bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the applicability of three and four parameter fits for analysis of swept embedded Langmuir probes in magnetised plasma
Authors: Komm M. , Adamek J. , Cavalier J. , Brotankova J. , Grover O. , Hecko J. , Horacek J. , Matejicek J. , Peterka M. , Podolnik A. , Seidl J. , Hron M. , Panek R.
Published: July 2022

The problem of power exhaust is one of the grand challenges of nuclear fusion research today. In order to understand the physics phenomena occurring in the scrape-off layer and the divertor regions of tokamaks, it is essential to correctly determine the divertor plasma parameters, which are often measured by swept Langmuir probes (LPs). While the construction and operation of this diagnostic can be straightforward, the data analysis using three- or four-parameter fits presents a challenge and can potentially lead to erroneous values of electron temperature and ion saturation current. In this work, we present modelling and experiments aimed at determination of conditions for proper analysis of swept LPs using these two fitting models. Particle-in-cell modelling was employed to evaluate the sheath-expansion effects for particular probe geometry and plasma conditions, yielding a semi-empirical rule capable of predicting its magnitude. Experiments with unusually wide range of swept voltage in the divertor of the COMPASS tokamak explored the magnitude of voltage range required for successful analysis with either three or four-parameter fitting. With the use of our new semi-empirical rule, it is possible to improve the four-parameter fit reliability in situations where the available voltage range is limited. In addition, we introduce the tangent method—an independent and fast method of electron temperature estimation, which allows to reliably determine the available voltage range and as such assist more complex methods of probe analysis.
Qualification study of SiPMs on a large scale for the CMVD Experiment
Authors: Jangra Mamta , Bhupen Raj , Majumder Gobinda , Gothe Kiran , Saraf Mandar , Parmar Nandkishor , Satyanarayana B. , Shinde R.R. , Rao Shobha K. , Upadhya Suresh S , Datar Vivek M , Glenzinski Douglas A. , Bross Alan , Pla-Dalmau Anna , Zutshi Vishnu V. , Group Robert Craig , Dukes E. Craig
Published: July 2022

A Cosmic Muon Veto (CMV) detector using extruded plastic
scintillators is being designed around the mini-Iron Calorimeter
(mini-ICAL) detector at the transit campus of the India based
Neutrino Observatory, Madurai for the feasibility study of shallow
depth underground experiments. The scintillation signals that are
produced in the plastic due to muon trajectories are absorbed by
wavelength shifting (WLS) fibres. The WLS fibres re-emit photons of
longer wavelengths and propagate those to silicon photo-multipliers
(SiPMs). The SiPMs detect these photons, producing electronic
signals. The CMV detector will use more than 700 scintillators to
cover the mini-ICAL detector and will require around 3000 SiPMs. The
design goal for the cosmic muon veto efficiency of the CMV is
>99.99%. Hence, every SiPM used in the detector needs to be
tested and characterised to satisfy the design goal of CMV. A mass
testing system was developed for the measurement of gain and choice
of the overvoltage (V
ov) of each SiPMs using an LED
driver. The V
ov is obtained by studying the noise rate,
the gain of the SiPM. This paper describes the experimental setup
used to test the SiPMs characteristics along with detailed studies
of those characteristics as a function of temperature.
First-passage-driven boundary recession
Authors: De Bruyne B , Randon-Furling J , Redner S
Published: July 2022

We investigate a moving boundary problem for a Brownian particle on the semi-infinite line in which the boundary moves by a distance proportional to the time between successive collisions of the particle and the boundary. Phenomenologically rich dynamics arises. In particular, the probability for the particle to first reach the moving boundary for the nth time asymptotically scales as

t

−

(

1
+

2

−
n

)

. Because the tail of this distribution becomes progressively fatter, the typical time between successive first passages systematically gets longer. We also find that the number of collisions between the particle and the boundary scales as ln ln t, while the time dependence of the boundary position varies as t/ln t.
Molecular phylogenetic of silver barb barbonymus gonionotus (bleeker, 1849) (cypriniformes: cyprinidae) in Java, Indonesia
Authors: Valen F S , Widodo M S , Islamy R A , Wicaksono K P , Soemarno  , Insani L , Hasan V
Published: July 2022

Barbonymus gonionotus is a species of cyprinid native to river drainages in southeastern Asia, which occurs in the Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Indonesia. This study aims to identify the molecular phylogenetic of Barbonymus gonionotus in Java, Indonesia based on the Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene. Specimen from the Opak river had 656 base pairs with the Identity values 100% to Barbonymus gonionotus. The genetic distance of Barbonymus gonionotus in the Java was 0.000-0.005. Phylogenetic tree of Barbonymus gonionotus in the Java is provided.
Sensory and Chemical Properties of Long Jawed Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta L.) Fish Balls with Addition of Canna (Canna edulis Kerr.) Starch Concentration as a Filler
Authors: Herdiana Novita , Sapta Z A , Susilawati  , Widaputri Silaturahmi
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to investigated the characteristic of chemical and sensory properties of Long Jawed Mackerel fish balls which is uses canna starch concentration as a filler. The design of the research used Completely Randomized Block Design with one factor, canna starch concentration which is consist of 7 level concentration (control with tapioca starch, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%). The sensory parameters were observed scoring methods (color, scent, flavor, and texture), and hedonic methods (overall acceptance) by 20 panelists. Chemical parameters were observed a score of moisture content, and ash content. The best fish balls with concentration of canna starch based on sensory, moisture, and ash content were continued observed a score of protein, fat, and carbohydrate content. The result showed that the usage of canna starch as a filler affected the sensory and chemical characteristics of long jawed mackerel fish balls. Fish balls with 5% canna starch concentration was the best concentration as a filler which has sensory characteristic grayish white color, fish specific scent, fish specific taste, chewy texture, overall acceptance likes, and has 73,70% moisture content, 1,46% ash content, 16,51% protein content, 4,66% fat content, 3,67% carbohydrate content.
Comparison Effects Of Seaweed Concentrations On Total Bacteria And Yeast Kombucha Gracilaria Verrucosa During The Production Process
Authors: Andrianto Wahyu , Sudarno  , kusdarwati Rahayu , nirmala dan Dwitha
Published: July 2022

