bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the high-order harmonic generation for a solid with a defect by Bohmian trajectories
Authors: Pan X. F. , Mu H. B. , Qi D. W. , Zhang J. , Liu X. S.
Published: May 2022

We theoretically investigate the high-order harmonic generation (HHG) for a solid by solving the one-dimensional time-dependent Schrödinger equation. The numerical results with the potential well depth of the defect

and

are demonstrated. The intensity of the second plateau of the harmonic spectra can be enhanced with the small potential well depth of the defect. We investigate the emission time of harmonics in terms of the time-frequency analysis, which shows that with the potential well depth of the defect

, one emission peak is weakened and the other is enhanced. By analyzing the time evolution of the electronic probability density distribution and the Bohmian trajectories, the electrons ionized in the negative-x direction will pass directly through the defect to the positive-x direction, which is different from the potential well depth of the defect

In addition, we show a velocity curve to illustrate further the movement process of the ionized electrons.
Translocation kinetics of vesicles through narrow pores
Authors: Ranguelov Bogdan , Milchev Andrey
Published: May 2022

We use extensive Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to study the osmotically induced translocation of partially filled vesicles through narrow pores. The dependence of the average translocation time,

, on vesicle size M, pore radius R

p
, and strength of the driving force,

, is examined for vesicles in a broad interval of sizes M. The time

is found to grow with decreasing pore size by an universal scaling law,

, where

denotes the critical pore radius when the vesicle gets stuck in the pore. With regard to applied pressure, P, we find a power law relationship,

, where

with P

cr
being the least pressure that can still drive the vesicle through a pore of size R

p
. The exponent ω varies with R

p
and tends to unity as the pore size narrows,

. In addition,

is found to attain a minimum for an optimal value of the membrane bending rigidity. The variation of vesicle shape, surface area, volume and translocated fraction of the vesicle with time elapsed since the onset of the process is shown to change qualitatively with varying pore size.
Fabrication and Electrochemical Characterization of an All-solid-state Battery with an Anti-perovskite Electrode Material (Li2Fe)SO
Authors: Miura Masaya , Hikima Kazuhiro , Matsuda Atsunori
Published: May 2022

An all-solid-state battery that used (Li2Fe)SO as the electrode material without a conductive carbon demonstrated a relatively high discharge capacity of approximately 270 mAh g−1 at a high loading ratio of (Li2Fe)SO electrode (90 wt%). This study demonstrated that (Li2Fe)SO with a cubic anti-perovskite structure is suitable as a new electrode material for all-solid-state batteries.
Game—Playing Goldratt’s Dice Game in Large Classes
Authors: Luo Lan , Munson Charles L.
Published: May 2022

We provide and describe an Excel-based simulation of a classic dice game. Instructors can use the simulation in large classes to allow student teams to try to select the best combination of capacity and inventory-improvement options to maximize profit. Instructors generate the results during class in real time. The game also provides excellent debriefing opportunities for further insight. In this paper, we not only present the game itself, but we perform extensive numerical analysis to develop deeper insight regarding the effect of the different options. This analysis provides instructors with tools to modify our original costs to produce different winning combinations and to potentially play the game multiple times to strengthen the managerial insights derived in this illustration of addressing the problem of dependent events and statistical fluctuations in assembly lines. Instructors of analytics or modeling courses could even ask their students to design the basic Monte Carlo simulation model themselves. Survey evidence has shown enthusiastic student endorsement of the game, and pretest/posttest analysis suggests strong learning effects.
Nanotechnology for Clean and Safe Water: (A Review)
Authors: Sangalang Reygan Hernandez
Published: May 2022

The demand for clean and safe water together with increasingly strict environmental regulations in both developed and developing countries has necessitated the need for a highly efficient yet low-cost water treatment technology to prevent the negative effects of pollutants on the human health and the environment. Nanotechnology holds great potential as a novel and promising field in water treatment. This review presents the recent development in nanotechnology for water and wastewater treatment. The review includes discussion on the nanomaterials- its properties and mechanism that allows its use in the remediation of pollutants in both water and waste water.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization and Biological investigation of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ complexes with S-p-chlorobenzyl-β-N-(4-dimethylaminophenyl) methylenedithiocarbazate
Authors: Junghare Nilesh Vishnu , Jagtap Shrikant Balkrishna , Jadhav Rahul Ramchandra , Jadhav Jyoti Prafulla
Published: May 2022

The complexes of M(Db-scdtc)2 type [ Cu(Db-scdtc)2, Ni(Db-scdtc)2, and Zn(Db-scdtc)2] were synthesized by reaction of S-p-chlorobenzyl-β-N-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)methylenedithiocarbazate (H-Db-scdtc) and metal acetate salts in which Db-scdtc is anionic form of S-p-chlorobenzyl-β-N-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)methylenedithiocarbazate. The complexes and ligand were characterized by UV-Vis, Infrared spectroscopy, NMR (H1 and C13), elemental analysis and Molar conductance, and Magnetic moment. The Magnetic moment Data suggest that central zinc metal ion in zinc complex forms a four-coordinate tetrahedron with two bidentate Schiff base ligands shows tetrahedral geometry, while copper and nickel complexes exhibited square planar geometry. The biological activity experiment adopted by the well diffusion method. Preliminary studies showed that the dithiocarbazate ligand has a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of pathogenic strains compared to the metal complexes. Moreover, in metal complexes Cu2+ complexes showed prominent antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, Ni2+ complex exhibited good antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
Quantification of Marker Compound by HPTLC-densitometry Method and Assessment of Anti-inflammatory Activity of Root-bark Extract of Berberis aristata with Molecular Docking by COX-1 and COX-2
Authors: Shrivastav Alankar , Mishra Arun Kumar , Gupta Ashessh
Published: May 2022

