bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution, host range and detection of seed-borne yellow mosaic disease on yardlong beans (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis L.) in the special region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: MULYADI DEDI , Sulandari Sri , HARTONO SEDYO , SOMOWIYARJO SUSAMTO
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Mulyadi D, Sulandari S, Hartono S, Somowiyarjo S. 2021. Distribution, host range and detection of seed-borne yellow mosaic disease on yardlong beans (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis L.) in the special region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3949-3957. Yellow mosaic disease found in legumes is caused by Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV). MYMIV has been reported to cause yellow mosaic infection on yardlong beans (Vigna unguiculata subsp. Sesquipedalis L.) in various regions of Indonesia and has resulted in major yield loss. Symptoms of mosaic and yellowing are found in the leaves and on the pods, which means that the virus may be seed-borne. The purpose of this study was to identify the distribution, host range of pathogens, and to investigate whether yellow mosaic virus was seed-borne or not. Sample collection, disease incidence and severity observations were done at yardlong bean fields in the District of Sleman, Bantul, and Kulon Progo. Samples were tested using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and phylogenetic tree analysis. Host range was tested by inoculating MYMIV using Bemisia tabaci to test plants. Two types of seeds were used in seed-borne tests, i.e. certified commercial seeds and malformed pods from infected plants. Results showed that yellow mosaic virus was found in all observation sites. Highest disease incidence was recorded in Sleman (50%) followed by Kulon Progo (45%) and Bantul (23%). Whereas 45.89%, 41.29% and 39.83%, disease severity was noted in Sleman, Kulon Progo and Bantul, respectively phylogenetic tree analysis showed that isolates used in this study were similar to other Indonesian isolates. Host range test revealed that yardlong beans, mungbeans (Vigna radiata L.), sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), chili peppers (Capsicum annuum L.), eggplants (Solanum melongena L.), and tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) were infected with MYMIV, showing symptoms of irregular yellow and mosaic spots on plant leaves. Transmission test exhibited that tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum L.) did not show viral infection. PCR detection proved that MYMIV isolates obtained from Yogyakarta may be transmitted through whole seeds, seed coat, cotyledon, and young leaves from sprouting seeds. Mild mosaic symptoms were appeared after sprouting, and gradually vein clearing was observed at 14 days, mosaic at 21 days, and complete leaf yellowing at 45 days after planting.
Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in equines of Mustang District, Nepal
Authors: DEVKOTA RAVI PRASAD , Subedi Janak Raj , WAGLEY KOPILA
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Devkota RP, Subedi JR, Wagley K. 2021. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in equines of Mustang District, Nepal. Biodiversitas 22: 3958-3963. The study was conducted from March 2018 to November 2018 in four villages of Mustang district to find out the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in equines (horses and mules). Fecal samples collected from 175 randomly selected equines (105 from horses and 70 from mules) were preserved in 2.5% potassium dichromate and microscopically examined using concentration techniques to detect ova, larvae, and oocysts of parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was found to be 84.57% with an incidence rate of 81.90% and 88.57% in horses and mules respectively. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites between horses and mules did not vary significantly (p>0.05). Also no significant association (p>0.05) between the prevalence rate of parasites and study areas was observed. Among identified parasites in horses, Strongyles showed the highest prevalence (68.57%) followed by Strongyloides spp. (23.80%), and Parascaris equorum (14.28%) and in mules Strongyles showed the highest prevalence (80.0%) followed by Parascaris equorum (35.71%), Strongyloides spp. (28.57%), and Dictyocaulus spp. (5.71%). Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites showed no significant variation (p>0.05) with respect to age and feeding status. However, the prevalence rate significantly varied (p<0.05) with respect to parameters like infection status (single and mixed), housing condition and health status. The present study revealed a higher prevalence rate of gastrointestinal parasites due to poor husbandry practices and lack of adequate veterinary services. Therefore, improvement in housing and feeding system, awareness regarding effective regular deworming, and establishment of veterinary hospitals in the study areas were recommended.
Diversity, biomass, covers, and NDVI of restored mangrove forests in Karawang and Subang Coasts, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Suwanto Agung , Takarina Noverita Dian , Koestoer Raldi Hendro , Frimawaty Evi
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Suwanto A, Takarina ND, Koestoer RH, Frimawaty E. 2021. Diversity, biomass, covers, and NDVI of restored mangrove forests in Karawang and Subang Coasts, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 4115-4122. Indonesia has been recognized as the country with greatest diversity of mangrove species with significant amount of carbon sink and biomass. In few recent decades, mangrove forests have been deforested significantly. One of the solutions to deal with mangrove deforestation is through restoration. West Java north coasts are one of the areas that have experienced deforestation, however and mangrove restorations have been conducted mainly in Karawang and Subang coasts. Correspondingly this research aims to assess the mangrove diversity using index and biomass resulted from restoration program in those coasts. To assess the mangrove diversity in each coast on June 2021, 6 sampling stations containing 3 replicated sample plots of size 10 m × 10 m were located. In total 8 species with 1549 trees were been sampled. In Subang the order of mangrove species from common to less-common species were Avicennia marina > Rhizophora mucronata > Sonneratia caseolaris > Acanthus ilicifolius > Bruguiera gymnorhiza. While the order in Karawang was Avicennia marina > Rhizophora mucronata > Rhizophora apiculata > Sonneratia caseolaris > Bruguiera gymnorhiza. The mangrove diversity (H)’ was significantly different (p = 0.000, F = 2.216) with diversity in Subang Coast (average H' = 1.326, 95% CI: 1.15-1.5) was higher than in Karawang (average H’ = 1.063, 95%CI: 0.934-1.2). Estimated restored mangrove covers in Subang were 3.612 km2 and 0.46 km2 in Karawang. R. mucronata was mangrove species that has the highest biomass with the value of 1337.91 mg ha-1 and the lowest was A. marina with value of 14.3 mg ha-1. The results suggest that restoration areas in Subang and Karawang have significant contributions to maintain mangrove diversity, biomass, and covers.
Deep-skin multiphoton microscopy of lymphatic vessels excited at the 1700-nm window in vivo
Authors: Wang Ke , Pan Yi , Tong Shen , Liang Huiping , Qiu Ping
Published: September 2021

