Available Potential Energy Research Articles

Potential cloud precipitation capacity in typical regions over China

Based on the CLoud, Albedo and RAdiation dataset, AVHRR-based, version 2 (CLARA-A2), Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission 3B43 (TRMM-3B43), and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) reanalysis data, the potential cloud precipitation capacity (PCPA) of typical regions in China is compared, and the relationship between impact factors and PCPA is discussed. Results have suggested that the Tarim Basin (TB) has scarce cloud water resources, while cloud water path (CWP) values are higher in South China (SC) and Sichuan Basin (SB) under the influence of the East Asian monsoon. Moreover, different typical regions of China exhibit varying dependencies on the ice water path (IWP) and liquid water path (LWP). There is a strong correlation between the IWP and precipitation in the Tibet Plateau (TP), Northeast China (NE), SC, and SB. The precipitation in TB demonstrates a more pronounced correlation with the LWP. Through a comparison of the correlation between PCPA and influencing factors in different typical regions of China, it is found that convective available potential energy (CAPE), surface latent heat flux (SLHF), surface sensible heat flux (SSHF), and 0–3 km relative humidity (RH) exhibit stronger correlation with PCPA than 2 m temperature (T2m) and 2–5 km vertical wind shear (SHEAR). Further investigation revealed that the joint effect of CAPE, RH, and SLHF has a pronounced effect on PCPA, particularly during spring and autumn. Additionally, the PCPA of TP exhibits significant dependency on the joint effect of these three influential factors. Furthermore, the ratio of LWP to IWP (RLI) also affects PCPA. In spring and autumn, the PCPA of TB and NC exhibits a positive correlation with RLI, whereas the PCPA of TP, SC, NE, and SB shows a negative correlation with RLI. In summer, the PCPA of TB and SC exhibits a notably negative correlation with RLI. This study deepens the understanding of the formation mechanism of cloud precipitation in typical regions of China, provides the basis for climate forecast and improves the accuracy of weather forecast.

Precursor boundary layer conditions for shallow and deep convection: inferences from CAIPEEX field measurements over the Indian Peninsula

The diurnal cycle of environmental conditions for shallow and deep convection regimes within the Indian monsoon environment is investigated using comprehensive observations from the surface, boundary layer, and cloud layers. For shallow convection (SC) and deep convection (DC) in the afternoon hours, thermodynamics, moisture convergence, and several other environmental variables provide information on the factors that control the vertical extent of convection in both regimes. The SC regime is characterized by high sensible heat flux, leading to stronger boundary layer turbulence, a higher mixed layer, and increased dry air entrainment from the free troposphere. Evaluation of several pre-conditioning parameters with T-test statistics suggests that stronger mid-level meridional wind shear and lack of mid-level moistening are detrimental to the growth of clouds in the SC regime. Conversely, the DC regime is driven by low surface fluxes and low surface-level buoyancy, with higher boundary layer and mid-layer moisture and more mid-layer instability, supporting larger Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE). Morning precursor conditions for the preference of SC versus DC regime in the afternoon reveal that total column water vapor, relative humidity and CAPE are significantly higher on DC days. Large-scale moisture transport in the early morning within and above the boundary layer, driven by stronger westerly winds, is a key factor for the development of DC later in the day. This investigation enhances our understanding of boundary layer controls on shallow and deep convection within the Indian Monsoon environment.

Magnoflorine attenuates Ang II-induced cardiac remodeling via promoting AMPK-regulated autophagy.

