bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tachykinin1-expressing neurons in the parasubthalamic nucleus control active avoidance learning
Authors: Hu Ruining , Wu Nannan , Liu Tong , Zou Liuting , Lv Songjie , Huang Xiao , Hu Rongfeng K
Published: December 2024

Active avoidance is a type of instrumental behavior that requires an organism actively to engage in specific actions to avoid or escape from a potentially aversive stimulus and is crucial for the survival and well-being of organisms. It requires a widely distributed, hard-wired neural circuits spanning multiple brain regions, including the amygdala and thalamus. However, less is known about whether and how the hypothalamus encodes and controls active avoidance learning. Here we identify a previously unknown role for the parasubthalamic nucleus (PSTN), located in the lateral subdivision of the posterior hypothalamus, in the encoding and control of active avoidance learning. Fiber photometry calcium imaging shows that the activity of tachykinin1-expressing PSTN (PSTN
Tac1
) neurons progressively increases during this learning. Cell-type specific ablation and optogenetic inhibition of PSTN
Tac1
neurons attenuates active avoidance learning, whereas optogenetic activation of these cells promotes this learning via a negative motivational drive. Moreover, the PSTN mediates this learning differentially through its downstream targets. Together, this study identifies the PSTN as a new member of the neural networks involved in active avoidance learning and offers us potential implications for therapeutic interventions targeting anxiety disorders and other conditions involving maladaptive avoidance learning.
Conformational dynamics of a nicotinic receptor neurotransmitter site
Authors: Singh Mrityunjay , Indurthi Dinesh C , Mittal Lovika , Auerbach Anthony , Asthana Shailendra
Published: December 2024

Agonists enhance receptor activity by providing net-favorable binding energy to active over resting conformations, with efficiency (η) linking binding energy to gating. Previously, we showed that in nicotinic receptors, η-values are grouped into five structural pairs, correlating efficacy and affinity within each class, uniting binding with allosteric activation (Indurthi and Auerbach, 2023). Here, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the low-to-high affinity transition (L→H) at the Torpedo α−δ nicotinic acetylcholine receptor neurotransmitter site. Using four agonists spanning three η-classes, the simulations reveal the structural basis of the L→H transition where: the agonist pivots around its cationic center (‘flip’), loop C undergoes staged downward displacement (‘flop’), and a compact, stable high-affinity pocket forms (‘fix’). The η derived from binding energies calculated in silico matched exact values measured experimentally in vitro. Intermediate states of the orthosteric site during receptor activation are apparent only in simulations, but could potentially be observed experimentally via time-resolved structural studies.
The physiological landscape and specificity of antibody repertoires are consolidated by multiple immunizations
Authors: Csepregi Lucia , Hoehn Kenneth , Neumeier Daniel , Taft Joseph M , Friedensohn Simon , Weber Cédric R , Kummer Arkadij , Sesterhenn Fabian , Correia Bruno E , Reddy Sai T
Published: December 2024

Diverse antibody repertoires spanning multiple lymphoid organs (i.e., bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes) form the foundation of protective humoral immunity. Changes in their composition across lymphoid organs are a consequence of B-cell selection and migration events leading to a highly dynamic and unique physiological landscape of antibody repertoires upon antigenic challenge (e.g., vaccination). However, to what extent B cells encoding identical or similar antibody sequences (clones) are distributed across multiple lymphoid organs and how this is shaped by the strength of a humoral response remains largely unexplored. Here, we performed an in-depth systems analysis of antibody repertoires across multiple distinct lymphoid organs of immunized mice and discovered that organ-specific antibody repertoire features (i.e., germline V-gene usage and clonal expansion profiles) equilibrated upon a strong humoral response (multiple immunizations and high serum titers). This resulted in a surprisingly high degree of repertoire consolidation, characterized by highly connected and overlapping B-cell clones across multiple lymphoid organs. Finally, we revealed distinct physiological axes indicating clonal migrations and showed that antibody repertoire consolidation directly correlated with antigen specificity. Our study uncovered how a strong humoral response resulted in a more uniform but redundant physiological landscape of antibody repertoires, indicating that increases in antibody serum titers were a result of synergistic contributions from antigen-specific B-cell clones distributed across multiple lymphoid organs. Our findings provide valuable insights for the assessment and design of vaccine strategies.
Salmonella-induced SIRT1 and SIRT3 are crucial for maintaining the metabolic switch in bacteria and host for successful pathogenesis
Authors: Hajra Dipasree , Rajmani Raju S , Chaudhary Ayushi Devendrasingh , Gupta Shashi Kumar , Chakravortty Dipshikha
Published: December 2024