Visualization of lymphatic vessels is key to the understanding of their structure, function, and dynamics. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) is a potential technology for imaging lymphatic vessels, but tissue scattering prevents its deep penetration in skin. Here we demonstrate deep-skin MPM of the lymphatic vessels in mouse hindlimb in vivo, excited at the 1700 nm window. Our results show that with contrast provided by indocyanine green (ICG), 2-photon fluorescence (2PF) imaging enables noninvasive imaging of lymphatic vessels 300 μm below the skin surface, visualizing both its structure and contraction dynamics. Simultaneously acquired second-harmonic generation (SHG) and third-harmonic generation (THG) images visualize the local environment in which the lymphatic vessels reside. After removing the surface skin layer, 2PF and THG imaging visualize finer structures of the lymphatic vessels: most notably, the label-free THG imaging visualizes lymphatic valves and their open-and-close dynamics in real time. MPM excited at the 1700-nm window thus provides a promising technology for the study of lymphatic vessels.
Experimental determination of shift-less aberration bases for sensorless adaptive optics in nonlinear microscopy
Authors: Talone Benedetta , Pozzi Paolo , Cavagnini Miriam , Polli Dario , Pozzi Gianluca , Mapelli Jonathan
Published: September 2021

Adaptive optics can improve the performance of optical systems and devices by correcting phase aberrations. While in most applications wavefront sensing is employed to drive the adaptive optics correction, some microscopy methods may require sensorless optimization of the wavefront. In these cases, the correction is performed by describing the aberration as a linear combination of a base of influence functions, optimizing an image quality metric as a function of the coefficients. The influence functions base is generally chosen to either efficiently represent the adaptive device used or to describe generic wavefronts in an orthogonal fashion. A rarely discussed problem is that most correction bases have elements which introduce, together with a correction of the aberration, a shift of the imaging field of view in three dimensions. While simple methods to solve the problem are available for linear microscopy methods, nonlinear microscopy techniques such as multiphoton or second harmonic generation microscopy require non-trivial base determination. In this paper, we discuss the problem, and we present a method for calibrating a shift-less base on a spatial light modulator for two-photon microscopy.
Laser-detected magnetic resonance spectra dressed by a radio-frequency field
Authors: Liang Zhi , Geng Xu-xing , Qi Pan-li , Jin Kai , Yang Guo-qing , Li Gao-xiang , Huang Guang-ming
Published: September 2021

We theoretically and experimentally investigate the laser-detected magnetic resonance spectra dressed by a radio-frequency magnetic field in F
g
 = 4 of D1 line of cesium atoms. The analytical expression of the transmission spectrum for magnetic resonance dressed by a radio-frequency magnetic field is derived and has substantial agreement with the transmission spectra observed in the experiment. The theoretical prediction of the ratio of the amplitudes of the two sidebands with the detuning is basically consistent with the experimental data, which confirms the validity of the analytical expression. The separation between the two sidebands under resonance shows a highly linear proportion to the amplitude of the dressing field, which may provide a useful scheme for the measurement of radio-frequency magnetic field and magnetic imaging.
Analog optical deconvolution computing for wavefront coding based on nanoantennas metasurfaces
Authors: Zhang Jiahua , Chen Shouqian , Wang Di , Li Xueshen , Yu Jiaqian , Fan Zhigang , Huang Feng
Published: September 2021

