bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Investigation of Photoinduced Electron Transfer and Charge Transfer Mechanisms in Push-Pull Donor-Acceptor Systems: Implications for Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors:   , Alsaleh Ajyal Zaki
Published: February 2024

Donor-acceptor systems exhibit distinctive attributes rendering them highly promising for the emulation of natural photosynthesis and the efficient capture of solar energy. This dissertation is primarily devoted to the investigation of these unique features within diverse donor-acceptor system typologies, encompassing categories such as closely covalently linked, push-pull, supramolecular, and multi-modular donor- acceptor conjugates. The research encompasses an examination of photosynthetic analogs involving compounds such as chelated azadipyromethene (AzaBODIPY), N,N-dimethylaminophenyl (NND), phenothiazine (PTZ), triphenylamine (TPA), phenothiazine sulfone (PTZSO2), tetracyanobutadiene (TCBD), and expanded tetracyanobutadiene (exTCBD). The strategic configuration of the donor (D), acceptor (A), and spacer elements within these constructs serves to promote intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), which are crucial for efficient charge and electron transfer. The employment of cutting-edge analytical techniques, such as ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, is integral to the study. Furthermore, a comprehensive suite of analytical methodologies including steady-state UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence and phosphorescence spectroscopies, electrochemical techniques (including cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry), spectroelectrochemistry, and density functional theory calculation (DFT), collectively contribute to the comprehensive characterization of push-pull donor-acceptor systems, with a particular emphasis on their potential as highly effective solar energy harvesting application.
The Impact of Leadership on School Culture and Teacher Retention
Authors:   , Spaulding Shelly
Published: February 2024

To determine the impact that school leaders have on school culture and teacher retention, a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach was used to study schools in a district feeder pattern in in a large, suburban district in Texas with a student population of approximately 25,000. In Phase 1, teachers at one elementary, one middle, and one high school were asked to complete a 26-question Likert scale survey about school culture. The last statement in the survey asked participants if they were willing to participate in a focus group about school culture and teacher retention. In Phase 2, focus group interviews were conducted with volunteer participants who took the survey and stated they would be interested in participating in a focus group. Three focus groups were held to divide the participants by grade level grouping taught: elementary, middle, and high school. Focus group participants stated that they believe school leaders play a vital role in creating the culture of the school and in teachers' desire to remain not only teaching at their school, but also remaining in the field of education. The survey data supported these findings. By examining teachers' perspectives, the findings of the study may positively inform and influence district hiring practices, develop leadership profiles and behaviors, and provide school leaders with ways to recruit and retain teachers. Further research could include a case study at one specific school or expanding the sample size and including more schools or studying a variety of districts to find additional ways to build school culture and retain teachers.
Synthesis, Characterization, Standardization, and Validation of Luminescence Optical Chemosensors for the Detection of Carbon Dioxide, Aluminum Ions, and Silver Ions for Real-Life Applications
Authors:   , Perera Nawagamu Appuhamilage Kasun
Published: February 2024

The presented dissertation encompasses three distinct investigations into novel complexes with diverse applications. Firstly, a Europium-based complex, K[Eu(hfa)4], exhibits remarkable potential for detecting dissolved CO2 in an ethylene glycol medium, offering a low limit of detection, rapid response times, and high signal-to-noise ratios. This complex demonstrates promise for quantifying CO2 concentrations and finds utility in sugar fermentation monitoring. Secondly, an innovative ratiometric optical sensor, Eu(tta)3([4,4'-(t-bu)2-2,2'-bpy)], showcases exceptional sensitivity and selectivity in detecting aluminum ions, making it suitable for environmental and biological applications. It exhibits reliable quantification in both methanol and aqueous samples, with remarkable accuracy validated by ICP-OES. Lastly, modifications to the Au3Pz3 complex synthesis enable the development of a silver ion sensor, paving the way for detecting silver ion leaching in real-life scenarios, such as silver nanoparticle-embedded bandages. The research extends to the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using various methods and foresees expanded in vitro and in vivo studies. These investigations collectively offer insights into the development of advanced sensing technologies with significant implications for a wide range of practical applications.
Acenaphthene and 1,10-Phenanthroline-Fused Βeta-Functionalized Porphyrins
Authors:   , Arvidson Jacob Randall
Published: February 2024

A series of acene-fused porphyrins and 1,10-phenanthroline-fused porphyrins were synthesized and characterized via NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The acene-fused porphyrins exhibit unique optoelectronic properties, most notably they exhibit highly red-shifted absorption bands. The 1,10-phenanthroline-fused porphyrins are of interest for their ability to bond to as variety of metals to form chelation complexes.
Investigating the Molecular Framesworks of Phloem-Cap Fiber Development in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors:   , Kaur Harmanpreet
Published: February 2024

