bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SIR-SI model with a Gaussian transmission rate: Understanding the dynamics of dengue outbreaks in Lima, Peru
Authors: Ramírez-Soto Max Carlos , Machuca Juan Vicente Bogado , Stalder Diego H. , Champin Denisse , Mártinez-Fernández Maria G. , Schaerer Christian E.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Dengue is transmitted by theAedes aegyptimosquito as a vector, and a recent outbreak was reported in several districts of Lima, Peru. We conducted a modeling study to explain the transmission dynamics of dengue in three of these districts according to the demographics and climatology.

Methodology

We used the weekly distribution of dengue cases in the Comas, Lurigancho, and Puente Piedra districts, as well as the temperature data to investigate the transmission dynamics. We used maximum likelihood minimization and the human susceptible-infected-recovered and vector susceptible-infected (SIR-SI) model with a Gaussian function for the infectious rate to consider external non-modeled variables.

Results/principal findings

We found that the adjusted SIR-SI model with the Gaussian transmission rate (for modelling the exogenous variables) captured the behavior of the dengue outbreak in the selected districts. The model explained that the transmission behavior had a strong dependence on the weather, cultural, and demographic variables while other variables determined the start of the outbreak.

Conclusion/significance

The experimental results showed good agreement with the data and model results when a Bayesian-Gaussian transmission rate was employed. The effect of weather was also observed, and a strong qualitative relationship was obtained between the transmission rate and computed effective reproduction numberRt.
Long term changes in aquaculture influence migration, regional abundance, and distribution of an avian species
Authors: Burr Paul C. , Dorr Brian S. , Avery Jimmy L. , Street Garrett M. , Strickland Bronson K.
Published: April 2023

Agricultural development has been causing changes to the environment and the abundance and distribution of avian species. Agriculture is dynamic with changes in products occurring at large scales over relatively short time periods. The catfish aquaculture industry is one such agriculture industry that has undergone dramatic changes over the last 25 years. The double-crested cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) is a piscivorous bird that has an extensive history with the aquaculture industry of Mississippi due to its depredation of cultured catfish. A large-scale monitoring program began in 1989 to estimate the abundance and location of cormorants at every known roost in the primary catfish producing region of the state, regionally known as the Delta. We used this data set to address hypotheses pertaining to cormorant ecology within the Delta over time, particularly in relation to aquaculture. We found that, although the Midwest breeding population of cormorants has been increasing, the abundance of cormorants wintering in the Delta has been decreasing, closely following the decline of aquaculture, suggesting aquaculture area is the primary reason for cormorant inhabitation of the region. We also modeled cormorant presence and abundance at all roost sites to determine what factors most influenced cormorant distribution. Aquaculture area around roosts was a significant predictor of both cormorant presence and abundance. However, the influence of aquaculture area was seasonally dependent, with greater positive influences occurring prior to migration. Lastly, we found peak cormorant abundance in the Delta is occurring 2.14 days earlier each year, which may be indicative of changes to migration phenology. Information gained using this large dataset aids in cormorant damage mitigation and to further our understanding of cormorant ecology. Data indicate changes in agriculture, and potentially climate change, can influence phenology, distribution, and abundance of avian species at large geographic scales.
Influence of acid rain and root reinforcement coupling factors on disintegration characteristics of expansive soil
Authors: Huang Yong-gang , Wang Gui-yao , Liu Shu , Tao Jian
Published: April 2023

The effect of soil fixation and anti-scour instability of slope vegetation generally depends on the strength and anti-disintegration ability of slope soil due to increase of root system. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to study the disintegration characteristics of expansive soil related to slope instability under acidic conditions (simulated acid rain). In this paper, the response surface method (RSM) was used with the pH value, root diameter, root length, root coefficient, and distribution as independent variables, and the disintegration amount of root-soil (DARS) after 60min as the response value. Then X-ray diffractometer (XRD) was used to analyze the mineral composition changes of the sample under this environment. Simultaneously, the plasticity index of expansive soil at different values of pH was studied to discuss the disintegration mechanism of root compound expansive soil in an acid environments. The results show that the root system improves the anti-disintegration characteristics of the root-soil, and the effects of various factors on the amount of disintegration were as follows: root length > pH value > root distribution > root amount > root diameter. The DARS with a length of 20mm increased by 26.67% and 41.56% compared to the 30mm and 40mm. Compared to the horizontal distribution and horizontal + slant distribution, the DARS with slant distribution was increases by 11.39% and 20.24% respectively. The DARS with 2 roots is increased by 9.92% and 16.75% compared to 4 and 6 roots respectively. The 1mm diameter DARS is 6.65% and 15.49% higher than the 2mm and 3mm, respectively. In addition, an acidic environments can lead to an increase in the amount of disintegration or rate of disintegration. The disintegration at pH = 4.2 was increased by 11.4% and 22.4% compared to pH = 5.6 and pH = 7, respectively. The acidity affects soil disintegration is due to the hydrophilic minerals in the expansive soil react with H+ ion in the acid solution to form soluble salts. Due to the dissociation and leaching of free quartz and metal oxides in the soil to varying degrees, the ability of expansive soil to accumulate is reduced. The intensity of erosion and leaching decreases with increasing pH. In addition, the pH value can affects the plasticity index of the soil, which increases with the increasing pH, thus affects the disintegration properties of the expansive soil.
Comparative study on abortion characteristics of Nsa CMS and Pol CMS and analysis of long non-coding RNAs related to pollen abortion in Brassica napus
Authors: Xing Man , Peng Zechuan , Guan Chunyun , Guan Mei
Published: April 2023