Berberis aristata commonly known as Daruhaldi, which is traditionally used in the various treatment such as inflammation, irritation, wound and other skin aliments. During the tribal time period, Indian people were use the crused from of root-bark directly on infected parts of skin. Most of the people used the matured root bark in crused form and directly apply a thick paste on the inflammated surface. In this investigation, quantify the important marker compound (Berberine and Tetrahydropalmatine) by the HPTLC-densitometry method and further evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of EEBA and also done the molecular docking, which was done by using Auto-Dock software. Croton oil induced ear oedema and carrageenan induced paw oedema model was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory efficacy. Auto-Dock software was used to determine the molecular mechanism. The finding of the HPTLC-densitometry validated method revealed that the RSD for interday (0.113-0.343 and 0.116-0.342) and intraday (0.101-0.304 and 0.105-0.296) are as per ICH guidelines. The pharmacological evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity revealed a significant reduction of oedema when using 4% formulation. On behlf of molecular docking berberine and tetrahydropalmatine inhibit the of COX-1 and COX 2 levels. It was concluded that the application of the extract in animals to be used as an anti-inflammatory agent for topical formulations and the phytoconstituent have potentcy to inhibit the effect of COX-1 & 2.
Synthesis, Characterization, Cyclic Voltammetric and Biological Studies of 2-Hydroxy-2-Methyl Propiophenone Sulfaguanidine Azomethine ligand and its Mononuclear Cu(II) Complex
Authors: Balaee Ishwar Chand , Verma Naresh Kumar , Jharwal Monika , Meena Saloni , Varshney Sarita
Published: May 2022

A new Cu (II) complex with Schiff base ligand 2-hydroxy-2-methyl propiophenone sulfaguanidine (HMPSG) has been prepared in alcoholic medium and investigated by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The ligand and its Cu (II) complex were subjected to cyclic voltammetric studies using glassy carbon electrode with variable scan rate at various pH levels. The electrochemical studies show single Irreversible reduction wave for ligand while quasi- reversible wave for its Cu (II) complex. For comparative studies, electrochemical measurements were carried out in different polarity solvents. Various kinetic variables such as charge transfer coefficient (αn), diffusion coefficient (D01/2) rate constant (K0f,h) were also determined from cyclic voltammograms measurement. Further, ligand and its Cu (II) complex were analyzed for antimicrobial studies.
Phycochemical Characterization of Marine macroalgae, Sargassum tenerrimum Collected from Beyt Dwarka, Western Coast of Gujarat, India
Authors: Kalasariya Haresh S. , B. Patel Nikunj
Published: May 2022

Industries are moving towards finding a natural source of functionally active constituents which is better and safer materials to fulfill customers’ demand. Marine algae contain a huge variety of biologically active compounds and express a promising role in different applications. Hence, the present study was carried out to characterize different biochemicals from brown alga Sargassum tenerrimum by FTIR, GCMS, HRLCMS Q-TOF, and ICP AES technique. First, the macroalga was collected from the Beyt Dwarka sea site, the Western coast of Gujarat, India. In FTIR, different types of bioactive functional groups were characterized as accountable for different beneficial components whereas ethanolic and methanolic extracts of S. tenerrimum reported fourteen and nineteen different beneficial phycocompounds in GCMS analysis, respectively. In HRLCMS Q-TOF analysis, two compounds were found carbohydrate derivatives and fifty-nine different compounds were determined to be different types of phycocompounds. Additionally, in the ICP AES study, Silicon was found to be high up in amount whereas Copper remained the minimum among studied elements. Moreover, the HRLCMS-QTOF study of amino acids reported that Glutamic acid (132.13 nmol/mL) was found to be the highest whereas Isoleucine (0.70 nmol/mL) was found to be the least amidst measured twenty-one amino acids. Bioactive potentials of these compounds have been reported in many previous studies. The inclusion of macroalgae-derived constituents in different applications has been broadly rising due to their bioactive potentials.
Computational Studies of N-1 Substituted Quinolone Derivatives as Potent Inhibitors of Gyr B subunit of Escherichia coli K-12
Authors: Saxena Nishtha , Kumar Anil , Srivastava Nivedita
Published: May 2022

It has been confirmed that 4-Quinolone derivatives associated with p- toluene sulphonamide group at 3 position are having bactericidal activity10. We have synthesized various derivatives of 1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3-[1-oxo-2-hydrazino-3-{p-toluenenesulfon}] quinolines. These compounds were synthesized by the reaction of substituted quinolone carbohydrazide derivatives 1a,b with p-toluene sulphonyl chloride in the presence of pyridine base. The compound was purified and characterized by IR, NMR (H1 and C13) and HRMS studies. Here we have conducted molecular docking of compounds 2a and 2b to explore their binding interactions on the active site of the target protein (PDB code : 6YD9).
Caracterização preliminar do comércio ilegal de animais silvestres na Feira Livre do Bairro da Liberdade, Manacapuru, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil
Authors: Alves Luiz Cláudio Pinto de Sá , Andriolo Artur
Published: May 2022