The current study focuses on the vascular cambium and the reiterative formation of phloem fiber bundles in cotton stems. The role of the TDIF-PXY-WOX pathway was examined in regulating cambial activity and the differentiation of phloem fibers. A study was conducted to identify and characterize the cotton WOX family genes, focusing on WOX4 and WOX14, aiming to identify and analyze their phylogenetic relationships, tissue-specific expression profiles, functional roles, and metabolic consequences. Through a sequence analysis of the Gossypium hirsutum genome, 42 cotton loci were identified as WOX family members. GhWOX4 exhibited a close homology to 7 loci, while GhWOX14 displayed homology with 8 loci. Tissue-specific expression analysis revealed prominent expression patterns of GhWOX4 and GhWOX14 in cotton internodes and roots, suggesting their involvement in vascular tissue development. Functional studies utilizing VIGS (virus-induced gene silencing) demonstrated that the knockdown of GhWOX4 and GhWOX14 resulted in a significant reduction in stem diameter and bast fiber production. This result suggests that secondary phloem fiber development is regulated by GhWOX4 and GhWOX14 genes in cotton. Additionally, the metabolic profiling of VIGS plants revealed significant alterations in amino acids, organic acids, and sugars, with implications for primary metabolic pathways. These findings suggest that GhWOX4 and GhWOX14 play pivotal roles in cotton plant development, including vascular tissue growth and phloem fiber production, and metabolic regulation.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Encapsulated and Aligned in Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogels
Authors:   , Kasani Yashesh Varun
Published: February 2024

This study presents a viable strategy using fmoc-protected peptides hydrogels, to encapsulate and stretch mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). To explore the peptide hydrogel potential, a custom mechanical stretching device with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chambers were used to stretch MSCs encapsulated in Fmoc hydrogels. We investigated the impact of fmoc- FF prepared in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFP) and deionizied water in the self-assembly, and mechanical properties of the gels. The peptide hydrogel is formed through molecular self-assembly of peptide sequence into β-sheets that are connected with the π-π aromatic stacking of F-F groups. The hydrogels provided a stiff, hydrated gel with round nanofiber morphology representing an elastic modulus of 174-266 KPa. MSCs cultured on peptide hydrogels undergo viability, morphology, and alignment evaluations using MTT, live/dead, and phalloidin (F-actin) staining. The F-actins of 3D- cultured MSCs in Fmoc-FF/HFP, and Fmoc-FF/DMSO followed by mechanical stretching showed elongated morphology with defined microfilament fibers compared to the round and spherical F-actin shape of the control cells. Peptide gels with 5mM concentration preserved 100% viability of MSC. Results reveals the feasibility and conditions for successful cell encapsulation and alignment within peptide hydrogels. Encapsulation of MSC in peptide nanofiber followed by a stretching process present a promising tissue engineering platform. By enhancing our understanding of MSC-peptide hydrogel interactions, this research con- tributes to the development of biomaterials tailored for regenerative medicine.
The Effects of Implementing a Reward-Based Version of Ostrom's Eight Design Principles as an Intervention Package on Responses in a Common Pool Resource (CPR) Game
Authors:   , Paterson Ian Scott
Published: February 2024

The aim of behavior analysis has always been to apply technologies rooted in basic behavioral principles to problems of societal importance (e.g., Skinner, 1948; 1953; 1987). One such problem is the Tragedy of the Commons - a phenomenon arising from systemic failures among a community, leading to the total collapse of a critical resource (Hardin, 1968). Elinor Ostrom's Eight Design Principles were developed to provide a framework for the self-management of common pool resources (CPRs; Ostrom, 1990/2015). When applied as an independently manipulated variable, Ostrom's design principles have shown strong effects in the management of CPRs within the context of a tabletop board game Catan® (Smith & Becker, 2023). This preparation included both rewards (i.e., positive reinforcement) and sanctions (i.e., positive punishment) as a feature of the independent variable. However, it has been well documented that punishing and coercive contingencies can lead to problematic outcomes for individuals and societies (e.g., Sidman, 2001; Skinner, 1976). This study evaluated the effects of utilizing only rewarding consequences in lieu of sanctions in an effort to produce the previously observed control over self-management of a CPR, utilizing the previously adapted rules of the Catan® board game.
"The Gordita's Guide to Body Positivity"
Authors:   , Calderon Jessica Andrea
Published: February 2024

"The Gordita's Guide to Body Positivity" is an autobiographical documentary reflecting on society's expectations of the female body image and how it affects Latinx women. Through personal recollections, media content, and archival material, the film explores beauty expectations, body discrimination, and body positivity. The document analyzes the documentary styles such as autoethnography and narration incorporated into the film and provides historical and theoretical context to body image in the Latinx culture and how the media has affected body image, beauty ideals, and eating disorders. In addition, the pre-production, production, and post-production process is detailed.
Additive Friction Stir Deposition of Al-Ce Alloys for Improved Strength and Ductility
Authors:   , Davis Devin Fredric
Published: February 2024

Additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) is a solid-state additive manufacturing (AM) technique that breaks down large constituent particles into more refined and uniformly disturbed microstructure. AFSD was used to print Al-Ce alloys. Current commercial Al-alloys upon elevated temperatures go through dissolution and coarsening of strengthening precipitates causing mechanical degradation of these alloys. Al-Ce alloys do not have this issue as cerium's low solubility restricts dissolution into the aluminum matrix at elevated temperatures, thus giving great thermal stability to the microstructure. Al-Ce alloys lack solid solubility that affects the solid solution strengthening and precipitation strengthening. Al-Ce alloys have limitation at room temperature as they can only reach a maximum of ~65 MPa yield strength. Elements like magnesium have been added to alloy to enable solid solution strengthening, and scandium to enable precipitation strengthening to improve strength before going through the AFSD process. By adding new elements to the Al-Ce alloys, an increase in the yield strength from ~60 MPa to ~200 MPa was achieved before AFSD. The casted alloys form coarse particles that reach 300 µm in size; resulting in stress concentration that causes material fracture before necking, giving >10% ductility. AFSD breaks down these coarse particles to increase strength and ductility increases. The particles were broken down to >20 µm which increased the ductility to 10%. The results of this research shows that Al-Ce alloys are able to reach commercial aluminum alloy mechanical standards of 400 MPa ultimate tensile strength and 10% ductility at room temperature for aerospace applications.
Myocardial infarction presenting as both left ventricular aneurysm and ventricular septal defect
Authors: Khandait Harshwardhan , Elkattawy Sherif , Romero Jesus E. , Romero Ana L. , Abboud Rachel , Shamoon Yezin , Elkattawy Omar , Elhouda Elassa Nour , Musleh Gamal , Shamoon Fayez , Joshi Meherwan
Published: February 2024

Acute myocardial infarction can result in various mechanical complications, although they have become rare with the advent of reperfusion therapies. Among these complications, ventricular septal rupture (VSR) and left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) are infrequent but life-threatening conditions associated with high morbidity and mortality. We present a rare case of a 67-year-old male with acute myocardial infarction who developed concomitant apical LVA and ventricular septal rupture.
Questionando o irredutível
Authors: Luczkiewicz da Silva Natália , Colen Meniconi Flávia
Published: February 2024

O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a postura crítica dos participantes, fundamentada em práticas de letramento crítico e decolonialidade, por meio de oficinas pedagógicas com o gênero fotodenúncia. Os dados se constituem de entrevistas conduzidas com um grupo de estudantes e excertos de produções textuais geradas a partir de registros fotográficos. A coleta dos dados ocorreu em uma turma do 3º ano do Ensino Médio, de uma escola pública situada na cidade de Palmeira dos Índios, Alagoas. A problemática trabalhada diz respeito ao saneamento básico na localidade adjacente à escola, o descarte inadequado de resíduos e o impacto na qualidade de vida da comunidade, considerando que muitos dos participantes da pesquisa residem nessa área. Para tanto, adotamos os preceitos da abordagem qualitativa, sob o arcabouço teórico da decolonialidade (Walsh, 2013; Queiroz et al., 2019; Cusicanqui, 2010) e do letramento crítico (Moreira Junior, 2020; Bezerra, 2019; Meniconi, 2021). Os resultados evidenciam que o emprego do gênero fotodenúncia estimulou a postura crítica dos alunos, possibilitando a mudança de perspectiva, o cultivo da empatia, a busca por justiça social e o entendimento dos direitos e deveres de cada cidadão, dentre outros fatores que desencadeiam uma prática transformadora.
“Ao Sul do berço da humanidade”:
Authors: Oliveira Marcia Lisbôa Costa de
Published: February 2024

Neste trabalho, apresenta-se parte de uma investigação sobre transições teórico-metodológicas em direção à decolonialidade na formação universitária de docentes de língua portuguesa. O objetivo do artigo é explorar concepções de língua e letramento que perpassam o ensino de língua portuguesa, problematizando-se suas relações com a colonização epistêmica, bem como com epistemicídios e glotocídios. Toma-se como marco teórico o conceito de colonialidade (QUIJANO, 1997, 2005 e 2007), que assinala a permanência do padrão capitalista, moderno e colonial, baseado na classificação racial, em sociedades contemporâneas. A premissa deste artigo é que a transformação do ensino de língua portuguesa implica a compreensão do impacto das energias coloniais de dominação, exploração e conflito em concepções, práticas, discursos e documentos sobre o ensino de língua portuguesa. Nesse sentido, examina-se o apagamento do multilinguismo no Brasil colonial, assim como a concepção hegemônica de letramento, ligada à escolarização e ao domínio da norma padrão escrita. Entende-se ambas as ideias como traços da colonialidade do saber. Considerando-se que a conjugação entre elas contribui para o reforço de dominações posicionadas na interseção de raça, classe e gênero, que são produzidas e reproduzidas na língua/linguagem, indicam-se possíveis caminhos transformativos a partir das noções de cosmopolitismo linguístico, linguajamento e letramentos pluridiversos.
Fronteira, educação e pesquisa
Authors: Guidio Alves de Oliveira Cátia Regina , A Oliveira Renata , Ribeiro Berger Isis
Published: February 2024

