not only in the inflamed retina but also in the colon and have the potential for antigen presentation. In this model the lymphopenia and reduction in the absolute Treg numbers in dTg TCR/HEL mice is sufficient to initiate eye disease. We suggest that cell-associated antigen released from the inflamed eye can activate colonic HEL-specific T cells which, in a microbial micro-environment, not only cause colitis but feedback to amplify IOI.
Reduced intradisc vessel density is associated with optic disc hemorrhage in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Lee Jin Yeong , Sung Kyung Rim , Shin Joong Won , Kim Ko Eun , Kim Joon Mo
Published: January 2023

We sought to investigate the association between optic nerve head (ONH)/choroidal microvasculature perfusion and optic disc hemorrhage (ODH) in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). A total of 266 POAG eyes (59 with a single instance of ODH, 40 with a history of recurrent ODH, and 167 eyes without ODH) with a mean follow-up of 5.4 years were included. Intradisc vessel density (VD), parapapillary choroidal VD, optic disc microvascular dropout (MvD), and choroidal microvascular dropout (CMvD), were evaluated on a 3 × 3 mm SS-OCTA image of ONH and compared between eyes with and without ODH. Recurrent ODH was defined as occurrence 1 year after first ODH detection during the total follow-up period. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with ODH. The prevalence of CMvD, optic disc MvD, and β-parapapillary atrophy were not different among the no ODH, single ODH, and recurrent ODH groups. Eyes with ODH had lower intradisc VDs than those without ODH (P = 0.021), but no difference was found in intradisc VDs between the single and recurrent ODH groups (P = 0.977). Better VF MD at baseline (odds ratio [OR], 1.150; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.055–1.254; P = 0.002) and lower intradisc VD (OR, 0.863; 95% CI, 0.812–0.918; P < 0.001) were associated with ODH occurrence. Among POAG eyes, those with ODH had lower intradisc VDs than those without ODH. POAG eyes in an earlier disease stage or those with lower intradisc VDs should be monitored for the possibility of ODH occurrence.
Role of Ca2+ doping on the enhancement of dielectric properties of Sr2–xCaxNiWO6 for energy storage device application
Authors: Mohamed Saadon Nur Amira Farhana , Taib Nurul Izza , Loy Chee Wah , Mohamed Zakiah
Published: January 2023

In this paper, Sr2–xCaxNiWO6 (x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06) were synthesized using a solid-state reaction method. The crystal structure, optical and dielectric properties of the compounds were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive (EDX) analysis, Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy respectively. The Rietveld refinement of XRD confirmed that the compounds crystallized in a tetragonal structure with a space group I4/m. According to the SEM images, the grain sizes of the compounds decreased as the dopant increased. The UV–vis analysis revealed that the band gap energy of the compounds decreased from 3.17 eV to 3.13 eV as the amount of doping increased from x = 0.00 to x = 0.06. A dielectric characterization showed that the dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric loss (tan δ) for all compounds possessed a similar trend where it was higher in low-frequency area (~ 1 Hz) and dropped instantaneously with the enhancement of frequency up to 1 MHz until it reached constant values.
Saving energy in turbulent flows with unsteady pumping
Authors: Foggi Rota Giulio , Monti Alessandro , Rosti Marco E. , Quadrio Maurizio
Published: January 2023

Viscous dissipation causes significant energy losses in fluid flows; in ducts, laminar flows provide the minimum resistance to the motion, whereas turbulence substantially increases the friction at the wall and the consequent energy requirements for pumping. Great effort is currently being devoted to find new strategies to reduce the energy losses induced by turbulence. Here we propose a simple and novel drag-reduction technique which achieves substantial energy savings in internal flows. Our approach consists in driving the flow with a temporally intermittent pumping, unlike the common practice of a constant pumping. We alternate “pump on” phases where the flow accelerates, and “pump off” phases where the flow decays freely. The flow cyclically enters a quasi-laminar state during the acceleration, and transitions to a more classic turbulent state during the deceleration. Our numerical results demonstrate that important energy savings can be achieved by simply modulating the power injection into the system over time. The physical understanding of this process can help the industry in reducing the waste of energy, creating economical benefits and preserving the environment by reducing harmful emissions.
Kinetics and magnitude of viral RNA shedding as indicators for Influenza A virus transmissibility in ferrets
Authors: Pulit-Penaloza Joanna A. , Brock Nicole , Belser Jessica A. , Sun Xiangjie , Pappas Claudia , Tumpey Terrence M. , Maines Taronna R.
Published: January 2023