Yeasts and bacteria used in the fermentation of kombucha Gracilariaverrucosa require nutrients to be able to grow and function optimally. The carbohydrate content of seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa is one of the factors that affect the growth of bacteria and yeasts that play a role in producing kombucha beverage products. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of comparison of seaweed concentrations on total bacteria and yeast kombucha seaweed during the production process. The method used in this study is an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD) with six treatments and 4 replications. The result of this research is that the concentration of seaweed affects the total total bacteria and yeast during the kombucha production process. Tests on the total bacteria showed that the total number of bacteria treated by P0 increased up to day 3 with the highest total bacteria at 1.7x107 CFU/ml. On the 3rd day total yeast also increased, the highest yield of total yeast in treatment P1 was 1.9x107 CFU/ml.
Determining of water bioremediation dosage in recirculating water system for Cantik Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus microdon) nurseries
Authors: Astari B , Ismi S , Mahardika K
Published: July 2022

The use of recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) in nurseries of cantik grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus microdon) has the potential to make the culture environment more stable and maximize production perfomance, but the work of RAS decreases with the accumulation of waste in the water used. Remediation of water with microorganisms (bioremediation) can improve the performance of RAS. This research aims to determine the best dose of commercial probiotics in water bioremediation to be used in nurseries of cantik grouper seeds. This research was conducted for 7 days using a completely randomized design with four treatments and three replications. Treatment doses of probiotics tried: 3 ml/m3, 6 ml/m3, 9 ml/m3 and 12 ml/m3. The container used was a concrete tank measuring 1 m × 2 m × 0.8 m filled with 1 m3 of seawater and 3.2±0.3 cm of cantik grouper seeds with a density of 500 fish/m3. The addition of probiotics up to 12 mL/m3 had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the survival rate of cantik grouper fish for 7 days of rearing, ranging from 99.1% to 99.3%. The best results of the bioremediation process were obtained with the addition of 6 mL/m3 probiotics with the lowest range of ammonia and nitrite about 0.0896–0.9303 mg/L and 0.0977–8.4880 mg/L. The addition of a probiotic dose of 6 mL/m3 can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio spp. in water at the beginning, middle, and end of maintenance reached 2, 48, and 140 CFU/mL.
Polysaccharide isolation of Brown seaweed: Sargassum sp and its photoprotection activity
Authors: Panjaitan M A P , Kasitowati R D , Putri N , Yamindago A , Asmara R , Aliviyanti D , Pratiwi D C
Published: July 2022

Sun radiation contains ultraviolet rays consisting of UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. This ultraviolet light can cause adverse effects on the skin such as the appearance of sunburn (erythema), pigmentation, skin aging, and can also cause skin cancer (melanoma). To reduce the adverse effects on the skin, it is necessary to use sunscreen that protects the skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays. Brown seaweed is one of the natural ingredients that can be used as a natural ingredient for sunscreen. This is because genetically brown seaweed is more often exposed to sunlight so it can synthesize components that can absorb ultraviolet light.Sargassum sp.It is known to have polysaccharide compounds such as alginate and fucoidan which have potential as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. The purpose of this study was to determine the photoprotective activity of the polysaccharide compounds found inSargassumsp.
Proximate Analysis of Fisheries Dried Products from Mamuju Traditional Market Post-Earthquake Disaster
Authors: Saputra Eka , Isroni Wahyu , Basarah Arief Rubiana , Andriyono Sapto
Published: July 2022

The earthquake in West Sulawesi that occurred in the last few months has disrupted several fishing facilities and activities. Public buildings and facilities were damaged, which caused deep trauma to the communities in Mamuju and Majene. This research was conducted during the recovery of post-earthquake conditions in Mamuju, West Sulawesi. Proximate analysis was carried out on three traditional processed products of the Mamuju community, which can be found in the traditional market of the Mamuju Seaport in the form of 2 dried anchovies and one dried shrimp product. The test results on the three products showed that the protein content was 43.22-44.03% and fat 2.92-3.14%, which indicated the quality of the processed product was quite good. Furthermore, the dried shrimp product contains protein, fat, 37.0% and 0.39%, respectively. This fishery product is quite potential for preparing nutritious food ingredients, but product packaging is still minimal and allows for a faster quality deterioration process. In addition, government support through related agencies in the form of assistance in improving the quality of processed products in Mamuju must be increased. The fishery resources in West Sulawesi is generally very potential to be developed as a source of income for regional development in the future.
The effect addional omega-3 in feed on the gonadal maturity level and fecundity of female silver rasbora, Rasbora argyrotaenia
Authors: Nabila H , Mubarak A S , Budi D S
Published: July 2022