Heart failure (HF) remains one of the most common events in the progression of hypertension. Magnoflorine (MNF) has been shown beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. However, the action of MNF on angiotensin (Ang) II-induced cardiac remodeling and its underlying mechanisms have not yet been characterised. Here, we assessed the action of MNF in the development of hypertension-related HF. C57BL/6 male mice were subjected to Ang II through a micro-osmotic pump infusion continuously for 4 weeks to induce hypertensive HF. MNF (10 and 20 mg/kg) was administered in the final 2 weeks. Ang II content was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Values of ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) were detected using an ultrasound diagnostic instrument. The mRNA levels of hypertrophic and fibrotic genes were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), Masson trichrome, and Sirius Red staining were used to analyse pathologic changes in heart tissues. The expression levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), light chain 3 microtubule associated protein II (LC3 II) to LC3 I, and p62 were detected by western blot assay. MNF significantly improved cardiac dysfunction and the content of creatine kinase-MB without altering blood pressure in Ang II-challenged mice. MNF obviously corrected the phenotypes of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, including the high mRNA levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (Anp), brain natriuretic peptide (Bnp), collagen1a (Col1a1), transforming growth factor beta (Tgfb1), enlarged myocardial areas, and increased positive areas of Masson trichrome and Sirius Red staining. In addition, MNF alleviated oxidative injury, reflected by the upregulation of glutathione and the downregulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. The activation of AMPK was elevated accompanied by an increased level of autophagy by MNF in hypertensive heart tissues. The therapeutic action of MNF was confirmed in Ang II-challenged H9c2 cells. Specifically, the AMPK inhibitor could eliminate the autophagy pathway in which MNF is involved. MNF has benefits in hypertension-induced cardiac remodeling, which was partially associated with the improvement of oxidative stress via the mediation of the AMPK/autophagy axis.

Quality Management In Ready-Mix Concrete Production In Zambia

The construction industry, a significant contributor to global economies, is projected to yield substantial economic output by 2030 of around $135 trillion. Central to construction is concrete, a widely used material. Ready-mix concrete (RMC), a specialised form of concrete, is gaining prominence due to its rapid setting and superior quality. In Zambia, the increasing demand for RMC highlights the need for stringent quality management to hedge potential structural risks. This study aimed to determine the quality management in ready-mix concrete production in Zambia. Employing a parallel convergent mixed-methods research design to achieve the objectives, qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews and desk study and quantitative data was gathered through a structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. The findings of the study reveal that while guidelines exist, adherence varies. Regulatory bodies for standards, engineering and construction play pivotal roles in overseeing RMC quality. However, their execution faces inconsistencies and challenges due to limited resources and a lack of sense of responsibility. Quality control practices were investigated unveiling variations in forward, immediate, and retrospective control phases. Notable trends in proper storage and equipment calibration showed a commitment to precision. Immediate control practices, encompassing sampling and non-compliance management, demonstrated both positive aspects and areas for improvement. Retrospective control showed commitment to comprehensive strength testing and minimal towards split cylinder testing and on-site slump evaluation. In the realm of quality assurance (QA), RMC facilities show substantial adherence to documented QA standard operating procedures and thorough raw material inspections. However, deficiencies in batching and mixing practices and limited adoption of modern weighing systems require improvement. The study recommends creating an industry association for collaboration, enhancing standardised practices, introducing third-party quality audits, and proposing compulsory RMC standards to boost progress in the Zambian RMC industry. Key Words: Quality Management, Ready Mix Concrete, Observation, Desk Study, Zambia.

Mixed stands of black spruce (Picea mariana) and tamarack (Larix laricina) offer high secondary growth in eastern boreal forests of Canada

The Canadian boreal forest is still lacking investigation into compatible species mixtures that can lead to higher growth rates than monospecific or pure stands. The effect of species mixtures on stand productivity can vary with stem density, species proportion, site characteristics, and climate variation. We investigated mixed stands of black spruce (Picea mariana) and tamarack (Larix laricina) in eastern Canadian boreal forests. Using modern forest survey data, we analyzed stand basal area variation in 756 mature stands exclusively composed of these two species over a study area spanning 535,000 km². We generated a linear relationship between mixed stand basal area and stem density, and the residual of this relation was used as response variable named ‘residual basal area’. Positive and negative deviations of residual basal area were analysed with generalized additive models and quantile regressions with tamarack basal area, climate, and site characteristics as explanatory variables. The selected model included tamarack basal area, mean seasonal precipitation, degree days, mean annual temperature, stand age, latitude, longitude, and the type of surficial deposit. Tamarack exhibited a linear positive effect on predicted residual basal area. The most significant effect was observed from the interaction between tamarack basal area and stand age, predicting positive residual basal area of 16 m² ha−1 when stand aged was 150 years old and tamarack basal area was between 12 and 17 m² ha−1. Quantile regressions revealed that tamarack could enhance basal area while increasing black spruce stem size and density. Landscape managers may consider the establishment of mixed black spruce and tamarack stands to favor secondary growth in eastern Canadian boreal forests.