Sabe-se que a caça e a pesca fornecem a maior parte da proteína presente na dieta das populações amazônicas, e que com o subdesenvolvimento existente na maioria dessas comunidades a caça de subsistência geralmente passa a ser predatória, fomentando assim atividades ilegais de comércio de animais e seus produtos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi registrar e quantificar o comércio ilegal de animais silvestres na Feira Livre do Bairro da Liberdade, em Manacapuru, Estado do Amazonas. Para isso foi realizado nesse local um censo diário entre 20 e 22 de abril de 2009. No último dia de amostragem, após a realização do censo, foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas com os proprietários dos três estandes onde a venda ilegal foi registrada. Durante os censos foram registradas a venda ilegal de cinco espécies de mamíferos, sendo elas o peixe-boi (Trichechus inunguis), a anta (Tapirus terrestris), o veado (Mazama sp.), a paca (Cuniculus paca) e a capivara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), além de uma espécie de testudines (tracajá, Podocnemis unifilis) e uma de peixe ilegalmente comercializada na região (pirarucu, Arapaima gigas). Os entrevistados citaram diversos outros animais, sendo os mesmos comercializados mortos para serem geralmente utilizados como alimento (porcos-do-mato, cutias, macacos, tatus, tartarugas, jacarés, além de mutuns, jacus, papagaios e outras aves) e vivos (ariranha, Pteronura brasiliensis, papagaios e macacos). Os resultados apresentados neste estudo enfatizam a necessidade de uma maior fiscalização do comércio ilegal de animais silvestres na cidade de Manacapuru e região por agências ambientais do governo. É urgentemente necessário que seja implementado um programa de educação ambiental, que irá contribuir para que o desenvolvimento sustentável seja alcançado na região.
Polinização por abelhas em fruteiras no Brasil
Authors: Modro Anna Frida Hatsue , D’Avila Márcia , Marchini Luis Carlos
Published: May 2022

Em diversas culturas agrícolas, a polinização entomófila é um dos fatores que contribui para o aumento da produtividade. A carência de polinizadores nativos permitiu que a polinização dirigida com abelhas se tornasse um importante aliado na produção agrícola, embora pesquisas para a avaliação da sua eficiência em algumas culturas ainda necessitem de ampla abordagem. Este trabalho teve por objetivo reunir informações sobre polinização com abelhas no Brasil em fruteiras como aceroleira, cajueiro, citros, macieira, maracujazeiro, meloeiro e morangueiro.
Nova ocorrência de espécies de Mallophora Macquart (Asilidae, Diptera) no Estado da Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Almeida Deivine Souza , Castro Ivan , Bravo Freddy
Published: May 2022

No presente trabalho foi realizado um levantamento do gênero Mallophora Macquart no Estado da Bahia a partir de exemplares depositados na Coleção Entomológica do Museu de Zoologia da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (MZUEFS). Na Bahia, eram registradas apenas três espécies de Mallophora: M. atra Macquart, M. calida (Fabricius) e M. barbipes (Wiedemann). Com este estudo, sobe para sete o número de espécies conhecidas de Mallophora na Bahia, sendo quatro novos registros para o Estado: M. aeca Williston, M. leschenaulti Macquart, M. nigrefemorata Macquart e M rufiventris Macquart.
Assembléias de Formicidae epigéas no entorno do Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Martins Luiza Carla B. , Santos José Raimundo Maia dos , Nascimento Ivan C. do , Lopes Namara S. , Delabie Jacques H. C.
Published: May 2022

Foram realizadas coletas de Formicidae em quatro localidades situadas no entorno do Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina, região central do Estado da Bahia. A vegetação pertence ao bioma Mata Atlântica (Floresta Estacional Semidecidual), mas é regionalmente circundada por outras formações vegetais, sobretudo dos biomas caatinga e campo rupestre. Em cada uma das quatro áreas, foram coletadas 50 amostras de formigas da serapilheira com o extrator de Winkler e outros 50, com armadilhas de tipo pitfall. Foi encontrado um total de 191 espécies, distribuídas em 47 gêneros. A armadilha de Winkler foi a mais eficiente na captura de espécies. As comunidades das duas áreas situadas mais próximas ao Parque Nacional, em Lençóis, foram as que apresentaram maior similaridade entre si e maior número de espécies, talvez porque foram menos utilizadas pelo homem nos últimos 40 anos do que as duas outras áreas estudadas, situadas em fazendas mais distantes do Parque. A análise comparativa dos índices de similaridade, calculados a partir dos resultados das capturas realizadas com as armadilhas pit-fall e extrator de Winkler, indica que os dois agrupamentos relativos às quatro áreas estudadas são estritamente iguais. Apesar de esse resultado ser surpreendente, ele mostra que, qualquer que seja o método de coleta, isto é, o segmento de fauna amostrada, a similitude relativa entre series amostrais é respeitada. Se essa colocação se verificar em outras condições experimentais e outros biomas, ela indica que, em caso de uso das formigas como indicadores biológicos, diversas metodologias de amostragens poderiam ser indiscriminadamente utilizadas na avaliação comparativa de assembléias de Formicidae, mesmo se forem estudados estratos da fauna diferentes, sem prejuízo das conclusões que podem ser retiradas sobre as características de degradação ou de conservação de cada uma.
Evaluation of a Gaussian dispersion transformation technique for tomographic mapping of the concentration field of atmospheric chemicals using multi-path optical remote sensing
Authors: Li Sheng , Xing Zhenyu , Du Ke
Published: May 2022