The ferret transmission model is routinely used to evaluate the pandemic potential of newly emerging influenza A viruses. However, concurrent measurement of viral load in the air is typically not a component of such studies. To address this knowledge gap, we measured the levels of virus in ferret nasal washes as well as viral RNA emitted into the air for 14 diverse influenza viruses, encompassing human-, swine-, and avian-origin strains. Here we show that transmissible viruses display robust replication and fast release into the air. In contrast, poorly- and non-transmissible viruses show significantly reduced or delayed replication along with lower detection of airborne viral RNA at early time points post inoculation. These findings indicate that efficient ferret-to-ferret transmission via the air is directly associated with fast emission of virus-laden particles; as such, quantification of viral RNA in the air represents a useful addition to established assessments of new influenza virus strains.
The metazoan landscape of mitochondrial DNA gene order and content is shaped by selection and affects mitochondrial transcription
Authors: Shtolz Noam , Mishmar Dan
Published: January 2023

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) harbors essential genes in most metazoans, yet the regulatory impact of the multiple evolutionary mtDNA rearrangements has been overlooked. Here, by analyzing mtDNAs from ~8000 metazoans we found high gene content conservation (especially of protein and rRNA genes), and codon preferences for mtDNA-encoded tRNAs across most metazoans. In contrast, mtDNA gene order (MGO) was selectively constrained within but not between phyla, yet certain gene stretches (ATP8-ATP6, ND4-ND4L) were highly conserved across metazoans. Since certain metazoans with different MGOs diverge in mtDNA transcription, we hypothesized that evolutionary mtDNA rearrangements affected mtDNA transcriptional patterns. As a first step to test this hypothesis, we analyzed available RNA-seq data from 53 metazoans. Since polycistron mtDNA transcripts constitute a small fraction of the steady-state RNA, we enriched for polycistronic boundaries by calculating RNA-seq read densities across junctions between gene couples encoded either by the same strand (SSJ) or by different strands (DSJ). We found that organisms whose mtDNA is organized in alternating reverse-strand/forward-strand gene blocks (mostly arthropods), displayed significantly reduced DSJ read counts, in contrast to organisms whose mtDNA genes are preferentially encoded by one strand (all chordates). Our findings suggest that mtDNA rearrangements are selectively constrained and likely impact mtDNA regulation.
Impact of meltwater flow intensity on the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of microbial mats in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Authors: Zoumplis A , Kolody B , Kaul D , Zheng H , Venepally P , McKnight D M , Takacs-Vesbach C , DeVries A , Allen A E
Published: January 2023

The meltwater streams of the McMurdo Dry Valleys are hot spots of biological diversity in the climate-sensitive polar desert landscape. Microbial mats, largely comprised of cyanobacteria, dominate the streams which flow for a brief window of time (~10 weeks) over the austral summer. These communities, critical to nutrient and carbon cycling, display previously uncharacterized patterns of rapid destabilization and recovery upon exposure to variable and physiologically detrimental conditions. Here, we characterize changes in biodiversity, transcriptional responses and activity of microbial mats in response to hydrological disturbance over spatiotemporal gradients. While diverse metabolic strategies persist between marginal mats and main channel mats, data collected from 4 time points during the austral summer revealed a homogenization of the mat communities during the mid-season peak meltwater flow, directly influencing the biogeochemical roles of this stream ecosystem. Gene expression pattern analyses identified strong functional sensitivities of nitrogen-fixing marginal mats to changes in hydrological activities. Stress response markers detailed the environmental challenges of each microhabitat and the molecular mechanisms underpinning survival in a polar desert ecosystem at the forefront of climate change. At mid and end points in the flow cycle, mobile genetic elements were upregulated across all mat types indicating high degrees of genome evolvability and transcriptional synchronies. Additionally, we identified novel antifreeze activity in the stream microbial mats indicating the presence of ice-binding proteins (IBPs). Cumulatively, these data provide a new view of active intra-stream diversity, biotic interactions and alterations in ecosystem function over a high-flow hydrological regime.
Bacterial transcriptional response to labile exometabolites from photosynthetic picoeukaryote Micromonas commoda
Authors: Ferrer-González Frank X , Hamilton Maria , Smith Christa B , Schreier Jeremy E , Olofsson Malin , Moran Mary Ann
Published: January 2023