Silver rasbora (Rasbora argyrotaenia) is a high-value commodity. The problem in cultivation of silver rasbora is long goanadal maturation period. The gonadal maturation period can be accelerated by manipulation of feed using omega-3. Omega-3 can affect reproductive performance, egg development, and fish embryogenesis. The purpose of this study was to determine effect of addition of omega-3 in feed on gonadal maturity level and fecundity of silver rasbora. The observed parameters are gonadal maturity level, gonado somatic index, gonado index and fecundity. This research applied a completely randomized design (CRD) method which consist of four treatments, namely control (0 mg/kg feed), P1 (2500 mg/kg feed), P2 (5000 mg/kg feed), and P3 (7500 mg/kg feed). The result of this study was indicate addition of omega-3 to feed increased gonadal maturity at GML IV stage and had a signicantly effect on the gonado somatic index, gonado index, and fecundity of female silver rasbora. The optimal dose of omega-3 for silver rasbora gonads is 7500 mg/kg of feed, which results in an increase in gonadal maturity to GML IV with a GSI of 18,89 ± 2,24%, a GI of 143,63 ± 6,66 and fecundity of 924,76 ± 9,21 eggs/parent.
The effect of bromelain enzyme on pineapple core on the SR, SGR, and FCR in carp (Cyprinus carpio) infested with Argulus japonicus
Authors: Rahmawati Y , Kismiyati  , Fahturohman A B
Published: July 2022

Carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a freshwater fish that has several advantages such us fast growth, easy maintenance, good nutritional value and economic value. The demand for carp products is quite high. Based on data from the Directorate General of Aquaculture (2018), there was an increase in production of 33,954 tons from 2010 to 2017. According to Faroq (2020), feeding mixed with pineapple core enzymes can increase the highest daily growth rate and feed efficiency. A more efficient feed is expected for fish to survive more when infected with the Argulus japonicus parasite. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of bromelain enzyme on pineapple core on SR, SGR, and FCR in carp (Cyprinus carpio) infested with Argulus japonicus. This study used a factorial completely randomized design with of 4x2 treatments with bromelain enzyme doses of 0% and 2.25% and the degree of argulus infestation, it is mild, moderate, and severe. The results showed that survival rate (SR), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion (FCR) were not significantly different from use bromelain enzyme in carp infested with Argulus japonicus.
The effects of exogenous dietary enzyme on the growth of giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy)
Authors: Imaniy A N , Lamid M , Budi D S
Published: July 2022

The commercial complex enzymes containing protease, lipase, and amylase are potentially used for exogenous dietary enzymes on giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy) as growth booster indirectly. The aims of this study are to know the effect of the exogenous dietary enzymes on giant gourami growth and to obtain the optimal dose of this enzyme. The research was conducted on January-April 2019 in the aquaculture facility and laboratory of Universitas Airlangga, Banyuwangi Campus. A total of 200 giant gourami juveniles (5.5 ± 0.5 cm in total length) were obtained from the fish hatchery centre of Kabat, Banyuwangi, Indonesia. All fish was divided into 20 glass aquaria (40 x 30 x 30 cm3) and reared for 40 days with exogenous dietary enzyme treatments in the diets following: control (no enzyme), 2.5 ml/100 g feed, 5.0 ml/100 g feed, 7.5 ml/100 g feed, 10.0 ml/100 g feed (4 replication in each treatment). The parameters were observed in this study are daily growth rate (DGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The exogenous dietary enzyme significantly (P < 0.05) effect to all parameters, the best result was showed in 10.0 ml/100 g feed treatment as optimum applicate dose.
The effect of different stocking densities on ammonia (NH3) and nitrate (NO3) concentration on striped snakehead (Channa striata) culture in the bucket
Authors: Meidiana A , Prayogo  , Rahardja B S
Published: July 2022

Fish farming in the bucket is a fishery technology that is being developed using an aquaponic system. Striped snakehead fish (Channa striata) is one of the economically important types of fish but the cultivation of striped snakehead fish using an aquaponic system has never been carried out, so it is necessary to know the optimal stocking density of striped snakehead fish to minimize the risk of stress for fish. This study aims to determine the effect of different stocking densities on ammonia (NH3) and nitrate (NO3) concentration on striped snakehead (Channa striata) culture in the bucket. This research using 5 treatments and 4 replications, namely P0 1 fish/Liters; P1 2 fish/Liters; P2 3 fish/Liters; P3 4 fish/Liters; and P4 5 fish/Liters. The observed parameters are ammonia (NH3) and nitrate (NO3) concentration. The results of this study showed that the value of the ammonia concentration was between 0,089-0,609 mg/L and the nitrate concentration was between 0,931-1,539 mg/L. Based on the results of this study, it can be cocluded that treatment of different stocking density affect the concentration of ammonia (NH3) and nitrate (NO3) in the cultivation of Snakehead fish (Channa striata) in the bucket.
Nanoscale acoustic waves detection enhanced by edge plasmon mode resonance in nanoapertures
Authors: Wang Yanhong , Ji Baoqing , Wu Jingzhi , Piao Hang , Li Mengwei
Published: July 2022