Horizontal radial plume mapping is a cost-effective optical remote sensing method for sensitive mapping concentration distribution of atmospheric chemicals in real time. However, its sparse sampling poses challenges for reconstruction algorithms. Neither non-smooth nor smooth algorithms can recover the realistic plume shape. A new approach called Gaussian dispersion transformation (GDT) has been proposed. It first reconstructs the emission rates from unknown sources. Then concentrations are calculated through a transformation matrix defined by a Gaussian dispersion model. Smoothness regularization is also applied during the reconstruction. The method was evaluated by using randomly generated maps. It shows significant improvement over a reconstructed plume shape. The nearness shows 72%–117% better than the non-negative least-square (NNLS) algorithm and 15%–26% better than the low third derivative (LTD) algorithm. A controlled-release field experiment of methane was also conducted. The realistic concentration distribution was calculated by using a Lagrangian stochastic dispersion model. The GDT algorithm successfully recovered the realistic plume shape. The nearness shows approximately 16% better than the NNLS and the LTD algorithms. Finally, a sensitivity analysis shows that the wind direction and atmospheric stability are the main parameters that affect the performance of the GDT algorithm.
Through-focus EUV multilayer defect compensation considering optical proximity correction
Authors: Cheng Wei , Li Sikun , Wang Xiangzhao , Zhang Zinan
Published: May 2022

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) multilayer defects result in the degradation of through-focus imaging quality. The optical proximity effect is another crucial factor that degrades the imaging quality. Both the impacts of the defects and the optical proximity effects could be mitigated by modifying the original mask patterns. A heuristic-based defect compensation method considering optical proximity correction and through-focus optimization is proposed in this paper. The edge of the mask pattern and the insertion of sub-resolution assist features (SRAFs) are optimized by covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA-ES) to compensate for the degradation of the imaging quality with a certain defocus range. New encoding strategies for the edge pixels of the mask pattern and the SRAFs are proposed and utilized in this paper to ensure the manufacturability of the mask and the efficiency of the optimization at the same time. The rigorous database approach based on the scattering matrix is adopted to simulate the mask diffraction spectrum efficiently. Simulations verify that the through-focus imaging quality of both the defective masks with bump defects and pit defects could be obviously improved by the proposed defect compensation method.
Laser-induced deformation of atomic p± orbitals in orthogonally polarized two-color laser fields
Authors: Liu Kun , Li Min , Xie Wenhai , Qin Yanan , Guo Keyu , Yan Jiaqing , Liu Kunlong , Zhou Yueming , Lu Peixiang
Published: May 2022

We study the photoelectron momentum distribution from strong-field ionization of atomic

p
±

orbitals in an orthogonally polarized two-color (OTC) laser field. We find that the atomic

p
±

orbitals are deformed in the OTC field, which significantly varies the left–right asymmetries of the electron yield in the photoelectron momentum distribution. By developing a strong-field approximation model that includes the orbital deformation effect, we show that the orbital deformation has a significant effect on the instantaneous ionization rate, while it plays a negligible role in the subcycle electron interference. By taking the spin-orbit coupling into account, we further show that the orbital deformation effect can be used to produce angular-resolved spin-polarized photoelectrons. Our study paves the way for producing spatially separated high degree spin-polarized electrons.
DUV coherent light emission from ultracompact microcavity wavelength conversion device
Authors: Nambu Tomoaki , Yano Taketo , Umeda Soshi , Yokoyama Naoki , Honda Hiroto , Tanaka Yasunori , Maegaki Yutaka , Mori Yusuke , Yoshimura Masashi , Kobayashi Shuhei , Ichikawa Shuhei , Fujiwara Yasufumi , Ishii Ryota , Kawakami Yoichi , Uemukai Masahiro , Tanikawa Tomoyuki , Katayama Ryuji
Published: May 2022

A unique design of our ultracompact microcavity wavelength conversion device exploits the simple principle that the wavelength conversion efficiency is proportional to the square of the electric field amplitude of enhanced pump light in the microcavity, and expands the range of suitable device materials to include crystals that do not exhibit birefringence or ferroelectricity. Here, as a first step toward practical applications of all-solid-state ultracompact deep-ultraviolet coherent light sources, we adopted a low-birefringence paraelectric SrB4O7 crystal with great potential for wavelength conversion and high transparency down to 130 nm as our device material, and demonstrated 234 nm deep-ultraviolet coherent light generation, whose wavelength band is expected to be used for on-demand disinfection tools that can irradiate the human body.
Suppressing motion-induced phase error by using equal-step phase-shifting algorithms in fringe projection profilometry
Authors: Wu Gaoxu , Yang Tian , Liu Fei , Qian Kemao
Published: May 2022