Dissolved primary production released into seawater by marine phytoplankton is a major source of carbon fueling heterotrophic bacterial production in the ocean. The composition of the organic compounds released by healthy phytoplankton is poorly known and difficult to assess with existing chemical methods. Here, expression of transporter and catabolic genes by three model marine bacteria (Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS-3, Stenotrophomonas sp. SKA14, and Polaribacter dokdonensis MED152) was used as a biological sensor of metabolites released from the picoeukaryote Micromonas commoda RCC299. Bacterial expression responses indicated that the three species together recognized 38 picoeukaryote metabolites. This was consistent with the Micromonas expression of genes for starch metabolism and synthesis of peptidoglycan-like intermediates. A comparison of the hypothesized Micromonas exometabolite pool with that of the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana CCMP1335, analyzed previously with the same biological sensor method, indicated that both phytoplankton released organic acids, nucleosides, and amino acids, but differed in polysaccharide and organic nitrogen release. Future ocean conditions are expected to favor picoeukaryotic phytoplankton over larger-celled microphytoplankton. Results from this study suggest that such a shift could alter the substrate pool available to heterotrophic bacterioplankton.
Lanthanum-based nanomaterials suppress bacterial wilt in tomato: importance of particle morphology and dissolution profiles
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Wang Tong , Wang Chuanxi , Yue Le , Li Jing , Liu Tianxi , Lv Yan , White Jason C. , Cao Xuesong , Xing Baoshan
Published: January 2023

Particle morphology and dissolution profile determine the suppression of bacterial wilt in tomato by lanthanum-based nanomaterials.
Uncovering the effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf addition to Fuzhuan Brick Tea on sensory properties, volatile profiles and anti-obesity activity
Authors: Li Xin , Shi Caihong , Wang Shuxuan , Wang Shuang , Wang Xin , Lü Xin
Published: January 2023

The Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf addition on FBT for the co-fermentation could increase volatile compounds contents, improve sensory properties and enhance its health benefits.
Wafer-scale integration of GaAs/AlGaAs core–shell nanowires on silicon by the single process of self-catalyzed molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Minehisa Keisuke , Murakami Ryo , Hashimoto Hidetoshi , Nakama Kaito , Sakaguchi Kenta , Tsutsumi Rikuo , Tanigawa Takeru , Yukimune Mitsuki , Nagashima Kazuki , Yanagida Takeshi , Sato Shino , Hiura Satoshi , Murayama Akihiro , Ishikawa Fumitaro
Published: January 2023

Optically efficient GaAs/AlGaAs core–shell nanowires on 2-inch Si wafers before (front right) and after (others) growth. The samples show a dark-colored feature indicating light absorption on the substrate surface.
Superlattice deformation in quantum dot films on flexible substrates via uniaxial strain
Authors: Heger Julian E. , Chen Wei , Zhong Huaying , Xiao Tianxiao , Harder Constantin , Apfelbeck Fabian A. C. , Weinzierl Alexander F. , Boldt Regine , Schraa Lucas , Euchler Eric , Sambale Anna K. , Schneider Konrad , Schwartzkopf Matthias , Roth Stephan V. , Müller-Buschbaum P.
Published: January 2023

Superlattice deformation in PbS quantum dot thin films introduced by uniaxial strain: In situ GISAXS study on the correlation of morphology and photoluminescence.
Improving the performance of quantum dot light-emitting diodes by tailoring QD emitters
Authors: Li Zhaohan , Song Jiaojiao , Li Anming , Shen Huaibin , Du Zuliang
Published: January 2023

As the emitters of quantum dot light-emitting diodes, quantum dots, which are responsible for the charge injection, charge transportation, and especially exciton recombination, play a significant role in quantum dot light-emitting diodes.
Model reactions for the evaluation of poly- and multifunctional molecules as potential interfacial agents for the compatibilization of polyethylene/poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) blends
Authors: Gitzhofer Elisa , Vileno Bertrand , Bouquey Michel , Chan-Seng Delphine
Published: January 2023

Upcycling of plastic waste is approached by designing multifunctional molecules for reactive compatibilization investigations of a model polymer blend, here polyethylene (PE) and poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH).
Catalytic asymmetric deuterosilylation of exocyclic olefins with mannose-derived thiols and deuterium oxide
Authors: Ramanathan Devenderan , Shi Qinglong , Xu Meichen , Chang Rui , Peñín Beatriz , Funes-Ardoiz Ignacio , Ye Juntao
Published: January 2023

Metal-free, photoinduced asymmetric deuterosilylation of exocyclic olefins has been achieved using a mannose-derived thiol catalyst.
Synthesis and properties of SiO2/SiO2@Ag two-phase STFs
Authors: He Caiting , Wang Qiushi , Jia Xiaoya , Liu Jie , Sun Runjun , Chen Meiyu
Published: January 2023

A novel strategy for the synthesis of conductive shear thickening fluids (STFs) which manifest both shear thickening behavior and strain-sensing properties.
Theoretical design of porous dodecagonal germanium carbide (d-GeC) monolayer
Authors: Abdullahi Yusuf Zuntu , Ersan Fatih
Published: January 2023