Nanoapertures in metal films confine light to subwavelength dimensions generating enhanced electromagnetic fields. Acoustic resonances of nanostructures can be directly excited by dual frequency lasers due to intensity beating and induce the change of the refractive index in nanoaperture. Here we present that nanoapertures consisting of two intersecting holes support edge plasmons in the form of whispering-gallery modes which are highly sensitive to the refractive index of the surrounding environment. The refractive index variation caused by acoustic resonances in the nanostructure results in a significant change of transmission through the nanoaperture. Experimental results indicate that edge plasmons in the cavity of double nanohole help to minimize radiative losses via stronger confinement and increase acoustic detecting sensitivity. The edge plasmon modes in nanostructures may find applications in nanoparticle trapping, biosensors and light matter interactions in nanofluidics.
The algebro-geometric method: Solving algebraic differential equations by parametrizations
Authors: Falkensteiner Sebastian , Mitteramskogler Johann , Sendra J. , Winkler Franz
Published: July 2022

We present a survey of the algebro-geometric method for solving algebraic ordinary differential equations by means of parametrizations of the associated algebraic sets. In particular, we deal with equations of order one, and also systems of algebro-geometric dimension one. Various classes of solutions are treated symbolically, such as rational, algebraic, and power series solutions. We also consider classes of algebraic transformations of the associated algebraic sets preserving the solutions of the differential equations. Two Maple packages, implementing some of these solution methods, are presented.
Variable Eating Patterns: A Potential Novel Risk Factor for Systemic Inflammation in Women
Authors: Makarem Nour , Zuraikat Faris M , Caceres Billy , Sears Dorothy D , St-Onge Marie-Pierre , Lai Yue , Aggarwal Brooke
Published: July 2022

Background

The timing and regularity of eating patterns could play a role in systemic inflammation, as circadian clocks responsible for daily rhythms of inflammatory signaling are entrained by food intake.

Purpose

To evaluate associations of intra-weekly and weekday-weekend differences in eating timing patterns with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).

Methods

A community-based sample of 103 U.S. women from the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network completed a meal-timing questionnaire and provided a blood sample for measurement of hsCRP. Differences in weekday versus weekend eating start time, eating end time, and nightly fasting duration were calculated as eating jetlag metrics. Intra-weekly variability in eating timing patterns was defined by the standard deviation (SD) of these variables. Multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate cross-sectional associations of eating timing variability metrics with hsCRP.

Results

Each additional 30-min difference in weekday–weekend eating end time was related to 13% higher hsCRP (p = .023). Similarly, every 30-min increase in eating end time SD, reflecting greater variability in timing of last eating occasion, was associated with 29% higher hsCRP. Per 1-hr weekday–weekend difference in nightly fasting duration, there was a 45% elevation in hsCRP (p = .003). Every 30-min increase in nightly fasting duration SD, representing greater variability in span of the daily fasting/eating periods, was associated with 46% higher hsCRP.

Conclusions

Variable eating timing patterns were associated with higher hsCRP. Intervention studies are needed to determine whether stabilizing the timing of eating occasions may represent a novel strategy to reduce chronic inflammation.
PSnoD: identifying potential snoRNA-disease associations based on bounded nuclear norm regularization
Authors: Sun Zijie , Huang Qinlai , Yang Yuhe , Li Shihao , Lv Hao , Zhang Yang , Lin Hao , Ning Lin
Published: July 2022

Many studies have proved that small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) play critical roles in the development of various human complex diseases. Discovering the associations between snoRNAs and diseases is an important step toward understanding the pathogenesis and characteristics of diseases. However, uncovering associations via traditional experimental approaches is costly and time-consuming. This study proposed a bounded nuclear norm regularization-based method, called PSnoD, to predict snoRNA-disease associations. Benchmark experiments showed that compared with the state-of-the-art methods, PSnoD achieved a superior performance in the 5-fold stratified shuffle split. PSnoD produced a robust performance with an area under receiver-operating characteristic of 0.90 and an area under precision-recall of 0.55, highlighting the effectiveness of our proposed method. In addition, the computational efficiency of PSnoD was also demonstrated by comparison with other matrix completion techniques. More importantly, the case study further elucidated the ability of PSnoD to screen potential snoRNA-disease associations. The code of PSnoD has been uploaded to https://github.com/linDing-groups/PSnoD. Based on PSnoD, we established a web server that is freely accessed via http://psnod.lin-group.cn/.
Nogo-A reduces ceramide de novo biosynthesis to protect from heart failure
Authors: Sasset Linda , Manzo Onorina Laura , Zhang Yi , Marino Alice , Rubinelli Luisa , Riemma Maria Antonietta , Chalasani Madhavi Latha S , Dasoveanu Dragos C , Roviezzo Fiorentina , Jankauskas Stanislovas S , Santulli Gaetano , Bucci Maria Rosaria , Lu Theresa T , Di Lorenzo Annarita
Published: July 2022

Aims

Growing evidence correlate the accrual of the sphingolipid ceramide in plasma and cardiac tissue with heart failure (HF). Regulation of sphingolipid metabolism in the heart and the pathological impact of its derangement remain poorly understood. Recently, we discovered that Nogo-B, a membrane protein of endoplasmic reticulum, abundant in the vascular wall, down-regulates the sphingolipid de novo biosynthesis via serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), first and rate liming enzyme, to impact vascular functions and blood pressure. Nogo-A, a splice isoform of Nogo, is transiently expressed in cardiomyocyte (CM) following pressure overload. Cardiac Nogo is up-regulated in dilated and ischaemic cardiomyopathies in animals and humans. However, its biological function in the heart remains unknown.