Resumo: Regiões fronteiriças em que os ambientes formais e informais são culturalmente diversos apresentam-se como campos fecundos para pesquisa em Estudos da Linguagem e nas Ciências Humanas e possibilitam discutir, ampliar investigações acerca da realidade linguística e educacional existente nesses contextos plurais. Dessa forma, revisões bibliográficas tornam-se caminhos necessários para a composição de inventários das produções acadêmicas voltadas à compreensão do tema em questão. Nosso objetivo neste artigo é, inicialmente, apresentar um levantamento de teses que abordam o tema da educação em contextos de fronteiras brasileiras, com intuito de identificar quais problemáticas foram contempladas nas produções acadêmicas, quais desafios e contribuições que emergem destes e para estes contextos fronteiriços. Além disso, visamos mapear quais desses estudos se articulam questões e fenômenos linguísticos que se dão em contextos de Educação Básica. Tomamos como método investigativo a pesquisa bibliográfica e procedemos de forma sistemática para uma revisão de literatura referente ao tema proposto. Utilizamos como base de dados o portal Capes (Teses e Dissertações) e privilegiamos somente as teses produzidas na última década (de 2014 a 2023). Como resultado, obtivemos um panorama significativo acerca das várias realidades educacionais e linguísticas vivenciadas em diferentes contextos fronteiriços e que fomentam futuras investigações.
Isolation and Characterization of Antagonistic Bacterial Strains for Biocontrol of Collar Rot (Aspergillus niger) in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors:   Institute of Biotechnology, Hue University, Thua Thien Hue 49000, Vietnam, Nga Nguyen Thi Minh , Hieu Nguyen Xuan ,   Institute of Biotechnology, Hue University, Thua Thien Hue 49000, Vietnam,   Department of Education and Training of Quang Tri province. 136 National Highway No.9, Ward 1, Dong Ha City, Quang Tri 48000, Vietnam, Long Nguyen Tien ,   Institute of Biotechnology, Hue University, Thua Thien Hue 49000, Vietnam, Huy Nguyen Duc ,   Institute of Biotechnology, Hue University, Thua Thien Hue 49000, Vietnam, Thuy Nguyen Thi Thu ,   Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, Thua Thien Hue 49000, Vietnam
Published: February 2024

Aspergillus niger is a pathogenic fungus causing collar rot disease in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The species is currently recognized as one of the most severe threats to groundnut worldwide, negatively impacting on productivity and quality of groundnut. This study was conducted to isolate bacterial strains capable of inhibiting the pathogenic A. niger QT1 strain as well as the production of some extracellular cell wall hydrolytic enzymes. A preliminary screening resulted in a total of 138 bacterial isolates exhibiting endo-β-1,3-glucanase activity. The second screening resulted in 10 isolates showing strong antagonistic activities against A. niger QT1 of 41.05 to 61.6% inhibitory ability. Among these, five isolates produced high cell wall hydrolytic enzymes, including endo β-1,3-glucanase, chitinase, and cellulase. Using the nucleotide sequence of 16s rRNA as a marker, it was revealed that these isolates were identified as Bacillus velezensis (2 strains), and Bacillus siamensis (3 strains). The in vivo evaluation of the potential application for treatment of A. niger QT1 demonstrated that all five strains effectively controlled collar rot disease of groundnuts. The highest efficacy was observerd in the treatment supplemented with B. velezensis 137 with no groundnut death. The present results strongly supported for the application of bacteria as biocontrol agents in order to replace the use of chemical plant fungal pesticides.
Machine Learning Predictive Modeling of Agricultural Sustainability Indicators
Authors: Sudarsono Raden Roro Shafira Meisy , Wandebori Harimukti
Published: February 2024

Modern-day researchers are provided with data abundance that has its drawback: increased analysis complexity. Approaching this issue through traditional data analysis techniques provides only partial solutions to the complex situation. This research offers analytical and predictive models based on machine‐learning algorithms (linear regression, random forest, and generalized additive model) that can be used to assess and improve the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) impact over agricultural sustainability in European Union (EU) countries, providing the identification of proper instruments that can be adopted by EU policymakers and CAP Council in financial management of the policy. The chosen methodology elaborates custom‐developed models based on a dataset containing 22 relevant indicators, considering three main dimensions contributing to the EU sustainable agriculture development goals in the CAP context: social, environment, and economic. The results showed that sustainable agriculture parameters influenced by the relevant indicators could be modeled with both linear and non-linear regression approaches by utilization of real-time data using machine learning. The predictive analytic models provide satisfactory performance and could be adopted by researchers and practitioners as policy impact monitoring and controlling tools, not only the EU but also for other countries that have or plan to adopt similar agricultural policies.