Phase-shifting fringe projection profilometry is a widely used and important technique for three-dimensional surface measurement, where N-step fixed-step phase-shifting algorithms are commonly used. With a pressing need to apply this technique for dynamic object/scene measurement, the motion-induced error poses a challenge in achieving high measurement accuracy. A few correction methods have been developed by involving physical markers or complicated algorithms. In this paper, the equal-step phase-shifting algorithms are proposed as a simpler yet more effective solution. By approximating the phase variations as unknown but linear phase shifts, the equal-step algorithms are naturally immune to object motion. In particular, two classical algorithms, including the four-step Carré algorithm and the five-step Stoilov algorithm, are adopted. Furthermore, a novel three-step gradient-based equal-step phase-shifting (GEPS) algorithm is proposed. These equal-step algorithms are studied through comprehensive simulations and experiments, showing that, (i) the equal-step algorithms are all effective in greatly suppressing the motion-induced errors in both ideal and noisy situations; and (ii) among the three algorithms, the Stoilov algorithm is more robust to handle the object motion and the harmonics simultaneously, while the GEPS requires a least number of frames. This study will urge the use of the equal-step algorithms for phase extraction in dynamic profilometry for immediate motion-error suppression by merely implementing a single phase-calculation equation.
Underwater image restoration via Stokes decomposition
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Xu Jianuo , Zhang Liping , Hu Haofeng , Chen Shih-Chi
Published: May 2022

In this Letter, we present a Stokes imaging-based method to restore objects and enhance image contrast in turbid water. In the system, a light source illuminates the objects with two orthometric polarization states; based on a new Stokes decomposition model, the recorded images are converted to Stokes maps and subsequently restored to a clear image, free of reflections and scattered lights. A mathematical model has been developed to explain the Stokes decomposition and how the undesired reflections and scattered lights are rejected. Imaging experiments have been devised and performed on different objects, e.g., metals and plastics, under different turbidities. The results demonstrate enhanced image quality and capability to distinguish polarization differences. This new, to the best of our knowledge, method can be readily applied to practical underwater object detection and potentially realize clear vision in other scattering media.
Research and Industry News
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin , Daukantas Patricia , Kim Meeri , Michaud Sarah , Kwon Karen , Wills Stewart , Kirkland Alessia
Published: May 2022

Rapid plasma accelerators / Mitochondrial microlenses / Ultrathin
fibers for optogenetics / Mimicking butterfly wings / Harvesting radio
waves / Chicago Quantum Exchange / Equity in universities / Improving
scintillation
Observing others give & take: A computational account of bystanders’ feelings and actions
Authors: Blain Bastien , Marks Joseph , Czech Philipp , Sharot Tali
Published: May 2022

Social interactions influence people’s feelings and behavior. Here, we propose that a person’s well-being is influenced not only by interactions they experience themselves, but also by those they observe. In particular, we test and quantify the influence of observed selfishness and observed inequality on a bystanders’ feelings and non-costly punishment decisions. We developed computational models that relate others’ (un)selfish acts to observers’ emotional reactions and punishment decisions. These characterize the rules by which others’ interactions are transformed into bystanders’ reactions, and successfully predict those reactions in out-of-sample participants. The models highlight the impact of two social values—‘selfishness aversion’ and ‘inequality aversion’. As for the latter we find that even small violations from perfect equality have a disproportionately large impact on feelings and punishment. In this age of internet and social media we constantly observe others’ online interactions, in addition to in-person interactions. Quantifying the consequences of such observations is important for predicting their impact on society.
Protein degradation sets the fraction of active ribosomes at vanishing growth
Authors: Calabrese Ludovico , Grilli Jacopo , Osella Matteo , Kempes Christopher P. , Lagomarsino Marco Cosentino , Ciandrini Luca
Published: May 2022

Growing cells adopt common basic strategies to achieve optimal resource allocation under limited resource availability. Our current understanding of such “growth laws” neglects degradation, assuming that it occurs slowly compared to the cell cycle duration. Here we argue that this assumption cannot hold at slow growth, leading to important consequences. We propose a simple framework showing that at slow growth protein degradation is balanced by a fraction of “maintenance” ribosomes. Consequently, active ribosomes do not drop to zero at vanishing growth, but as growth rate diminishes, an increasing fraction of active ribosomes performs maintenance. Through a detailed analysis of compiled data, we show that the predictions of this model agree with data from E. coli and S. cerevisiae. Intriguingly, we also find that protein degradation increases at slow growth, which we interpret as a consequence of active waste management and/or recycling. Our results highlight protein turnover as an underrated factor for our understanding of growth laws across kingdoms.
Who will be where: Climate driven redistribution of fish habitat in southern Germany
Authors: Basen Timo , Ros Albert , Chucholl Christoph , Oexle Sarah , Brinker Alexander
Published: May 2022