Porous nanosheet materials have recently emerged as attractive candidates to serve as nanofiltration membranes.
A comparative analysis of the influence of hydrofluoroethers as diluents on solvation structure and electrochemical performance in non-flammable electrolytes
Authors: van Ekeren Wessel W. A. , Albuquerque Marcelo , Ek Gustav , Mogensen Ronnie , Brant William R. , Costa Luciano T. , Brandell Daniel , Younesi Reza
Published: January 2023

TTE (1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether) shows better performance than BTFE (bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)ether as diluent in a localized highly concentrated electrolyte based on lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide in triethylposphate.
Effects of ambient exposure on photoluminescence of Dion–Jacobson tin-based halide perovskites
Authors: Sun Wen Ting , Xing Zengshan , Sergeev Aleksandr , He Yanling , Ng Alan Man Ching , Wong Kam Sing , Molčanov Lidija , Popović Jasminka , Djurišić Aleksandra B.
Published: January 2023

Enhancement of light emission upon ambient exposure in tin-based Dion–Jacobson perovskites occurs due to the transformation of their non-emissive 2D phase into the emissive hydrated 1D phase.
Contribution to the knowledge of ecotones: colonisation of the banks of temporary environments in Eastern Morocco
Authors: Zitouni Naoual , Chavanon Guy
Published: January 2023

The banks of dayas (temporary pools) is a very interesting environment, characterised by species with extremely strict ecological requirements. Contrary to riparian communities of running water, which are present throughout the year, riparian populations of temporary stagnant environments only occur during the short period of impoundment. The colonisation of these environments depends on various parameters such as rainfall, temperature, and the size and depth of the water bodies. The impoundment of dayas of Sidi Bouhria is done after autumn and spring rains, if they are sufficiently abundant, and they dry up, in all cases, during the summer. This study aims to provide an overall synthesis about the colonisation of banks of dayas by riparian beetles. The samples were taken during the complete impoundment of each daya, from its appearance, after a rainfall, to its drying up. The fauna was collected every two days during one hour of sampling. The colonisation of the banks of the temporary environments studied takes place in three phases. The first phase is dominated by species of terrestrial origin from the vicinity of the dayas, the second phase is dominated by riparian and hygrophilous species that originate from the banks of more or less distant aquatic environments, and the third phase, which occurs with the drying of the environment, marks the return of terrestrial species.
Quantitative assessment of the relative impacts of different factors on flood susceptibility modelling: case study of Fez-Meknes region in Morocco
Authors: Khaldi Loubna , Elabed Alae , El Khanchoufi Abdessalam
Published: January 2023

The mapping and assessment of flood susceptibility is an integral component of flood mitigation and prevention programs, by determining the most vulnerable regions and the associated characteristics that influence the flood susceptibility. Hence, the aim of the present study is to identify flood-prone areas in the Fez-Meknes region (Morocco) for the first time using a multicriteria approach, in particular the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A total of fifteen conditioning factors for flooding were selected: distance to rivers, river network density, precipitation, flow accumulation, elevation, slope, plane curvature, TWI, aspect, NDVI, LULC, TRI, geology, soil type, and SPI. All factors were defined as raster data sets with a resolution of 30 x 30 m. The results showed that, the efficiency tests of the flood susceptibility map show a good accuracy using an area under the curve (AUC) by remarkably good number (0.90).in addition, LULC was recognized as the most significant factor, which is followed by the stream power index that affect the flood map.
Classification of a quickbird satellite image by Machine learning techniques: Mapping an urban Environement by decision tree method
Authors: Oumaima Ameslek , Latifi Hanan , Haltou Lamyae , Zahir Hafida , El Bachaoui Mostafa
Published: January 2023

Classification is a crucial stage in the processing of satellite images that influence considerably the quality of the result. A variety of methods is proposed in the literature for the purposes of image classification. They present many differences in their basic principles, thus in the quality of the results obtained. Therefore, a study of different classification methods seems to be essential. The classification of satellite images with conventional methods can be done in several ways using different algorithms. These algorithms can be divided into two main categories: supervised and non-supervised. Decision tree on the contrary is a machine learning tool. It is a plain model characterized by the simplicity of understanding and interpretation. This work aims firstly, to classify a high resolution Quickbird satellite image of an urban area by the decision tree method and compare it with the conventional classification algorithms in order to evaluate its efficiency. The methodology consists of two main stages: classification and evaluation of results. The second is based on the calculation of a number of statistical indices derived from the confusion matrix: the statistical parameter “kappa’ and the overall coefficient of precision.
Medikamentöse Therapiemaßnahmen bei akuter SARS-CoV-2-Infektion: wer, wann und was?
Authors: Sensen Barbara , Wichmann Dominic , Kluge Stefan
Published: January 2023

