bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a store brand or collecting a commission: Amazon's choice and quality decision
Authors: Xiong Hui , Chen Ying‐Ju , Hsiao Lu
Published: March 2024

Amazon, as one of the dominant online retailers (platforms), cooperates with manufacturers under wholesale contract to develop its store brands. Simultaneously, Amazon offers manufacturers with a marketplace and serves manufacturers in the agency selling. In this paper, we build a model to investigate the platform's and the manufacturer's choices on the cooperation modes (i.e., wholesale contract or agency selling) and their quality decisions when they serve consumers with heterogeneous willingness to pay for quality and the platform can dictate the quality under the wholesale contract. We find that the platform and the manufacturer are more likely to align their preferences on selling modes when consumers are homogenous enough. Moreover, when the commission rate is relatively low, both of them may prefer the agency selling. In this case, the manufacturer is willing to offer high quality in the agency selling. In contrast, when the commission rate is sufficiently high, they can only align their preferences on selling modes by choosing the wholesale contract. The product quality under the wholesale contract is higher than that in the agency selling. Finally, we provide three extensions: the platform decides the commission rate, the platform decides the wholesale price and competition between manufacturers.
Buckling characteristics of nano‐silica doped carbon fiber reinforced composites having cutouts
Authors: Özdemir Hüseyin , Özbek Özkan , Bozkurt Ömer Yavuz , Erkliğ Ahmet
Published: March 2024

The current study presents an experimental investigation devoted to the nano‐silica and cutout effects on the axial and lateral buckling responses of carbon/epoxy fiber‐reinforced composite laminates. To this end, specimens manufactured by vacuum bagging after hand layup technique were prepared at various amounts of nano‐silica (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 3.0% by weight) incorporated into epoxy resin. Furthermore, semi‐circular and circular cutouts were opened on specimens to understand cutout effect on buckling characteristics of specimens. The results demonstrated that nano‐silica had a significant effect on buckling behaviors of the carbon fiber‐reinforced composites. Regardless of cutout presences, maximum critical axial (393.33 N, 361.67 N, 320 N for W, C and S) and lateral buckling loads (34.67 N, 33 N, 32.33 N for W, C and S), were achieved from the samples having 1.5 wt. % nano‐silica. In specimens having no cutout, maximum improvements of 72.26% in axial and 48.6% in lateral directions were achieved from the specimens having 1.5 wt. % nano‐silica content. A further amount of nano‐silica addition decreased the resistance to buckling of the specimens. Also, the presence of cutouts on the specimens led to decreases in critical loads. The decreases of 1.5 wt. % nano‐silica doped specimens without cutout in the axial and lateral critical buckling loads, respectively, were seen as 22.9% and 7.24% for circular cutout, 8.75% and 5.06% for semi‐circular cutout. It was concluded that cutout processing and nano‐silica additions should be taken into consideration in a material that may be exposed the buckling failures.

Highlights

Nano‐silica impact on buckling behaviors of carbon fiber‐reinforced composites

Cutout effects on buckling properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced composites

Failure modes of carbon fiber‐reinforced composites with nano‐silica particles

Findings showed that 1.5 wt. % nano‐silica inclusion exhibited the best values for buckling.
Large‐area MoOx/c‐Si heterojunction solar cells with a ICO/Ag back reflector
Authors: Wang Xu , Ding Bowen , Zhou Yurong , Zhao Dongming , Meng Fanying , Yan Hui , Life Rui , Huang Haiwei , Hao Zhidan , Zhou Yuqin , Liu Fengzhen
Published: March 2024

Compound/silicon heterojunction (SCH) solar cells have been widely studied because of the low parasitic absorption of the window layer, high short‐circuit current, and simple preparation process. So far, most reported SCH solar cells are small‐area devices. By depositing MoOx hole transport layer using hot‐wire oxidation–sublimation deposition technique and employing a front‐contact back‐junction cell architecture, the large‐area SCH solar cells are successfully fabricated on M6 (166 mm) n‐type silicon wafers. Indium cerium oxide (ICO) film with the optimal thickness of about 110 nm is inserted between MoOx and Ag. The ICO/Ag stack functions well as a back reflector and is beneficial for increasing the short‐circuit current density, reducing the contact resistance, and improving the device stability. A power conversion efficiency of 21.59% is achieved on the champion SCH solar cell with the device area of 274.15 cm2.
Measurement of lung oxygenation by near‐infrared spectroscopy in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Dani Carlo , Miselli Francesca , Zini Tommaso , Scarponi Davide , Luzzati Michele , Sarcina Davide , Fusco Monica , Dianori Francesco , Berardi Alberto
Published: March 2024

Introduction

It has recently been reported that it is possible to monitor lung oxygenation (rSO2L) by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Thus, our aim was to assess the possibility of monitoring rSO2L in infants with evolving and established bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and to evaluate if rSO2L correlates with BPD severity and other oxygenation indices.

Methods

We studied 40 preterm infants with gestational age ≤30 weeks at risk for BPD. Patients were continuously studied for 2 h by NIRS at 28 ± 7 days of life and 36 weeks ± 7 days of postmenstrual age.