Cytoplasmic male sterile system (CMS) is one of the important methods for the utilization of heterosisin Brassica napus. The involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in anther and pollen development in B.napus has been recognized, but there is little data on the involvement of lncRNAs in pollen abortion in different types of rapeseed CMS. The present study compared the cytological, physiological and biochemical characteristics of Nsa CMS (1258A) and Pol CMS (P5A) during pollen abortion, and high-throughput sequencing of flower buds of different sizes before and after pollen abortion. The results showed that insufficient energy supply was an important physiological basis for 1258A and P5A pollen abortion, and 1258A had excessive ROS (reactive oxygen species) accumulation in the stage of pollen abortion. Functional analysis showed that Starch and sucrose metabolism and Sulfur metabolism were significantly enriched before and after pollen abortion in 1258A and P5A, and a large number of genes were down-regulated. In 1258A, 227 lncRNAs had cis-targeting regulation, and 240 cis-target genes of the lncRNAs were identified. In P5A, 116 lncRNAs had cis-targeting regulation, and 101 cis-target genes of the lncRNAs were identified. There were five lncRNAs cis-target genes in 1258A and P5A during pollen abortion, and LOC106445716 encodes β-D-glucopyranosyl abscisate β-glucosidase and could regulate pollen abortion. Taken together, this study, provides a new perspective for lncRNAs to participate in the regulation of Nsa CMS and Pol CMS pollen abortion.
Synonymous alterations of cancer-associated Trp53 CpG mutational hotspots cause fatal developmental jaw malocclusions but no tumors in knock-in mice
Authors: Epstein Richard J. , Lin Frank P. Y. , Brink Robert A. , Blackburn James
Published: April 2023

Intragenic CpG dinucleotides are tightly conserved in evolution yet are also vulnerable to methylation-dependent mutation, raising the question as to why these functionally critical sites have not been deselected by more stable coding sequences. We previously showed in cell lines that altered exonic CpG methylation can modify promoter start sites, and hence protein isoform expression, for the humanTP53tumor suppressor gene. Here we extend this work to the in vivo setting by testing whether synonymous germline modifications of exonic CpG sites affect murine development, fertility, longevity, or cancer incidence. We substituted the DNA-binding exons 5–8 ofTrp53, the mouse ortholog of humanTP53, with variant-CpG (either CpG-depleted or -enriched) sequences predicted to encode the normal p53 amino acid sequence; a control construct was also created in which all non-CpG sites were synonymously substituted. HomozygousTrp53-null mice were the only genotype to develop tumors. Mice with variant-CpGTrp53sequences remained tumor-free, but were uniquely prone to dental anomalies causing jaw malocclusion (p < .0001). Since the latter phenotype also characterises murine Rett syndrome due to dysfunction of the trans-repressive MeCP2 methyl-CpG-binding protein, we hypothesise that CpG sites may exert non-coding phenotypic effects via pre-translational cis-interactions of 5-methylcytosine with methyl-binding proteins which regulate mRNA transcript initiation, expression or splicing, although direct effects on mRNA structure or translation are also possible.
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among slaughterhouse workers in Yangon Region, Myanmar: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sint Nay Hein , Htun Ye Minn , Win Tun Tun , Mon Aye Sandar , Lwin Thant Zaw , Maung Lwin Oo , Win Pyae Sone , Naing Kaung Myat , Zaw Thet Paing , Naing Pyae Hpone , Tun Sai Nyan Lin , Kyaw Aung Aye , Wunna Kyaw , Su Khine Khine , Tun Kyaw Myo
Published: April 2023

Background

Toxoplasmosis, having the significant consequences affecting mortality and quality of life, is still prevalent in various places throughout the world. The major gap in surveillance forToxoplasma gondiiinfection among high-risk population, slaughterhouse workers, is an obstacle for the effective policies formulation to reduce the burden of toxoplasmosis in Myanmar. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and associated factors of seropositivity among slaughterhouse workers in Yangon Region, Myanmar.

Methods

A cross-sectional study that was conducted from June to November 2020 included 139 slaughterhouse workers involving at five main slaughterhouses under Yangon City Development Committee, Myanmar. The presence of IgG and IgM anti-T.gondiiantibodies in serum was detected using theOnSiteToxo IgG/IgM Combo Rapid Test. A face-to-face interview was also performed using pretested structured questionnaires to obtain the detail histories: sociodemographic characteristics, level of knowledge, occupational factors, and environmental factors related toT.gondiiinfection. Bivariate logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated withT.gondiiinfection.

Results

Of all participants, the overall seroprevalence of anti-T.gondiiwas 43.9% (95% CI: 35.5–52.5%), of whom 98.4% (95% CI: 91.2–100.0%) were reactive only for IgG antibody and 1.6% (95% CI: 0.0–8.8%) were reactive for IgG and IgM antibodies. The significant factors associated with the seropositivity ofT.gondiiantibodies were blood transfusion history (OR: 5.74, 95% CI: 1.17–28.09), low level of knowledge (OR: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.46–5.83), contact with animal organs, muscles or blood (OR: 14.29, 95% CI: 1.83–111.51), and animals most frequently slaughtered (cattle) (OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.16–8.93).