On the local available energy budget of an idealized tropical cyclone

Exploring the links between moist processes, convection, and intensification in modeled tropical cyclones (TCs) remains an important object in the TC internal dynamics. In this study, the full life cycle of an idealized TC is diagnosed by a local moist available energy budget. In general, the diabatic term in available potential energy (APE) mainly from the microphysical processes dominates the rapid intensification (RI) of the TC, while the uplift term makes a negative and considerable contribution, implying the importance of water lifting in TC development. The budgets at different layers in the inner region are further explored. In the lower troposphere, the downward transport of the vertical pressure flux dominates the growth of the available elastic energy (AEE); the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and the microphysical processes contribute more to APE in the pre-RI and RI stage, respectively. In the mid-upper troposphere, the diabatic term mainly from the microphysical processes leads to the growth of APE; then the increased APE is converted into mechanical energy and ultimately the cyclone intensifies. The vertical pressure fluxes transport downward below 10 km and upward above 10 km, with the AEE being deposited in the lower troposphere and removed in the mid-upper troposphere. Compared to previous budget analyses, our approach emphasizes the conditional instability of the atmosphere and the corresponding result aligns more closely with the conditional instability of the second kind (CISK) mechanism. Also, the divergence of the APE flux at high levels indicates an instantaneous strengthening of the wind speed model.

Complex interplay of sulfate aerosols and meteorology conditions on precipitation and latent heat vertical structure

An eight-year satellite observation dataset reveals that sulfate aerosols significantly influence the vertical structure of precipitation and latent heat (LH) in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region during summer. In this period, prevalent sulfate aerosols combine with warm, humid southerly winds and elevated convective available potential energy (CAPE), influencing precipitation dynamics. Under polluted conditions with specific CAPE and precipitation top temperature (PTT) ranges, precipitation particles experience accelerated growth within the mixed-phase layer, delineated by the −5 °C to 2 °C isotherms, compared to pristine environments. This results in a marked increase in both the intensity and height at which the maximum LH is released. Subsequent analysis reveals that hygroscopic sulfate aerosols, acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), amplify the collision-coalescence process within the mixed layer amid high cloud water content, propelling rapid precipitation particle growth and elevating the PTT. This warming effect surpasses the cooling contribution from robust CAPE, culminating in a net elevation of PTT under polluted scenarios compared to pristine ones. Additionally, quantification of PTT sensitivity to both CAPE and aerosol optical depth (AOD) unveils a high consistency between satellite-detected PTT responses to CAPE and those predicted by cloud-resolving model simulations. The study deduces that the role of aerosols as CCN in either invigorating or diminishing the collision-coalescence process is contingent on the available cloud water.

Refined Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Considering Land Use Changes and InSAR Deformation: A Case Study of Yulin City, Guangxi

Landslide susceptibility maps (LSMs) are valuable tools typically used by local authorities for land use management and planning activities, supporting decision-makers in urban and infrastructure planning. To address this, we proposed a refined method for landslide susceptibility assessment, which comprehensively considered both static and dynamic factors. Neural network methods were used for susceptibility analysis. Land use and land cover (LULC) change and InSAR deformation were then integrated into the traditional susceptibility zoning to obtain a refined susceptibility map with higher accuracy. Validation was conducted on the improved landslide susceptibility map using site landslide data. The results showed that the LULC were proven to be the core driving factors for landslide occurrence in the study area. The GRU model achieved the highest model performance (AUC = 0.886). The introduction of InSAR surface deformation and land use and land cover change data could rationalize the inappropriateness of traditional landslide susceptibility zoning, correcting the false positive and false negative areas in the traditional landslide susceptibility map caused by human activities. Ultimately, 12.25% of the study area was in high-susceptibility zones, with 3.10% of false positive and 0.74% of false negative areas being corrected. The proposed method enabled refined analysis of landslide susceptibility over large areas, providing technical support and disaster prevention and mitigation references for geological hazard susceptibility assessment and land management planning.