Results

rSO2L was similar at the first and second NIRS recordings (71.8 ± 7.2 vs. 71.4 ± 4.2%) in the overall population, but it was higher in infants with mild than in those with moderate‐to‐severe BPD at both the first (73.3 ± 3.1 vs. 71.2 ± 3.2%, p = .042) and second (72.3 ± 2.8 vs. 70.5 ± 2.8, p = .049) NIRS recording. A rSO2L cutoff value of 71.6% in the first recording was associated with a risk for moderate‐to‐severe BPD with a sensitivity of 66% and a specificity of 60%. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship between rSO2L and SpO2/FiO2 ratio (p = .013) and a/APO2 (p = .004).

Conclusions

Monitoring of rSO2L by NIRS in preterm infants with evolving and established BPD is feasible and safe. rSO2L was found to be higher in infants with mild BPD, and predicts the risk for developing moderate‐to‐severe BPD and correlates with other indices of oxygenation.
A simple graphene oxide‐based DNA purification strategy for plant pathogen detection
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Xiaochang , Ao Ningjing , Zou Huayan , Li Jingwei , Shao Huijuan , Kageyama Koji , Feng Wenzhuo
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The on‐site molecular detection of plant pathogens is particularly important for the development of sustainable agriculture. Extracting DNA from plant tissues, microbes or coexisting environments is complex, labor‐intensive and time‐consuming. To facilitate this process, we propose a DNA purification strategy based on graphene oxide (GO).

RESULTS

The excellent adsorption ability of GO was verified by visualizing changes in its microscopic surface and macroscopic mixture. To further optimize the DNA purification, we determined the optimal GO concentration and treatment time at 95 °C (2 mg mL−1 and 2 min, respectively). We confirmed that our strategy is effective on plant tissues and various microorganisms, and that the obtained DNA can be directly used for polymerase chain reaction amplification. Combining the proposed GO‐based DNA purification method with the loop‐mediated isothermal amplification method is superior, in terms of the required steps, time, cost and detection effect, to the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide method and a commercial kit for detecting plant pathogens.

CONCLUSION

We present a feasible, rapid, simple and low‐cost DNA purification method with high practical value for scientific applications in plant pathogen detection. This strategy can also provide important technical support for future research on plant–microbial microenvironments. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Synthetic Multivalent Lipopeptide Derived from Pam3CSK4 with Irreversible Influenza Inhibition and Immuno‐Stimulating Effects
Authors: Zhu Yong , Wei Lixia , Zwygart Arnaud Charles‐Antoine , Gaínza Pablo , Khac Quy Ong , Olgiati Francesca , Kurum Armand , Tang Li , Correia Bruno , Tapparel Caroline , Stellacci Francesco
Published: March 2024

The activation of the host adaptive immune system is crucial for eliminating viruses. However, influenza infection often suppresses the innate immune response that precedes adaptive immunity, and the adaptive immune responses are typically delayed. Dendritic cells, serving as professional antigen‐presenting cells, have a vital role in initiating the adaptive immune response. In this study, an immuno‐stimulating antiviral system (ISAS) is introduced, which is composed of the immuno‐stimulating adjuvant lipopeptide Pam3CSK4 that acts as a scaffold onto which it is covalently bound 3 to 4 influenza‐inhibiting peptides. The multivalent display of peptides on the scaffold leads to a potent inhibition against H1N1 (EC50 = 20 nM). Importantly, the resulting lipopeptide, Pam3FDA, shows an irreversible inhibition mechanism. The chemical modification of peptides on the scaffold maintains Pam3CSK4's ability to stimulate dendritic cell maturation, thereby rendering Pam3FDA a unique antiviral. This is attributed to its immune activation capability, which also acts in synergy to expedite viral elimination.
“Giant” Colloidal Quantum Well Heterostructures of CdSe@CdS Core@Shell Nanoplatelets from 9.5 to 17.5 Monolayers in Thickness Enabling Ultra‐High Gain Lasing
Authors: Isik Furkan , Delikanli Savas , Durmusoglu Emek G. , Isik Ahmet Tarik , Shabani Farzan , Baruj Hamed Dehghanpour , Demir Hilmi Volkan
Published: March 2024

Semiconductor colloidal quantum wells (CQWs) have emerged as a promising class of gain materials to be used in colloidal lasers. Although low gain thresholds are achieved, the required high gain coefficient levels are barely met for the applications of electrically‐driven lasers which entails a very thin gain matrix to avoid charge injection limitations. Here, “giant” CdSe@CdS colloidal quantum well heterostructures of 9.5 to 17.5 monolayers (ML) in total with corresponding vertical thickness from 3.0 to 5.8 nm that enable record optical gain is shown. These CQWs achieve ultra‐high material gain coefficients up to ≈140 000 cm−1, obtained by systematic variable stripe length (VSL) measurements and independently validated by transient absorption (TA) measurements, owing to their high number of states. This exceptional gain capacity is an order of magnitude higher than the best levels reported for the colloidal quantum dots. From the dispersion of these quantum wells, low threshold amplified spontaneous emission in water providing an excellent platform for optofluidic lasers is demonstrated. Also, employing these giant quantum wells, whispering gallery mode (WGM) lasing with an ultra‐low threshold of 8 µJ cm−2 is demonstrated. These findings indicate that giant CQWs offer an exceptional platform for colloidal thin‐film lasers and in‐solution lasing applications.
Vertically‐Aligned Card‐House Structure for Composite Solid Polymer Electrolyte with Fast and Stable Ion Transport Channels
Authors: Miao Xunzhi , Hong Jianhe , Huang Shuo , Ding Liye , Wang Fang , Liu Min , Zhang Quanquan , Jin Hongyun
Published: March 2024

All‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) are highly promising as next‐generation energy storage devices owing to their potential for great safety and high energy density. This work demonstrates that composite solid polymer electrolyte with vertically‐aligned card‐house structure can simultaneously improve the high rate and long‐term cycling performance of ASSLBs. The vertical alignment of laponite nanosheets creates fast and uniform Li+ ion transport channels at the nanosheets/polymer interphase, resulting in high ionic conductivity of 8.9 × 10−4 S cm−1 and Li+ transference number of 0.32 at 60 °C, as well as uniformly distributed solid electrolyte interphase. Such electrolyte is characterized by high mechanical strength, low flammability, excellent structural stability and stable ion transport channels. In addition, the ASSLB cell with the electrolyte and LiFePO4 cathode delivers a high discharge specific capacity of 124.8 mAh g−1, which accounts for 85.6% of its initial capacity after 500 cycles at 1C. The reasonable design through structural control strategy by interconnecting the vertically‐aligned nanosheets open a way to fabricate high performance composite solid polymer electrolytes.
Defining the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL)
Authors: Gansemer‐Topf Ann M. , McCloud Laila I. , Braxton John M.
Published: March 2024

Since its conception as a distinctive form of scholarship, the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) has evolved into a legitimized field. Despite its rapid evolution, there still exists confusion surrounding its definition and distinctions from scholarly teaching. Additionally, although it is widely recognized across many disciplines, there have been few conversations about the role of SoTL within the field of student affairs and student affairs graduate preparation programs. This article sets the foundation for this discussion. It provides an overview of the definitions and characteristics of SoTL and offers suggestions for the potential role of SoTL in student affairs.
Improving student affairs through the scholarship of practice
Authors: Braxton John M. , Gansemer‐Topf Ann M. , McCloud Laila I.
Published: March 2024

This article introduces the concept of a scholarship of practice and its potential for improving student affairs research and practice. Student affairs graduate preparation faculty members and student affairs scholar‐practitioners can engage in a scholarship of practice by using research to inform their practice and using the findings of their research to guide their own work. We focus on the notion of the scholarship of practice as a two‐way loop between practitioners to researchers and researchers back to practitioners. We apply these concepts to student affairs.
Recent Advancements on Barnyard Millet Starch: A Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Starch
Authors: Bangar Sneh Punia , Balakrishnan Gayathri , Navaf Muhammed , Sunooj Kappat Valiyapeediyekkal
Published: March 2024

The global demand for starch has been steadily increasing, driven by various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. However, conventional starch sources, such as corn and wheat, are associated with significant environmental concerns and resource depletion. Therefore, there is a growing need to explore sustainable alternatives to conventional starches. Barnyard millet starch can be a promising sustainable alternative to conventional starch. The starch extracted from barnyard millet exhibits unique physicochemical properties, including high amylose content, small granule size, and good gel‐forming ability. These properties make it suitable for various industrial applications. In the food industry, it can be used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and fat replacer in various products, including sauces, soups, bakery items, and dairy alternatives. Moreover, barnyard millet starch shows promise in the textile industry as a sizing agent and for producing biodegradable films. However, challenges related to scaling up production, processing techniques, and market acceptance must be addressed to realize the potential of barnyard millet starch fully. Embracing barnyard millet starch can contribute to a more sustainable and resource‐efficient future, reducing the ecological footprint associated with starch production. This review article focuses on the properties, modifications, functionality, and applications of barnyard starch.
Flexural strengthening of RC beams by advanced concrete canvas
Authors: Jafari Zahra , Mostofinejad Davood
Published: March 2024

In this study, concrete canvas (CC) layers were used as a novel method to strengthen reinforced concrete (RC) beams because of their flexibility, rapid installation, fast curing, and rapid strengthening. Due to the importance of the CC mechanical properties, various combinations of cement including ordinary (OPC) and High Alumina (HAC), as well as silica fume, were investigated to determine the optimal mixture for strengthening RC beams. The results indicate that substituting 75% of HAC with OPC significantly boosted flexural strength by 33%, and increased tensile strength in the warp and weft directions by 25% and 21%, respectively. The study examined six RC beam specimens in a four‐point flexural test, assessing their flexural properties, ductility, cracking behavior, and energy dissipation. The number of CC layers and the bonding method, which involved either the conventional externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) technique or the externally bonded reinforcement on grooves (EBROG) technique were studied. The experimental results revealed the superiority of the EBR method over the EBROG technique due to the uniform bond between CC and the concrete surface. Using the EBR technique, improvements of 35% and 51% were observed in the load‐carrying capacity of the beams strengthened with one and two CC layers, respectively. It is while for the beam with an improved loading capacity of 51%, the crack width decreased from 5.3 to 2.1 mm, and the energy dissipation increased by three times compared to the control specimen. Theoretical analysis also was performed to calculate the load‐carrying capacity of the RC beams strengthened with CC layers.
Capacity assessment of uncorroded and corroded dapped‐end beams by NLFE and strut‐and‐tie based methods
Authors: Belletti Beatrice , Calcavecchia Biagio , Ferretti Daniele , Ravasini Simone
Published: March 2024