Conclusions

A high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was detected among slaughterhouse workers in Yangon Region and it raises a significant public health concern. Therefore, providing health education regarding toxoplasmosis, enforcement of personal hygiene practices in workplaces, the establishment of training for occupational hygiene, and commencement of the risk assessment and serological screening for toxoplasmosis are crucial to curtail the prevalence ofT.gondiiinfection among slaughterhouse workers.
Bioinformatic analysis predicts that ethanol exposure during early development causes alternative splicing alterations of genes involved in RNA post-transcriptional regulation
Authors: Fuentes-Beals Camilo , Olivares-Costa Montserrat , Andrés María Estela , Haeger Paola A. , Riadi Gonzalo , Oliva Carlos , Faunes Fernando
Published: April 2023

Prenatal ethanol exposure is associated with neurodevelopmental defects and long-lasting cognitive deficits, which are grouped as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The molecular mechanisms underlying FASD are incompletely characterized. Alternative splicing, including the insertion of microexons (exons of less than 30 nucleotides in length), is highly prevalent in the nervous system. However, whether ethanol exposure can have acute or chronic deleterious effects in this process is poorly understood. In this work, we used the bioinformatic tools VAST-TOOLS, rMATS, MAJIQ, and MicroExonator to predict alternative splicing events affected by ethanol from available RNA sequencing data. Experimental protocols of ethanol exposure included human cortical tissue development, human embryoid body differentiation, and mouse development. We found common genes with predicted differential alternative splicing using distinct bioinformatic tools in different experimental designs. Notably, Gene Ontology and KEGG analysis revealed that the alternative splicing of genes related to RNA processing and protein synthesis was commonly affected in the different ethanol exposure schemes. In addition, the inclusion of microexons was also affected by ethanol. This bioinformatic analysis provides a reliable list of candidate genes whose splicing is affected by ethanol during nervous system development. Furthermore, our results suggest that ethanol particularly modifies the alternative splicing of genes related to post-transcriptional regulation, which probably affects neuronal proteome complexity and brain function.
N6-methyladenosine reader protein YTHDC1 regulates influenza A virus NS segment splicing and replication
Authors: Zhu Yinxing , Wang Ruifang , Zou Jiahui , Tian Shan , Yu Luyao , Zhou Yuanbao , Ran Ying , Jin Meilin , Chen Huanchun , Zhou Hongbo
Published: April 2023

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification on viral RNAs has a profound impact on infectivity. m6A is also a highly pervasive modification for influenza viral RNAs. However, its role in virus mRNA splicing is largely unknown. Here, we identify the m6A reader protein YTHDC1 as a host factor that associates with influenza A virus NS1 protein and modulates viral mRNA splicing. YTHDC1 levels are enhanced by IAV infection. We demonstrate that YTHDC1 inhibits NS splicing by binding to an NS 3′ splicing site and promotes IAV replication and pathogenicity in vitro and in vivo. Our results provide a mechanistic understanding of IAV-host interactions, a potential therapeutic target for blocking influenza virus infection, and a new avenue for the development of attenuated vaccines.
Bringing queerness to the surface: Truman Capote’s November 1971 screenplay adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
Authors: Furlich Emily G.
Published: April 2023

Truman Capote occupied a queer position as an openly gay man adapting F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby for the screen in the homophobic Hollywood system of the early 1970s. In January 1972, Paramount Pictures rejected Capote’s Gatsby screenplay and dismissed him from the film entirely. In this study, I investigate a tenuous claim that has circulated for decades: that Capote was fired from the project because he wrote Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker as queer characters. I argue that Capote deployed what Alexander Doty calls ‘working-within-the-system tactics’ to suggest queerness that would be apparent to viewers accustomed to interpreting media outside of dominant codes dictated by heteronormative conventions, while also using what licence he had to incorporate more explicitly queer moments. This article contributes to research on Capote’s manuscript with a close reading of queerness in the text, and an account of the personal and professional struggles related to queer identity that Capote faced while developing the script.
Antimicrobial resistance and molecular characterization of Escherichia coli isolated from bovine mastitis samples in Nghe An province, Vietnam
Authors: My Tran Trung , Thien Le Van , Manh Vu Duy , My Bui Thi Phuong , Lan Dang Thi Mai , Binh Dang Xuan , Duc Vu Minh
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim: Vietnam’s dairy sector is in its early phase of large-scale farming development. Therefore, mastitis in cows is always a concern to farm owners. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance, and virulence-related genes of Escherichia coli isolated from bovine mastitis in Nghe An province of Vietnam.

Materials and Methods: Fifty E. coli strains were isolated from the clinical cases and subjected to this study. All isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by the disk-diffusion method, as described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Antimicrobial and virulence genes were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction with specific primers.