Keywords: Agricultural policies, common agricultural policy, machine learning, rural development, sustainable agriculture
PAIRS TRADING APLICADO AO MERCADO DE CAPITAIS BRASILEIRO: UMA ABORDAGEM VIA COINTEGRAÇÃO E ORNSTEIN-UHLENBECK
Authors: Venturini Lucas Stumpf , De Moraes Gustavo Inácio
Published: February 2024

Este estudo é realizado explorando o fato de que a arbitragem estatística como estratégia de trade obteve grandes avanços na sua metodologia nos últimos 35 anos acompanhando a evolução econométrica. Como consequência, aplicou-se a estratégia de pairs trading por cointegração com um filtro de meia-vida, calculado via equação de Ornstein-Uhlenbeck, e através de diferentes testes de raíz unitária no mercado brasileiro de capitais com o objetivo de verificar se a metodologia apresenta lucratividade. Apesar de haver perdas em alguns pares de ações, verificou-se que a estratégia apresenta lucratividade.
Editorial
Authors: Giraldi Janaina De Moura Engracia
Published: February 2024

Editorial
Fundamental period equations for plan irregular moment-resisting frame buildings
Authors:   Nirma University, Department of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology, Ahmedabad-382481, Gujarat, India, Suthar Jahanvi , Purohit Sharadkumar ,   Nirma University, Department of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology, Ahmedabad-382481, Gujarat, India
Published: February 2024

The fundamental natural period of oscillation is a critical parameter in evaluating the design base shear of buildings. Worldwide seismic design codes typically employ height-based empirical formulas to estimate this period for various building categories, without distinguishing between regular and irregular buildings. This study proposes a formula specifically for reinforced concrete (RC) moment-resisting frame (MRF) buildings with dominant re-entrant corner type plan irregularity. A total of 190 re-entrant corner dominant building models with different shapes (C-, L-, T-, and PLUS-type), heights, and floor configurations were prepared, and eigenvalue analysis (EVA) was conducted. The fundamental natural period of oscillation for each model was evaluated and compared with the height-based formulas from seismic design codes and the period–height relationship proposed in existing literature. A nonlinear regression model, using a multi-variable power function, is proposed to estimate the fundamental natural period for these re-entrant corner dominant building models. This model considers the A/L ratio in both directions of the building, along with its height. Both unconstrained and constrained regression analyses were performed to derive a formula that best fits the fundamental natural period data. The study recommends that the unconstrained best-fit minus one standard deviation curve can conservatively define the fundamental natural period of oscillation for re-entrant corner dominant RC building models. The equation defining this curve has the potential to replace the existing seismic design code-based period-height formula.
Introduction
Authors: Miller Jacob C.
Published: February 2024

The Introduction provides starting points for understanding what ruins are and what retail ruins might be. There are three ideas that are presented here that frame the book: first, ruins have hauntological capacities; second, hauntings are affective; and, third, this affective hauntology of the retail ruin reveals a void that troubles the spectacle of retail capital everywhere it goes.
Conclusion
Authors: Miller Jacob C.
Published: February 2024

The conclusion summarizes the main concepts and reminds the reader of the meaning of key terms like ‘spectacle’ and ‘haunting’. It also raises questions about the boundary between authenticity and alienation that the retail ruins provoke, and reminds readers that this methodology is about detecting social power and politics.
French Volunteers in Benjamin Franklin's Correspondence: The American Revolution as Mirror of a Military Crisis
Authors: Tnaïnchi Leïla
Published: February 2024

Abstract: The French who took part in the American War for Independence have been the subject of many historical studies. However, the correspondence of Benjamin Franklin offers new elements about these numerous volunteers coming from multiple geographical and social backgrounds. In their letters to the American commissioner, military men, nobles, ecclesiastics, surgeons, lawyers, engineers, peasants, and even convicts—most of whom never left the France—explained their motives for crossing the Atlantic Ocean to fight the British army on the side of the Patriots. From that epistolary source emerges also the perception those subjects of Louis XVI had of the Americans and the United States. All this information reveals a French society imbued with many contradictions, such as the public attraction for enemies fought during the Seven Years' War and the glorification of ancestral nobiliary values through a war for the benefit of a young republic.
Documenting a Proposed 1781 French-American Attack on New York: The Chastellux Archive and the Epic Finale That Never Was
Authors: Stoltz Joseph F.
Published: February 2024

Abstract: In the summer of 1781, a Franco-American army under the command of George Washington contemplated an elaborate attack on New York City that, it hoped, would bring the American War for Independence to a close. The details of that plan were lost to history, until a few years ago. Discovered in the papers of Francois-Jean de Chastellux in the private Chastellux family archives in Burgundy, France, the battleplan is now in the George Washington Presidential Library in Mount Vernon, Virginia. Historians of the American War of Independence have traditionally depicted the summer of 1781 as a period of rest for the Continental and French armies. The Chastellux battleplan showcases the extent to which Washington considered an attack on New York and highlights a complex preparatory operation conducted in its suburbs that gave both armies the chance to work together long before they went into action in Yorktown.
Organizing within an HBCU: Huston-Tillotson University and Central Texas Interfaith
Authors: Greco Doug , Johnson Warinda
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT: This article discusses the organizing partnership between Huston-Tillotson University and Central Texas Interfaith (CTI), the Industrial Areas Foundation affiliate in Austin, Texas. Huston-Tillotson is Austin’s oldest institution of higher education. It is located next to several of CTI’s founding congregations in East Austin. The article explores the fundamentals of the broad-based organizing model through examples and stories from this collaboration. Key to the success of this effort has been a diverse collective of leaders, a broad agenda of issues, and a deeply rooted institutional base that has ownership of the organizing effort.
Impact of third-order dispersion on the dynamics of dissipative solitons in an ultrafast fiber laser
Authors: Luo Min , Chen Nai-Miao , Liu Meng , Zhang Ze-Xian , Liu Jia-Hao , Wu Dai-Xuan , Luo Ai-Ping , Xu Wen-Cheng , Luo Zhi-Chao
Published: February 2024