The verification of dapped‐end beams degraded by corrosion is a problem, especially for existing bridges in service. This paper proposes a nonlinear finite element (NLFE) modeling procedure and a simple strut‐and‐tie based procedure for predicting the response of dapped‐end beams subjected to chloride corrosion. Firstly, the finite element modeling strategy, based on the adoption of multilayer shell elements and the PARC_CL 2.1 crack model is described. Then, the degradation effects on concrete, rebars, and steel‐to‐concrete interaction are defined as a function of the propagation period of corrosion. In particular, the effects of corrosion on the reinforcement are modeled by applying a reduction of tensile strength that considers for both the reduction of cross‐section and the ultimate strain caused by pitting. Concrete splitting cracking due to volume expansion during rust formation is modeled by reducing the mechanical properties of concrete. Corrosion effects in steel‐to‐concrete interaction are modeled by applying a bond strength decay to the spring elements connecting corroded rebars—modeled with truss elements—and concrete multilayer shell elements. The proposed finite element procedure is used to study two scenarios based on different spatial distributions of corrosion‐prone areas. Subsequently, a simplified analytical approach based on the strut‐and‐corroded tie method—called S&CT method—is proposed and compared with the finite element outcomes. Finally, the validations of the two proposed methods are presented with respect to a corroded dapped‐end beam, showing that corrosion of rebars affects the resistance mechanisms of the dapped‐end beam, by reducing both resistance and ductility. The proposed simplified analytical S&CT method provides conservative and safe results compared to the numerical NLFE model and to experimental data.
Opioid analgesia and severity of acute pancreatitis: An international multicentre cohort study on pain management in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Pandanaboyana Sanjay , Knoph Cecilie Siggaard , Olesen Søren Schou , Jones Michael , Lucocq James , Samanta Jayanta , Talukdar Rupjyoti , Capurso Gabriele , de‐Madaria Enrique , Yadav Dhiraj , Siriwardena Ajith K. , Windsor John , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Nayar Manu ,   the PAINAP Collaborative
Published: March 2024

Background

The effect of analgesic modalities on short‐term outcomes in acute pancreatitis remains unknown. However, preclinical models have raised safety concerns regarding opioid use in patients with acute pancreatitis.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the association between analgesics, particularly opioids, and severity and mortality in hospitalised patients with acute pancreatitis.

Methods

This prospective multicentre cohort study recruited consecutive patients admitted with a first episode of acute pancreatitis between April 1 and 30 June 2022, with a 1‐month follow‐up. Data on aetiology, clinical course, and analgesic treatment were collected. The primary outcome was the association between opioid analgesia and acute pancreatitis severity, which was analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Among a total of 1768 patients, included from 118 centres across 27 countries, 1036 (59%) had opioids administered on admission day, and 167 (9%) received opioids after admission day. On univariate analysis, moderately severe or severe acute pancreatitis was associated with male sex, Asian ethnicity, alcohol aetiology, comorbidity, predicted severe acute pancreatitis, higher pain scores, longer pain duration and opioid treatment (all p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, comorbidity, alcohol aetiology, longer pain duration and higher pain scores increased the risk of moderately severe or severe acute pancreatitis (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, opioids administered after admission day (but not on admission day) doubled the risk of moderately severe or severe disease (OR 2.07 (95% CI, 1.29–3.33); p = 0.003). Opioid treatment for 6 days or more was an independent risk factor for moderately severe or severe acute pancreatitis (OR 3.21 (95% CI, 2.16–4.79; p < 0.001). On univariate analysis, longer opioid duration was associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Opioid treatment increased the risk of more severe acute pancreatitis only when administered after admission day or for 6 days or more. Future randomised studies should re‐evaluate whether opioids might be safe in acute pancreatitis.
Tourism management synergies in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Rahman Mushfiqur , Adu‐Gyamfi Richard , Salahodjaev Raufhon
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to assess how some governance dynamics, such as political stability and the rule of law, moderate the incidence of some macroeconomic factors (i.e., domestic investment and trade openness) on tourism development. The focus of this study is on 47 countries in sub‐Saharan Africa with data from 2002 to 2018, and the Generalized Method of Moments is employed as the empirical strategy. From the findings, synergy effects are apparent in the role of the rule of law in moderating domestic investment for tourism development in terms of tourism receipts. It follows that, for the sampled countries, promoting tourism development can be most effective if policies for enhancing domestic investment and promoting the rule of law are implemented simultaneously.
Petz recovery from subsystems in conformal field theory
Authors: Vardhan Shreya , Wei Annie Y. , Zou Yijian
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We probe the multipartite entanglement structure of the vacuum state of a CFT in 1+1 dimensions, using recovery operations that attempt to reconstruct the density matrix in some region from its reduced density matrices on smaller subregions. We use an explicit recovery channel known as the twirled Petz map, and study distance measures such as the fidelity, relative entropy, and trace distance between the original state and the recovered state. One setup we study in detail involves three contiguous intervals A, B and C on a spatial slice, where we can view these quantities as measuring correlations between A and C that are not mediated by the region B that lies between them. We show that each of the distance measures is both UV finite and independent of the operator content of the CFT, and hence depends only on the central charge and the cross-ratio of the intervals. We evaluate these universal quantities numerically using lattice simulations in critical spin chain models, and derive their analytic forms in the limit where A and C are close using the OPE expansion. In the case where A and C are far apart, we find a surprising non-commutativity of the replica trick with the OPE limit. For all values of the cross-ratio, the fidelity is strictly better than a general information-theoretic lower bound in terms of the conditional mutual information. We also compare the mutual information between various subsystems in the original and recovered states, which leads to a more qualitative understanding of the differences between them. Further, we introduce generalizations of the recovery operation to more than three adjacent intervals, for which the fidelity is again universal with respect to the operator content.
Flattening of the EFT-hedron: supersymmetric positivity bounds and the search for string theory
Authors: Berman Justin , Elvang Henriette , Herderschee Aidan
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We examine universal positivity constraints on 2 → 2 scattering in 4d planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory with higher-derivative corrections. We present numerical evidence that the convex region of allowed Wilson coefficients (the “EFT-hedron”) flattens completely along about one-third of its dimensions when an increasing number of constraints on the spectral density from crossing-symmetry are included. Our analysis relies on the formulation of the positivity constraints as a linear optimization problem, which we implement using two numerical solvers, SDPB and CPLEX. Motivated by the flattening, we propose a novel partially resummed low-energy expansion of the 2 → 2 amplitude. As part of the analysis, we provide additional evidence in favor of the conjecture [1] that the Veneziano amplitude is the only amplitude compatible with both S-matrix bootstrap constraints and string monodromy.
The genome of Haberlea rhodopensis provides insights into the mechanisms for tolerance to multiple extreme environments
Authors: Gupta Saurabh , Petrov Veselin , Garg Vanika , Mueller-Roeber Bernd , Fernie Alisdair R. , Nikoloski Zoran , Gechev Tsanko
Published: March 2024