Proposal and application of a convective wind gustiness parameterization based on convective available potential energy

Wind gustiness is an effective approach for addressing mesoscale enhancement in estimating air-sea interface fluxes. In this study, an improved convective gustiness parameterization scheme based on convective available potential energy (CAPE) is formulated utilizing reanalysis data and wind observations from moored buoys. This new parameterization was examined by implementing it in the air-sea flux transfer scheme within the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Earth System Model (NCAR CESM) version 2.1.3 and contrasting it with a previously proposed scheme based on convective precipitation rate. The results indicate a significant reduction in negative biases of surface winds and latent heat fluxes over the tropical Indian Ocean and western Pacific during summer with the implementation of either gustiness scheme, resulting in an average increase in latent heat flux of approximately 9 W·m− 2. Specifically, the CAPE-based scheme shows a more favorable impact in the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool region, whereas the precipitation-based scheme exhibits inferior performance in the western Pacific Intertropical Convergence Zone. Further analysis reveals that the inclusion of the gustiness scheme distinctly alters surface evaporation and latent heat flux, influencing vertical motion in the area with active convective activity and effectively improving precipitation simulations by up to 18%. Moreover, the CAPE-based scheme reduces the bias in summer precipitation simulations by approximately 5% more than the precipitation-based scheme.

Lipofuscin accumulates in ganglionic neurons in chronic equine dysautonomia.

Lipofuscin is a complex mixture of highly oxidized, cross-linked macromolecules that accumulates in neurons with age and some neurodegenerative diseases. Equine dysautonomia (ED) is a polyneuropathy that mainly affects autonomic and enteric nervous systems, resulting in alimentary tract dysfunction. Our main aim was to determine whether neuronal lipofuscin increased with increasing duration of ED. We investigated the prevalence of lipofuscin in cranial cervical ganglia of horses with acute (AED), subacute (SED), and chronic ED (CED), young controls (of similar age to ED cases), and aged controls (n = 8 per group). We used Schmorl stain for histologic detection of lipofuscin and assessed its accumulation in neurons using image analysis software. The percentage of neurons positive for lipofuscin increased with age in individual groups and all groups combined (p < 0.001). There were fewer positive neurons in AED and SED compared to aged controls (p < 0.001) and more in CED than AED cases (p = 0.042) and young controls (p = 0.012). We found a strong positive correlation between percentage positive neurons and percentage positive area of the neuron containing lipofuscin for combined groups (p < 0.001). Although neuronal lipofuscin increased in cranial cervical ganglion in CED cases, it remains to be determined whether this is a cause or consequence of neuronal degeneration.

The East China Sea Kuroshio Current Intensifies Deep Convective Precipitation: A Case Study

AbstractDeep atmospheric convection is often observed over the Kuroshio in the East China Sea (ECSK). However, the mechanisms by which warm oceanic currents fuel transient deep convection are not fully understood. This study investigates an atmospheric cold front that brought heavy precipitation as it traversed the ECSK in April 2004. The southwesterlies ahead of the cold front advected moist and warm air, creating a zone with high convective available potential energy (CAPE) values. As the cold front approached the ECSK, the pre‐frontal high CAPE values coalesced with those over the warm current that substantially strengthened the deep convection, with precipitation rate increasing from 3 mm hr−1 to 10 mm hr−1. A numerical model well simulated the marked increase in precipitation over the ECSK, permitting the isolation of the ECSK's influence by contrasting the control (CTRL) run with an experiment with smoothed sea surface temperatures (SMTH run). Results show the ECSK contributed to 46% of the precipitation over the warm current. The ECSK was found to amplify ascending motion and elevate neutral buoyancy levels, extending its effect up to the tropopause. Furthermore, the strengthened deep convection significantly lowered the sea level pressure (SLP) over the ECSK and impressed upon the time‐mean SLP field. An additional experiment with lowered SST underscored the high SST's critical role in deep convection. This case study suggests a novel pathway by which the effects of warm oceanic currents influence the upper troposphere under extreme conditions with strong baroclinic instability.

Transarterial Embolization Enhances Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Expression and Influences CD8+T Lymphocytes Cytotoxicity in an Orthotopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Rat Model.