Mittlerweile gibt es eine Vielzahl von medikamentösen Therapieoptionen zur Behandlung einer akuten SARS-CoV-2-Infektion. Die aktualisierte S3-Leitlinie „Empfehlungen zur stationären Therapie von Patienten mit COVID-19“ gibt dazu klare Empfehlungen. Welche Therapie für welchen Patienten und in welcher Krankheitsphase am besten geeignet ist, muss individuell anhand der Risikofaktoren, der Komorbiditäten und der Kontraindikationen entschieden werden. Hierüber geben wir in diesem Beitrag einen Überblick.
Contemporary Management of Acromegaly: A Practical Approach
Authors: Almalki Mussa H. , Ahmad Maswood M. , Alqahtani Ali , Almistehi Wael M. , Ekhzaimy Aishah , Asha Mohammed J. , Aldahmani Khaled M.
Published: January 2023

Acromegaly is a rare, chronic disease that is, in more than 95% of cases, caused by a growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenoma. Overproduction of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) due to GH hypersecretion leads to various clinical features characterized by somatic overgrowth, physical changes, multiple comorbidities, and increased mortality. The average age at diagnosis is 40 to 50 years, with no sex predilection. The mean delay in diagnosis is 4.5 to 5 years due to the insidious onset and slow clinical progression of the disease. The diagnosis is confirmed by increased levels of IGF-1 and insuppressible GH measured by an oral glucose tolerance test. Treatment is aimed at normalizing GH/IGF-1 levels and controlling tumor volume. Medical treatment and radiotherapy can be utilized when surgery fails to control GH/IGF-1 hypersecretion. This article aims to review recent updates in acromegaly diagnosis and treatment to raise awareness about acromegaly clinical presentation and management.
The Giant of Tripoli: The Case of Late Recognition and Management of an Extreme Acromegalic Gigantism in Resource-Poor Settings
Authors: Beshyah Salem A.
Published: January 2023

Background There are a few studies from the Middle East and North Africa. Several notable cases of acromegaly and giantism in the west found their way to public life and media.

Case History One of the cases is discussed in this article. The case lived between 1943 and 1991. He was one of few individuals in medical history to reach or surpass 8 feet in height. In the 1960s, he reportedly underwent repeated (perhaps 4) pituitary surgery at 17 in Rome, Italy, to halt his growth. A few photos and one short video clip in Italian demonstrate his physical features. He was one of the tallest basketball players ever at 245 cm, though when he featured as a basketball player, he was closer to 239 cm and played for Libya. He was a medical anomaly and the eighteenth tallest person in the history of the world. He was also credited with being the tallest actor in history by appearing in a single Italian fantasy drama movie in 1969. He died in 1991 due to heart disease.

Conclusion The case presented in this vignette is depicted in the public domain and is imprinted in the folk memory of the residents of Tripoli, Libya. However, due to its uniqueness, it deserves a place in the regional medical literature.
The fate of bitumen: an exploratory study of national newspaper coverage of Alberta’s bitumen industry during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chen Sibo
Published: January 2023

This exploratory study examines how three major Canadian newspapers—the Globe and Mail, the National Post, and the Toronto Star—reported on Alberta’s bitumen industry throughout 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic introduced significant market volatility. Through a combination of computational text analysis and qualitative interpretation, the study identified four recurring themes in 685 articles published by the target newspapers: (1) contention over bitumen infrastructure, (2) economic challenges for the bitumen industry, (3) political divide over the future of bitumen, (4) the bitumen industry’s environmental impacts. A further qualitative assessment of these themes indicates that despite the pandemic’s exposure of the structural weaknesses underlying Canada’s resource-dependent economy, voices supporting the bitumen industry continue to dominate Canadian mainstream newspapers.
Active flutter suppression for a flexible wing model with trailing-edge circulation control via reinforcement learning
Authors: Chen Zhen , Shi Zhiwei , Chen Sinuo , Tong Shengxiang , Dong Yizhang
Published: January 2023

Previous attempts at active flutter suppression have been based on driving the deflection of multiple pairs of discontinuous mechanical control surfaces. Here, we explore the effects of trailing-edge Circulation Control (CC) for flutter control on flexible wings. To avoid the problem that the nonlinear aeroelastic model is difficult to establish accurately, we trained a closed-loop control strategy based on the model-free deep reinforcement learning algorithm through aeroelastic wind tunnel testing. The results show that the strategy can intelligently select the appropriate jet intensity according to the real-time state of the flexible wing. The oscillation amplitude of flutter can be reduced by 92%. The air consumption required for unsteady CC to suppress flutter is reduced by 37% compared to steady CC. This study aims to provide an innovative control method and strategy for active flutter suppression of large aspect ratio flexible wings.
Pollination
Authors: Cheng Christopher , Snell Danny
Published: January 2023