Analog optical computing based on metasurfaces has attracted much attention for achieving high-speed calculating without the electronic processing unit. Wavefront coding imaging systems involve the joint design of an encoded image-capturing module and decoding postprocessing algorithms to obtain a required final image. The decoding postprocessing algorithms, as a typical deconvolution computation, require an additional electronic processing unit to yield a high-quality decoded image. We demonstrate an analog optical deconvolution computing kernel based on nanoantennas metasurfaces for the postprocessing calculation of wavefront coding systems. Numerical simulations are presented to prove that the encoded point spread function can be refocused through a designed optical computing metasurface. The proposed approach opens an opportunity for real-time recovering images in wavefront coding optical systems.
200-m/500-Mbps underwater wireless optical communication system utilizing a sparse nonlinear equalizer with a variable step size generalized orthogonal matching pursuit
Authors: Dai Yizhan , Chen Xiao , Yang Xingqi , Tong Zhijian , Du Zihao , Lyu Weichao , Zhang Chao , Zhang Hao , Zou Haiwu , Cheng Yongxin , Ma Dongfang , Zhao Jian , Zhang Zejun , Xu Jing
Published: September 2021

Linear and nonlinear impairments in underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) systems caused by the limited bandwidth and nonlinearity of devices severely degrade the system performance. In this paper, we propose a sparse Volterra series model-based nonlinear post equalizer with greedy algorithms to mitigate the nonlinear impairments and the inter-symbol interference (ISI) in a UWOC system. A variable step size generalized orthogonal matching pursuit (VSgOMP) algorithm that combines generalized orthogonal matching pursuit (gOMP) and adaptive step size method is proposed and employed to compress the Volterra equalizer with low computational cost. A maximum data rate of 500 Mbps is realized with the received optical power of −32.5 dBm in a 7-m water tank. In a 50-m swimming pool, a data rate of 500 Mbps over 200-m underwater transmission is achieved with a BER lower than the forward error correction (FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10−3. The number of kernels of the sparse Volterra equalizer is reduced to 70% of that of the traditional Volterra equalizer without significant BER performance degradation. Compared with orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) scheme and regularized orthogonal match pursuit (ROMP) scheme, the VSgOMP scheme reduces the running time by 68.6% and 29.2%, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a sparse Volterra equalizer combined with VSgOMP algorithm is employed for the nonlinear equalization in a long-distance high-speed UWOC system.
Tunable multi-mode laser based on robust cholesteric liquid crystal microdroplet
Authors: Lu Hongbo , Shi Jianzhou , Wang Qi , Xue Yingying , Yang Le , Xu Miao , Zhu Jun , Qiu Longzhen , Ding Yunsheng , Zhang Junxi
Published: September 2021

To date, various studies have been dedicated to the development of cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) microdroplet omnidirectional lasers. In this work, a stable and tunable multi-mode laser emission is achieved by designing a dye-doping CLC microdroplet. In such a structure, the polymer network only exists on the surface, maintaining stability while providing tunability, and due to the uneven distribution of the pitch, it leads to multi-mode laser emission. A large number of microdroplets are produced quickly via a new method based on ultrasonic separation. During the reaction, we introduce interfacial polymerization where monomers and photoinitiator are respectively distributed inside and outside the microdroplets through mutual diffusion, which enables one to make the polymer network exist on the surface instead of the interior. The obtained microdroplet-based multi-mode laser is shown to possess stability and tunability, demonstrating a great potential for flexible devices and 3D displays.
Latching dynamics as a basis for short-term recall
Authors: Ryom Kwang Il , Boboeva Vezha , Soldatkina Oleksandra , Treves Alessandro
Published: September 2021

We discuss simple models for the transient storage in short-term memory of cortical patterns of activity, all based on the notion that their recall exploits the natural tendency of the cortex to hop from state to state—latching dynamics. We show that in one such model, and in simple spatial memory tasks we have given to human subjects, short-term memory can be limited to similar low capacity by interference effects, in tasks terminated by errors, and can exhibit similar sublinear scaling, when errors are overlooked. The same mechanism can drive serial recall if combined with weak order-encoding plasticity. Finally, even when storing randomly correlated patterns of activity the network demonstrates correlation-driven latching waves, which are reflected at the outer extremes of pattern space.
Reconstructing contact network structure and cross-immunity patterns from multiple infection histories
Authors: Selinger Christian , Alizon Samuel
Published: September 2021

Interactions within a population shape the spread of infectious diseases but contact patterns between individuals are difficult to access. We hypothesised that key properties of these patterns can be inferred from multiple infection data in longitudinal follow-ups. We developed a simulator for epidemics with multiple infections on networks and analysed the resulting individual infection time series by introducing similarity metrics between hosts based on their multiple infection histories. We find that, depending on infection multiplicity and network sampling, multiple infection summary statistics can recover network properties such as degree distribution. Furthermore, we show that by mining simulation outputs for multiple infection patterns, one can detect immunological interference between pathogens (i.e. the fact that past infections in a host condition future probability of infection). The combination of individual-based simulations and analysis of multiple infection histories opens promising perspectives to infer and validate transmission networks and immunological interference for infectious diseases from longitudinal cohort data.
Development of non-transgenic glyphosate tolerant wheat by TILLING
Authors: Moehs Charles P. , Austill William J. , Facciotti Daniel , Holm Aaron , Loeffler Dayna , Lu Zhongjin , Mullenberg Jessica C. , Slade Ann J. , Steine Michael N. , van Boxtel Jos , McGuire Cate
Published: September 2021