To investigate the influence of transarterial embolization (TAE) on programmed cell death-ligand 1(PD-L1) expression and CD8+T tumour infiltrative lymphocyte cytotoxicity in the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An orthotopic HCC model was established in twenty SD rats treated with TAE (lipiodol, n = 10) or sham (normal saline, n = 10) using homologous N1S1 hepatoma cells. Rats were euthanized 1week after embolization. Flow cytometry was used to assess the proportion of CD4+T, CD8+T and programmed cell death-1+(PD-1+) CD8+T lymphocytes in the spleens and tumours. Distribution of CD8+T, granzyme-B+CD8+T lymphocytes and PD-L1+ cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or multiplex IHC. p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The CD4/CD8 ratio and PD-1+CD8+ T lymphocytes exhibited higher values in TAE-treated tumours compared to sham-treated tumours (p = 0.021 and p = 0.071, respectively). Conversely, the number of CD8+T lymphocytes was decreased in TAE-treated tumours (p = 0.043), especially in the central region (p = 0.045). However, more CD8+T lymphocytes were found infiltrating the marginal region than central region in TAE-treated tumours (p = 0.046). The proportion of granzyme-B+CD8+T lymphocytes and the PD-L1 positive areas was elevated in tumours that treated with TAE (p all < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between PD-L1 expression and the number of infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes (p = 0.036). Immune cells are distributed unevenly in the tumours after TAE. The intrinsic induction state of the tumour after embolization may be insufficient to elicit a maximal response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.

Multiscale interaction underlying 2022 concurrent extreme precipitation in Pakistan and heatwave in Yangtze River Valley

Unprecedentedly extreme precipitation occurred in Pakistan (PAK), and mega heat waves persisted along the Yangtze River Valley (YRV) from July to August 2022. Using the advanced multiscale window transform-based canonical transfer attribution framework, we quantitatively delineated intra-scale and inter-scale interactions leading to record-breaking spatially concurrent extremes in 2022 and comprehensively revealed differences in dynamic processes affecting extreme events in July and August. The basic flow scale window lost the available potential energy (APE), and through APE canonical transfers to the intraseasonal-scale and synoptic-scale windows, the inter-scale dynamic processes and barotropic instability of the basic flow scale preserved the concurrent extreme in July. In August, the eruptive synoptic-scale kinetic energy convergence provided dynamic conditions for the sinking motion of the YRV and its advection to PAK from the Indian Ocean. Consequently, the interaction between high- and low-frequency processes drove atmospheric circulation in summer, but the high-frequency process in August played a vital role in extreme events. Additionally, the heat source in the tropical western-central Pacific is considered one of the key drivers for localized repetitive bursts of energy. This study emphasizes both the interactions between multiple scales of atmospheric dynamics and reveals the driving mechanisms behind the impacts of warming on extreme events, linking the external forcing issue with the free problem of atmospheric internal instability.

Importance of University Students’ Perception of Adoption and Training in Artificial Intelligence Tools

Undoubtedly, artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming increasingly common in people’s lives. The educational field is one of the most reflective on the importance of its adoption. Universities have made great efforts to integrate these new technologies into their classrooms, considering that every future professional will need AI skills and competencies. This article examines the importance of student perception and acceptance in adopting AI tools in higher education effectively. It highlights how students’ positive perceptions can significantly influence their motivation and commitment to learning. This research emphasizes that to integrate AI into university curricula successfully, it is essential to include its technologies in all areas of study and foster positivity among students regarding their use and training. This study’s methodology applied the validated instrument “Perception of Adoption and Training in the Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in the Profession” to a sample of Mexican students. This exploratory analysis highlights the need for educational institutions to understand and address student perceptions of AI to design educational strategies that incorporate technological advances, are pedagogically relevant, and align with the students’ aspirations and needs.

Huanglian Jiedu decoction alleviates ischemia-induced cerebral injury in rats by mitigating NET formation and activiting GABAergic synapses.