Haberlea rhodopensis, a resurrection species, is the only plant known to be able to survive multiple extreme environments, including desiccation, freezing temperatures, and long-term darkness. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying tolerance to these stresses are poorly studied. Here, we present a high-quality genome of Haberlea and found that ~ 23.55% of the 44,306 genes are orphan. Comparative genomics analysis identified 89 significantly expanded gene families, of which 25 were specific to Haberlea. Moreover, we demonstrated that Haberlea preserves its resurrection potential even in prolonged complete darkness. Transcriptome profiling of plants subjected to desiccation, darkness, and low temperatures revealed both common and specific footprints of these stresses, and their combinations. For example, PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE 2C (PP2C) genes were substantially induced in all stress combinations, while PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 1 (PIF1) and GROWTH RESPONSE FACTOR 4 (GRF4) were induced only in darkness. Additionally, 733 genes with unknown functions and three genes encoding transcription factors specific to Haberlea were specifically induced/repressed upon combination of stresses, rendering them attractive targets for future functional studies. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the genomic architecture and reports details of the mechanisms of multi-stress tolerance of this resurrection species that will aid in developing strategies that allow crops to survive extreme and multiple abiotic stresses.
Bildgebung des vorderen Kreuzbands und der anterolateralen Rotationsinstabilität des Kniegelenks
Authors: Fritz Benjamin
Published: March 2024

Das vordere Kreuzband (VKB) ist essenziell für die Stabilität des Kniegelenks. Die VKB-Ruptur stellt eine der häufigsten Sportverletzungen dar, mit einer hohen Inzidenz besonders bei Sportarten, die Drehbewegungen und abrupte Richtungswechsel erfordern. VKB-Verletzungen sind selten isoliert und oft von Meniskus- und anderen Kniebinnenverletzungen begleitet, die das Arthroserisiko erhöhen. Das Verletzungsspektrum des VKB umfasst Zerrungen, Teilrupturen und vollständige Rupturen. Die Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) spielt eine zentrale Rolle in der Diagnostik, da sie nicht nur das VKB, sondern auch begleitende Verletzungen präzise darstellen kann. Protonendichte- und T2-gewichtete Sequenzen eignen sich besonders zur Beurteilung des VKB, welches in der Regel in allen Ebenen gut sichtbar und bewertbar ist. Neben der Darstellung der Faserunterbrechung als direktem Zeichen und zentralem diagnostischem Indikator einer VKB-Ruptur gibt es zahlreiche weitere direkte und indirekte Anzeichen einer VKB-Verletzung in der MRT. Dazu gehören abnormale Faserorientierungen, Signalerhöhungen sowie eine anteriore Subluxation der Tibia im Verhältnis zum Femur. Die häufig mit VKB-Rupturen assoziierten Knochenmarködeme sind oft hinweisend auf den zugrundeliegenden Verletzungsmechanismus. Die Therapie der VKB-Rupturen kann konservativ oder operativ sein, abhängig von verschiedenen Faktoren wie dem Aktivitätsniveau des Patienten und dem Vorhandensein von Begleitverletzungen. Die präzise und umfassende Beschreibung von VKB-Verletzungen durch die Radiologie ist entscheidend für die optimale Therapieplanung. Die anterolaterale Rotationsinstabilität (ALRI) des Kniegelenks kennzeichnet einen Zustand übermäßiger lateraler und rotatorischer Beweglichkeit der Tibia im Verhältnis zum Femur im anterolateralen Kniebereich. Diese Instabilität wird primär durch eine Ruptur des VKB verursacht, wobei dem vor etwa 10 Jahren wiederentdeckten anterolateralen Ligament (ALL) ebenfalls eine Rolle bei der Stabilisierung des Knies zugeschrieben wird. Obwohl die ALRI in erster Linie durch klinische Untersuchungen diagnostiziert wird, ist die MRT unerlässlich für das Erkennen von Verletzungen am VKB, ALL und anderen Kniebinnenstrukturen, was essenziell für die Entwicklung einer optimalen Behandlungsstrategie ist.
Fabrication of high-performance lens arrays for micro-concentrator photovoltaics using ultraviolet imprinting
Authors: Jost Norman , Jacobo-Martín Alejandra , Vallerotto Guido , Hernández Jaime J. , Garcia-Sanchez Almudena , Domínguez César , Rodríguez Isabel , Antón Ignacio
Published: March 2024

