bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linear dark matter density perturbations: A Wigner approach
Authors: Ourabah Kamel
Published: December 2020

In the Newtonian regime, the dynamics of scalar field dark matter is governed by the Schrödinger-Poisson model. In the usual treatment, the model is represented in a hydrodynamic form, by introducing macroscopic quantities such as the density and the average velocity. Here, we discuss an alternative kinetic representation of the same model, by relying on the Wigner function. This representation contains the hydrodynamic formulation as a special case but allows accounting for possible velocity dispersion while the hydrodynamic representation allows none. It has also the advantage of making more explicit the

limit, yielding the Vlasov regime. We discuss in particular the effect of the broadening of the Wigner function, arising from the statistical properties of the wave function, and show that it gives rise to a Landau-like damping that tends to suppress the gravitational instability for larger wave-length perturbations.
On the quantization of the extremal Reissner-Nordström black hole
Authors: Corda Christian , Feleppa Fabiano , Tamburini Fabrizio
Published: December 2020

Following Rosen's quantization rules, two of the authors (C. Corda and F. Feleppa) recently described the Schwarzschild black hole (BH) formed after the gravitational collapse of a pressureless “star of dust” in terms of a “gravitational hydrogen atom”. Here we generalize this approach to the gravitational collapse of a charged object, namely, to the geometry of a Reissner-Nordström BH (RNBH) and calculate the gravitational potential, the Schrödinger equation and the exact solutions of the energy levels of the gravitational collapse. By using the concept of BH effective state, previously introduced by one of us (CC), we describe the quantum gravitational potential, the mass spectrum and the energy spectrum for the extremal RNBH. The area spectrum derived from the mass spectrum finds agreement with a previous result by Bekenstein. The stability of these solutions, described with the Majorana approach to the Archaic Universe scenario, shows the existence of oscillatory regimes or exponential damping for the evolution of a small perturbation from a stable state.
Twisting of graphene nanoribbons partially located on flat substrates
Authors: Savin A. V. , Klinov A. P.
Published: December 2020

The molecular dynamics simulation of longitudinal twisting of graphene nanoribbons hanging from the edge of a flat substrate formed by the surface of a hexagonal boron nitride crystal has been performed. It has been shown that rotation of the free end of a nanoribbon causes twisting of the suspended region accompanied by monotonous sliding of the nanoribbon over the substrate. At the beginning, a regular screw-like shape is formed in the suspended section, next a super-twisted section emerges inside it, further growth of which occurs due to pulling of the nanoribbon from the substrate. After separation from the substrate, the twisted nanoribbon folds into a roll, so that further twisting results only in free rotation of the roll.
First-in-Human, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial of an Oral Dose of GnRH Antagonist TU2670 in Healthy Women
Authors: Han Sungpil , Cho Yong-Soon , Yoon Seok-Kyu , Lim Kyoung Soo , Cho Sang-Heon , Kim JaeWoo , Choe Sangmin , Jung Jinah , Ghim Jong-Lyul , Choi SangKeun , Lee Minhee , Kim Seon Mi , Kim Hun-Taek , Lim Hyeong-Seok , Yoon Shim Jae , Bae Kyun-Seop
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of TU2670, a novel orally active, nonpeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist administered to healthy female participants.

Methods

This was a first-in-human, multicenter, phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose ascending trial that took place in multiple medical centers. A total of 16 healthy premenopausal women (23 to 45 years of age) were randomized and received 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg TU2670 (GnRH antagonist) or placebo 7 days (±1 day) after the onset of menstrual bleeding. We performed a noncompartmental analysis for pharmacokinetic parameters and calculated relative minimum concentration values (Cmin, % Baseline) of serum pharmacodynamic (PD) markers (luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], and estradiol).

Results

There were no significant differences among treatments with respect to vital signs, electrocardiography, adverse events, ovulation test results, and ultrasonography. The median Tmax of TU2670 occurred 0.75 to 1.00 hours after dosing, and concentrations then declined, with a mean apparent half-life (t1/2) of 3.0 to 5.9 hours. AUClast (17.7-417.9 ng·h/mL) and Cmax (8.1-95.4 ng/mL) increased in a dose-dependent manner. The PD analysis after a single administration of TU2670 revealed dose-dependent suppression of LH, FSH, and estradiol. Maximal suppression of the pre-dose baseline (%) was 58% to 82% at 6 to 8 hours for LH, 28% to 39% at 6 to 12 hours for FSH, and 34% to 82% at 12 to 24 hours for estradiol.