Huanglian Jiedu decoction (HLJD) has been used to treat ischemic stroke in clinic. However, the detailed protective mechanisms of HLJD on ischemic stroke have yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study is to elucidate the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of HLJD based on the inhibition of neuroinflammation and the amelioration of nerve cell damage. A middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was established in rats and received HLJD treatment. Effects of HLJD on neurological function was assessed based on Bederson's score, postural reflex test and asymmetry score. 2, 3, 5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, Hematein and eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were used to observe the pathological changes in brain. Then, transcriptomics was used to screen the differential genes in brain tissue in MCAO/R model rats following HLJD intervention. Subsequently, the effects of HLJD on neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation-related neuroinflammation, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic synapse activation, nerve cell damage and proliferation were validated using immunofluorescence, western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our results showed that HLJD intervention reduced the Bederson's score, postural reflex test score and asymmetry score in MCAO/R model rats. Pathological staining indicated that HLJD treatment decreased the cerebral infarction area, mitigated neuronal damage and increased the numbers of Nissl bodies. Transcriptomics suggested that HLJD affected 435 genes in MCAO/R rats. Among them, several genes involving in NET formation and GABAergic synapses pathways were dysregulated. Subsequent experimental validation showed that HLJD reduced the MPO+CitH3+ positive expression area, reduced the protein expression of PAD4, p-P38/P38, p-ERK/ERK and decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, reversed the increase of Iba1+TLR4+, Iba1+p65+ and Iba1+NLRP3+ positive expression area in brain. Moreover, HLJD increased GABA levels, elevated the protein expression of GABRG1 and GAT3, decreased the TUNEL positive expression area and increased the Ki67 positive expression area in brain. HLJD intervention exerts a multifaceted positive impact on ischemia-induced cerebral injury in MCAO/R rats. This intervention effectively inhibits neuroinflammation by mitigating NET formation, and concurrently improves nerve cell damage and fosters nerve cell proliferation through activating GABAergic synapses.

Summer Convective Precipitation Changes Over the Great Lakes Region Under a Warming Scenario

AbstractTo understand future summer precipitation changes over the Great Lakes Region (GLR), we performed an ensemble of regional climate simulations through the Pseudo‐Global Warming (PGW) approach. We found that different types of convective precipitation respond differently to the PGW signal. Isolated deep convection (IDC), usually concentrated in the southern domain, shows an increase in precipitation to the north of the GLR. Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), usually concentrated upwind of the GLR, shift to the downwind region with increased precipitation. Thermodynamic variables such as convective available potential energy (CAPE) and convective inhibition energy (CIN) are found to increase across almost the entire studied domain, creating a potential environment more favorable for stronger convection systems and less favorable for weaker ones. Meanwhile, changes in the lifting condensation level (LCL) and level of free convection (LFC) show a strong correlation with variations in convective precipitation, highlighting the significance of these thermodynamic factors in controlling precipitation over the domain. Our results indicate that the decrease in LCL and LCF in areas with increased convective precipitation is mainly due to increased atmospheric moisture. In response to the prescribed warming perturbation, MCSs occur more frequently downwind, while localized IDCs exhibit more intense rain rates, longer durations, and larger rainfall area.

Retinal debris triggers cytotoxic damage in cocultivated primary porcine RPE cells.

One of the most common causes of vision loss in the elderly population worldwide is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Subsequently, the number of people affected by AMD is estimated to reach approximately 288 million by the year 2040. The aim of this study was to develop an ex vivo model that simulates various aspects of the complex AMD pathogenesis. For this purpose, primary porcine retinal pigment epithelial cells (ppRPE) were isolated and cultured. One group was exposed to medium containing sodium iodate (NaIO3) to induce degeneration. The others were exposed to different supplemented media, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), homogenized porcine retinas (HPR), or rod outer segments (ROOS) for eight days to promote retinal deposits. Then, these ppRPE cells were cocultured with porcine neuroretina explants for another eight days. To assess the viability of ppRPE cells, live/dead assay was performed at the end of the study. The positive RPE65 and ZO1 area was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and the expression of RLBP1, RPE65, and TJP1 was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Additionally, drusen (APOE), inflammation (ITGAM, IL6, IL8, NLRP3, TNF), oxidative stress (NFE2L2, SOD1, SOD2), and hypoxia (HIF1A) markers were investigated. The concentration of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 was determined in medium supernatants from day 16 and 24 via ELISA. Live/dead assay suggests that especially exposure to NaIO3 and HPR induced damage to ppRPE cells, leading in a significant ppRPE cell loss. All supplemented media resulted in decreased RPE-characteristic markers (RPE65; ZO-1) and gene expression like RLBP1 and RPE65 in the cultured ppRPE cells. Besides, some inflammatory, oxidative as well as hypoxic stress markers were altered in ppRPE cells cultivated with NaIO3. The application of HPR induced an enhanced APOE expression. Pre-exposure of the ppRPE cells led to a diminished number of cones in all supplemented media groups compared to controls. Overall, this novel coculture model represents an interesting initial approach to incorporating deposits into coculture to mimic AMD pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the effects of the media used need to be investigated in further studies.

