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Terahertz cross-correlation spectroscopy enables phase-sensitive measurements without the need for a laser source and, hence, presents a cost-efficient and versatile alternative to common terahertz time-domain spectroscopy approaches. This review article presents the development of this technique over the past two decades as well as applications of this approach. It is completed by a detailed mathematical description proving the irrelevance of the optical phases of the employed pump light modes. Numerical investigations of the resulting signal demonstrate the applicability and are compared to state-of-the-art measurements. Terahertz cross-correlation spectroscopy is a valuable alternative for moderate-demand applications already. Further possible improvements are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We explore theoretically the magnetoresistivity of three-dimensional Weyl and Dirac semimetals in transversal magnetic fields within two alternative models of disorder: (i) short-range impurities and (ii) charged (Coulomb) impurities. Impurity scattering is treated using the self-consistent Born approximation. We find that an unusual broadening of Landau levels leads to a variety of regimes of the resistivity scaling in the temperature-magnetic field plane. In particular, the magnetoresistance is nonmonotonous for the white-noise disorder model. For H→0 the magnetoresistance for short-range impurities vanishes in a nonanalytic way as H1/3. In the limits of strongest magnetic fields H, the magnetoresistivity vanishes as 1/H for pointlike impurities, while it is linear and positive in the model with Coulomb impurities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recurrent airway obstruction ( RAO), an asthma-like disease, is 1 of the most common allergic diseases in horses in the northern hemisphere. Hypersensitivity reactions to environmental antigens cause an allergic inflammatory response in the equine airways. Cytosine-phosphate-guanosine-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG- ODN) are known to direct the immune system toward a Th1-pathway, and away from the pro-allergic Th2-line (Th2/Th1-shift). Gelatin nanoparticles ( GNPs) are biocompatible and biodegradable immunological inert drug delivery systems that protect CpG- ODN against nuclease degeneration. Preliminary studies on the inhalation of GNP-bound CpG- ODN in RAO-affected horses have shown promising results. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and immunological effects of GNP-bound CpG- ODN in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, prospective, randomized clinical trial and to verify a sustained effect post-treatment. Animals and Methods Twenty-four RAO-affected horses received 1 inhalation every 2 days for 5 consecutive administrations. Horses were examined for clinical, endoscopic, cytological, and blood biochemical variables before the inhalation regimen (I), immediately afterwards ( II), and 4 weeks post-treatment ( III). Results At time points I and II, administration of treatment rather than placebo corresponded to a statistically significant decrease in respiratory effort, nasal discharge, tracheal secretion, and viscosity, Aa DO2 and neutrophil percentage, and an increase in arterial oxygen pressure. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Administration of a GNP-bound CpG- ODN formulation caused a potent and persistent effect on allergic and inflammatory-induced clinical variables in RAO-affected horses. This treatment, therefore, provides an innovative, promising, and well-tolerated strategy beyond conventional symptomatic long-term therapy and could serve as a model for asthma treatment in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are still some open questions about how the thickness of a liquid or solid quantum film, such as liquid helium or solid hydrogen, develops in certain limits. One of these is the thick-film limit, i.e., the crossover from the thick film to the bulk. We have performed measurements in this range using the surface plasmon resonance technique and an evaporated Ag film deposited on a glass substrate. The thickness of the adsorbed helium film is varied by changing the distance h of the bulk reservoir to the surface of the substrate. In the limiting case when h→0 the film thickness approaches about 100 nm, following the van der Waals law in the retarded regime. The film thickness and its dependence on h is determined precisely and modeled theoretically. The behavior of the equilibrium film thickness is discussed in detail. The agreement between theory and experiment is very good. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple-point dewetting of pure gases like hydrogen and deuterium on solid substrates is a well-known phenomenon. This property persists even for the mixed system of H[sub 2] and D[sub 2]. There exists an effective triple-point temperature T[sub 3][sup (mix)], between the T[sub 3] of pure H[sub 2] and that of pure D[sub 2], which depends on the species concentrations. We present new investigations for a wide range of H[sub 2]–D[sub 2] concentrations measured under different thermodynamic conditions. This allows us to map out T[sub 3][sup (mix)] as function of concentration, which can be different in the melting or solidifying direction. Furthermore, it turns out that the time the system needs to reach an equilibrium state can be very long and depends on concentration. This is not observed for the pure H[sub 2] and D[sub 2] systems. Sometimes the relaxation times are so extremely long that significant hysteresis occurs during ramping of the temperature, even if this is done very slowly on a scale of hours. This behavior can be understood on the basis of mixing and demixing processes. Possible differences in the species concentrations in the gas, liquid, and especially solid phase of the system are discussed. A preliminary phase diagram of the H[sub 2]–D[sub 2] system is established. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new compact, low-cost, economically competitive and environmentally friendly cryogenic system for cooling a continuous gas flow down to about 30 K is under developing at the ILK Dresden, reported in this paper. The paper shows thermodynamic calculations of cycles on neon and neon-helium mixtures. The assessment of the degree of thermodynamic perfection of the neon cycles in comparison of neon-helium cycles is provided. The use of neon and neon-helium mixture in cryogenic cycles for cryostatting at a temperature level of 27…63 K will increase the thermodynamic efficiency of the cryogenic system and reduce the energy costs of obtaining cold at this temperature level. A technological chain/process, as well as the main economic indicators of the system under development are presented. The availability of such an innovative refrigeration system can be used in a wide range of cryogenic and cooling applications.