Conclusion

The single administration of TU2670 in healthy premenopausal women was well tolerated and resulted in the dose-dependent suppression of LH, FSH, and estradiol, suggesting rapid and significant inhibition of pituitary and ovarian hormones.
COMPLEX SCRINING OF SPECIALTIES OF HEART RATE VARIABILITY IN STUDENTS AT MEGAPOLIS
Authors: Bocharin I , Martusevich A. , Dilenyan L
Published: December 2020

The aim of the study was to study the state of systemic hemodynamics in students of the main higher educational institutions of Nizhny Novgorod during the inter-sessional period. It was found that this group of individuals has good adaptive reserves, but some of the surveyed students have signs of sympathicotonia and a moderate risk of arrhythmogenic events
The effectiveness of the resiliency training on the perceived stress and coping strategies of the mothers of the children with autism
Authors: Kord Nooshin , Bazzazian Saeideh
Published: December 2020

Aim of the study

This study is conducted in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the resiliency training on the perceived stress and coping strategies of the mothers of the children with autism.

Subject or material and methods

This study is quasi-experimental with the pretest-posttest design and the control group. The population of this study is consisted of all of the mothers of the autistic children who are aged between 3 to 10 years old and received services at the Tehran Autism Center in 2018. The study sample is consisted of 30 mothers who were selected by the convenient sampling method, and were randomly assigned into the study (15 people) and control (15 people) groups. The Coping with Stressful Conditions Scale of Endler and Parker (1990) and the Perceived Stress Scale of Cohen et al. (1983) were used in order to collect the data. The Resiliency training was given to the study group in nine sessions, and each session lasted for one hour. The SPSS-22 statistical software was used for the data analysis.

Results

The results of this study showed that the intervention (the resiliency training) improved the problem-focused coping strategies in the study group (P <0.05). It also reduced the perceived stress, and the emotion-focused, and avoidance coping strategies (P <0.05).

Discussion

However, there was no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test in the control group.

Conclusions

Totally, it can be concluded that the resiliency training plays an effective role in the management of the stress in the mothers of the autistic children.
The archetype of the double in middle adolescence: Theoretical reflections based on action research
Authors: Schiltz Lony
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Stories written under musical induction allow studying symbolic figures emerging during the psychotherapeutic process. During multimodal arts psychotherapy, based on a combination of active music therapy and the production of stories under musical induction, the archetype of the alter ego frequently appears in texts written by adolescents (Schiltz, 2008). This archetype shows its different facets during the psychotherapeutic process.

Methods and research questions
With the help of a qualitative study, based on the phenomenological content analysis of the TAT and the stories written under musical induction with N=52 students suffering from emotional (subgroup I) or conduct disorders (subgroup D), we answered the following questions:

• Can we recognise in these symbols compensatory features regarding the person’s initial problems?
• Do they gradually expand during the therapeutic progress, so that they reflect the integration of the hidden and split parts of the self?
• What is generally their role in the adolescents’ search for identity, beyond the realm of the pathology?

Results
The results of the study opened psychotherapeutic perspectives for tertiary prevention in adolescence.
Editorial
Authors: Samochowiec Jerzy , Cyranka Katarzyna
Published: December 2020

Mental health disorders and addictions affect no less than 40% of children and adolescents worldwide. One out of every ten youths is estimated to require intensive psychiatric treatment [1]. Mental disorders of the developmental period are an increasingly growing phenomenon. According to WHO, neuro-psychiatric disorders are to be the first of the 5 leading medical conditions, causes of death and disability among children in 2020 [2]. Previously observed in other countries and cultural contexts, these trends are increasingly reflected not only in Poland and Europe, but also in various Asian and American regions. The problem of addiction to social media is discussed in the first article entitled Comorbidity of social media addiction and other mental disorders - an overview, by Krzysztof Szczygieł.
Lessons from Modeling and Running the World’s Largest Drive-Through Mass Vaccination Clinic
Authors: van de Kracht Thomas , Heragu Sunderesh S.
Published: December 2020

We provide an overview of the design and analysis of a simulation model that was used in designing, refining, planning, and implementing the world’s largest drive-through mass vaccination clinic in Louisville, Kentucky. The Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness department provided the H1N1 vaccine to 19,318 residents via a drive-through and a walk-up clinic over 1.5 days. Almost two-thirds of the people vaccinated used the drive-through clinic. The simulation model and its results helped advise the project commissioners about the feasibility of the drive-through vaccination. It also allowed them to determine the proper layout and levels of staffing for efficient dispensing of the vaccines. General observations made at the actual clinic and a comparison of those with the simulation model are presented. Recommendations and shortcomings are discussed for improving the flow of the drive-through and the effectiveness of the data gathering, which could be helpful in future efforts. With the entire world having to react to the COVID-19 pandemic and plan for protecting citizens against the novel coronavirus, the models we developed and the experience we gained could be helpful in administering COVID-19 tests to large swaths of the population quickly or dispense vaccines, when the latter becomes available.
Tackling vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Heffernan Catherine
Published: December 2020

Catherine Heffernan explains how nurses can counter the most common myths around vaccination
Theory of a rotationally shearing interferometer
Authors: Gonzalez-Romero Ricardo , Strojnik Marija , Garcia-Torales Guillermo
Published: December 2020