Sirtuins are the major players in host immunometabolic regulation. However, the role of sirtuins in the modulation of the immune metabolism pertaining to salmonellosis is largely unknown. Here, our investigation focussed on the role of two important sirtuins, SIRT1 and SIRT3, shedding light on their impact on intracellular Salmonella’s metabolic switch and pathogenesis establishment. Our study indicated the ability of the live Salmonella Typhimurium to differentially regulate the levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 for maintaining the high glycolytic metabolism and low fatty acid metabolism in Salmonella. Perturbing SIRT1 or SIRT3 through knockdown or inhibition resulted in a remarkable shift in the host metabolism to low fatty acid oxidation and high glycolysis. This switch led to decreased proliferation of Salmonella in the macrophages. Further, Salmonella-induced higher levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 led to a skewed polarization state of the macrophages from a pro-inflammatory M1 state toward an immunosuppressive M2, making it more conducive for the intracellular life of Salmonella. Alongside, governing immunological functions by modulating p65 NF-κB acetylation, SIRT1, and SIRT3 also skew Salmonella-induced host metabolic switch by regulating the acetylation status of HIF-1α and PDHA1. Interestingly, though knockdown of SIRT1/3 attenuated Salmonella proliferation in macrophages, in in vivo mice model of infection, inhibition or knockdown of SIRT1/3 led to more dissemination and higher organ burden, which can be attributed to enhanced ROS and IL-6 production. Our study hence reports for the first time that Salmonella modulates SIRT1/3 levels to maintain its own metabolism for successful pathogenesis.
Endocytic recycling is central to circadian collagen fibrillogenesis and disrupted in fibrosis
Authors: Chang Joan , Pickard Adam , Herrera Jeremy A , O’Keefe Sarah , Garva Richa , Knox John , Jowitt Thomas A , Hartshorn Matthew , Hoyle Anna , Dingle Lewis , Coy Madeleine , Zeltz Cédric , Wong Jason , Reid Adam , Venkateswaran Rajamiyer V , Lu Yinhui , Caswell Patrick , High Stephen , Gullberg Donald , Kadler Karl E
Published: December 2024

Collagen-I fibrillogenesis is crucial to health and development, where dysregulation is a hallmark of fibroproliferative diseases. Here, we show that collagen-I fibril assembly required a functional endocytic system that recycles collagen-I to assemble new fibrils. Endogenous collagen production was not required for fibrillogenesis if exogenous collagen was available, but the circadian-regulated vacuolar protein sorting (VPS) 33b and collagen-binding integrin α11 subunit were crucial to fibrillogenesis. Cells lacking VPS33B secrete soluble collagen-I protomers but were deficient in fibril formation, thus secretion and assembly are separately controlled. Overexpression of VPS33B led to loss of fibril rhythmicity and over-abundance of fibrils, which was mediated through integrin α11β1. Endocytic recycling of collagen-I was enhanced in human fibroblasts isolated from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, where VPS33B and integrin α11 subunit were overexpressed at the fibrogenic front; this correlation between VPS33B, integrin α11 subunit, and abnormal collagen deposition was also observed in samples from patients with chronic skin wounds. In conclusion, our study showed that circadian-regulated endocytic recycling is central to homeostatic assembly of collagen fibrils and is disrupted in diseases.
MGPfactXMBD: A Model-Based Factorization Method for scRNA Data Unveils Bifurcating Transcriptional Modules Underlying Cell Fate Determination
Authors: Ren Jun , Zhou Ying , Hu Yudi , Yang Jing , Fang Hongkun , Lyu Xuejing , Guo Jintao , Shi Xiaodong , Li Qiyuan
Published: December 2024