A child’s day in the garden with their Gran and Pa leads to a wonderful exploration of pollination.
Join them in discovering how pollination happens in our gardens and backyards, and the importance it has for our environment. Meet the animals involved in pollination and the plants that depend on pollination to produce our fruit, vegetables and even our clothes!
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.
Construction and test of a transition-radiation detector prototype based on thick gas electron multiplier technology
Authors: Song Guofeng , Zhao Yiding , Shao Ming , Zhou Yi , Liu Jianbei , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: January 2023

A transition-radiation detector (TRD) is a powerful device for highly relativistic electron (γ ≳ 1,000) identification. Electron identification is crucial for tagging the outgoing scattered electrons in an electron-ion collider (EIC) detector. Employing a TRD at the electron forward region of an EIC detector can provide the necessary electron identification with high hadron rejection over a wide momentum range. Thick gas electron multiplier (THGEM) technology is suitable for radiation detection in modern high-energy experiments owing to its high-granularity structure, radiation hardness, high-rate capability and ease of large-area production. This study investigates a TRD prototype based on THGEM technology through soft X-ray and electron beam experiments. Geant4 simulation were extensively exploited to understand the operation of TRD prototype with different gas mixtures. Particularly, the performance of TRD prototype with an electron beam at the DESY, with argon-based gas rather than xenon-based gas, agreed well with the simulation analyses in all important aspects. Based on the consistency of the experimental and simulation results, a likelihood analysis on the simulated total energy deposit in the xenon-based working gas would suggest a pion rejection improvement with the optimization of detector design, readout electronics and identification algorithm.
Study on the effect of EAST divertor geometric accuracy on heat load distribution
Authors: Zhuang Qing , Cao Lei , Mou Nanyu , Lin Qianqian , Zhang Xiyang , Yang Xianke , Han Le , Zi Pengfei , Xu Tiejun , Yao Damao
Published: January 2023

In the EAST experiment, the extent of damages of the divertor is different in toroidal direction. One of the reasons is uneven of heat load of toroidal distribution, which may be caused by geometric errors of the divertor surface. The EAST lower divertor is cooled by 8 toroidal active water-cooling branches, and calorimetric system estimates the heat load and its distribution by measuring the cooling water temperature difference and flow rate. The non-uniformity of the heat load of 8 branches is -3.5% ∼ 4.5%. Besides, using the Leica AT960 / AT401 laser tracker to measure the profile deviation of the upgraded lower divertor, the non-uniformity of the geometric accuracy is -15% ∼ 25%. Besides, it's found that the annular heat load distribution is positively correlated with the comprehensive deviation of the divertor surface. The correlation coefficient is about 15%, and at least seven of the eight divertor regions meet this characteristic.
Why could ENSO directly affect the occurrence frequency of Arctic daily warming events after the late 1970s?
Authors: Wang Cen , Ren Baohua , Li Gen , Zheng Jianqiu , Jiang Linwei , Zhang Zhiyuan
Published: January 2023

Arctic winter daily warming events have sparked growing interest, particularly in recent years, when Arctic daily temperatures have approached melting point several times. This analysis reveals that the impact of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the frequency of Arctic daily warming events experienced an obvious change around the late 1970s, which may be attributed to changes in ENSO intensity. Since the late 1970s, due to stronger ENSO intensities, ENSO has induced a stronger Rossby wave; then, El Niño (La Niña) has deepened (weakened) the Aleutian Low and strengthened anomalous northerlies (southerlies) over the North Pacific, thereby decreasing (increasing) the frequency of Arctic daily warming events. In contrast, before the late 1970s, the ENSO did not have an apparent direct impact on the frequency of Arctic daily warming events due to its weaker intensity. Our findings provide a potential relationship between the equator and the Arctic to improve the prediction accuracy of extreme Arctic daily warming events. By analyzing Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase-6 models, we confirm that the potential relation may be strengthened under the global warming scenario.
Evaluating the effect of steel fibers on the mechanical performance of high-volume fly ash concrete
Authors: Vijay Kunamineni , Teja Prathipati S R R , Sagar Tummala Santhi , Paluri Yeswanth
Published: January 2023