We developed a general theory about the performance of a rotational shearing interferometer. We apply the aberration theory to the detection of planets outside our planet system. We considered cases when the mutual coherence functions of the on-axis and the off-axis system are 0 and 1.
Waveguide integrated hot electron bolometer for classical and quantum photonics
Authors: Martini F. , Cibella S. , Gaggero A. , Mattioli F. , Leoni R.
Published: December 2020

The development of performant integrated detectors, which are sensitive to quantum fluctuations of coherent light, are strongly desired to realize a scalable and determinist photonic quantum processor based on continuous variables states of light. Here, we investigate the performance of hot electron bolometers (HEBs) fabricated on top of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) photonic circuit showing responsivities up to 8600 V/W and a record noise equivalent temperature of 1.1 dB above the quantum limit. Thanks to a detailed analysis of the noise sources of the waveguide integrated HEB, we estimate 14.8 dBV clearance between the shot noise and electrical noise with just 1.1µW of local oscillator power. The full technology compatibility with superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) opens the possibility of nonclassical state engineering and state tomography performed within the same platform, enabling a new class of optical quantum processors.
Dynamic secret-key provisioning in quantum-secured passive optical networks (PONs)
Authors: Wang Hua , Zhao Yongli , Tornatore Massimo , Yu Xiaosong , Zhang Jie
Published: December 2020

Quantum cryptography (QC) is currently under investigation to build highly secure optical communication networks. QC requires distribution of quantum keys (also called “secret” keys) on separate wavelength channels than those used to transmit the encrypted data. Hence, we propose a quantum-secured passive optical network (QS-PON) that supports both i) the traditional wavelength channels for secured data transmission, and ii) a quantum key distribution network (QKDN) running on separate dedicated wavelengths. The QKDN generates and stores secret keys that are then assigned to users’ demands served on traditional PON channels. To generate secret keys, quantum transmitters at the optical network units (ONUs) exchange qubits with a quantum receiver at the optical line terminal (OLT). Then, the generated secret keys are stored in quantum key pools (QKPs) installed at both OLT and the ONUs and assigned to users’ demands. Point-to-multipoint QKD systems have been experimentally demonstrated over various forms of quantum access networks (QANs), showing that an efficient mechanism to generate and assign quantum keys based on traffic requests is a critical component of QANs. In this study, we present a new QS-PON architecture, and we propose a dynamic secret-key provisioning (DSKP) algorithm that effectively generates and assigns secret keys from users’ demands. Our proposed DSKP algorithm features two phases, the lowest-first secret-key generation (LF-SKG) phase and the hierarchical-clustering secret-key consumption (HC-SKC) phase. In this study, we also provide an analytical model that describes how secret keys are generated and consumed in QKPs. In our illustrative numerical evaluation, we compare our algorithm for secret-key provisioning with a baseline IPACT-based solution in terms of service-rejection ratio, time-slot utilization, and guard- and relay-time saving. Results show that DSKP reduces service-rejection ratio and guard- and relay-time of about 16% and 39.54%, respectively.
High-accuracy measurement system for the refractive index of air based on a simple double-beam interferometry
Authors: Gao Hongtang , Wang Zhongyu , Zou Wei , Liu Yuzhang , Sun Shuanghua
Published: December 2020

A measurement system based on a simple double-beam interferometry is built to realize the measurement of air refractive index with high accuracy. The basic principle of the system is that, through measuring the change of optical path difference caused by rapid and smooth vacuumization, measurement of refractive index of air is converted to length measurement. Error correction and signal processing are studied to ensure high-accuracy measurement of the refractive index of air. Three applicable methods are used in system. The system based on the methods realize the subdivision and counting of interference fringe by software with three-error correction, error compensation for the end-window plates’ thickness change caused by vacuumization, steady realization of high vacuum conditions. To verify the accuracy and reliability of the system, the measurement results are compared with that obtained from the method based on empirical Edlén’s formula. Analysis result shows that the expanded measurement uncertainty of the system is U = 5×10−9, with k = 2. The system can be used to compensate the laser wavelength error caused by the refractive index of air with high accuracy.
Generalized far-field integral
Authors: Wang Zongzhao , Baladron-Zorita Olga , Hellmann Christian , Wyrowski Frank
Published: December 2020

The propagation of light in homogeneous media is a crucial technology in optical modeling and design as it constitutes a part of the vast majority of optical systems. Any improvements in accuracy and speed are therefore helpful. The far-field integral is one of the most widely used tools to calculate diffraction patterns. As a general rule, this approximate method requires the observation plane located in the far-field region, i.e., a very considerable propagation distance. Only in the well-designed (namely aberration-free) optical system does the far-field integral not suffer from the limitation of the large distance. Otherwise, the far-field integral cannot provide accurate results. In the present work, we generalize the far-field integral to a more general concept with a much more flexible application scope, which allows for the inclusion of aberrations as well. Finally, as an essential part of this generalization, the propagation to arbitrarily oriented planes is also taken into account.
X-ray computed tomography using partially coherent Fresnel diffraction with application to an optical fiber
Authors: Levine Zachary H. , Garboczi Edward J. , Peskin Adele P. , Ekman Axel A. , Mansfield Elisabeth , Holm Jason D.
Published: December 2020