Dissipative solitons (DSs), due to the complex interplay among dispersion, nonlinear, gain and loss, illustrate abundant nonlinear dynamics behaviors. Especially, dispersion plays an important role in the research of DS dynamics in ultrafast fiber lasers. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effect of even-order dispersion, i.e., group velocity dispersion (GVD) and fourth-order dispersion. In fact, odd-order dispersions, such as third-order dispersion (TOD), also significantly influences the dynamics of DSs. However, due to the lack of dispersion engineering tools, few experimental researches in this domain have been reported. In this work, by employing a pulse shaper in ultrafast fiber laser, an in-depth exploration of the DS dynamics influenced by TOD was conducted. With the increase of TOD value, the stable single DS undergoes a splitting into two solitons and then enters explosion state, and ultimately evolves into a chaotic state. The laser operation state is correlated to dispersion profile, which could be controlled by TOD. Here, the positive dispersion at long-wavelength side will be gradually shifted to negative dispersion by increasing the TOD, where soliton effect will drive the transitions. These findings offer valuable insights into the nonlinear dynamics of ultrafast lasers and may also foster applications involving higher-order dispersion.
EO nonlinear function generator
Authors: Dang Zhangqi , Deng Zeyu , Chen Tao , Ding Zhenming , Zhang Ziyang
Published: February 2024

An electro-optical programmable nonlinear function generator (PNFG) is developed on a multimode waveguide with four parallel thermal electrodes. The current on one electrode is chosen as the input, while the rest serve as function-defining units to modulate the multimode interference. The electro-thermo-optical effects are analyzed step by step and the impact on the eigenmode properties is derived. It shows that the optical output power variation by altered interference, in response to the input current, manifests as a complex ensemble of functions in general. The PNFG aims to find the special setting under which such relation can be simplified into some basic functions. Through an optimization program, a variety of such functions are found, including Sigmoid, SiLU, and Gaussian. Furthermore, the shape of these functions can be adjusted by finetuning the defining units. This device may be integrated in a large-scale photonic computing network that can tackle complex problems with nonlinear function adaptability.
Mode conversion of various solitons in parabolic and cross-phase potential wells
Authors: Wang Qing , Mihalache Dumitru , Belić Milivoj R. , Lin Ji
Published: February 2024

We numerically establish the controllable conversion between Laguerre–Gaussian and Hermite–Gaussian solitons in nonlinear media featuring parabolic and cross-phase potential wells. The parabolic potential maintains the stability of Laguerre–Gaussian and Hermite–Gaussian beams, while the actual conversion between the two modes is facilitated by the cross-phase potential, which induces an additional phase shift. By flexibly engineering the range of the cross-phase potential well, various higher-mode solitons can be generated at desired distances. Beams carrying orbital angular momentum can also be efficiently controlled by this method. In addition, other types of beams, such as sine complex-various-function Gaussian and hypergeometric-Gaussian vortex beams, can be periodically transformed and manipulated in a similar manner. Our approach allows the intricate internal relationships between different modes of beams to be conveniently revealed.
Amplification of femtosecond pulses with AI-assisted spectral phase modulation
Authors: Krakowski Mikołaj , Kwaśny Alicja , Soboń Grzegorz
Published: February 2024

We report our investigation on ultrashort laser pulse optimization using an AI algorithm in a system consisting of a mode-locked oscillator, a spectral phase shaper, and a highly nonlinear amplifier. We analyzed the performance of the pulse optimization process as a function of two main parameters: the resolution of spectral phase modulation and the number of agents in the algorithm. We showed that the algorithm could find an optimum phase profile for the seed pulse, which allowed for a reduction of the FWHM of the amplified pulse by 10 fs (from 46 to 36 fs), and significantly reduced the intensity of the side-pulse by a factor of 4.6. Importantly, the algorithm used does not require any training and optimizes the pulse shape without any knowledge about the input pulse parameters or the parameters of the amplifier. We believe the proposed system might be a convenient test bed for evaluating various AI-based algorithms in a pulse optimization task.
ECOD domain classification of 48 whole proteomes from AlphaFold Structure Database using DPAM2
Authors: Schaeffer R. Dustin , Zhang Jing , Medvedev Kirill E. , Kinch Lisa N. , Cong Qian , Grishin Nick V.
Published: February 2024