Micro-concentrator photovoltaics (micro-CPV) is a cutting-edge CPV approach aimed at increasing the efficiency and reducing the cost and carbon footprint of solar electricity by downscaling concentrator solar cells and optics. The reduced size of micro-CPV provides several advantages over conventional CPV, including shorter optical paths and lower temperature and resistive losses in the cell, resulting in higher electrical efficiencies. This may increase the energy yield per area compared to conventional CPV or silicon modules. Cost reduction is achieved through material savings and the use of continuous manufacturing methods enabled by the tiny size of cells and optics, such as roll-to-roll (R2R) and roll-to-plate (R2P) ultraviolet (UV) imprinting for optics production. However, adapting these processes to large-area arrays of Fresnel micro-lenses with no wasted areas and high efficiency remains a challenge. In this study, we present a comprehensive methodology for the development of micro-CPV optics with full area coverage—from design and mastering to up-scaling, tooling, and replication. The methodology involves designing a non-rotationally symmetric elementary insert tailored to ultraviolet imprinting. Crucially, multiple inserts are originated via precision machining and recombined to form a single array master mold without wasted areas. The master is then replicated into a flexible working stamp for UV imprinting of Fresnel lens arrays, utilizing different UV curable materials. The functional characterization of the lenses demonstrates an optical efficiency of 80% at 178X under collimated white light, representing the highest effective concentration achieved using UV-imprinted Fresnel lenses. Furthermore, initial reliability tests confirm the absence of degradation during thermal cycling or outdoor exposure. This methodology paves the way for continuous high-throughput manufacturing of micro-lens arrays using R2R or R2P methods, presenting a significant step forward in micro-CPV.
Enhanced upregulation of SIRT1 via pioglitazone and ligustrazine confers protection against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats
Authors: Mahmoud Sara A. , Elkhoely Abeer , El-Sayed Elsayed K. , Ahmed Amany A. E.
Published: March 2024

Gastric ulcer is a disturbing disease that impacts many people worldwide. Pioglitazone (Piog), a thiazolidinedione, and ligustrazine (Ligu), a natural component of Ligusticum chuanxiong possess gastroprotective properties. However, the underlying mechanism is not well elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effects of Piog (15 mg/kg, p.o.), Ligu (15 mg/kg, p.o.), and their combination against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Omeprazole (10 mg/kg) was used as a standard. Pre-treatment for 7 days with Piog, Ligu, and (Piog+Ligu) effectively alleviated ethanol-predisposed oxidative stress and inflammation through restoring HO-1, GSH, and SOD tissue levels and decreasing elevated MDA, TNF-α, ICAM, I-NOS, and IL-1β contents. Moreover, Piog, Ligu, and (Piog+Ligu) markedly inhibited the ethanol-induced increase of gastric NF-KB and BAX. In contrast, this pre-treatment regimen significantly accelerated protein expression of SIRT1, Nrf2, and Bcl-2, along with autophagic proteins, ATG5 and Beclin. Interestingly, macroscopic, histopathological examination and mucin content were in harmony with previous results, where pre-treatment with Piog, Ligu, and (Piog+Ligu) showed a declined mucosal injury as evidenced by the remarkable decrease of the ulcer area percentage by 62.3%, 38.7%, and 91.2%, respectively, compared to the ethanol-ulcerated group. In conclusion, Piog and Ligu exhibited remarkable gastroprotective properties. Our study was the first to show that Piog, Ligu, and (Piog+Ligu) ameliorated oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis and accelerated the autophagic process via the upregulation of the upstream SIRT1 protein. It is worth mentioning that future studies are needed to pave the way for the clinical use of Piog and Ligu as gastro-protective agents.
Deoxygenation following coral spawning and low-level thermal stress trigger mass coral mortality at Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef
Authors: Richards Zoe T. , Haines Lewis , Ross Claire , Preston Sophie , Matthews Troy , Terriaca Anthony , Black Ethan , Lewis Yvette , Mannolini Josh , Dean Patrick , Middleton Vincent , Saunders Ben
Published: March 2024