Pseudomonas AM1 utilizes glycine and methanol to produce l-serine aerobically (1). The consumption of methanol in this bioconversion is stoichiometrically in excess of L-serine production (2). Consequently, the oxygen requirement associated with L-serine production is higher than expected for the conversion from glycine. One method of L-serine production investigated was a technique utilizing a hollow-fiber ultrafiltration cartridge as a bioreactor. Oxygen diffusion limitations appear to impede the consumption of methanol and, consequently, the production of L-serine in such a reactor. Methanol consumption data agree with predictions based on a hollow-fiber diffusion model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore theoretically the magnetoresistance of Weyl semimetals in transversal magnetic fields away from charge neutrality. The analysis within the self-consistent Born approximation is done for the two different models of disorder: (i) short-range impurities and (ii) charged (Coulomb) impurities. For these models of disorder, we calculate the conductivity away from charge neutrality point as well as the Hall conductivity, and analyze the transversal magnetoresistance (TMR) and Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations for both types of disorder. We further consider a model with Weyl nodes shifted in energy with respect to each other (as found in various materials) with the chemical potential corresponding to the total charge neutrality. In the experimentally most relevant case of Coulomb impurities, we find in this model a large TMR in a broad range of quantizing magnetic fields. More specifically, in the ultraquantum limit, where only the zeroth Landau level is effective, the TMR is linear in magnetic field. In the regime of moderate (but still quantizing) magnetic fields, where the higher Landau levels are relevant, the rapidly growing TMR is supplemented by strong Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations, consistent with experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study New therapeutic strategies to modulate immune responses in human and equine allergic airway diseases are under extensive investigation. Stimulation of Treg cells with immune modulating agents is a novel therapeutic option. Objectives The aim of this field study was to compare the effects of a nebulised nanoparticulate CpG immunotherapy ( CpG- GNP) with and without specific allergens. Study design Longitudinal clinical study comparing 2 therapeutic options. Methods Twenty RAO-affected horses were divided into 2 treatment groups ( CpG alone and CpG with allergens). Two specific allergens were selected for each horse according to anamnesis and a functional in vitro test. Treatments were given by nebulisation 7 times and the horses were examined 3 times: baseline (I), after the treatment course (II), and after 6 weeks later (III). Clinical parameters, indirect intrapleural measurement, arterial blood gas, amount of tracheal mucus and neutrophil percentage were evaluated. Results CpG alone resulted in a significant improvement in clinical parameters and a significant reduction of tracheal mucus after treatment and at 6 weeks post treatment. After CpG plus specific allergens, there was significant improvement of 70% of examined parameters. However, there were no significant differences in the results compared with CpG- GNP treatment alone. Conclusions There were no significant differences between treatment groups. CpG- GNP immunotherapy alone produced a potent and persistent effect on allergic and inflammatory parameters and may have potential as for treatment of equine and human allergic inflammatory airway diseases. Ethical animal research: The study was approved by the regional legal agency for animal experiments of the Government of Bavaria, Germany ( No. 55.2-1-54-2531-31-10). Owners gave informed consent for their horses' inclusion in the study. Sources of funding: Partly supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft ( DFG) ( Germany) ( GE'2044/4-1). The AeroNeb Go™ vibrating mesh nebuliser ( Aerogen, Galway, Ireland) was sponsored by Inspiration Medical (Bochum, Germany). Competing interests: None declared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for about 13.5% of all urological tumors. Healthcare research analyzes whether treatment recommendations from controlled studies or guidelines are being implemented in routine care. A prerequisite for the assessment and scientific study of the quality of care in the treatment of urological tumors is standardized documentation., Objectives: This article illustrates healthcare research in RCC by presenting current data from the prospective of the VERSUS study (VERSorgUngsStudie) by d‑uo (Deutsche Uro-Onkologen)., Materials and Methods: The VERSUS study is a noninterventional, prospective, multicentric study for the documentation and descriptive statistical analysis of the diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of uro-oncological patients., Results: Of 25,065 patients currently included in the VERSUS study, 1976 have a diagnosis of RCC. Data regarding stage distribution, reason leading to initial diagnosis, distribution of symptomatic vs. asymptomatic patients as well as surgical margins from surgical treatment of RCC are presented., Conclusions: Despite providing interesting results, the VERSUS study remains limited with regard to the depth of the data, since it relies on the same dataset as the German cancer registry. In order to provide more comprehensive healthcare research, organ-related cancer registries like the Urothelial Cancer National Registry (UroNAT) and the Prostate Cancer National Registry (ProNAT) by d‑uo are necessary. These national cancer registries by d‑uo are unique in that they comprise all tumor stages. The Renal Cancer National Registry (ReNAT) by d‑uo is in preparation and will be a valuable contribution to quality assurance of oncological care in Germany., Competing Interests: Einhaltung ethischer Richtlinien. Interessenkonflikt: M. Johannsen, R. Eichenauer, J. Klier, F. König, R. Schönfelder, J. Schröder, E. Hempel und C. Doehn geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht. Für diesen Beitrag wurden von den Autor/-innen keine Studien an Menschen oder Tieren durchgeführt. Für die aufgeführten Studien gelten die jeweils dort angegebenen ethischen Richtlinien., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

The COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the importance of pandemic preparedness for the prevention of future health crises. One virus family with high pandemic potential are Arenaviruses, which have been detected almost worldwide, particularly in Africa and the Americas. These viruses are highly understudied and many questions regarding their structure, replication and tropism remain unanswered, making the design of an efficacious and molecularly-defined vaccine challenging. We propose that structure-driven computational vaccine design will contribute to overcome these challenges. Computational methods for stabilization of viral glycoproteins or epitope focusing have made progress during the last decades and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and have proven useful for rational vaccine design and the establishment of novel diagnostic tools. In this review, we summarize gaps in our understanding of Arenavirus molecular biology, highlight challenges in vaccine design and discuss how structure-driven and computationally informed strategies will aid in overcoming these obstacles., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest C.T.S. has received unrelated research funds from Navigo Protein GmbH, Halle (Saale), Germany. The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Resistivity is one of the most important characteristics in the semiconductor industry. The most common way to measure resistivity is the four-point probe method, which requires physical contact with the material under test. Terahertz time domain spectroscopy, a fast and non-destructive measurement method, is already well established in the characterization of dielectrics. In this work, we demonstrate the potential of two Drude model-based approaches to extract resistivity values from terahertz time-domain spectroscopy measurements of silicon in a wide range from about 10 -3  Ωcm to 10 2  Ωcm. One method is an analytical approach and the other is an optimization approach. Four-point probe measurements are used as a reference. In addition, the spatial resistivity distribution is imaged by X-Y scanning of the samples to detect inhomogeneities in the doping distribution.

Patients with Lafora disease have a mutation in EPM2A or EPM2B, resulting in dysregulation of glycogen metabolism throughout the body and aberrant glycogen molecules that aggregate into Lafora bodies. Lafora bodies are particularly damaging in the brain, where the aggregation drives seizures with increasing severity and frequency, coupled with neurodegeneration. Previous work employed mouse genetic models to reduce glycogen synthesis by approximately 50%, and this strategy significantly reduced Lafora body formation and disease phenotypes. Therefore, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) was developed to reduce glycogen synthesis in the brain by targeting glycogen synthase 1 (Gys1). To test the distribution and efficacy of this drug, the Gys1-ASO was administered to Epm2b-/- mice via intracerebroventricular administration at 4, 7, and 10 months. The mice were then sacrificed at 13 months and their brains analyzed for Gys1 expression, glycogen aggregation, and neuronal excitability. The mice treated with Gys1-ASO exhibited decreased Gys1 protein levels, decreased glycogen aggregation, and reduced epileptiform discharges compared to untreated Epm2b-/- mice. This work provides proof of concept that a Gys1-ASO halts disease progression of EPM2B mutations of Lafora disease., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Environmental concerns over waste plastics' effect on the environment are leading to the creation of biodegradable plastics. Biodegradable plastics may serve as a promising approach to manage the issue of environmental accumulation of plastic waste in the ocean and soil. Biodegradable plastics are the type of polymers that can be degraded by microorganisms into small molecules (e.g., H 2 O, CO 2 , and CH 4 ). However, there are misconceptions surrounding biodegradable plastics. For example, the term "biodegradable" on product labeling can be misconstrued by the public to imply that the product will degrade under any environmental conditions. Such misleading information leads to consumer encouragement of excessive consumption of certain goods and increased littering of products labeled as "biodegradable". This review not only provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art biodegradable plastics but also clarifies the definitions and various terms associated with biodegradable plastics, including oxo-degradable plastics, enzyme-mediated plastics, and biodegradation agents. Analytical techniques and standard test methods to evaluate the biodegradability of polymeric materials in alignment with international standards are summarized. The review summarizes the properties and industrial applications of previously developed biodegradable plastics and then discusses how biomass-derived monomers can create new types of biodegradable polymers by utilizing their unique chemical properties from oxygen-containing functional groups. The terminology and methodologies covered in the paper provide a perspective on directions for the design of new biodegradable polymers that possess not only advanced performance for practical applications but also environmental benefits.