Results: All isolates were resistant to lincomycin and sulfamethoxazole and sensitive to gentamicin, while other antimicrobials showed resistance from 2% to 90%. Multidrug resistance was confirmed in 46% of isolates, and none of them were identified as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers. From fifty strains tested for antimicrobial and virulence genes, six isolates harbored tetA, 6 tetB, 13 sul1, 15 sul2, 2 Intimin (eae), 1 iutA, and 3 stx2.

Conclusion: Antimicrobial and multidrug resistances are the main virulence factors of E. coli isolated from bovine mastitis in Vietnam. The virulence genes encoding adhesion, siderophore, Shiga-toxin-producing, and antimicrobials resistant were first reported in Vietnam with low prevalence and contributed to the pathogenesis.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, bovine mastitis, Escherichia coli, virulence genes.
What Is Unspecified Functional Bowel Disorder? A Commonly Seen, Rarely Recognized, and Poorly Understood Diagnosis
Authors: Ballou Sarah , Rangan Vikram , Eidelberg Andrew , Proctor Samantha , McHenry Nicole , Nee Judy , Iturrino Johanna , Lembo Anthony , Singh Prashant
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Unspecified functional bowel disorder (FBD-U) is a Rome IV diagnosis of exclusion and occurs when patients report bowel symptoms but do not meet the criteria for other functional bowel disorders (FBD; irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], functional constipation [FC], functional diarrhea [FDr], or functional bloating). Previous research suggests that FBD-U is as/more common than IBS.

METHODS:

One thousand five hundred one patients at a single-center tertiary care center completed an electronic survey. Study questionnaires included Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaires, anxiety, depression, sleep, health care utilization, and bowel symptom severity measures.

RESULTS:

Eight hundred thirteen patients met Rome IV criteria for a FBD and 194 patients (13.1%) met criteria for FBD-U, representing the second most common FBD after IBS. Severity of abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea were lower in FBD-U compared with other FBD, whereas health care utilization was similar among the groups. Scores on measures of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances were similar in FBD-U compared with FC and FDr but were less severe than IBS. Between 25% and 50% of patients with FBD-U did not meet Rome IV criteria for other FBD due to timing of onset of the target symptom (e.g., constipation for FC, diarrhea for FDr, and abdominal pain for IBS).

DISCUSSION:

FBD-U, by Rome IV criteria, is highly prevalent in clinical settings. These patients are not represented in mechanistic studies or clinical trials for not having met Rome IV criteria for other FBD. Making future Rome criteria less stringent would minimize the number fulfilling criteria for FBD-U and maximize the true representation of FBD in clinical trials.
COVID-19 Pandemic and its Effect on the Business Development Center (BDC) UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta: An Islamic Management Strategy
Authors: Afdawaiza Afdawaiza
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on various business sectors, including the Business Development Center (BDC) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, which serves as a business management institution at the university. This study aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on UIN Sunan Kalijaga's revenue from business sectors managed by the BDC. Additionally, the study aimed to demonstrate how UIN Sunan Kalijaga employed crisis management to respond to the pandemic's effect through various efficiency efforts and optimization of alternative financial aspects. By implementing Business Continuity Management (BCM), Emergency Response Plan (ERP), and Business Contingency Plan (BCP), BDC UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta was able to maintain its existence in the first year of the pandemic by posting profits and continued with a positive trend in subsequent years. The findings of this study can be applied practically by providing a business model in times of crisis to ensure the company’s survival.
CORRUPTING PERCEPTIONS: THE IMPACT OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST CORRUPTION ON CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX SCORES
Authors: Deegan Jason
Published: April 2023

This paper examines the impact early ratification of the United Nations Convention against Corruption has on a country’s Corruption Perceptions Index score. It builds on much of the recent scholarly work that explores policy diffusion and the role of early adopters (or leaders) in creating the space for later adopters (or laggards) to adopt particular policies and the broader impact this has on country performance in a key international index. It tests empirically the impact of early ratification upon both the diffusion of policy and, more generally, the role of international legal instruments in comparative public policy.
Reflexões de um avaliador no contexto da educação brasileira: Uma jornada pessoal
Authors: Verhine Robert
Published: April 2023

Em 2009, no Encontro Anual da Associação Brasileira de Avaliação Educacional (ABAVE), fui agraciado com um reconhecimento especial (e uma placa) por minhas contribuições para o campo da avaliação educacional no Brasil. Nessa homenagem, a ABAVE justificou a razão desse reconhecimento, destacando o fato de que minhas contribuições sobre a avaliação eram concernentes tanto à educação básica como à superior e, na educação superior, eram referentes aos níveis da graduação e da pós-graduação. Nas próximas páginas, abordo meus variados envolvimentos como um avaliador da educação. No entanto, considerando que o relato é de natureza autobiográfica, algumas palavras mais gerais sobre a trajetória da minha carreira são apropriadas. [Ver mais...]
Structure, development and histochemistry of embryo and endosperm in Sesbania speciosa Taub. Ex Engl.
Authors: Bhandari Neeru , Mehta Poonam , Kaur Jasleen , Chitraleka P , Gulati Saloni , Katyal Roma
Published: April 2023