To improve the robustness of projections of freshwater fish distributions under climate change, species distribution models (SDMs) were calculated for six fish species in southwestern Germany with different ecological requirements along an upstream-downstream gradient in a multi-general circulation model (GCM) approach. Using the maximum entropy (Maxent) algorithm and a high number of occurrence records (N = 4684), species distributions were projected to future climate conditions derived from 13 GCMs across the most likely representative carbon pathways (RCP4.5 and 8.5) and two time spans (near future 2050, and far future 2070), resulting in 104 distribution maps per species that were then used for the statistical analysis of future trends. Climate change is likely to affect the distribution of four of the six fish species. The potential ranges of salmonids are predicted to decline by up to 92% (brown trout) and 75% (grayling). In contrast, habitat suitability for perch and roach is predicted to increase by up to 108% and 53%, respectively. Even when accounting for broad variation in GCMs and realistic RCPs, these results suggest climate change will drive a significant redistribution of fish habitat. Salmonid-dominated communities in headwaters seem more sensitive to climate change than the fish communities of downstream sections. Because headwaters are a prevailing element of the hydrographic network in southwestern Germany, such changes may result in large-scale regressions of valuable fish communities that currently occupy broad geographic niches.
The anterior Hox gene ceh-13 and elt-1/GATA activate the posterior Hox genes nob-1 and php-3 to specify posterior lineages in the C. elegans embryo
Authors: Murray John Isaac , Preston Elicia , Crawford Jeremy P. , Rumley Jonathan D. , Amom Prativa , Anderson Breana D. , Sivaramakrishnan Priya , Patel Shaili D. , Bennett Barrington Alexander , Lavon Teddy D. , Hsiao Erin , Peng Felicia , Zacharias Amanda L.
Published: May 2022

Hox transcription factors play a conserved role in specifying positional identity during animal development, with posterior Hox genes typically repressing the expression of more anterior Hox genes. Here, we dissect the regulation of the posterior Hox genes nob-1 and php-3 in the nematode C. elegans. We show that nob-1 and php-3 are co-expressed in gastrulation-stage embryos in cells that previously expressed the anterior Hox gene ceh-13. This expression is controlled by several partially redundant transcriptional enhancers. These enhancers act in a ceh-13-dependant manner, providing a striking example of an anterior Hox gene positively regulating a posterior Hox gene. Several other regulators also act positively through nob-1/php-3 enhancers, including elt-1/GATA, ceh-20/ceh-40/Pbx, unc-62/Meis, pop-1/TCF, ceh-36/Otx, and unc-30/Pitx. We identified defects in both cell position and cell division patterns in ceh-13 and nob-1;php-3 mutants, suggesting that these factors regulate lineage identity in addition to positional identity. Together, our results highlight the complexity and flexibility of Hox gene regulation and function and the ability of developmental transcription factors to regulate different targets in different stages of development.
Preexisting Trichinella spiralis infection attenuates the severity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced pneumonia
Authors: Long Shao Rong , Shang Wen Xuan , Jiang Miao , Li Jing Fei , Liu Ruo Dan , Wang Zhong Quan , Sun Hualei , Cui Jing
Published: May 2022

Background

A range of helminth species involve the migration of developing larvae through the lung and establish chronic infections in the host that include potent immune regulatory effects. Trichinella spiralis is one of the most successful parasitic symbiotes. After released by intestinal female adult worms, newborn larvae of T. spiralis travel through the circulatory system to the lung and finally reach skeletal muscle cells. As unique inflammation modulator of intracellular parasitism, T. spiralis shows improved responses to autoimmune disease and viral pulmonary inflammation by exerting immunomodulatory effects on innate and adaptive immune cells.

Methodology/Principal findings

C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: uninfected; helminth- T. spiralis infected; P. aeruginosa infected; and co-infected. Mice infected with T. spiralis were incubated for 6 weeks, followed by P. aeruginosa intranasal inoculation. Bronchial alveolar lavage fluid, blood and lung samples were analyzed. We found that T. spiralis induced Th2 response in the mouse lung tissue, increased lung CD4+ T cells, GATA3, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 expression. Pre-existing T. spiralis infection decreased lung neutrophil recruitment, inflammatory mediator IL-1β and IL-6 expression and chemokine CXCL1 and CXCL2 release during P. aeruginosa- pneumonia. Furthermore, T. spiralis co-infected mice exhibited significantly more eosinophils at 6 hours following P. aeruginosa infection, ameliorated pulmonary inflammation and improved survival in P. aeruginosa pneumonia.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that a prior infection with T. spiralis ameliorates experimental pulmonary inflammation and improves survival in P. aeruginosa pneumonia through a Th2-type response with eosinophils.
Strontium isotopes reveal diverse life history variations, migration patterns, and habitat use for Broad Whitefish (Coregonus nasus) in Arctic, Alaska
Authors: Leppi Jason C. , Rinella Daniel J. , Wipfli Mark S. , Brown Randy J. , Spaleta Karen J. , Whitman Matthew S.
Published: May 2022