A reconstruction algorithm for partially coherent x-ray computed tomography (XCT) including Fresnel diffraction is developed and applied to an optical fiber. The algorithm is applicable to a high-resolution tube-based laboratory-scale x-ray tomography instrument. The computing time is only a few times longer than the projective counterpart. The algorithm is used to reconstruct, with projections and diffraction, a tilt series acquired at the micrometer scale of a graded-index optical fiber using maximum likelihood and a Bayesian method based on the work of Bouman and Sauer. The inclusion of Fresnel diffraction removes some reconstruction artifacts and use of a Bayesian prior probability distribution removes others, resulting in a substantially more accurate reconstruction.
Ultrasensitive temperature sensor with Vernier-effect improved fiber Michelson interferometer
Authors: Zhao Yuanfang , Dai Maolin , Chen Zhenmin , Liu Xuanyi , Gandhi M. S. Aruna , Li Qian , Fu H. Y.
Published: December 2020

A novel fiber Michelson interferometer (FMI) based on parallel dual polarization maintaining fiber Sagnac interferometers (PMF-SIs) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated for temperature sensing. The free spectral range (FSR) difference of dual PMF-SIs determines the FSR of envelope and sensitivity of the sensor. The temperature sensitivity of parallel dual PMF-SIs is greatly enhanced by the Vernier effect. Experimental results show that the temperature sensitivity of the proposed sensor is improved from −1.646 nm/°C (single PMF-SI) to 78.984 nm/°C (parallel dual PMF-SIs), with a magnification factor of 47.99, and the temperature resolution is improved from ±0.03037°C to ±0.00063°C by optimizing the FSR difference between the two PMF-SIs. Our proposed ultrasensitive temperature sensor is with easy fabrication, low cost and simple configuration which can be implemented for various real applications that need high precision temperature measurement.
InGaN-diode-pumped AlGaInP VECSEL with sub-kHz linewidth at 689 nm
Authors: Moriya Paulo H. , Casula Riccardo , Chappell George A. , Parrotta Daniele C. , Ranta Sanna , Kahle Hermann , Guina Mircea , Hastie Jennifer E.
Published: December 2020

We report the design, growth, and characterization of an AlGaInP-based VECSEL, designed to be optically-pumped with an inexpensive high power blue InGaN diode laser, for emission around 689 nm. Up to 140 mW output power is achieved in a circularly-symmetric single transverse (TEM00) and single longitudinal mode, tunable from 683 to 693 nm. With intensity stabilization of the pump diode and frequency-stabilization of the VECSEL resonator to a reference cavity via the Pound-Drever-Hall technique, we measure the power spectral density of the VECSEL frequency noise, reporting sub-kHz linewidth at 689 nm. The VECSEL relative intensity noise (RIN) is <−130 dBc/Hz for all frequencies above 100 kHz. This compact laser system is suitable for use in quantum technologies, particularly those based on laser-cooled and trapped strontium atoms.
Nanometallic antenna-assisted amorphous silicon waveguide integrated bolometer for mid-infrared
Authors: Wu Yangbo , Qu Zhibo , Osman Ahmed , Wei Chen , Cao Wei , Tarazona Antulio , Oo Swe Zin , Chong Harold M. H. , Muskens Otto L. , Mashanovich Goran Z. , Nedeljkovic Milos
Published: December 2020

Bolometers are thermal detectors widely applied in the mid-infrared (MIR) wavelength range. In an integrated sensing system on chip, a broadband scalable bolometer absorbing the light over the whole MIR wavelength range could play an important role. In this work, we have developed a waveguide-based bolometer operating in the wavelength range of 3.72–3.88 µm on the amorphous silicon (a-Si) platform. Significant improvements in the bolometer design result in a

20
×

improved responsivity compared to earlier work on silicon-on-insulator (SOI). The bolometer offers 24.62% change in resistance per milliwatt of input power at 3.8 µm wavelength. The thermal conductance of the bolometer is

3.86
×

1

0

−
5

W

/

K

, and an improvement as large as 3 orders magnitude may be possible in the future through redesign of the device geometry.
Polarization-independent fiber-chip grating couplers optimized by the adaptive genetic algorithm
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Yu Hui , Huang Qikai , Zhang Zhaoyang , Zhou Zhiyan , Fu Zhilei , Xia Penghui , Wang Yuehai , Jiang Xiaoqing , Yang Jianyi
Published: December 2020

One-dimensional polarization-independent grating couplers are demonstrated with the aid of the adaptive genetic algorithm optimization. By adjusting the relative weight between the coupling efficiency and the bandwidth of the polarization-dependent loss (PDL), we control the evolution direction and customize the final performance of the device. Two specific designs are generated by giving more weight to the coupling efficiency and the PDL bandwidth, respectively. Coupling efficiencies of the first design are measured to be