Sesbania speciosa Taub. ex Engl. is an introduced plant cultivated in India for fibre, green manure and nutraceutical potential. The development and histochemistry of the endosperm and embryo of this plant have not been yet at all reported and the present study was carried out in an effort to bridge that gap in our knowledge. Two-micrometer sections of seeds of S. speciosa at various stages of development were cut on a rotary microtome. DNA, ribonucleic acid and insoluble polysaccharides were found to be locally localized. It was observed that the ovule of the Sesbania speciosa is campylotropous bitegmic and crassinucellate and the embryo sac is a 7-celled structure. The synergids possess PAS-positive filiform apparatus. All the cells of the mature embryo sac, before fertilization is bereft of polysaccharide grains. The embryo proper, during early embryogenesis, contains a high concentration of proteins and nucleic acids but lacks polysaccharide grains. At the dicotyledonous embryo stage, the concentration of proteins and nucleic acids declines and is followed by the synthesis of polysaccharide grains. The embryo suspensor is massive. The endosperm development is of the nuclear type. At the late globular pre-embryo stage, the micropylar 1/3 of the endosperm becomes cellular leaving the rest free-nuclear. The endosperm cytoplasm and nuclei aggregate in the micropylar region and are rich in total proteins and nucleic acids. The concentration of these metabolites, however, declines when the endosperm becomes cellular. The aleurone layer, in mature seed, is rich in proteins and nucleic acid compared to the other persisting endosperm layers.
Case transmission in Classical Latin control structures: Between syntax and morphology
Authors: Jakielaszek Jarosław
Published: April 2023

Latin nonfinite structures with nonovert subjects exhibit puzzling properties with regard to the case- and ϕ-features of their subjects and their relationship to overt NPs in matrix clauses. While the transmission of case- and ϕ-feature related properties is obligatory when there is a nominative or accusative controller NP, it is only ϕ-feature transmission that remains obligatory when there is a dative controller, case transmission being apparently optional. To avoid an assumption of syntactic optionality, accounts of the phenomenon which rely on syntactic mechanisms propose that the apparent optionality reflects a syntactic difference between two types of nonfinite structures. It is instead proposed that mechanisms of linking of objects via Agree and ϕ-feature and case transmission should be assigned to different components of the grammar, syntax and morphology. The hypothesis allows a unified treatment of the syntactic phenomenon of control in Latin.
The relationship between the L2 Motivational Self System and attainment
Authors: Sandeman David
Published: April 2023

Motivation is widely accepted to be a crucial aspect of language learning, and a variety of models of motivation have been proposed over the years. The L2 Motivational Self System is a particularly interesting model that reconceptualizes motivation as a function of possible future self-guides, and has far-reaching pedagogical implications. Critics have pointed out that there is little evidence connecting L2 Motivational Self System to attainment, as it is inconsistently correlated with L2 proficiency and is only a weak predictor of results. However, as this paper details, these criticisms ignore the correlation between the L2 Motivational Self System and other behaviors and attitudes associated with attainment, such as willingness to communi­cate, self-efficacy, persistent learning, and low L2 anxiety.
New lexical materials for the Proto-Afro-Asiatic anatomical and physiological terminology I: Body part names with initial labials: General terms, head and neck
Authors: Takács Gábor
Published: April 2023

The paper constitutes the first part of a long-range series of studies gradually elaborating the enormous new materials of the anestral anatomical-physiological vocabulary of Proto-Afro-Asiatic, supposed to be the earliest known parental language spoken by the earliest known neolithic community on earth. This series is parallel to the author’s ongoing projects for a comprehensive analysis of the diverse segments of the immense new cultural lexicon that has emerged in course of the author’s root research over the past some three decades.
Omotic lexicon in its Afro-Asiatic setting VII: Further addenda to Omotic roots with *b-
Authors: Takács Gábor
Published: April 2023

The paper constitutes part of a long-range series aiming, step by step, to identify the inherited Afro-Asiatic stock in the etymologically little explored lexicon of the Omotic (West Ethiopia) branch of the Afro-Asiatic family displaying the least of shared traits among the six branches of this macrofamily, which suggests a most ancient Omotic desintegration reaching far back to the age of post-Natufian neolithic.
The behavior of hidden bifurcation in 2D scroll via saturated function series controlled by a coefficient harmonic linearization method
Authors: Faiza Zaamoune , Tidjani Menacer
Published: April 2023

In this article, the behavior of hidden bifurcation in a two-dimensional (2D) scroll via saturated function series controlled by the coefficient harmonic linearization method is presented. A saturated function series approach for chaos generation. The systematic saturated function series methodicalness improved here can make multi-scroll and grid scroll chaotic attractors from a 3D linear autonomous system with a plain saturated function series supervisor. We have used a hidden bifurcation method in grid scroll., where the method of hidden bifurcation presented by Menacer, et al. in (2016) for Chua multi-scroll attractors. This additional parameter, which is absent from the initial problem, is perfectly adapted to unfold the structure of the multispiral chaotic attractor. The novelty of this article is twofold: first, the saturated function series model for hidden bifurcation in a 2 – D scroll; and second, the control of hidden bifurcation behavior by the value of the harmonic coefficient

k

3

{k}_{3}

.
Periodic tense markers in the world’s languages and their sources
Authors: Jacques Guillaume
Published: April 2023