The construction sector contributes significantly to environmental degradation by completely depleting energy resources. Cement industry emissions are the most significant contributors to climate change along with global warming. To address this issue, researchers are investigating different materials with cementing properties thereby replacing the cement in concrete either partially or completely. Various materials such as different types of ashes and slags have been effectively utilized as cement substitutes thereby making the concrete sustainable. Partial substitution of cement with fly ash has a positive impact on the overall performance of concrete but the incorporation of fly ash at a higher volume into the concrete reduces its characteristics. The objective of this work was to improve the overall performance of High-Volume Fly-Ash concrete by incorporating steel fibers with varying volume fractions. From this study, it can be inferred that reinforcing with steel fibers up to 1.2% fiber volume has compensated for the negative effect of HVFA by improving the overall properties.
Parametric study on response of multi-storied building equipped with viscous and visco-elastic dampers subjected to ground motions.
Authors: Aga Saima , Naik Madhuraj
Published: January 2023

Viscous and viscoelastic dampers are passive energy dissipation devices that are used in multi storied buildings to reduce the effect of lateral vibrations arising from earthquakes and wind. Passive devices are those that require no energy to function. The performance of such devices can be affected by many factors like seismic zone, building height, soil type and placement of dampers. In this paper, the effect of using viscous and visco-elastic dampers on response of multi-story building was investigated. For this purpose, multi-story building was modelled in Finite element software. Various parameters like height of building, seismic zone, soil type and placement of dampers were varied in the FEM model. To investigate the seismic response, non-linear time history analysis was performed by subjecting the building to ground motion (Imperial Valley 1940). Seismic responses of the models were studied and compared in terms of results like top floor (roof) displacement, storey drift and ground floor level (base) shear. It was found that viscous dampers are more effective in dissipating energy. Optimum position of dampers was also found out. All the parametric results were obtained and plotted in graphs.
Comparative Analysis & Design of RCC & Steel Preheater Tower Structure by Using STAAD. Pro
Authors: Vamsi Krishna B. , Sudheer Kumar P. , Chandana Kurma , Bhoomesh Shyamala , Venu Gopal P.
Published: January 2023

A liquid material after water concrete is the most consuming material in the world, concrete is the most important construction material used extensively to construct buildings, dams, roads, etc. As we know that concrete is a composite material with cement, coarse & fine aggregates bonding together with water that gives hardness with time. As per the 2018 year statistics, India is the second largest producer of cement in the world with 460 million tonnes per year which is over 8% of the global installed capacity. Cement is the most important material in concrete, In India, at present, there are 120 major cement plants and nearly 300 mini cement plants are manufacturing the cement. In Cement plants ‘Preheater tower’ is used, these preheater tower consists of several cyclones, these raw materials are fed at the top of the preheater tower through cyclones it travels to the bottom of the preheater tower, each cyclone in the preheater serves as a heat exchanger and a separate. In this project, a comparative analysis & design will be done between both the RCC structure & Steel structure Preheater tower as per Indian design standards by using Staad Pro software. In this design process, the loads which are affecting the structure will be taken and designed. And also the pros & cons will be discussed between the RCC & Steel structure Preheater tower. Here the height of the RCC and steel Preheater tower taking as 110 meters. It is observed that Maximum displacements at a height of 110 mts in RCC preheater tower are 130.59 mm and Steel preheater tower is 102.238 mm. The Maximum Moment at critical load combination is more in RCC preheater tower (i.e 205.6 kN.m) than Steel preheater tower (i.e 190.1 kN.m).The Maximum shear at critical load combination is more in Steel preheater tower 62.0 kN is more than RCC preheater tower 28.7 kN.
Probability based Assessment of Soil Liquefaction Potential in Vijayawada Region (CRDA)
Authors: Donavalli Jahnavi , Ram Babu T S , Rani Chukka Sandhya
Published: January 2023

Risks of liquefaction are commonly related to saturated cohesionless soils that have low plasticity and density. As liquefaction causes severe destruction to structures and risk of losing lifeline it is important to study the liquefaction potential for CRDA region because for the development of AP capital heavy structures are being constructed and a population increase is being expected in this region. In the current investigation, soil resistance to liquefaction was analyzed in each bore log in consideration of significant soil characteristics such as grain size, fines content, unit weight, saturation percentage, SPT N-value, and soil origin. The safety factor for liquefaction is evaluated using data from several bore holes that were collected and used for this purpose. The approach recommended by Seed and Idriss was utilized to assess the safety factor for liquefaction. The obtained results from the semi-empirical calculations are further compared to the results obtained from Software for more reliability.
Prediction and Comparison of Rainfall-Runoff Using Mathematical Model
Authors: D L Prasanna S V S N , Sandeep Reddy K , Chandrasekhar  , Sai Shivani S , Divya E
Published: January 2023