−

7.6

d
B

and

−

7.9

d
B

at 1550 nm for TE and TM polarizations, respectively, while its 1.0 dB PDL bandwidth is 25.0 nm. In contrast, the second design presents higher coupling efficiencies of

−

7.6

d
B

and

−

7.2

d
B

at 1550 nm for TE and TM polarizations, respectively. However, its 1.0 dB PDL bandwidth is 22.0 nm.
Time-domain diffuse optics with 8.6  mm2 fast-gated SiPM for extreme light harvesting
Authors: Di Sieno L. , Ferocino E. , Conca E. , Sesta V. , Buttafava M. , Villa F. , Zappa F. , Contini D. , Torricelli A. , Taroni P. , Tosi A. , Pifferi A. , Dalla Mora A.
Published: December 2020

Fast time-gated single-photon detectors demonstrated high depth sensitivity in the detection of localized absorption perturbations inside scattering media, but their use for in vivo clinical applications—such as functional imaging of brain activation—was impaired by their small (

<

0.04

m
m

2

) active area. Here, we demonstrate, both on phantoms and in vivo, the performance of a fast-gated digital silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) that features an overall active area of

8.6

m
m

2

, overcoming the photon collection capability of established time-gated single-pixel detectors by orders of magnitude, enabling deep investigations within scattering media and high signal-to-noise ratios at late photon arrival times.
Femtosecond pulse generation from external cavity diode laser based on self-mode-locking
Authors: Alloush M. Ali , Brenner Carsten , Calò Cosimo , Hofmann Martin R.
Published: December 2020

In this Letter, we report optical pulse generation from a single-section diode gain chip, employed in an external cavity geometry based on the self-mode-locking regime. The gain chip emits light at 1550 nm wavelength range. The external cavity is operated at various repetition rates, ranging from 1 to 2.5 GHz. An optical pulse width of approximately 650 fs is obtained by fitting a Lorentzian distribution. A low RF spectral width of 78.875 kHz is measured corresponding to a low pulse-to-pulse RMS timing jitter of 1.273 ps. This system paves the way towards ultra-compact, cost-effective, and chirp-compensated femtosecond laser pulse sources with adjustable repetition rates.
Prediction error signaling explains neuronal mismatch responses in the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Casado-Román Lorena , Carbajal Guillermo V. , Pérez-González David , Malmierca Manuel S.
Published: December 2020

The mismatch negativity (MMN) is a key biomarker of automatic deviance detection thought to emerge from 2 cortical sources. First, the auditory cortex (AC) encodes spectral regularities and reports frequency-specific deviances. Then, more abstract representations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) allow to detect contextual changes of potential behavioral relevance. However, the precise location and time asynchronies between neuronal correlates underlying this frontotemporal network remain unclear and elusive. Our study presented auditory oddball paradigms along with “no-repetition” controls to record mismatch responses in neuronal spiking activity and local field potentials at the rat medial PFC. Whereas mismatch responses in the auditory system are mainly induced by stimulus-dependent effects, we found that auditory responsiveness in the PFC was driven by unpredictability, yielding context-dependent, comparatively delayed, more robust and longer-lasting mismatch responses mostly comprised of prediction error signaling activity. This characteristically different composition discarded that mismatch responses in the PFC could be simply inherited or amplified downstream from the auditory system. Conversely, it is more plausible for the PFC to exert top-down influences on the AC, since the PFC exhibited flexible and potent predictive processing, capable of suppressing redundant input more efficiently than the AC. Remarkably, the time course of the mismatch responses we observed in the spiking activity and local field potentials of the AC and the PFC combined coincided with the time course of the large-scale MMN-like signals reported in the rat brain, thereby linking the microscopic, mesoscopic, and macroscopic levels of automatic deviance detection.
Alcohol dependence promotes systemic IFN-γ and IL-17 responses in mice
Authors: Frank Kayla , Abeynaike Shawn , Nikzad Rana , Patel Reesha R. , Roberts Amanda J. , Roberto Marisa , Paust Silke
Published: December 2020

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD is associated with a variety of physiological changes and is a substantial risk factor for numerous diseases. We aimed to characterize systemic alterations in immune responses using a well-established mouse model of chronic intermittent alcohol exposure to induce alcohol dependence. We exposed mice to chronic intermittent ethanol vapor for 4 weeks and analyzed the expression of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-17 by different immune cells in the blood, spleen and liver of alcohol dependent and non-dependent control mice through multiparametric flow cytometry. We found increases in IFN-γ and IL-17 expression in a cell type- and organ-specific manner. Often, B cells and neutrophils were primary contributors to increased IFN-γ and IL-17 levels while other cell types played a secondary role. We conclude that chronic alcohol exposure promotes systemic pro-inflammatory IFN-γ and IL-17 responses in mice. These responses are likely important in the development of alcohol-related diseases, but further characterization is necessary to understand the initiation and effects of systemic inflammatory responses to chronic alcohol exposure.
Quantitative determination of histone methylation via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology in immortalized bovine mammary alveolar epithelial cells supplemented with methionine
Authors: Rosa Fernanda , Osorio Johan S.
Published: December 2020