Glyphosate (N-phosphonomethyl-glycine) is the world’s most widely used broad spectrum, post-emergence herbicide. It inhibits the chloroplast-targeted enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS; EC 2.5.1.19), a component of the plant and microorganism-specific shikimate pathway and a key catalyst in the production of aromatic amino acids. Variants of EPSPS that are not inhibited by glyphosate due to particular amino acid alterations in the active site of the enzyme are known. Some of these variants have been identified in weed species that have developed resistance to glyphosate because of the strong selective pressure of continuous, heavy glyphosate use. We have used TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes), a non-transgenic, target-selected, reverse genetics, mutation breeding technique, and conventional genetic crosses, to identify and combine, through two rounds of mutagenesis, wheat lines having both T102I and P106S (so-called TIPS enzyme) mutations in both the A and the D sub-genome homoeologous copies of the wheat EPSPS gene. The combined effects of the T102I and P106S mutations are known from previous work in multiple species to minimize the binding of the herbicide while maintaining the affinity of the catalytic site for its native substrates. These novel wheat lines exhibit substantial tolerance to commercially relevant levels of glyphosate.
The Online Life Story Book: A randomized controlled trial on the effects of a digital reminiscence intervention for people with (very) mild dementia and their informal caregivers
Authors: Elfrink Teuntje R. , Ullrich Christina , Kunz Miriam , Zuidema Sytse U. , Westerhof Gerben J.
Published: September 2021

This paper describes a randomized controlled trial on the Online Life Story Book (OLSB), a digital reminiscence intervention for people with (very) mild dementia living at home. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the OLSB on (i) neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in persons with dementia and (ii) the distress and quality of life (QOL) of primary informal caregivers. A randomized controlled trial with individual randomization to one of two conditions was conducted: 1) intervention “Online Life Story Book”; 2) wait list control condition. In the intervention OLSB, a trained volunteer guided the participants through the process of creating an OLSB in approximately 5 meetings within a period of 8–10 weeks. Participants in the control condition received care as usual while they waited for 6 months before starting. Outcomes on NPS and distress and QOL of the informal caregiver were assessed at baseline (baseline, T0), 3 months (T1) and 6 months (T2) post baseline. Of the 42 persons with dementia, 23 were female and 19 were male. They had a mean age of 80 years, ranging from 49 to 95. The total drop-out rate was 14.3 percent. Small but insignificant effects on NPS, caregiver distress and QOL of caregivers were found with the exception of self-rated caregiver distress that reduced significantly during the intervention. One reason to explain the results might be that the included participants were in relatively good health. Practical challenges during the intervention could have affected the results as well. It might also be that the intervention caused effects on other outcomes than NPS and caregiver distress. In future research, it is important to study the effects in persons with more complaints and higher distress and to be careful in the selection of outcome variables in relation to the reminiscence functions served by the intervention.
Attitudes of legal guardians and legally supervised persons with and without previous research experience towards participation in research projects: A quantitative cross-sectional study
Authors: Brune Cedric , Stentzel Ulrike , Hoffmann Wolfgang , van den Berg Neeltje
Published: September 2021

Background

Vulnerable groups, e.g. persons with mental illness, neurological deficits or dementia, are often excluded as participants from research projects because obtaining informed consent can be difficult and tedious. This may have the consequence that vulnerable groups benefit less from medical progress. Vulnerable persons are often supported by a legal guardian in one or more demands of their daily life. We examined the attitudes of legal guardians and legally supervised persons towards medical research and the conditions and motivations to participate in studies.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study with standardized surveys of legal guardians and legally supervised persons. Two separate questionnaires were developed for the legal guardians and the supervised persons to asses previous experiences with research projects and the reasons for participation or non-participation. The legal guardians were recruited through various guardianship organizations. The supervised persons were recruited through their legal guardian and from a previous study among psychiatric patients. The data were analysed descriptively.

Results

Alltogether, 82 legal guardians and 20 legally supervised persons could be recruited. Thereof 13 legal guardians (15.6%) and 13 legally supervised persons (65.0%) had previous experience with research projects. The majority of the guardians with experience in research projects had consented the participation of their supervised persons (n = 12 guardians, 60.0%; in total n = 16 approvals). The possible burden on the participating person was given as the most frequent reason not to participate both by the guardians (n = 44, 54.4%) and by the supervised persons (n = 3, 30.0%). The most frequent motivation to provide consent to participate in a research study was the desire to help other patients by gaining new scientific knowledge (guardians: n = 125, 78.1%; supervised persons: n = 10, 66.6%).