This paper is the first survey of verbal affixes encoding the day period (‘at night’,‘in the morning’ etc.) or the yearly seasons (‘in winter’ etc.) when the action takes place. It introduces the term ‘periodic tense’ to refer to this comparative concept, explores the attested paradigms, their interactions with other verbal categories (including the more usual deictic tense), and investigates their diachronic origins. It shows that periodic tense markers are not restricted to incorporated nouns of time period but constitute a highly grammaticalized verbal category in some languages, which can redundantly co-occur with free adverbs or nouns indicating time.
Muḥammad’s Disruptive Measures Against the Meccan Trade: A Historiographical Reassessment
Authors: Roohi Ehsan
Published: April 2023

Muḥammad’s disruptive measures against the Quraysh’s commerce (exemplified in his looting the Meccan caravans) have commonly been considered to be of great importance in what brought about emerging Islam’s prosperity. Whereas Islamicists have devoted a good deal of research to Muḥammad’s antagonistic actions against the Meccan trade, previous studies can nonetheless be said to have mostly dealt with the traditional biography of Muḥammad with a receptive spirit. However, the sīra upon which we have to rely heavily, if not exclusively, is notorious for its source-critical problems. The extant theories are, hence, in need of reappraisal in the light of a more critical treatment of the sources.
On off keying line coding based optical transmitter for various both optical fiber communication and OWC channels
Authors: Zaki Rashed Ahmed Nabih , Muppala Chiranjeevi , Gopalan Anitha , Devakhi Subha Thankamony , Ahammad Shaik Hasane , Hossain Md. Amzad
Published: April 2023

This paper demonstrated the on off keying line based optical line transmitter for different fiber communication and wireless lighted channels. The max Q form and min BER values after PIN receiver based optical fiber base band channel, linear multi-mode fiber channel and OWC at optimum length is clarified. Lighted power variations after light fiber channel, linear multi-mode fiber channel and OWC versus spectral base band wavelength variations at optimum length is demonstrated. Lighted power form variations after lighted base band fiber channel, linear multi-mode fiber channel and OWC versus time variations at optimum length is indicated. Total lighted power after optical fiber base band channel, linear multi-mode fiber channel and OWC at optimum length is clarified. Total electrical power after PIN receiver based optical fiber channel, linear multi-mode fiber channel and OWC at optimum length.
Nonlocal electro-optic metasurfaces for free-space light modulation
Authors: Damgaard-Carstensen Christopher , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I.
Published: April 2023

Dynamic optical metasurfaces with ultrafast temporal response, i.e., spatiotemporal optical metasurfaces, provide attractive solutions and open fascinating perspectives for modern highly integrated optics and photonics. In this work, electro-optically controlled optical metasurfaces operating in reflection and utilizing resonant waveguide mode excitation are demonstrated from the viewpoint of free-space propagating light modulation. The modulation of reflected light power with superior characteristics in comparison with prior research is achieved by identifying a suitable low-loss waveguide mode and exploiting its resonant excitation. The electro-optic Pockels effect in a 300 nm-thick lithium niobate (LN) film sandwiched between a continuous thick gold film and an array of gold nanostripes, serving also as control electrodes, is exploited to realize fast and efficient light modulation. The fabricated compact (active area <1000 µm2) modulators operate in the wavelength range of 850–950 nm, featuring a maximum intensity modulation depth of 42 % at the driving voltage of ±10 V within the bandwidth of 13.5 MHz (with the potential bandwidth of 6.5 GHz). The introduced nonlocal electro-optic metasurface configuration opens new avenues towards the realization of ultrafast, efficient, and robust free-space light modulators based on an LN flat optics approach.
The crystal structure of (Z)-3-(1-(2-((E)-4-isopropylbenzylidene)hydrazinyl)ethylidene) chroman-2,4-dione, C21H20N2O3
Authors: Dekić Vidoslav S. , Dekić Biljana R. , Sejmanović Dragana M. , Janićević Suzana , Krüger Biljana , Kahlenberg Volker , Rodić Marko V.
Published: April 2023

C21H20N2O3, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 6.8892(3) Å, b = 21.8269(13) Å, c = 35.1144(19) Å, β = 90.344(5)°, V = 5280.1(5) Å3, Z = 12, R
gt(F) = 0.0672, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1460, T = 170(2) K.
Tuning strategies for ruthenium-bipyridine phototriggers
Authors: Rafic Estefanía , Slep Leonardo Daniel , Etchenique Roberto
Published: April 2023

Caged compounds, also called phototriggers are formed by a photo-removable protecting group attached to a molecule of interest, hindering its potential interactions or reaction partners. A particular chemical bond is broken when the phototrigger absorbs light of a given wavelength, yielding a non-interacting “cage” and a free interacting molecule. Numerous organic based caged compounds have been devised, and many of them have broad applications, usually in physiology research. The tunability of these phototriggers is scarce, and the common strategy consists in changing the photoremovable group. Conversely, ruthenium-polypyridine caged compounds are built around a Ru center that can accommodate six coordinated molecules or groups including the photo-releasable molecule. The design of the coordination sphere yields many ways to achieve a desired property, or modulate a property, such as hydrophilicity, redox potential, absorption, 2P capabilities, action cross section, etc. In this work we will show how the tuning of quantum yield of photorelease, absorption wavelength and thermal stability is feasible, and discuss the rationale and the limits of the ligand-tuning technique.
Unconventionally Green: Monetary Policy between Engagement and Conflicting Goals
Authors: Liebich Lena , Nöh Lukas , Rutkowski Felix , Schwarz Milena
Published: April 2023