Methionine (Met) is an essential precursor of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which is the primary methyl donor required for biological processes such as DNA and histone methylation, which alter gene expression. In dairy cows, dietary Met has been observed to exert transcriptional alterations with beneficial effects on milk biosynthesis; however, the extent of these effects via SAM remains unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of Met supply on histone methylation in lysine residues K9 and K27 in the histone tail H3 via a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system in immortalized bovine mammary alveolar epithelial cells (MACT) incubated varying concentration of Met. The histone methylation data was complemented with global DNA methylation, cellular protein synthesis, and RT-qPCR analysis of genes related to Met cycle, DNA and histone methylation, AA transporters, and protein synthesis. The histone methylation data was performed on MACT cells seeded at 30,000 cells/well in 96-well plates 24 h prior to transfection. The transfections of FRET gene reporter plasmids H3K9 and H3K27 was performed with 0.3 μL/well of Lipofectamine® 3000 and 50 ng of plasmid DNA per well. At 24 h post-transfection, cells were treated with 0, 125, 250, and 500 μM of Met, and quantification of histone methylation was performed at 0, 12, and 24 h post-treatment as well as cell viability at 24 h using CellProfiler software. An inverted microscope for live imagining (EVOS® FL Auto) equipped with a motorized scanning stage, and an environment-controlled chamber at 37˚C and 5.0% of CO2 was used to take 4 pictures/well at 4x magnification. A more defined response on histone methylation was observed in H3K9 than H3K27 to Met supply, where maximal histone methylation in H3K9 was observed with 125 μM of Met. This greater histone methylation in H3K9 at 125 μM was accompanied by greater cellular protein concentration. The linear increase in Met supply causes a linear decrease in global DNA methylation, while linearly upregulating genes related to the Met cycle (i.e., MAT1A, PEMT, SAHH, and MTR). The histone methylation data suggest that, to some extent, methyl-donors such as Met may affect the methylation sites, H3K9 and H3K27, and consequently causing a different epigenetic alteration. In the context of the dairy cow, further refinement to this FRET assay to study histone methylation could lead to establishing novel potential mechanisms of how dietary methyl donors may control the structural conformation of the bovine genome and, by extension, gene expression.
How strongly do moral character inferences predict forecasts of the future? Testing the moderating roles of transgressor age, implicit personality theories, and belief in karma
Authors: White Cindel J. M. , Norenzayan Ara , Schaller Mark
Published: December 2020

Three studies (total N = 1486) investigated how inferences about a person’s current moral character guide forecasts about that person’s future moral character and future misfortunes, and tested several plausible moderating variables. Inferences about current moral character related (very strongly) to forecasts about future moral character and also (less strongly) to forecasts about future misfortunes. These relationships were moderated by two variables: Relations between inferences and forecasts were somewhat weaker when perceivers made judgments about children, compared to judgments about adults, and relations between character inferences and forecasts about misfortunes were somewhat stronger among perceivers who more strongly believed in karma. In contrast, results provided no evidence of any moderating effects due to perceivers’ beliefs about the stability of moral dispositions (i.e., implicit personality theories). These results show how dispositional inferences, moral judgments, and beliefs about karmic justice interact to shape forecasts about the future.
Long-term trends in the incidence of peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis disclose an increasing relevance of streptococcal infections: A longitudinal study
Authors: Santos Joana Eugénio , Rodríguez Magariños Catuxa , García Gago Leticia , Astudillo Jarrín Daniela , Pértega Sonia , Rodríguez-Carmona Ana , García Falcón Teresa , Pérez Fontán Miguel
Published: December 2020

Background

The selective impact of strategies for prevention of PD-related peritonitis (PDrP) may have modified, in the long term, the causal spectrum, clinical presentation and outcomes of these infections.

Objectives

To compare trends in the incidence of PDrP by different microorganisms during a 30-year period, with a particular focus on streptococcal infections. To analyze the clinical presentation and outcomes of these infections. Secondarily, to investigate how the isolation of different species of streptococci can influence the clinical course of PDrP by this genus of bacteria.

Method

Following a retrospective, observational design we investigated 1061 PDrP (1990–2019). We used joinpoint regression analysis to explore trends in the incidence of PDrP by different microorganisms, and compared the risk profile (Cox), clinical presentation and outcomes (logistic regression) of these infections.

Main results

Our data showed a progressive decline in the incidence of PDrP by staphylococci and Gram negative bacteria, while the absolute rates of streptococcal (average annual percent change +1.6%, 95% CI -0.1/+3.2) and polymicrobial (+1.8%, +0.1/+3.5) infections tended to increase, during the same period. Remarkably, streptococci were isolated in 58.6% of polymicrobial infections, and patients who suffered a streptococcal PDrP had a 35.8% chance of presenting at least one other infection by the same genus. The risk profile for streptococcal infections was comparable to that observed for PDrP overall. Streptococcal PDrP were associated with a severe initial inflammatory response, but their clinical course was generally nonaggressive thereafter. We did not observe a differential effect of different groups of streptococci on the clinical presentation or outcome of PDrP.