Conclusions

Overall, an open attitude towards medical research can be observed both among legal guardians and supervised persons. Perceived risks and no sense recognized in the study are reasons for not participating in medical research projects.
How did Covid-19 impact US household foods? an analysis six months in
Authors: Huang Kuan-Ming , Sant’Anna Ana Claudia , Etienne Xiaoli
Published: September 2021

Using a nationwide survey of primary grocery shoppers conducted in August 2020, we examine household food spending when the economy had partially reopened and consumers had different spending opportunities in comparison to when the Covid-19 lockdown began. We estimate the impact of Covid-19 on household spending using interval and Order Probit regressions. Income levels, age, access to grocery stores and farmers markets, household demographic information, along with other independent variables are controlled in the model. Findings show that middle-class households (with income below $50,000, or with income between $50,000 and $99,999) are less likely to increase their grocery expenditures during the pandemic. Households with children or elderlies that usually require higher food quality and nutrition intakes had a higher probability of increasing their spending during Covid-19 than before. Furthermore, consumers’ spending behaviors were also significantly affected by their safe handing levels and the Covid-19 severity and food accessibility in their residences.
Principal component analysis of alpha-helix deformations in transmembrane proteins
Authors: Bevacqua Alexander , Bakshi Sachit , Xia Yu
Published: September 2021

α-helices are deformable secondary structural components regularly observed in protein folds. The overall flexibility of an α-helix can be resolved into constituent physical deformations such as bending in two orthogonal planes and twisting along the principal axis. We used Principal Component Analysis to identify and quantify the contribution of each of these dominant deformation modes in transmembrane α-helices, extramembrane α-helices, and α-helices in soluble proteins. Using three α-helical samples from Protein Data Bank entries spanning these three cellular contexts, we determined that the relative contributions of these modes towards total deformation are independent of the α-helix’s surroundings. This conclusion is supported by the observation that the identities of the top three deformation modes, the scaling behaviours of mode eigenvalues as a function of α-helix length, and the percentage contribution of individual modes on total variance were comparable across all three α-helical samples. These findings highlight that α-helical deformations are independent of cellular location and will prove to be valuable in furthering the development of flexible templates in de novo protein design.
Aconitate decarboxylase 1 participates in the control of pulmonary Brucella infection in mice
Authors: Demars Aurore , Vitali Armelle , Comein Audrey , Carlier Elodie , Azouz Abdulkader , Goriely Stanislas , Smout Justine , Flamand Véronique , Van Gysel Mégane , Wouters Johan , Abendroth Jan , Edwards Thomas E. , Machelart Arnaud , Hoffmann Eik , Brodin Priscille , De Bolle Xavier , Muraille Eric
Published: September 2021

Brucellosis is one of the most widespread bacterial zoonoses worldwide. Here, our aim was to identify the effector mechanisms controlling the early stages of intranasal infection with Brucella in C57BL/6 mice. During the first 48 hours of infection, alveolar macrophages (AMs) are the main cells infected in the lungs. Using RNA sequencing, we identified the aconitate decarboxylase 1 gene (Acod1; also known as Immune responsive gene 1), as one of the genes most upregulated in murine AMs in response to B. melitensis infection at 24 hours post-infection. Upregulation of Acod1 was confirmed by RT-qPCR in lungs infected with B. melitensis and B. abortus. We observed that Acod1-/- C57BL/6 mice display a higher bacterial load in their lungs than wild-type (wt) mice following B. melitensis or B. abortus infection, demonstrating that Acod1 participates in the control of pulmonary Brucella infection. The ACOD1 enzyme is mostly produced in mitochondria of macrophages, and converts cis-aconitate, a metabolite in the Krebs cycle, into itaconate. Dimethyl itaconate (DMI), a chemically-modified membrane permeable form of itaconate, has a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on Brucella growth in vitro. Interestingly, structural analysis suggests the binding of itaconate into the binding site of B. abortus isocitrate lyase. DMI does not inhibit multiplication of the isocitrate lyase deletion mutant ΔaceA B. abortus in vitro. Finally, we observed that, unlike the wt strain, the ΔaceA B. abortus strain multiplies similarly in wt and Acod1-/- C57BL/6 mice. These data suggest that bacterial isocitrate lyase might be a target of itaconate in AMs.
Trypanosoma brucei triggers a broad immune response in the adipose tissue
Authors: Machado Henrique , Bizarra-Rebelo Tiago , Costa-Sequeira Mariana , Trindade Sandra , Carvalho Tânia , Rijo-Ferreira Filipa , Rentroia-Pacheco Barbara , Serre Karine , Figueiredo Luisa M.
Published: September 2021

Adipose tissue is one of the major reservoirs of Trypanosoma brucei parasites, the causative agent of sleeping sickness, a fatal disease in humans. In mice, the gonadal adipose tissue (AT) typically harbors 2–5 million parasites, while most solid organs show 10 to 100-fold fewer parasites. In this study, we tested whether the AT environment responds immunologically to the presence of the parasite. Transcriptome analysis of T. brucei infected adipose tissue revealed that most upregulated host genes are involved in inflammation and immune cell functions. Histochemistry and flow cytometry confirmed an increasingly higher number of infiltrated macrophages, neutrophils and CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes upon infection. A large proportion of these lymphocytes effectively produce the type 1 effector cytokines, IFN-γ and TNF-α. Additionally, the adipose tissue showed accumulation of antigen-specific IgM and IgG antibodies as infection progressed. Mice lacking T and/or B cells (Rag2-/-, Jht-/-), or the signature cytokine (Ifng-/-) displayed a higher parasite load both in circulation and in the AT, demonstrating the key role of the adaptive immune system in both compartments. Interestingly, infections of C3-/- mice showed that while complement system is dispensable to control parasite load in the blood, it is necessary in the AT and other solid tissues. We conclude that T. brucei infection triggers a broad and robust immune response in the AT, which requires the complement system to locally reduce parasite burden.
Megjegyzések az egri és bihari (váradi) püspökségek esetleges korai kapcsolatáról
Authors: Thoroczkay Gábor
Published: September 2021