Sugarcane Growers’ Knowledge Level about Integrated Weed Management Practices in Meerut, UP, India

The study examines the knowledge of Integrated Weed Management (IWM) among sugarcane growers, identifying both positive aspects and areas for improvement. Through survey responses, it was observed that a significant number of respondents were able to identify weeds and common varieties. However, there were noticeable knowledge gaps in specific IWM practices such as intercropping and understanding the critical period for weed control. Furthermore, the study reveals a correlation between certain factors and higher levels of IWM knowledge. Factors like education level, land holding, and access to resources were found to be positively associated with a greater understanding of IWM practices. These findings underscore the importance of targeted extension programs aimed at educating sugarcane growers about best practices for weed control within the framework of Integrated Weed Management. By addressing these knowledge gaps and leveraging key factors that contribute to higher knowledge levels, such programs can significantly enhance weed management strategies in sugarcane production.

Raindrop size distribution characteristics of pre-monsoon precipitation observed over eastern India

The knowledge of raindrop size distribution (DSD) is crucial for understanding the microphysical processes involved with the precipitation. Different empirical relationships established with DSD parameters, like radar reflectivity– rainfall rate (Z–R) relationships and shape–slope (μ–Ʌ) relationships, can progress the rainfall estimation algorithms and cloud modeling simulations. In the present study, long-term (2018–2021) measurements of a Laser Precipitation Monitor (LPM) disdrometer installed at the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India is used to investigate the DSD characteristics of pre-monsoon (March–May) rainfall. Along with the disdrometer data, auxiliary parameters like convective available potential energy (CAPE), total column water vapor (TCWV), vertical profiles of temperature and relative humidity from reanalysis data sets of ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) fifth-generation reanalysis (ERA5) are also used in this study. Based on standardized rainfall anomaly, the pre-monsoon precipitation days are classified into strong, moderate, and weak rainy days, and they contributed to 58.69%, 32.7%, and 8.61% of total rainfall, respectively. The average DSD indicated noteworthy variations among strong, moderate, and weak rainy days with maximum (minimum) concentration of raindrops in strong (weak) rainy days. The mean value of rain rate (R), normalized intercept parameter (Nw), and mass-weighted mean diameter (Dm) is maximum during days of strong rainfall. Strong rainy days showed high-value CAPE, TCWV and vertical profile of relative humidity. The majority of R is contributed by moderate-sized raindrops with a significant difference in the Z–R and μ–Λ relationships among three types of rainy days.

A preliminary study on ultrasound techniques applied to evaluate the curative effect of botulinum toxin type a in hypertrophic scars

ObjectiveTo validate the feasibility of ultrasound in assessing the curative effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) in treating hypertrophic scar (HS). MethodsEight healthy New Zealand long-eared rabbits were utilized in the study. Four wounds, each measuring 1.0 cm in diameter, were created on both ears of each rabbit. Immediately after surgery, each of these wounds received an injection containing a distinct concentration of BTXA. On postoperative week 6, scar thickness, vascularity, and hardness were assessed based on high frequency ultrasound (HFUS), superb microvascular imaging (SMI), shear wave elastography (SWE), Masson staining, and immunohistochemical staining for CD31. ResultsAll wounds healed well, and HSs formed after 6 weeks post-surgery. Scar thickness based on HFUS presented a significant decrease with increasing BTXA concentration (p < 0.05), aligning with the gross morphology. Simultaneously, scar stiffness, evaluated using SWE, showed a significant decrease in accordance with the variation of the collagen volume fraction, which refers to the ratio of the collagen positive area to the total area (p < 0.05). Although the vascularity index obtained by SMI did not exhibit a statistically significant change across different BTXA concentrations, this technique effectively illustrated the microvascular perfusion in HS. Immunohistochemical staining for CD31 revealed that BTXA inhibited angiogenesis. ConclusionHFUS and SWE displayed excellent performance in evaluating HS thickness and stiffness. SMI showed a good performance in reflecting microvascular signals in HS. These ultrasound techniques have great potential in assessing the therapeutic effect of BTXA in HS.