Conclusions

Time trends in the incidence of PDrP by different microorganisms have granted streptococci an increasing relevance as causative agents of these infections, during the last three decades. This behaviour suggests that current measures of prevention of PDrP may not be sufficiently effective, in the case of this genus of microorganisms.
Generation of 4-vinylguaiacol through a novel high-affinity ferulic acid decarboxylase to obtain smoke flavours without carcinogenic contaminants
Authors: Detering Thorben , Mundry Katharina , Berger Ralf G.
Published: December 2020

Traditional smoke flavours bear the risk of containing a multitude of contaminating carcinogenic side-products. Enzymatic decarboxylation of ferulic acid released from agro-industrial side-streams by ferulic acid esterases (FAE) enables the sustainable generation of pure, food grade 4-vinylguaiacol (4-VG), the impact compound of smoke flavour. The first basidiomycetous ferulic acid decarboxylase (FAD) was isolated from Schizophyllum commune (ScoFAD) and heterologously produced by Komagataella phaffii. It showed a molecular mass of 21 kDa, catalytic optima at pH 5.5 and 35°C, and a sequence identity of 63.6% to its next relative, a FAD from the ascomycete Cordyceps farinosa. The ScoFAD exhibited a high affinity to its only known substrate ferulic acid (FA) of 0.16 mmol L-1 and a turnover number of 750 s-1. The resulting catalytic efficiency kcat KM-1 of 4,779 L s-1 mmol-1 exceeded the next best known enzyme by more than a factor of 50. Immobilised on AminoLink Plus Agarose, ScoFAD maintained its activity for several days. The combination with FAEs and agro-industrial side-streams paves the way for a new generation of sustainable, clean, and safe smoke flavours.
Spatiotemporal filtering method for detecting kinematic waves in a connected environment
Authors: Kim Eui-Jin , Kim Dong-Kyu , Kho Seung-Young , Chung Koohong
Published: December 2020

Backward-moving kinematic waves (KWs) (e.g., stop-and-go traffic conditions and a shock wave) cause unsafe driving conditions, decreases in the capacities of freeways, and increased travel time. In this paper, a sequential filtering method is proposed to detect KWs using data collected in a connected environment, which can aid in developing a traffic control strategy for connected vehicles to stop or dampen the propagation of these KWs. The proposed method filters out random fluctuation in the data using ensemble empirical mode decomposition that considers the spectral features of KWs. Then, the spatial movements of KWs are considered using cross-correlation to identify potential candidate KWs. Asynchronous changes in the denoised flow and speed are used to evaluate candidate KWs using logistic regression to identify the KWs from localized reductions in speed that are not propagated upstream. The findings from an empirical evaluation of the proposed method showed strong promise for detecting KWs using data in a connected environment, even at 30% of the market penetration rates. This paper also addresses how data resolution of the connected environment affects the performance in detecting KWs.
A mating-induced reproductive gene promotes Anopheles tolerance to Plasmodium falciparum infection
Authors: Marcenac Perrine , Shaw W. Robert , Kakani Evdoxia G. , Mitchell Sara N. , South Adam , Werling Kristine , Marrogi Eryney , Abernathy Daniel G. , Yerbanga Rakiswendé Serge , Dabiré Roch K. , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Lefèvre Thierry , Catteruccia Flaminia
Published: December 2020

Anopheles mosquitoes have transmitted Plasmodium parasites for millions of years, yet it remains unclear whether they suffer fitness costs to infection. Here we report that the fecundity of virgin and mated females of two important vectors—Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles stephensi—is not affected by infection with Plasmodium falciparum, demonstrating that these human malaria parasites do not inflict this reproductive cost on their natural mosquito hosts. Additionally, parasite development is not impacted by mating status. However, in field studies using different P. falciparum isolates in Anopheles coluzzii, we find that Mating-Induced Stimulator of Oogenesis (MISO), a female reproductive gene strongly induced after mating by the sexual transfer of the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), protects females from incurring fecundity costs to infection. MISO-silenced females produce fewer eggs as they become increasingly infected with P. falciparum, while parasite development is not impacted by this gene silencing. Interestingly, previous work had shown that sexual transfer of 20E has specifically evolved in Cellia species of the Anopheles genus, driving the co-adaptation of MISO. Our data therefore suggest that evolution of male-female sexual interactions may have promoted Anopheles tolerance to P. falciparum infection in the Cellia subgenus, which comprises the most important malaria vectors.
Transnational collaboration in building educational research capacity in a new university: An applied phenomenographic investigation
Authors: Smyth Keith , Rennie Frank , Davies Gareth , Tobgay Sonam
Published: December 2020

This paper reports on a phenomenographic investigation concerning the perceptions of primarily early career academics on the value and importance of educational research, and the challenges and enablers of establishing and building educational research capacity, within a new university in a developing country. The study was conducted as part of a three year project which itself is based within a longitudinal programme of collaboration between the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). The paper outlines the transnational collaborations between the two universities to date, before considering key issues in the development of educational research and an educational research culture within universities that are not research intensive, and for whom educational research is a nascent or emerging area.