The Runoff assessment is a crucial parameter in understanding the urban flooding scenario. This estimation becomes the deciding factor because of the uneven distribution of rainfall. Physics-based models for simulation of Runoff from catchments are composite models based on learning algorithms. The application of models to water resource problems is complex due to the incredible spatial variability of the characteristics of watershed and precipitation forms — the pattern-learning algorithms. Fuzzy-based algorithms, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), etc., have gained wide recognition in simulating the Rainfall-Runoff (RR), producing a comparable accuracy. In the present study, RR modeling is carried out targeting the application and estimation of Runoff using mathematical modeling. The investigations were carried out for the Malkajgiri catchment adopting 16 years of daily data from 2005 to 2021. The statistical learning theory-based pattern-learning algorithm is further utilized to evaluate the value of Runoff for the year 2021. The results were found to have fair accordance with the analytical outcomes.
Nucleus pulposus cell-derived efficient microcarrier for intervertebral disc tissue engineering
Authors: Zhou Xiaopeng , Shen Ning , Tao Yiqing , Wang Jingkai , Xia Kaishun , Ying Liwei , Zhang Yuang , Huang Xianpeng , Hua Jianming , Liang Chengzhen , Chen Qixin , Li Fangcai
Published: January 2023

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) show great potential for the treatment of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. An ideal carrier is necessary to transplant ADSCs into degenerated IVDs without influencing cell function. Nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) can synthesize and deposit chondroitin sulfate and type II collagen which are NP-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) and can also regulate the NP-specific differentiation of stem cells. Bioscaffolds fabricated based on the ECM synthesis functions of NPCs have possible roles in cell transplantation and differentiation induction, but it has not been studied. In this study, we first aggregated NPCs into pellets, and then, NPC-derived efficient microcarriers (NPCMs) were fabricated by pellet cultivation under specific conditions and optimized decellularization. Thirdly, we evaluated the microstructure, biochemical composition, biostability and cytotoxicity of the NPCMs. Finally, we investigated the NP-specific differentiation of ADSCs induced by the NPCMs in vitro and NP regeneration induced by the ADSC-loaded NPCMs in a rabbit model. The results indicated that the injectable NPCMs retained maximal ECM and minimal cell nucleic acid after optimized decellularization and had good biostability and no cytotoxicity. The NPCMs also promoted the NP-specific differentiation of ADSCs in vitro. In addition, the results of MRI, x-ray, and the structure and ECM content of NP showed that the ADSCs-loaded NPCMs can partly restored the degenerated NP in vivo. Our injectable NPCMs regenerated the degenerated NP and provide a simplified and efficient strategy for treating IVD degeneration.
Spatial accuracy of the stereotactic Leksell® Vantage™ head frame in comparison with the standard stereotactic Leksell® G Frame for Gamma-Knife
Authors: Vincent Marion , Michel-Amadry Géraldine , Nigoul Jean-Marc , Beltaïfa Yassine , Régis Jean
Published: January 2023

Purpose. Since January 2021, the Leksell® Vantage head frame (V-frame) is used for Gamma Knife® treatments in addition to the historical Leksell® G-Frame known as the reference. The aim of this study was to compare the spatial accuracy of treatments with these two frames. Methods. Firstly, the constancy of the geometric accuracy of the system according to the Elekta quality assurance process was carried out during sixteen months with V and G–frames’ adaptors. Then, End-to-end test was carried out with both V and G-frame using an anthropomorphic phantom and Gafchromic® films. The overall precision of the radiation center was calculated as the displacement vector for a 4 mm collimator shot. Additionally, the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) positioning system was used to assess the precision of the Leksell coordinates system defined by V-frames on 64 patients in comparison to G-frames for 46 patients. To ensure that patient’s head movement was not possible during treatment with the V-frame, the High Definition Motion Management (HDMM) system was used and a final CBCT was performed at the end of the irradiation. Results. The QA constructor’s tests done with the G-frame and V-frame adaptor gave similar results over sixteen months. End-to-end tests demonstrated that the mean positioning accuracy was 0.54 mm (SD of 0.14 mm) and 0.70 mm (SD of 0.14 mm) with V-frame and G-frame respectively. The displacement vector given by CBCT ranged from 0.02 to 1.05 mm with a mean value of 0.38 mm (SD of 0.18 mm) for the 64 V-framed patients and from 0 to 0.92 mm with a mean value of 0.31 mm (SD of 0.18 mm) for the 46 G-framed patients. The mean translation movement between the beginning and the end of the 64 treatments with V-frame was 0.08 mm (SD of 0.04 mm, maximum value of 0.19 mm). Conclusion. We estimated that V-frames are as precise as G-frames with a targeting accuracy of less than 1 mm.