Conservation of Arctic fish species is challenging partly due to our limited ability to track fish through time and space, which constrains our understanding of life history diversity and lifelong habitat use. Broad Whitefish (Coregonus nasus) is an important subsistence species for Alaska’s Arctic Indigenous communities, yet little is known about life history diversity, migration patterns, and freshwater habitat use. Using laser ablation Sr isotope otolith microchemistry, we analyzed Colville River Broad Whitefish87Sr/86Sr chronologies (n = 61) to reconstruct movements and habitat use across the lives of individual fish. We found evidence of at least six life history types, including three anadromous types, one semi-anadromous type, and two nonanadromous types. Anadromous life history types comprised a large proportion of individuals sampled (collectively, 59%) and most of these (59%) migrated to sea between ages 0–2 and spent varying durations at sea. The semi-anadromous life history type comprised 28% of samples and entered marine habitat as larvae. Nonanadromous life history types comprised the remainder (collectively, 13%). Otolith87Sr/86Sr data from juvenile and adult freshwater stages suggest that habitat use changed in association with age, seasons, and life history strategies. This information on Broad Whitefish life histories and habitat use across time and space will help managers and conservation planners better understand the risks of anthropogenic impacts and help conserve this vital subsistence resource.
Dengue fever as a reemerging disease in upper Egypt: Diagnosis, vector surveillance and genetic diversity using RT-LAMP assay
Authors: Gaber Mona , Ahmad Alzahraa Abdelraouf , El-Kady Asmaa M. , Tolba Mohammed , Suzuki Yutaka , Mohammed Shereen M. , Elossily Nahed Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Background

The recent increase in dengue virus (DENV) outbreaks and the absence of an effective vaccine have highlighted the importance of developing rapid and effective diagnostic surveillance tests and mosquito-based screening programs. To establish effective control measures for preventing future DENV transmission, the present study was established to identify the main mosquito vector involved in the dengue fever (DF) outbreak in Upper Egypt in 2016 and detect the diversity of dengue virus serotypes circulating in both humans and vectors.

Methods

We investigated the prevalence of DENV infection and circulating serotypes in the sera of 51 humans clinically suspected of DF and 1800 field-collected Aedes aegypti adult female mosquitoes grouped into 36 pooled samples. Both DENV non-structural protein (NS1) immunochromatographic strip assay and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) were used for screening.

Results

Overall, the rate of DENV infection in both human sera and pooled mosquito homogenate was 33.3%, as revealed by rapid dipstick immunochromatographic analysis. However, higher detection rates were observed with RT-LAMP assay of 60.8% and 44.4% for humans and vector mosquitoes, respectively. DENV-1 was the most prevalent serotype in both populations. A combination of two, three, or even four circulating serotypes was found in 87.5% of total positive pooled mosquito samples and 83.87% of DENV-positive human sera.

Conclusion

The study reinforces the evidence of the reemergence of Aedes aegypti in Upper Egypt, inducing an outbreak of DENV. Mosquito-based surveillance of DENV infection is important to elucidate the viral activity rate and define serotype diversity to understand the virus dynamics in the reinfested area. Up to our knowledge, this is the first report of serotyping of DENV infection in an outbreak in Egypt using RT-LAMP assay.
A cytokine panel and procalcitonin in COVID-19, a comparison between intensive care and non-intensive care patients
Authors: Mazaheri Tina , Ranasinghe Ruvini , Al-Hasani Wiaam , Luxton James , Kearney Jessica , Manning Allison , Dimitriadis Georgios K. , Mare Tracey , Vincent Royce P.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Procalcitonin (PCT) is an acute-phase reactant with concentrations ≥0.5 μg/L indicative of possible bacterial infection in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19). Some with severe COVID-19 develop cytokine storm secondary to virally driven hyper-inflammation. However, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines are also seen in bacterial sepsis. This study aimed to assess the clinical utility of a cytokine panel in the assessment of COVID-19 with bacterial superinfections along with PCT and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Methods

The retrospective analysis included serum cytokines (interleukins; IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNFα)) measured using Ella™ (Bio-Techne, Oxford, UK) and PCT measured by Roche Cobas (Burgess Hill, UK) in patients admitted with COVID-19 between March 2020 and January 2021. Patients enrolled into COVID-19 clinical trials, treated with Remdesivir/IL-6 inhibitors were excluded. The cytokine data was compared between intensive care unit (ICU) patients, age matched non-ICU patients and healthy volunteers as well as ICU patients with high and normal PCT (≥0.5 vs. <0.5 μg/L).

Results

Cytokine concentrations and CRP were higher in COVID-19 patients (76; ICU & non-ICU) vs. healthy controls (n = 24), all p<0.0001. IL-6, IL-8, TNFα and were higher in ICU patients (n = 46) vs. non-ICU patients (n = 30) despite similar CRP. Among 46 ICU patients, the high PCT group (n = 26) had higher TNFα (p<0.01) and longer ICU stay (mean 47 vs. 25 days, p<0.05). There was no difference in CRP and blood/respiratory culture results between the groups.

Conclusions

Pro-inflammatory cytokines and PCT were higher in COVID-19 patients requiring ICU admission vs. non-ICU admissions despite no difference in CRP. Furthermore, TNFα was higher in those with high PCT and requiring longer ICU admission despite no difference in CRP or rate of bacterial superinfection.
Change in college student health and well-being profiles as a function of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lanza Stephanie T. , Whetzel Courtney A. , Linden-Carmichael Ashley N. , Newschaffer Craig J.
Published: May 2022

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has potential for long-lasting effects on college students’ well-being. We examine changes from just before to during the pandemic in indicators of health and well-being and comprehensive profiles of health and well-being, along with links between covariates and profiles during the pandemic.