Methods and results

We discovered that Nogo-A is a negative regulator of SPT activity and refrains ceramide de novo biosynthesis in CM exposed to haemodynamic stress, hence limiting ceramide accrual. At 7 days following transverse aortic constriction (TAC), SPT activity was significantly up-regulated in CM lacking Nogo-A and correlated with ceramide accrual, particularly very long-chain ceramides, which are the most abundant in CM, resulting in the suppression of ‘beneficial’ autophagy. At 3 months post-TAC, mice lacking Nogo-A in CM showed worse pathological cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction, with ca. 50% mortality rate.

Conclusion

Mechanistically, Nogo-A refrains ceramides from accrual, therefore preserves the ‘beneficial’ autophagy, mitochondrial function, and metabolic gene expression, limiting the progression to HF under sustained stress.
Predicting Early Literacy: Auditory and Visual Speech Decoding in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children
Authors: Couvee Sascha , Wauters Loes , Verhoeven Ludo , Knoors Harry , Segers Eliane
Published: July 2022

The current study investigated the relative contributions of auditory speech decoding (i.e., auditory discrimination) and visual speech decoding (i.e., speechreading) on phonological awareness and letter knowledge in deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) kindergartners (Mage = 6;4, n = 27) and hearing kindergartners (Mage = 5;10, n = 42). Hearing children scored higher on auditory discrimination and phonological awareness, with the DHH children scoring at chance level for auditory discrimination, while no differences were found on speechreading and letter knowledge. For DHH children, speechreading correlated with phonological awareness and letter knowledge, for the hearing children, auditory discrimination correlated with phonological awareness. Two regression analyses showed that speechreading predicted phonological awareness and letter knowledge in DHH children only. Speechreading may thus be a compensatory factor in early literacy for DHH children, at least for those who are exposed to spoken language in monolingual or in bilingual or bimodal-bilingual contexts, and could be important to focus on during early literacy instruction.
Large RNP granules in Caenorhabditis elegans oocytes have distinct phases of RNA-binding proteins
Authors: Elaswad Mohamed T , Watkins Brooklynne M , Sharp Katherine G , Munderloh Chloe , Schisa Jennifer A
Published: July 2022

The germ line provides an excellent in vivo system to study the regulation and function of RNP granules. Germ granules are conserved germ line-specific RNP granules that are positioned in the Caenorhabditis elegans adult gonad to function in RNA maintenance, regulation, and surveillance. In Caenorhabditis elegans, when oogenesis undergoes extended meiotic arrest, germ granule proteins and other RNA-binding proteins assemble into much larger RNP granules whose hypothesized function is to regulate RNA metabolism and maintain oocyte quality. To gain insight into the function of oocyte RNP granules, in this report, we characterize distinct phases for four protein components of RNP granules in arrested oocytes. We find that the RNA-binding protein PGL-1 is dynamic and has liquid-like properties, while the intrinsically disordered protein MEG-3 has gel-like properties, similar to the properties of the two proteins in small germ granules of embryos. We find that MEX-3 exhibits several gel-like properties but is more dynamic than MEG-3, while CGH-1 is dynamic but does not consistently exhibit liquid-like characteristics and may be an intermediate phase within RNP granules. These distinct phases of RNA-binding proteins correspond to, and may underlie, differential responses to stress. Interestingly, in oocyte RNP granules, MEG-3 is not required for the condensation of PGL-1 or other RNA-binding proteins, which differs from the role of MEG-3 in small, embryonic germ granules. Lastly, we show that the PUF-5 translational repressor appears to promote MEX-3 and MEG-3 condensation into large RNP granules; however, this role may be associated with regulation of oogenesis.
Etrolizumab-s Does Not Induce Residual Trafficking of Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Schweda Anna , Becker Emily , Wiendl Maximilian , Atreya Raja , Atreya Imke , Müller Tanja M , Neurath Markus F , Zundler Sebastian
Published: July 2022

Background

Blocking immune cell gut homing via α4β7 integrin with the monoclonal antibody vedolizumab is an established therapeutic strategy in inflammatory bowel disease. However, despite promising preclinical and phase 2 clinical data, the anti-β7 antibody etrolizumab yielded disappointing results in a large phase 3 trial program in UC. Mechanistic explanations are still lacking. We have recently shown that vedolizumab is associated with residual homing of regulatory T (Treg) cells in a certain exposure range and aimed to investigate whether a similar mechanism applies for etrolizumab.

Methods

We used flow cytometry, competitive dynamic adhesion, and transmigration assays to assess binding of the etrolizumab surrogate (etrolizumab-s) antibody FIB504 to Treg and effector T cells (Teff) and to explore the impact on cell trafficking.

Results

We observed only minimal differences in the binding of etrolizumab-s to Treg and Teff cells. Dynamic adhesion and transmigration of Treg and Teff cells was not substantially differentially affected at relevant concentrations. The β1+ and PI16+ Treg cells were only resistant to etrolizumab-s at low concentrations.