Protein structure prediction has now been deployed widely across several different large protein sets. Large-scale domain annotation of these predictions can aid in the development of biological insights. Using our Evolutionary Classification of Protein Domains (ECOD) from experimental structures as a basis for classification, we describe the detection and cataloging of domains from 48 whole proteomes deposited in the AlphaFold Database. On average, we can provide positive classification (either of domains or other identifiable non-domain regions) for 90% of residues in all proteomes. We classified 746,349 domains from 536,808 proteins comprised of over 226,424,000 amino acid residues. We examine the varying populations of homologous groups in both eukaryotes and bacteria. In addition to containing a higher fraction of disordered regions and unassigned domains, eukaryotes show a higher proportion of repeated proteins, both globular and small repeats. We enumerate those highly populated domains that are shared in both eukaryotes and bacteria, such as the Rossmann domains, TIM barrels, and P-loop domains. Additionally, we compare the sampling of homologous groups from this whole proteome set against our stable ECOD reference and discuss groups that have been enriched by structure predictions. Finally, we discuss the implication of these results for protein target selection for future classification strategies for very large protein sets.
Exposure of African ape sites to climate change impacts
Authors: Kiribou Razak , Tehoda Paul , Chukwu Onyekachi , Bempah Godfred , Kühl Hjalmar S. , Ferreira Julie , Sop Tenekwetche , Carvalho Joana , Mengel Matthias , Kulik Lars , Samedi Mucyo Jean Pierre , van der Hoek Yntze , Heinicke Stefanie
Published: February 2024

Large gaps remain in our understanding of the vulnerability of specific animal taxa and regions to climate change, especially regarding extreme climate impact events. Here, we assess African apes, flagship and highly important umbrella species for sympatric biodiversity. We estimated past (1981–2010) and future exposure to climate change impacts across 363 sites in Africa for RCP2.6 and RCP6.0 for near term (2021–2050) and long term (2071–2099). We used fully harmonized climate data and data on extreme climate impact events from the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP). Historic data show that 171 sites had positive temperature anomalies for at least nine of the past ten years with the strongest anomalies (up to 0.56°C) estimated for eastern chimpanzees. Climate projections suggest that temperatures will increase across all sites, while precipitation changes are more heterogeneous. We estimated a future increase in heavy precipitation events for 288 sites, and an increase in the number of consecutive dry days by up to 20 days per year (maximum increase estimated for eastern gorillas). All sites will be frequently exposed to wildfires and crop failures in the future, and the latter could impact apes indirectly through increased deforestation. 84% of sites are projected to be exposed to heatwaves and 78% of sites to river floods. Tropical cyclones and droughts were only projected for individual sites in western and central Africa. We further compiled available evidence on how climate change impacts could affect apes, for example, through heat stress and dehydration, a reduction in water sources and fruit trees, and reduced physiological performance, body condition, fertility, and survival. To support necessary research on the sensitivity and adaptability of African apes to climate change impacts, and the planning and implementation of conservation measures, we provide detailed results for each ape site on the open-access platform A.P.E.S. Wiki.
Longitudinal analysis of post-acute chikungunya-associated arthralgia in children and adults: A prospective cohort study in Managua, Nicaragua (2014–2018)
Authors: Warnes Colin M. , Bustos Carrillo Fausto Andres , Zambrana Jose Victor , Lopez Mercado Brenda , Arguello Sonia , Ampié Oscarlette , Collado Damaris , Sanchez Nery , Ojeda Sergio , Kuan Guillermina , Gordon Aubree , Balmaseda Angel , Harris Eva
Published: February 2024

Chikungunya can result in debilitating arthralgia, often presenting as acute, self-limited pain, but occasionally manifesting chronically. Little is known about differences in chikungunya-associated arthralgia comparing children to adults over time. To characterize long-term chikungunya-associated arthralgia, we recruited 770 patients (105 0–4 years old [y/o], 200 5–9 y/o, 307 10–15 y/o, and 158 16+ y/o) with symptomatic chikungunya virus infections in Managua, Nicaragua, during two consecutive chikungunya epidemics (2014–2015). Participants were assessed at ~15 days and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months post-fever onset. Following clinical guidelines, we defined participants by their last reported instance of arthralgia as acute (≤10 days post-fever onset), interim (>10 and <90 days), or chronic (≥90 days) cases. We observed a high prevalence of arthralgia (80–95%) across all ages over the study period. Overall, the odds of acute arthralgia increased in an age-dependent manner, with the lowest odds of arthralgia in the 0–4 y/o group (odds ratio [OR]: 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14–0.51) and the highest odds of arthralgia in the 16+ y/o participants (OR: 4.91, 95% CI: 1.42–30.95) relative to 10–15 y/o participants. Females had higher odds of acute arthralgia than males (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.01–2.65) across all ages. We found that 23–36% of pediatric and 53% of adult participants reported an instance of post-acute arthralgia. Children exhibited the highest prevalence of post-acute polyarthralgia in their legs, followed by the hands and torso – a pattern not seen among adult participants. Further, we observed pediatric chikungunya presenting in two distinct phases: the acute phase and the subsequent interim/chronic phases. Thus, differences in the presentation of arthralgia were observed across age, sex, and disease phase in this longitudinal chikungunya cohort. Our results elucidate the long-term burden of chikungunya-associated arthralgia among pediatric and adult populations.
The effect of UVA light/8-methoxypsoralen exposure used in Extracorporeal Photopheresis treatment on platelets and extracellular vesicles
Authors: Macleod Hayley , Weiss Luisa , Kelliher Sarah , Kevane Barry , Ní Áinle Fionnuala , Maguire Patricia B.
Published: February 2024

Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) is a leukapheresis based treatment for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, which takes advantage of the cellular lethal effects of UVA light in combination with a photoactivated drug, 8-methoxypsoralen. 25% of patients treated with ECP do not respond to treatment, however the underlying mechanisms for this lack of response remain unknown. Platelets, a rich source of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and key mediators in thromboinflammatory oncological progression, as well as leukocytes, are both processed through ECP and are subsequently transfused back into the patient, delivering potent immunomodulation. The effect of exposing platelets and their EVs directly to Ultra Violet A light (UVA)/8-methoxypsoralen is currently unknown. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was isolated from healthy donors and exposed to UVA light and/or 8-methoxysporalen in vitro and platelet activation and aggregation was assessed. EV size and concentration were also characterised by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis and Flow Cytometry. We found that UVA light and 8-methoxypsoralen treatment in vitro does not induce platelet aggregation or significantly alter levels of the platelet activation markers, soluble P-selectin or platelet factor 4, with circulating levels of small and large EV size and concentration remaining constant. Therefore, utilising the combination of UVA light and 8-methoxypsoralen used in ECP in vitro does not activate platelets or alter important circulating EVs. Further studies will be needed to validate if our observations are consistent in vivo.
Association of lipid-lowering drugs with osteoarthritis outcomes from a drug-target Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ma Weiwei , Chen Honggu , Zhang Zhiwen , Xiong Yong
Published: February 2024

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder, has been suggested to have a potential association with metabolic syndrome, particularly lipid metabolism. Studies exploring the effects of lipid-lowering drugs on OA have yielded conflicting results.

Objective

This study employed a drug-targeted Mendelian randomization approach to investigate the association between genetically predicted lipid-modulating effects of commonly targeted lipid-lowering agents and the risk of OA, with the aim of providing a theoretical foundation for the use of lipid-lowering drugs in OA treatment.

Methods

Employing Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, we examined the potential causal relationship between lipid-lowering drugs and OA. Genetic variants associated with LDL cholesterol levels were selected from the GWAS summary data, and a series of statistical analyses, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger, were performed to estimate causal effects.

Results

We observed significant associations between genetically proxied lipid-lowering drug targets and OA risk. Notably, HMGCR-mediated LDL cholesterol showed an association with overall OA of the hip or knee (OR = 0.865, 95%CI: 0.762 to 0.983, p = 0.026, q = 0.07) and knee osteoarthritis specifically (OR = 0.746, 95%CI: 0.639 to 0.871, p = 2.180×10−4, q = 0.004). PCSK9-mediated LDL cholesterol also demonstrated an association with OA of the hip or knee (OR = 0.915, 95%CI: 0.847 to 0.988, p = 0.023, q = 0.07) and knee osteoarthritis (OR = 0.901, 95%CI: 0.821 to 0.990, p = 0.03, q = 0.07). NPC1L1-mediated LDL cholesterol showed a positive association with OA of the hip or knee (OR = 1.460, 95%CI: 1.127 to 1.890, p = 0.004, q = 0.033). Furthermore, LDLR-mediated LDL cholesterol demonstrated an association with OA of the hip or knee (OR = 0.882, 95%CI: 0.788 to 0.988, p = 0.03, q = 0.07) and hip osteoarthritis (OR = 0.867, 95%CI: 0.769 to 0.978, p = 0.02, q = 0.07).

Conclusions

These findings provide preliminary evidence for the potential therapeutic use of lipid-lowering drugs in OA treatment. Further investigation is needed to validate these findings and explore the precise mechanisms underlying the observed associations.
Whole cell reconstructions of Leishmania mexicana through the cell cycle
Authors: Hair Molly , Yanase Ryuji , Moreira-Leite Flávia , Wheeler Richard John , Sádlová Jovana , Volf Petr , Vaughan Sue , Sunter Jack Daniel
Published: February 2024

The unicellular parasiteLeishmaniahas a precisely defined cell architecture that is inherited by each subsequent generation, requiring a highly coordinated pattern of duplication and segregation of organelles and cytoskeletal structures. A framework of nuclear division and morphological changes is known from light microscopy, yet this has limited resolution and the intrinsic organisation of organelles within the cell body and their manner of duplication and inheritance is unknown. Using volume electron microscopy approaches, we have produced three-dimensional reconstructions of different promastigote cell cycle stages to give a spatial and quantitative overview of organelle positioning, division and inheritance. The first morphological indications seen in our dataset that a new cell cycle had begun were the assembly of a new flagellum, the duplication of the contractile vacuole and the increase in volume of the nucleus and kinetoplast. We showed that the progression of the cytokinesis furrow created a specific pattern of membrane indentations, while our analysis of sub-pellicular microtubule organisation indicated that there is likely a preferred site of new microtubule insertion. The daughter cells retained these indentations in their cell body for a period post-abscission. By comparing cultured and sand fly derived promastigotes, we found an increase in the number and overall volume of lipid droplets in the promastigotes from the sand fly, reflecting a change in their metabolism to ensure transmissibility to the mammalian host. Our insights into the cell cycle mechanics ofLeishmaniawill support future molecular cell biology analyses of these parasites.