The rationale and methodological approach for the phenomenographic investigation, which seems to be the first phenomenography to address perceptions relating to the development of educational research within the context of a new university, are then considered. The main findings resulting from the phenomenographic process of thematic analysis are subsequently presented. This includes a synthesis and articulation of the findings in the form of a phenomenographic ‘outcome space’ that pertains to the academics’ motivations and perceptions in relation to the development of educational research at RUB. The paper then articulates how the findings of the phenomenography were applied in identifying and implementing tangible interventions to support the participants to engage in conducting and disseminating educational research projects relating to dimensions of their own educational practice. The paper concludes with recommendations and lessons learned relating to the development of educational research capacity in emergent and transnational collaborative contexts.
Conversion of fructose into methyl lactate over SnO2/Al2O3 catalystin flow regime
Authors:   Institute for Sorption and Problems of Endoecology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Prudius S.V. , Hes N.L. , Mylin A.M. ,   Institute for Sorption and Problems of Endoecology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Brei V.V. ,   Institute for Sorption and Problems of Endoecology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: December 2020

In recent years, numerous researchers have focused on the development of catalytic methods for processing of biomass-derived sugars into alkyl lactates, which are widely used as non-toxic solvents and are the starting material for obtaining monomeric lactide. In this work, the transformation of fructose into methyl lactate on Sn-containing catalyst in the flow reactor that may be of practical interest was studied. The supported Sn-containing catalyst was ob-tained by a simple impregnation method of granular γ-Al2O3. The catalytic ex-periments were performed in a flow reactor at temperatures of 160-190 °C and pressure of 3.0 MPa. The 1.6-9.5 wt.% fructose solutions in 80% aqueous methanol were used as a reaction mixture. It was found that addition to a reac-tion mixture of 0.03 wt.% potassium carbonate leads to the increase in selec-tivity towards methyl lactate on 15% at 100% conversion of fructose. Prod-ucts of the target reaction С6Н12О6 + 2СН3ОН = 2С4Н8О3 + 2Н2О were ana-lyzed using 13C NMR method. The following process conditions for obtaining of 65 mol% methyl lactate yield at 100% fructose conversion were found: use of 4.8 wt.% fructose solution in 80% methanol, 180 °С, 3.0 МПа and a load on catalyst 1.5 mmol C6H12O6/mlcat/h at contact time of 11 minutes. The cata-lyst productivity is 2.0 mmol C4H8O3/mlcat/h and the by-productі are 1,3-dihydroxyacetone dimethyl acetal (20%) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (10%). It should be noted that a racemic mixture of L- and D-methyl lactates has been obtained by conversion of D-fructose on the SnO2/Al2O3 catalyst. The SnO2/Al2O3 catalyst was found to be stable for 6 h while maintaining full fruc-tose conversion at 55–70% methyl lactate selectivity. After regeneration the catalyst completely restores the initial activity.
Thermogravimetric study of nickel-containing zeolites deactivated in glucose conversion
Authors:   V.P.Kukhar Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and Petrochemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Patrylak L.K. , Povazhnyi V.A. , Konovalov S.V. , Pertko О.P. , Yakovenko A.V.
Published: December 2020

Heterogeneous catalytic conversion of carbohydrates in order to obtain platform- substances over acid catalysts is an important modern area of research. However, today the problem of deactivation of solid catalysts in these processes is poorly understood. The aim of the work was thermogravimetric study of nickel-containing (5% wt.) hydrogen forms of zeolites Y, ZSM-5 and M deactivated in glucose dehydration. The peculiarities of two processes, including endothermic process of dehydration and the exothermic process of carbonaceous deposits combustion, were investigated by the method of ther-mogravimetry. The latter on the DTA curves is represented by two (three) exothermic maxima in the temperature range of 325-450 oC. Among the studied samples only for zeolite Y there is a phase transi-tion without mass change in the range of 900-1000 oC. The mass loss of the samples due to dehydra-tion and combustion of coke is 30, 20 and 15% for NiHY, NiHM and NiHZSM-5, respectively, of which carbonaceous deposits account for 18, 10 and 10% of the mass. A similar rate of dehydration and burnout of deposits was observed in the case of catalysts based on wide-porous zeolites, as well as a lower rate of burnout in the case of medium-porous zeolite ZSM-5. The calculated activation energy of deposition combustion, which is 25-50 kJ/mol, is caused by the proceeding of low-temperature oxi-dation catalyzed by nickel-containing zeolites. It was found that the bulk of coke deposits burns up to 450 oC, which indicates the formation of only coke precursors, which, apparently, are humin com-pounds. They do not undergo further processes of transformation and compaction.