Conclusions

Etrolizumab does not seem to induce notable residual trafficking of Treg cells. Thus, the Teff overweight in the inflamed gut might persist despite reduced overall T cell recruitment. This might be one piece of the puzzle to explain recent clinical results in phase 3.
A Comparative Approach to Understanding Floral Adaptation to Climate and Pollinators During Diversification in European and Mediterranean Silene
Authors: Miladin Jenna R , Steven Janet C , Collar David C
Published: July 2022

Pollinator selection on floral traits is a well-studied phenomenon, but less is known about the influence of climate on this species interaction. Floral trait evolution could be a result of both adaptation to climate and pollinator-mediated selection. In addition, climate may also determine pollinator communities, leading to an indirect influence of climate on floral traits. In this study, we present evidence of both direct and indirect effects of climate on plant morphology through a phylogenetic comparative analysis of the relationships between climate, pollinators, and morphology in 89 European and Mediterranean Silene species. Climate directly influences vegetative morphology, where both leaf size and internode length were found to be smaller in habitats that are warmer in the driest quarter of the year and that have more precipitation in the coldest quarter of the year. Similarly, flower size was directly influenced by climate, where smaller calyxes were also associated with habitats that are warmer in the driest quarter of the year. These results suggest that reduced leaf and flower size promote water conservation in species that occupy arid climates. Floral traits also evolved in response to pollinators, with elongated calyxes associated with nocturnal pollination, though we also found evidence that climate influences pollinator distribution. Nocturnal pollinators of Silene are found in habitats that have more temperature evenness across seasons than diurnal pollinators. Correspondingly, nocturnally pollinated Silene are more likely to occur in habitats that have lower daily temperature fluctuation and more temperature evenness across seasons. Altogether these results show that climate can directly influence vegetative and floral morphology, but it can also affect pollinator distribution, which in turn drives floral adaptation. Our study therefore suggests that climate mediates the influence of species interactions on trait evolution by imposing direct selective demands on floral phenotypes and by determining the pollinator community that imposes its own selective demands on flowers.
Genomic features of predominant non-PCV13 serotypes responsible for adult invasive pneumococcal disease in Spain
Authors: González-Díaz Aida , Berbel Dàmaris , Ercibengoa María , Cercenado Emilia , Larrosa Nieves , Quesada Mª Dolores , Casabella Antonio , Cubero Meritxell , Marimón José María , Domínguez M Ángeles , Carrera-Salinas Anna , Càmara Jordi , Martín-Galiano Antonio J , Yuste José , Martí Sara , Ardanuy Carmen
Published: July 2022

Background

Although pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) effectively prevent invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), serotype replacement has occurred.

Objectives

We studied the pangenome, antibiotic resistance mechanisms and presence of mobile elements in predominant non-PCV13 serotypes causing adult IPD after PCV13 vaccine introduction in Spain.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre study comparing three periods in six Spanish hospitals and analysed through whole genome sequencing representative strains collected in the pre-PCV13, early-PCV13 and late-PCV13 periods.

Results

Among 2197 cases of adult IPD identified, 110 pneumococci expressing non-PCV13 capsules were sequenced. Seven predominant serotypes accounted for 42.6% of IPD episodes in the late-PCV13 period: serotypes 8 (14.4%), 12F (7.5%), 9N (5.2%), 11A (4.1%), 22F (3.9%), 24F (3.9%) and 16F (3.6%). All predominant non-PCV13 serotypes were highly clonal, comprising one or two clonal complexes (CC). In general, CC538, CC4048, CC3016F, CC43322F and CC669N, related to predominant non-PCV13 serotypes, were antibiotic susceptible. CC15611A was associated with resistance to co-trimoxazole, penicillin and amoxicillin. CC23024F was non-susceptible to penicillin and resistant to erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracycline. Six composite transposon structures of the Tn5252-family were found in CC23024F, CC98912F and CC3016F carrying different combinations of erm(B), tet(M), and cat. Pangenome analysis revealed differences in accessory genomes among the different CC, with most variety in CC3016F (23.9%) and more conservation in CC15611A (8.5%).

Conclusions

We identified highly clonal predominant serotypes responsible for IPD in adults. The detection of not only conjugative elements carrying resistance determinants but also clones previously associated with vaccine serotypes (CC15611A and CC23024F) highlights the importance of the accessory genome.
Evolution of β-lactamase-mediated cefiderocol resistance
Authors: Fröhlich Christopher , Sørum Vidar , Tokuriki Nobuhiko , Johnsen Pål Jarle , Samuelsen Ørjan
Published: July 2022

Background

Cefiderocol is a novel siderophore β-lactam with improved hydrolytic stability toward β-lactamases, including carbapenemases, achieved by combining structural moieties of two clinically efficient cephalosporins, ceftazidime and cefepime. Consequently, cefiderocol represents a treatment alternative for infections caused by MDR Gram-negatives.

Objectives

To study the role of cefiderocol on resistance development and on the evolution of β-lactamases from all Ambler classes, including KPC-2, CTX-M-15, NDM-1, CMY-2 and OXA-48.

Methods

Directed evolution, using error-prone PCR followed by selective plating, was utilized to investigate how the production and the evolution of different β-lactamases cause changes in cefiderocol susceptibility determined using microbroth dilution assays (MIC and IC50).