Oxygen depletion is well recognized for its role in the degradation of tropical coral reefs. Extreme acute hypoxic events that lead to localized mass mortality and the formation of ‘dead zones’ (a region where few or no organisms can survive due to a lack of oxygen) are particularly concerning as they can result in wide-ranging losses of biodiversity, ecosystem productivity and functioning, economic prosperity, and wellbeing. In March of 2022, the annual coral spawning event at Bills Bay (Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia) coincided with elevated seawater temperature, calm weather conditions and a flood tide resulting in coral spawn becoming trapped in Bills Bay. Immediately after, there was a mass fish kill, which is believed to have been caused by local eutrophication resulting in severe oxygen depletion. The impact the deoxygenation and thermal stress event had on benthic communities has not yet been quantified; hence, the principal aim of this study is to document the extent of change that occurred in the benthic communities before and after the 2022 coral spawning event over a spatial gradient from the nearshore to mid-reef. Percent coral cover in the Bay decreased from 55.62 ± 2.26% in 2016–2018 and 70.44 ± 5.24% in 2021 to 1.16 ± 0.51% in 2022. Over the same period, the percent cover of turf algae increased from 27.40 ± 2.00% in 2016–2018 and 24.66 ± 6.67% in 2021 to 78.80 ± 3.06% in 2022, indicating a dramatic phase shift occurred at Bills Bay. The abundance of healthy coral colonies recorded on replicated belt transects at nine sites declined from 3452 healthy individuals in 2018 to 153 individuals in 2022 and coral generic richness decreased by 84.61%, dropping from 26 genera in 2018 to 4 genera in 2022. Previously dominant genera such as Acropora,Montipora and Echinopora, were extirpated from survey sites. Isolated colonies of massive Porites spp. and encrusting Cyphastrea sp. survived the event and understanding the mechanisms underpinning their greater survivorship is an important area of future research. Long-term monitoring is recommended to track the community recovery process and improve our understanding of the longer-term implications of this acute mortality event on the ecological, socio-economic and cultural values of Ningaloo Reef.
Innervation pattern of the unclosed detrusor muscle in classic bladder exstrophy: a study of patients with urothelial overexpression of nerve growth factor
Authors: Promm Martin , Otto Wolfgang , Götz Stefanie , Burger Maximilian , Müller Karolina , Rubenwolf Peter , Neuhuber Winfried L. , Rösch Wolfgang H.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

An overexpression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the urothelium is discussed to lead to neuronal hyperinnervation of the bladder detrusor. The aim was to assess the sensory and sympathetic innervation of the detrusor in unclosed exstrophic bladders patients with known overexpression of NGF in the urothelium.

Methods

Full-thickness bladder biopsies were prospectively obtained from 34 infants at delayed primary bladder closure between 01/2015 and 04/2020. The bladder biopsies were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies against S100, calcitonin gene-related peptide (anti-CGRP), Neurofilament 200 (anti-NF200), and tyrosine-hydroxylase (anti-TH). Specimens from 6 children with congenital vesicoureterorenal reflux (VUR) served as controls.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in nerve fiber density in any of the immunohistochemical assessments (anti-S100 [p = 0.210], anti-CGRP [p = 0.897], anti-NF200 [p = 0.897]), and anti-TH [p = 0.956]) between patients with BE and patients with VUR. However, we observed a trend toward lower nerve fiber densities in exstrophic detrusor.

Conclusion

Overall our results showed an unharmed innervation pattern in this cohort but a lower density of nerve fibers in the detrusor compared to controls. Further studies in patients after successful primary closure are needed to clarify the potential impact of the urothelial overexpression of NGF modulating the innervation pattern in exstrophic bladders.
Lupusnephritis und assoziierte thrombotische Mikroangiopathie
Authors: Schuster Antonia , Banas Bernhard , Bergler Tobias
Published: March 2024

Die Lupusnephritis stellt die häufigste Manifestation eines systemischen Lupus an den soliden Organen dar und geht mit einem erhöhten Risiko für eine chronische Niereninsuffizienz einher. Das gleichzeitige Auftreten einer Lupusnephritis mit einer thrombotischen Mikroangiopathie wird als selten beschrieben, impliziert jedoch das Risiko fataler Organdysfunktionen. Wir berichten von drei Patienten, bei denen diese beiden Krankheitsentitäten parallel auftraten und eine intensivierte immunsuppressive Therapie auch mittels Komplementblockade notwendig machten.
RNA aptamer reveals nuclear TDP-43 pathology is an early aggregation event that coincides with STMN-2 cryptic splicing and precedes clinical manifestation in ALS
Authors: Spence Holly , Waldron Fergal M. , Saleeb Rebecca S. , Brown Anna-Leigh , Rifai Olivia M. , Gilodi Martina , Read Fiona , Roberts Kristine , Milne Gillian , Wilkinson Debbie , O’Shaughnessy Judi , Pastore Annalisa , Fratta Pietro , Shneider Neil , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano , Zacco Elsa , Horrocks Mathew H. , Gregory Jenna M.
Published: March 2024