We study the potential role of the ECB in supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy by decarbonizing the corporate sector purchase programme (CSPP). We demonstrate that the carbon intensity of CSPP purchases is determined by three main factors: First, by the CSPP-eligibility criteria, as these tend to exclude bonds from low-emission sectors. Second, by the underlying structure of the bond market, as this tends to be skewed towards carbon-intensive sectors. Third, among the eligible bonds, the ECB tends to select those from relatively emission-intensive sectors. To decarbonize the CSPP, the ECB can theoretically act along these three lines: (i) adjust the CSPP-eligibility criteria to expand the range of eligible low-carbon assets, (ii), revise the principle of market neutrality to tilt the CSPP portfolio towards low-carbon companies, or, (iii), purchase so far neglected low-carbon bonds within the current eligibility and market neutrality framework. As all approaches have either very limited effects or are associated with significant theoretical and practical concerns, we conclude that their contribution to the success of active green monetary policy is not guaranteed, while at the same time risks arise for a monetary policy that targets price stability.
Neither Enhanced Nor Lost: The Unique Role of Attention in Children's Neural Representations
Authors: Jung Yaelan , Forest Tess Allegra , Walther Dirk B. , Finn Amy S.
Published: April 2023

A defining feature of children's cognition is the especially slow development of their attention. Despite a rich behavioral literature characterizing the development of attention, little is known about how developing attentional abilities modulate neural representations in children. This information is critical to understanding how attentional development shapes the way children process information. One possibility is that attention might be less likely to shape neural representations in children as compared with adults. In particular, representations of attended items may be less likely to be enhanced relative to unattended items. To investigate this possibility, we measured brain activity using fMRI while children (seven to nine years; male and female) and adults (21–31 years; male and female) performed a one-back task in which they were directed to attend to either motion direction or an object in a display where both were present. We used multivoxel pattern analysis to compare decoding accuracy of attended and unattended information. Consistent with attentional enhancement, we found higher decoding accuracy for task-relevant information (i.e., objects in the object-attended condition) than for task-irrelevant information (i.e., motion in the object-attended condition) in adults' visual cortices. However, in children's visual cortices, both task-relevant and task-irrelevant information were decoded equally well. What is more, whole-brain analysis showed that the children represented task-irrelevant information more than adults in multiple regions across the brain, including the prefrontal cortex. These findings show that (1) attention does not modulate neural representations in the child visual cortex, and (2) developing brains can, and do, represent more information than mature brains.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTChildren have been shown to struggle with maintaining their attention to specific information, and at the same time, can show better learning of “distractors.” While these are critical properties of childhood, their underlying neural mechanisms are unknown. To fill in this critical knowledge gap, we explored how attention shapes what is represented in children's and adults' brains using fMRI while both were asked to focus on just one of two things (objects and motion). We found that unlike adults, who prioritize the information they were asked to focus on, children represent both what they were asked to prioritize and what they were asked to ignore. This shows that attention has a fundamentally different impact on children's neural representations.
Change in the Germination Performance of Tamarix Ramosissima Seeds Following Storage
Authors: Zheng Ruiqi , Xing Zeming , Fu Qiyu , Shi Xiang , Wang Lei
Published: April 2023

The small seeds ofTamarix ramosissima, a pioneer shrub or small tree used for sand fixation and afforestation in desert areas, are suspected to have short longevity and as such not be suitable for storage. However, this has not been experimentally verified. In this investigation,
germination of T. ramosissima seeds stored under different temperatures (room temperature (25°C), 5°C and -18°C) for different periods (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days) were tested for moisture content and germination capacity. Seed moisture content and germination percentage
decreased with increase of storage period and storage temperature. For seeds stored at room temperature, germination percentage decreased to 58% after 30 days and to 0% by 120 days. However, for seeds stored at -18°C for 120 days, germination percentage was 53%. These results indicate
that T. ramosissima seeds have short longevity and are not suitable for long-term storage, particularly at room temperature. of plant adaptation to changing environments (Rajjou and Debeaujon, 2008). Although seeds of many plants can survive for long periods, some small seeds have short
longevity (Baskin and Baskin, 2014). The rate of loss of seed viability is dependent on various biotic and abiotic factors, such as seed characteristics (Sanoet al., 2015; Kundu et al ., 2020),
Effect of insulin-like growth factor system on luteinising angiogenesis
Authors: Nwachukwu Chinwe U , Robinson Robert S , Woad Kathryn J
Published: April 2023