Results

We found that the expression of blaOXA-48 did not affect cefiderocol susceptibility. On the contrary, the expression of blaKPC-2, blaCMY-2, blaCTX-M-15 and blaNDM-1 substantially reduced cefiderocol susceptibility by 4-, 16-, 8- and 32-fold, respectively. Further, directed evolution on these enzymes showed that, with the acquisition of only 1–2 non-synonymous mutations, all β-lactamases were evolvable to further cefiderocol resistance by 2- (NDM-1, CTX-M-15), 4- (CMY-2), 8- (OXA-48) and 16-fold (KPC-2). Cefiderocol resistance development was often associated with collateral susceptibility changes including increased resistance to ceftazidime and ceftazidime/avibactam as well as functional trade-offs against different β-lactam drugs.

Conclusions

The expression of contemporary β-lactamase genes can potentially contribute to cefiderocol resistance development and the acquisition of mutations in these genes results in enzymes adapting to increasing cefiderocol concentrations. Resistance development caused clinically important cross-resistance, especially against ceftazidime and ceftazidime/avibactam.
Impact of feminizing hormone therapy on tenofovir and emtricitabine plasma pharmacokinetics: a nested drug–drug interaction study in a cohort of Brazilian transgender women using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Cattani Vitória Berg , Jalil Emilia Moreira , Eksterman Leonardo , Torres Thiago , Cardoso Sandra Wagner , Castro Cristiane R V , Monteiro Laylla , Wilson Erin , Bushman Lane , Anderson Peter , Veloso Valdilea Gonçalves , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Estrela Rita ,   PrEParadas study team, Moura Isabele , Waite Daniel M McMahon , Vieira Desirée , Granjeiro José Roberto , Freitas Josias , Santos Toni , Fernandes Nilo , Nazer Sandro , Marins Luana M S , Ribeiro Valéria R T , Silva Robson P N , Costa Giovanna G , Vieira Ana Carolina , Bastos Renata A , Alves Aline , Krstic Tania , Ferreira Ana Cristina G , Derrico Monica , Kamel Luciana , Jalil Cristina M , Netto Eduardo Carvalheira , de Sousa Marcos Davi G , Leite Pedro , Mattos Kim Geraldo , Felix Jessica Bezerra , Baião Tamires Vilela , Hottz Gisele , Maia Natália Gomes , da Silva Tamiris Paixão , Ramos Michelle , Tiago Porto
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Potential interactions between feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be a barrier to PrEP use among transgender women (TGW). We aimed to assess the impact of FHT on PrEP plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) among TGW.

Methods

This was a PK substudy of the effects of FHT on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine nested to a trans-specific PrEP demonstration study (NCT03220152). Participants were assigned to receive PrEP only (noFHT) or standardized FHT (sFHT; oestradiol valerate 2–6 mg plus spironolactone 100–300 mg) plus PrEP for 12 weeks, after which they could start any FHT (aFHT). Short- and long-term PK assessment occurred at Weeks 12 and 30–48, respectively (plasma samples prior and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h after dose). Non-compartmental PK parameters of tenofovir and emtricitabine were compared as geometric mean ratios (GMRs) between noFHT and PrEP and FHT (sFHT at short-term PK; aFHT at long-term PK) participants.

Results

No differences in tenofovir and emtricitabine plasma PK parameters were observed between the short-term PK of noFHT (n = 12) and sFHT participants (n = 18), except for emtricitabine Cmax [GMR: 1.15 (95% CI: 1.01–1.32)], or between noFHT short-term PK and aFHT long-term PK (n = 13). Most participants were on oestradiol valerate 2 mg at the short-term PK (56%) and 4 mg at the long-term PK (54%). Median (IQR) oestradiol levels were 56.8 (43.2–65.4) pg/mL at short-term PK (sFHT) and 44.8 (24.70–57.30) pg/mL at long-term PK (aFHT). No participants in this analysis seroconverted during the study.

Conclusions

Our results indicate no interaction of FHT on tenofovir levels, further supporting PrEP use among TGW using FHT.
Assessment of antibiotic appropriateness at discharge: experience from a quaternary care hospital setting
Authors: Saleh Joanna , El Nekidy Wasim S , El Lababidi Rania
Published: July 2022

Background

There is a gap in antimicrobial stewardship in transitions of care.

Objectives

To assess the appropriateness of antibiotics utilized and prescribing habits at hospital discharge.

Methods

A retrospective, observational study was conducted at our quaternary care hospital between January 2021 and March 2021. During the study period, all patients discharged on antibiotics for pneumonia (PNA), skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), urinary tract infections (UTI) and intra-abdominal infections (IAI) were included. The overall appropriateness of therapy was assessed based on the following combined criteria: agent, dose, frequency, duration of therapy, and ability to meet diagnostic criteria.

Results

One hundred and forty-five subjects met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 44 (30.3%) were determined to have received overall appropriate antibiotic therapy. The most common infections were UTI, followed by IAI, PNA, and SSTI, respectively. Further, from the group deemed to have received overall inappropriate therapy, 26 of the 101 (25.7%) patients received an inappropriate antibiotic choice, 6 (5.9%) an inappropriate dose, and 84 (83.2%) an inappropriate duration of therapy.