Participants

1,004 students participated in a longitudinal study that began in November 2019.

Methods

Latent class analysis identified health and well-being profiles at both waves; covariates were included in relation to class membership.

Results

Mental health problems increased, whereas substance use, sexual behavior, physical inactivity, and food insecurity decreased. Six well-being classes were identified at each wave. Baseline class membership, sociodemographic characteristics, living situation, ethnicity, coping strategies, and belongingness were associated with profile membership at follow-up.

Conclusions

COVID-19 has had significant and differential impacts on today’s students; their health and well-being should be considered holistically when understanding and addressing long-term effects of this pandemic.
Coming out under fire: The role of minority stress and emotion regulation in sexual orientation disclosure
Authors: Seager van Dyk Ilana , Aldao Amelia , Pachankis John E.
Published: May 2022

Minority stress is hypothesized to interfere with sexual orientation disclosure and sexual minority wellbeing. In this study, we investigated whether minority stress is causally linked to reduced disclosure in sexual minorities, and whether emotion regulation, a potentially adaptive form of stigma coping, can intervene to promote disclosure even following exposure to minority stress. Sexual minority adults in the US (N = 168) were recruited online and randomized to a 2 x 2 between-subjects experimental design, where they: 1) received either emotion regulation instructions that asked them to either distance themselves from an emotionally evocative film clip or immerse themselves in the clip, and then 2) viewed either an affirming or a minority stress film clip. Following the film clip, participants completed a written reflection task in which they reflected on the film clip they viewed, which allowed research assistants to subsequently code for participants’ spontaneous disclosures of sexual orientation. Participants who viewed the minority stress clip were significantly less likely to spontaneously disclose their sexual orientation in the written task compared to those who viewed the affirming film clip, OR = 3.21, 95% CI [1.14, 9.05], p = .03. Although the emotion regulation manipulation was successful, there was no effect on sexual orientation disclosure. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a causal link between minority stress and disclosure in sexual minorities, and thus highlights an important mechanism underlying minority stress’s effects on sexual minority wellbeing. Results demonstrate the importance of interventions that affirm marginalized identities and promote safe sexual orientation disclosure. Future research is needed to determine the circumstances under which effective emotion regulation can buffer against the negative emotional effects of minority stress to promote healthy approach behaviors like disclosure in safe contexts.
Using deep transfer learning to detect scoliosis and spondylolisthesis from x-ray images
Authors: Fraiwan Mohammad , Audat Ziad , Fraiwan Luay , Manasreh Tarek
Published: May 2022

Recent years have witnessed wider prevalence of vertebral column pathologies due to lifestyle changes, sedentary behaviors, or injuries. Spondylolisthesis and scoliosis are two of the most common ailments with an incidence of 5% and 3% in the United States population, respectively. Both of these abnormalities can affect children at a young age and, if left untreated, can progress into severe pain. Moreover, severe scoliosis can even lead to lung and heart problems. Thus, early diagnosis can make it easier to apply remedies/interventions and prevent further disease progression. Current diagnosis methods are based on visual inspection by physicians of radiographs and/or calculation of certain angles (e.g., Cobb angle). Traditional artificial intelligence-based diagnosis systems utilized these parameters to perform automated classification, which enabled fast and easy diagnosis supporting tools. However, they still require the specialists to perform error-prone tedious measurements. To this end, automated measurement tools were proposed based on processing techniques of X-ray images. In this paper, we utilize advances in deep transfer learning to diagnose spondylolisthesis and scoliosis from X-ray images without the need for any measurements. We collected raw data from real X-ray images of 338 subjects (i.e., 188 scoliosis, 79 spondylolisthesis, and 71 healthy). Deep transfer learning models were developed to perform three-class classification as well as pair-wise binary classifications among the three classes. The highest mean accuracy and maximum accuracy for three-class classification was 96.73% and 98.02%, respectively. Regarding pair-wise binary classification, high accuracy values were achieved for most of the models (i.e., > 98%). These results and other performance metrics reflect a robust ability to diagnose the subjects’ vertebral column disorders from standard X-ray images. The current study provides a supporting tool that can reasonably help the physicians make the correct early diagnosis with less effort and errors, and reduce the need for surgical interventions.
The promotion of functional expected teaching-related emotions through expressive writing
Authors: Forster Markus , Kuhbandner Christof
Published: May 2022

The aim of the present preregistered study was to examine whether expressive writing can help teacher students to develop functional expected teaching-related emotions. In a variation of James W. Pennebaker´s expressive writing paradigm, 129 teacher students were randomly assigned to write on three consecutive days either about the future teaching-related events that personally trigger the greatest fear and joy (treatment group: n = 67) or about a walk in a forest and a city park (control group: n = 62). In both groups, expected teaching-related positive emotions increased and expected teaching-related negative emotions decreased with increased writing sessions. After the writing sessions, the treatment group reported a stronger change in their view about their future professional life as a teacher, a more active personal involvement with their future professional life, and an increased motivation to use expressive writing in the future. These results demonstrate that expressive writing is a promising tool to promote teacher students’ expected teaching-related emotions.