TDP-43 is an aggregation-prone protein which accumulates in the hallmark pathological inclusions of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the analysis of deeply phenotyped human post-mortem samples has shown that TDP-43 aggregation, revealed by standard antibody methods, correlates poorly with symptom manifestation. Recent identification of cryptic-splicing events, such as the detection of Stathmin-2 (STMN-2) cryptic exons, are providing evidence implicating TDP-43 loss-of-function as a potential driving pathomechanism but the temporal nature of TDP-43 loss and its relation to the disease process and clinical phenotype is not known. To address these outstanding questions, we used a novel RNA aptamer, TDP-43APT, to detect TDP-43 pathology and used single molecule in situ hybridization to sensitively reveal TDP-43 loss-of-function and applied these in a deeply phenotyped human post-mortem tissue cohort. We demonstrate that TDP-43APT identifies pathological TDP-43, detecting aggregation events that cannot be detected by classical antibody stains. We show that nuclear TDP-43 pathology is an early event, occurring prior to cytoplasmic accumulation and is associated with loss-of-function measured by coincident STMN-2 cryptic splicing pathology. Crucially, we show that these pathological features of TDP-43 loss-of-function precede the clinical inflection point and are not required for region specific clinical manifestation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that gain-of-function in the form of extensive cytoplasmic accumulation, but not loss-of-function, is the primary molecular correlate of clinical manifestation. Taken together, our findings demonstrate implications for early diagnostics as the presence of STMN-2 cryptic exons and early TDP-43 aggregation events could be detected prior to symptom onset, holding promise for early intervention in ALS.
Modelling ancient magma plumbing systems through clinopyroxene populations: a case study from Middle Triassic volcanics (Dolomites, Italy)
Authors: Nardini Nicolò , Casetta Federico , Petrone Chiara Maria , Buret Yannick , Ntaflos Theodoros , Coltorti Massimo
Published: March 2024

Modelling plumbing systems dynamics of active volcanoes through textural and chemical studies of mineral phases is crucial to unravel their eruptive behaviour, but it is rarely applied in ancient volcanic and volcano-plutonic systems. Here, we present an investigation of the architecture, magma dynamics and pre-eruptive timing of Middle Triassic plumbing systems in the Dolomites area (Southern Alps) through a detailed investigation of textures and compositional zoning of clinopyroxenes in lavas and dykes from Predazzo, Mt. Monzoni, Cima Pape and Sciliar volcano-plutonic complexes. The clinopyroxene composition varies between low-Mg# (67–78), low-Cr augite and high-Mg# (77–91), Cr-rich diopside. Diopside is less frequent and appears as variably thick single or multiple bands between augitic cores and rims or as resorbed homogeneous, or patchy-zoned and mottled cores. Rims are homogeneous or oscillatory zoned, with augitic composition. The mid- to low-crustal plumbing systems of all volcanic centres were characterised by the presence of a mildly evolved trachyandesitic magma (Mg# 45; T = 1044–1118 °C), where augitic clinopyroxene formed. Periodic mafic injections of more primitive and hotter trachybasaltic magma (Mg# 56; T = 1056–1170 °C) caused frequent crystallisation of diopsidic bands around augitic cores. The presence of resorbed or patchy-zoned mottled diopsidic cores in clinopyroxene phenocrysts, as well as of rare clinopyroxenitic xenoliths with analogous diopsidic composition, indicates the recycling and remobilisation of antecrysts from the deeper part of the plumbing system, which was probably located at a depth of 10–17 km. Diffusion chronometry models based on Fe–Mg interdiffusion in clinopyroxene revealed that the time elapsed from the mafic injection into the shallow portion of the plumbing systems to the eruption ranges from decades to < 1 year. Our findings enabled us to resolve the different plumbing system dynamics acting at the local scale beneath each volcanic centre. Our data indicate a striking similarity with magma dynamics and timing of pre-eruptive processes at active volcanoes: therefore, we posit that this work sets a starting point to deepen our knowledge of the volcano-plutonic links and, in turn improves our ability to interpret the main processes acting in active plumbing systems.
Visual and vestibular motion perception in persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD)
Authors: Storm Renana , Krause Janina , Blüm Smila-Karlotta , Wrobel Viktoria , Frings Antonia , Helmchen Christoph , Sprenger Andreas
Published: March 2024

Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic disorder of perceived unsteadiness. Symptoms can be exacerbated in visually complex stationary or moving environment. Visual dependence and increased motion sensitivity are predictors for PPPD but its pathophysiology remains unknown. We hypothesized an abnormal sensory–perceptual scaling mechanism in PPPD and tested visual- and vestibular perceptional thresholds in 32 patients and 28 age-matched healthy control subjects (HC). All participants showed normal vestibular function tests on quantitative testing. Visual motion coherence thresholds were assessed by random dot kinetomatograms. Vestibular perceptional thresholds of egomotion were assessed by binaural galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) and passive chair rotation around an earth-vertical axis. Chair rotation trials were contrasted with no-motion (sham) stimulus trials. Mean thresholds of visual motion perception were higher in patients compared to HC. The perception threshold of GVS was lower in patients but the threshold of correctly perceived egomotion during chair rotation did not differ. Interestingly, the number of trials with correct perception in the no-motion condition increased with the threshold of correct responses for rotatory egomotion in patients. Unlike expected, PPPD patients required more coherently moving random dots than HC to perceive visual motion. A poorer complex visual motion recognition, e.g., traffic visual stimuli, may increase anxiety and levels of uncertainty as visuomotor reactions might occur delayed. The vestibular rotatory perception threshold predicted the probability of making false assignments in the sham condition in PPPD, i.e., patients who readily recognize the correct egomotion direction are prone to perceive egomotion in the no-motion condition. As this relation was not found in healthy subjects, it may reflect an abnormal sensory–perceptual scaling feature of PPPD.