The present study disputes the opinion that in the middle of the eleventh century the bishoprics of Bihar (today Biharea, Romania) and Eger formed the same diocese (this is the thesis of Gergely Buzás). The reality, on the other hand, is that Eger was a separate diocese, and the early diocese of Bihar was transferred to Várad (today Oradea, Romania) at the end of the eleventh century. Nevertheless, some data about Bishops Leodvin and Coloman suggest that in the middle and second half of the eleventh century, the dioceses of Eger and Bihar were under the jurisdiction of a single bishop (this was the opinion of László Koszta).
Stakeholder perceptions and strategies for management of non-native freshwater fishes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Authors: Kiruba-Sankar R. , Praveenraj J. , Saravanan K. , Kumar K. Lohith , Haridas H. , Biswas U.
Published: September 2021

This article examines the non-native fishes in the freshwater bodies of Andaman and Nicobar Islands with a focus on understanding the perception of stakeholders towards providing management solutions. A total of 56 freshwater fish species were reported from Andaman and Nicobar Islands of which 23 species were non-native to the Islands introduced either accidentally or deliberately. Among the 23 fishes introduced, 13 species were found to be transplanted from Indian waters into the Islands and 10 species were non-native to Indian waters. Mosquito Fish (Gambusia affinis), Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), Silver Barb (Barbonymus gonionotus), Red Bellied Pacu (Piaractus brachypomus), and Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) are some of the important invasive species found here. Stakeholder perception studies were undertaken through semi-structured questionnaire and five point likert scale questions. The respondents (N=133) were classified into two groups as a) Fish farmers and b) Research/development personnel. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that the profession of the respondents significantly influenced the awareness about the non-native fishes (p<0.001). Fish farmers (4.04±0.04) and Research/development (4.47±0.21) respondents mutually agreed on the need for awareness and education on the issue of non-native fishes (p<0.01). A management framework is suggested to address the issue of non-native fishes towards effective planning, conservation and management of the fragile Island ecosystems.
Brittle Bone Brothers: Osteogenesis Imperfecta Conventional Serial Case
Authors: Darmawan Marsha Ruthy , Maharani Elysanti Dwi
Published: September 2021

Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a hereditary connective tissue disorder due to COL1A1/2 mutation causing gene defect encoding proteins to metabolize collagen. The skeletal manifestation of OI causing bone incompetence, hence the name brittle bone disease. Here we report three cases of OI type IV in adults. Skeletal conventional X-rays were performed to all patients and all of them has similar results such as bowing deformities of long bones, old union and some non-union fractures with extreme angulation and severe osteoporosis. OI are classified based on skeletal structure, sclera colorization, dentinogenesis, and functional metabolic defect genetically. OI type I and IV can live until adults; also, the same type of OI can be found in siblings. Skeletal conventional X-rays can solely make the diagnosis.
Bridging Conservative and Modern Approaches: Muhammad’s ‘Abduh’s Interpretation of al-Fatihah
Authors: Sayuti Najmah , Manshur Fadlil Munawwar
Published: September 2021

Muḥammad ‘Abduh (1849-1905) is a modern Moslem scholar of Egypt. He was known as a reformist and an architect of Islamic modernism. Through his modernism, he introduced a synthesis of Islamic teachings and modern thought in order to bridge between conservative and modern approaches. This present paper is analysis of his tafsīr on al-Fātiḥah to understand his mix approches. The author found that ‘Abduh’s tafsir applied conservative language to reflect his radical ideas. However, ‘Abduh also introduced modern approaches in his tafsīr. Finally, it is found that al-Fātiḥah in ‘Abduh tafsir contains the substantial messages of the Qur’an.
Biomechanical aspects of the initial stability of instrumental fixation in the treatment of subaxial cervical dislocations: an experimental study
Authors: Lastevsky A. D. , Popelyukh A. I. , Veselov S. V. , Bataev V. A. , Rerikh V. V.
Published: September 2021

Objective. To study the influence of thoracic inlet angle (TIA) and the fracture of the articular process on the initial strength of the fixation of the spinal segment during its anterior and circular instrumental surgical stabilization in an experiment on a model of the lower cervical spinal segment.

Material and Methods. The material of the study was assembled models of C6–C7 spinal segments made using addictive technologies by 3D printing. After preliminary instrumentation, spinal segments were installed on the stand testing machine using specially manufactured equipment. A metered axial load simulating the native one was applied along the axis of the parameters SVA COG–C7 and C2–C7 SVA, which values were close to the value of 20 mm, at a rate of 1 mm/min until the shear strain was reached. The system’s resistance to displacement was measured, and the resulting load was evaluated. Four study groups were formed depending on the modeling of the T1 slope parameter, the integrity of the facets, and the type of instrumentation. Three tests were conducted in each group. The graphical curves were analyzed, and the values of the parameters of the neutral and elastic zones, the yield point, time to yield point, and the value of the applied load for the implementation of shear displacement were recorded. The data were subjected to comparative analysis.