Conclusions

Inappropriate duration of therapy represented the most challenging problem with antibiotic regimens at discharge. Larger studies are needed to identify potential interventions that are effective, and can be implemented in all settings, including resource-limited ones.
Tying One’s Hand: The Effect of Fiscal Rules on the Political Business Cycle in Africa
Authors: Strong Christine Olivia
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we test whether fiscal rules can act as a constraint on the ability of incumbent politicians to generate political business cycles using fiscal and monetary expansions, to improve their re-election prospects. Using data on fiscal rules for a sample of thirty-two African countries, fourteen of which have a budget balanced rule, our results show that stringent fiscal rules can indeed dampen political cycles. In particular, we find that prior to a presidential election, there is a statistically significant increase in money growth, but that increase is on average 50% less in countries with fiscal rules compared with countries with no rule. Our results hold even when we control for institutional quality, developmental assistance or electoral competitiveness. Moreover, we find evidence of political cycles in African dictatorships, which we argue potentially reflect African dictators’ strong desire to reduce the occurrence of civil unrest during elections.
A new species ofTanymastigitesBrtek, 1972 (Anostraca: Tanymastigidae) from Libya, with a revised key to the genus and new crustacean records (Branchiopoda, Copepoda, Ostracoda) from Algeria
Authors: Thiéry Alain , Rogers D Christopher
Published: July 2022

The fairy shrimp Tanymastigites ajjeri  n. sp. is described from a temporary water body, or guelta, in the Sahara Desert near the Tadrart mountains, east of Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, Libya. Males are readily separated from congeners by the morphology of the frontal appendages, which have an undivided lateral ramus and ≥ 0.4× the length of the medial ramus, and by the second antennae, in which the medial lamellar process bears a spatulate distal lobe. The new species is most similar to congeners T. perrieri (Daday, 1910) and T. mzabica (Gauthier, 1928), and it represents the sixth described species in this genus. We provide an updated key to the genus and comments on its diagnosis and definition, particularly concerning the descriptive terminology of the second antennae. In addition, we provide a list of new records of species of Branchiopoda, Copepoda, and Ostracoda from Tassili n’Ajjer National Park.
Experimental and numerical investigations on undulatory motion of a soft-fin-based underwater robot
Authors: Lin Yu-Chih , Zhang Dai-Nong
Published: July 2022

An undulatory fin bionic underwater robot that is able to mimic the undulation motions of the median and/or the paired fin of fish is designed and analyzed. A simplified rays-membrane structure system has been developed in order to save computational cost in finite element analysis. The undulatory motion of the soft fins in the water is experimentally measured by using two cameras and the DLTdv system. The dynamic characteristics of the fin structure and the hydrodynamics of the fluid are analyzed by a fluid-structure interaction model developed by the commercial software ANSYS, and the results are compared to those of the experiment for validation. The fin motion of different fin amplitudes (ray swing angles), membrane dimensions and phase difference of adjacent rays are compared to realize the influence of robot design on the motion. It is found in the results that the displacements of the points on the fin membrane obtained by the finite element analysis have the same trend as those by the experiment; hence, the finite element model is verified. It is indicated by the finite element analysis results that the stress of the points on the fin membrane increases with the amplitude. The maximum velocity in one section plane is largest for the 40 mm width fin. The average stress on the fin with 45° phase difference is larger than that of 90° phase difference. Because of the complexity of the soft fin's material behavior and fluid-structure interaction analysis, the finite element analysis model developed in this study has a significant contribution for the soft-fin-based underwater robot design.
Dust coagulation and fragmentation in a collapsing cloud core and their influence on non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic effects
Authors: Kawasaki Yoshihiro , Koga Shunta , Machida Masahiro N
Published: July 2022

We determine the time-evolution of the dust particle size distribution during the collapse of a cloud core, accounting for both dust coagulation and dust fragmentation, to investigate the influence of dust growth on non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects. The density evolution of the collapsing core is given by a one-zone model. We assume two types of dust model: dust composed only of silicate (silicate dust) and dust with a surface covered by H2O ice (H2O ice dust). When only considering collisional coagulation, the non-ideal MHD effects are not effective in the high-density region for both the silicate and H2O ice dust cases. This is because dust coagulation reduces the abundance of small dust particles, resulting in less efficient adsorption of charged particles on the dust surface. For the silicate dust case, when collisional fragmentation is included, the non-ideal MHD effects do apply at a high density of nH > 1012 cm−3 because of the abundant production of small dust particles. On the other hand, for the H2O ice dust case, the production of small dust particles due to fragmentation is not efficient. Therefore, for the H2O ice dust case, non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic effects apply only in the range nH ≳ 1014 cm−3, even when collisional fragmentation is considered. Our results suggest that it is necessary to consider both dust collisional coagulation and fragmentation to activate non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic effects, which should play a significant role in the star and disc formation processes.
Variational Phylodynamic Inference Using Pandemic-scale Data
Authors: Ki Caleb , Terhorst Jonathan
Published: July 2022

The ongoing global pandemic has sharply increased the amount of data available to researchers in epidemiology and public health. Unfortunately, few existing analysis tools are capable of exploiting all of the information contained in a pandemic-scale data set, resulting in missed opportunities for improved surveillance and contact tracing. In this paper, we develop the variational Bayesian skyline (VBSKY), a method for fitting Bayesian phylodynamic models to very large pathogen genetic data sets. By combining recent advances in phylodynamic modeling, scalable Bayesian inference and differentiable programming, along with a few tailored heuristics, VBSKY is capable of analyzing thousands of genomes in a few minutes, providing accurate estimates of epidemiologically relevant quantities such as the effective reproduction number and overall sampling effort through time. We illustrate the utility of our method by performing a rapid analysis of a large number of SARS-CoV-2 genomes, and demonstrate that the resulting estimates closely track those derived from alternative sources of public health data.