Preovulatory follicle growth and the luteal transition require intense angiogenesis. This enables progesterone production to increase sufficiently to support a pregnancy. Inadequate follicular or luteal vascularisation can lead to reduced ovarian function and thus compromise fertility. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and IGF2 regulate multiple ovarian processes and are key links between an animal’s reproductive and metabolic status. This study investigated the role that the IGF system plays in regulating luteinising follicular endothelial cell (EC) networks and progesterone production in vitro. Bovine luteinising follicular angiogenesis cultures were treated with (i) LR3-IGF1 (10 or 100 ng/mL) under basal and angiogenic-stimulated conditions or (ii) IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) inhibitor (picropodophyllin (PPP); 1 µM) in the presence or absence of LR3-IGF1, IGF2 or combined LR3-IGF1 + IGF2 (10 ng/mL). EC networks were quantified by von Willebrand factor immunohistochemistry. Progesterone production was analysed by ELISA, and cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. LR3-IGF1 had limited effects on EC growth parameters, whilst PPP (P < 0.001) markedly reduced EC growth parameters (by 60–70%). Cell proliferation was slightly increased (by 3–5%) by LR3-IGF1 (P < 0.001). LR3-IGF1 had variable effects on progesterone production, whilst PPP reduced progesterone concentration (P < 0.001) with or without LR3-IGF1 or IGF2 alone or in combination. IGF1 was detected in cell-conditioned media and was increased by LH (50 ng/mL) (P < 0.001). In conclusion, exogenous IGF1 and IGF2 had minimal effects on luteinising follicular angiogenesis and progesterone production, but the inhibitory effect of the IGF1R inhibitor (PPP) suggests that IGF1R signalling is critical for the development of EC networks and progesterone production in luteinising follicular cells.

Lay summary

The corpus luteum is a part of the ovary responsible for producing the critical pregnancy hormone, progesterone. To fulfil this function, the corpus luteum requires an extensive blood vessel network. Here, we investigated whether an important growth factor known to act on the ovary, insulin like growth factor (IGF) 1, critically regulates the formation of this blood vessel network and progesterone production. Cells from the corpus luteum were cultured with combinations of IGF1, a closely related hormone IGF2 and a chemical which stops both IGF1 and IGF2 from working. Afterwards, we measured the size and pattern of blood vessel networks, the production of progesterone and whether cells increased in number. We found adding IGF1 had limited effects, however stopping IGF1 from working had a very negative impact on both progesterone and on the formation of the blood vessel network. This suggests that cells from the corpus luteum were producing IGF1 and that IGF1/2 are critical for both blood vessel growth and hormone production.
In vitro exposure to benzo[a]pyrene damages the developing mouse ovary
Authors: Stefansdottir Agnes , Marečková Magda , Matkovic Magdalena , Allen Caroline M , Spears Norah
Published: April 2023

Females are born with a finite number of oocytes, collectively termed the ovarian reserve, established within the developing fetal ovary. Consequently, maternal exposure to reproductive toxicants can have harmful effects on the future fertility of her unborn female fetus. The chemical benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a prominent component of cigarette smoke. Despite it being a known ovotoxicant, around 8% of women in Europe smoke during pregnancy.

The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of B[a]P on the developing ovary, using the mouse as a model and with experiments carried out in vitro. B[a]P-exposure to the fetal ovary prior to follicle formation reduced the number of germ cells and subsequently, the number of healthy primordial follicles, by up to 76%; however, while proliferation of germ cells was not affected, the germ cells contained higher levels of DNA double-strand breaks. Exposure to B[a]P also affected the proportion of oocytes progressing through prophase I of meiosis. B[a]P exposure to neonatal mouse ovaries, after follicle formation, resulted in an 85% reduction in the number of healthy follicles, with a corresponding increase in apoptotic cell death and reduction in somatic cell proliferation. Although there was a trend towards a higher level of oxidative stress in B[a]P-exposed ovaries, this was not statistically significant; likewise, the antioxidant melatonin failed to protect against the B[a]P-induced ovarian damage. Together, the results here demonstrate that B[a]P-exposure damages the developing ovary, both before and shortly after follicle formation, an effect that could lead to a subsequent decrease in fertility.

Lay summary

Cigarette smoking during pregnancy can affect the fertility of the offspring, yet in Europe around 1 in 12 children born have been exposed to cigarette smoke before birth due to their mother smoking. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), one of the main chemicals found in cigarette smoke, can have damaging effects on the ovary as it develops in the fetus during the time that the population of future eggs, known as ovarian germ cells also develop. In this research, ovaries from mouse fetuses at stages of development, equivalent to the second and third trimesters of a human pregnancy, were cultured with or without B[a]P. Fetal mouse ovaries exposed to B[a]P had fewer germ cells and larger numbers of cells did not survive. Overall, the results suggest that development of the ovary of a fetus could be affected if the mother is exposed to B[a]P, whether that is through cigarette smoke, or other types of exposure.
Ein Vergleich der Social Media-Strategien öffentlich-rechtlicher und privater Nachrichtenorganisationen
Authors: Sehl Annika
Published: April 2023

Social Media-Plattformen sind für die Online-Reichweite von Nachrichtenorganisationen zunehmend wichtig geworden. Doch welche Strategien verfolgen die Anbieter dabei? Auf Grundlage von Leitfadeninterviews mit leitenden Redakteurinnen, Redakteuren und Führungskräften sowie einer Analyse von Social Media-Aktivitäten auf Facebook analysiert dieser Aufsatz, welche Ansätze Nachrichtenorganisationen aus sechs europäischen Ländern mit unterschiedlichen Finanzierungsmodellen (öffentlich-rechtliche versus privatwirtschaftlich organisierte Medien) und Wurzeln (Print und Rundfunk) bei der Verbreitung ihrer Inhalte verfolgen.