Results. In Group 1, anterior shear displacement of the C6 vertebra could not be induced in all series. In groups 2, 3, and 4 a shear displacement of ≥4 mm was noted in all series. In Group 3 where a fracture of the articular process was additionally modeled, the average value of the yield point was 423.5 ± 46.8 N. Elastic zone, the time to the onset of the yield point, the time at the end point or at a shear of C6 ≥4 mm did not differ significantly. In Group 4, a translational displacement of ≥4 mm was observed, though the average yield point was 1536.0 ± 40.0 N.

Conclusion. The direction of the load applied to the fixed spinal segment, as well as the presence of damage to the articular processes, play a crucial role in maintaining resistance to shear deformation of the spinal segment during its instrumental stabilization. At high values of TIA (T1 slope) and the presence of fractures of the articular processes, the isolated anterior stabilization is less effective, circular fixation of 360° under these conditions gives a high initial stability to the spinal segment.
Radiofrequency ablation of the basivertebral nerve in the treatment of chronic low back pain: analysis of a small clinical series
Authors: Fishchenko Ia. V. , Garmish A. R. , Kravchuk L. D. , Saponenko A. I.
Published: September 2021

Objective. To  evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation of the basivertebral nerve in the treatment of chronic low back pain associated with Modic I and II changes according to MRI data.

Material and Methods. The results of treatment of 19 patients with chronic low back pain syndrome in the lower back lasting 6 months or more were analyzed. Patients were treated with radiofrequency ablation of basivertebral nerve.

Results. The duration of the manipulation averaged 28.0 ± 4.8 min. In all patients, a decrease in the Oswestry index by an average of 24.3 points (21.7 ± 5.2) was observed at 6 months after ablation of the basivertebral nerve. The intensity of the pain syndrome decreased immediately after the manipulation to 2.1 ± 1.1 cm on average, that is, by 71.2 %. According to the Beck Depression Scale, the patients showed signs of mild depression (subdepression) before the procedure (13.8 ± 3.6 points). When examined after 12 months, the patients showed an improvement in their psychoemotional state up to the normal values (3.4 ± 2.7 points). Subjective assessment of the condition of patients compared with the baseline showed that 16 (84.2 %) of them assessed their condition as a significant improvement with a significant regression of pain by more than 50 % at all stages of follow-up, and two patients (10.5 %) reported only a slight decrease in pain syndrome immediately after the procedure, followed by its resumption to the initial level.

Conclusion. Using clear criteria for selection of patients for radiofrequency ablation of the basivertebral nerve, it can be argued that this method is effective in the treatment of chronic low back pain associated with Modic I and II changes according to MRI data. With the help of radiofrequency ablation, it is possible to achieve long-term remission of pain syndrome up to 12 months and more.
O dynamice i opozycjach XIX-wiecznej kultury
Authors: Sobieraj Tomasz
Published: September 2021

Sabina Brzozowska’s monograph consists of a coherent collection of comparative and historical and literary studies of various artistic and ideological aspects found in selected works of Polish and European modernism. The author focuses on the dramas by Stanisław Wyspiański, Stanisław Przybyszewski, Tadeusz Rittner, Tadeusz Miciński and on the prose by Wacław Berent, Miciński and Thomas Mann. The interpretations of the works included in the monograph show a common area of European nineteenth-century culture, especially of the modernist period. Brzozowska’s reading experience focused on uncovering the intertextual and comparative relationships between, for instance, Wyspiański’s Wesele (The Wedding) and Mann’s Buddenbrooks, Berent’s Ozimina (Snow Crop) and Czarodziejska Góra (The Magic Mountain), Rittner and Ibsen. High art literature of the modernist period found its counterpoint in popular culture, including the new media. The author reconstructed this development dynamic of modernist culture in multiple versions.
Voices of English: language and the construction of religious identity amongst Ismaili Muslims in Pakistan and Tajikistan
Authors: Bolander Brook
Published: September 2021

This paper brings together notions of heteroglossia and religious identity to explore how English becomes indexical of Ismaili distinction in local communities in Pakistan and Tajikistan. Adopting a heteroglossic approach to language provides a perspective which is epistemologically compatible with notions of religion as social, human and interactional, as intricately connected to power, and as both reflecting and being shaped by perspective and positioning. In the paper, I use a “discourse analysis beyond the speech event” approach to engage with data collected during ethnographic fieldwork (qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, fieldnotes) amongst Ismailis in Hunza, northern Pakistan and Khorog, eastern Tajikistan. In analyzing these examples, I attempt to illustrate how ideologies of English become sites for the negotiation of religious distinction.
Multi-frequency quadrifilar helix antennas for cm-accurate GNSS positioning
Authors: Wanninger Lambert , Thiemig Melanie , Frevert Volker
Published: September 2021

For a few years now, GNSS multi-frequency quadrifilar helix antennas (QHA) are available to be used for precise GNSS applications. We performed test measurements with two types of multi-frequency QHA and compared them with a geodetic patch antenna. Although code and carrier phase noise and high-frequent multipath was determined to be larger as compared to the geodetic antenna, the fast-static horizontal coordinate accuracies are on the same level and demonstrate cm-accuracy capability. One of the QHA types exhibited an increased susceptibility to near-field multipath effects which resulted in a degraded accuracy of the vertical coordinate component.
Effect of artificial aging on the tribological properties of an Al-25Zn-1Mg alloy
Authors: Tunay Recai Fatih , Saadi Hayder Isam Abdulzahra Al
Published: September 2021

The tribological properties of aluminum based Al-25Zn-1Mg alloy was experimentally investigated in an MSc thesis, and the results are presented in this study. To this purpose, Al-25Zn-1Mg was commercially produced by casting. The prepared samples were divided into seven groups: no-process, solution treatment, and artificial aging for 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Aged and untreated samples were subjected to tribological experiments under conditions of dry friction under 5 N and 10 N loads at speed of 200 rpm, 400 rpm and 800 rpm for a distance of 500 m. As a result of the tests, it was found that hardness increases in all samples depending on the aging process. It was also found that when the test speed was kept constant, the coefficient of friction increased with increasing load.
Cationic (Basic) dye complex pigments
Authors: Christie Robert , Abel Adrian
Published: September 2021

Cationic (or basic) dye complex pigments are classical organic pigments obtained from water-soluble cationic dyes for textiles, mainly of triarylmethine (arylcarbonium ion) types, which are precipitated using large inorganic counterions, especially those derived from heteropolyacids such as phosphotungstomolybdic acid or, to a certain extent, using the counteranion derived from copper ferrocyanide. This range of pigments includes red, violet, blue and green products, offering brilliant shades, high color strength and good transparency. They are well suited to printing ink applications, although they provide only moderate levels of fastness properties. The pigments are synthesized by treating aqueous solutions of the dyes under highly controlled conditions with solutions of the heteropolyacids, prepared in situ. The copper ferrocyanide salts are obtained by treatment of potassium ferrocyanide with sodium sulfite in water, and subsequently with solutions of the cationic dye and copper (II) sulfate. The pigments are primarily used in inks for packaging and advertising materials. However, they have little use outside printing inks. Reflex or alkali blue pigments are structurally related cationic dye derivatives which are inner salts of the dye structures and are also used in printing inks.
The Chinese Fintech Boom and the Consolidation of Recentralized Authoritarian Capitalism
Authors: Liu Chiu-Wan
Published: September 2021

This study analyzes the rise of DC/EP (digital currency electronic payment) in China by proposing the concept of “recentralized authoritarian capitalism.” It first examines how recentralized authoritarian capitalism started in 2010 in the form of a recentralizing of regulations. After considering how the fintech firms have restructured their shareholding in response to the recentralizing regulations, I delineate how these firms further strengthen recentralized authoritarian capitalism, as exemplified by how Alipay has helped realize the Party’s plan to launch DC/EP.
Obese patients with higher TSH levels had an obvious metabolic improvement after bariatric surgery
Authors: Bian Nannan , Sun Xiaomeng , Zhou Biao , Zhang Lin , Wang Qiu , An Yu , Li Xiaohui , Li Yinhui , Liu Jia , Meng Hua , Wang Guang
Published: September 2021

Objective

Bariatric surgery has become the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. Increasing evidence showed that bariatric surgery can alleviate insulin resistance and influence thyroid function. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in thyroid function and adipose tissue insulin resistance (adipo-IR) after bariatric surgery.

Methods

A total of 287 non-diabetic participants with regular thyroid function were recruited and divided into the lean, overweight and obese groups. Among them, 50 morbidly obese patients submitted to bariatric surgery.

Results

The obese group had a higher level of adipo-IR, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), FT3/free thyroxine (FT4) and metabolism disorders than the lean and overweight groups. BMI was correlated with TSH, FT3, FT3/FT4 and adipo-IR (r = 0.309, 0.315, 0.322 and 0.651, respectively, all P < 0.001). Adipo-IR was significantly correlated with TSH (r = 0.402, P < 0.001), FT3 (r = 0.309, P < 0.001), and FT3/FT4 (r = 0.228, P < 0.05). Bariatric surgery resulted in a sharp decline in BMI, adipo-IR, TSH, FT3 and FT3/FT4 levels, meanwhile, metabolic disorders improved. The decrease in BMI after bariatric surgery was significantly correlated with reductions in adipo-IR (r = 0.577, P < 0.001) and TSH (r = 0.401, P = 0.005). Interestingly, the fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, adipo-IR and TSH in the higher TSH group decreased more remarkably than in the lower TSH group.

Conclusion

Obese individuals with higher TSH levels had an obvious metabolic improvement after bariatric surgery.