Manifold-learning is particularly useful to resolve the complex cellular state space from single-cell RNA sequences. While current manifold-learning methods provide insights into cell fate by inferring graph-based trajectory at cell level, challenges remain to retrieve interpretable biology underlying the diverse cellular states. Here, we described MGPfact
XMBD
, a model-based manifold-learning framework and capable to factorize complex development trajectories into independent bifurcation processes of gene sets, and thus enables trajectory inference based on relevant features. MGPfact
XMBD
offers more nuanced understanding of the biological processes underlying cellular trajectories with potential determinants. When bench-tested across 239 datasets, MGPfact
XMBD
showed advantages in major quantity-control metrics, such as branch division accuracy and trajectory topology, outperforming most established methods. In real datasets, MGPfact
XMBD
recovered the critical pathways and cell types in microglia development with experimentally valid regulons and markers. Furthermore, MGPfact
XMBD
discovered evolutionary trajectories of tumor-associated CD8
+
T cells and yielded new subtypes of CD8
+
T cells with gene expression signatures significantly predictive of the responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor in independent cohorts. In summary, MGPfact
XMBD
offers a manifold-learning framework in scRNA-seq data which enables feature selection for specific biological processes and contributing to advance our understanding of biological determination of cell fate.
The effect of varying thicknesses of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine as apical plugs on the fracture resistance of teeth with simulated open apices: a comparative in vitro study
Authors: Panjwani Pankaj , Banga Kulvinder , Atram Jatin , Wahjuningrum Dian Agustin , Luke Alexander Maniangat , Shetty Krishna Prasad , Pawar Ajinkya M.
Published: December 2024

Background

This study evaluates the fracture resistance of apical plugs created from Biodentine and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in thicknesses of 3 and 5 mm within simulated open apex tooth models.

Methods

Fifty human maxillary central incisors were obtained from a pool of freshly extracted teeth. In order to replicate open apices without cavity preparation, ten teeth in the control group received apical-to-coronal preparation with Peeso reamers. The remaining 40 teeth were randomly assigned to four experimental groups and received either 3 or 5 mm Biodentine or MTA apical plugs.

Results

The mean fracture loads observed in this study were as follows: control group, 431.48 N (±34.55); 3 mm MTA, 774.88 N (±62.74); 5 mm MTA, 752.65 N (±73.79); 3 mm Biodentine, 918.25 N (±59.09); and 5 mm Biodentine, 903.42 N (±24.48). Specifically, teeth in the Biodentine group demonstrated considerably stronger fracture resistance compared to those in the MTA group (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed between the 3 and 5 mm thicknesses (MTA: p = 0.98, Biodentine: p = 0.99), suggesting that plug thickness did not affect fracture resistance within both groups.

Conclusion

Biodentine apical plugs provided the highest fracture resistance among the materials, regardless of thickness.
A comparative perception and impact of pictorial warnings on cigarette packaging among Malaysian smokers and non-smokers
Authors: Yahya Nurul Asyikin , Mohamed Kutty Nur Aqilah , Saleh Nurul Afira
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that pictorial warnings on tobacco products be used to educate consumers on the negative health impacts associated with tobacco use. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of pictorial warnings on cigarette packaging among smokers and non-smokers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted in Kuala Lumpur. Four components assessed the respondents’ socio-demographics, smoking status, perceptions, and impact of pictorial warnings. Six standard cigarette pictorial warning images were included in the questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using SPSS version 29.0. Frequencies and percentages were used for categorical data, while means and standard deviations were used for continuous data. Statistically significant results were set at p-value < 0.05. Non-parametric tests, the Chi-square test and the One-Way ANOVA test were used to calculate the differences between the variables, as the data was not normally distributed.

Results

Three hundred seventy-eight respondents participated in this study, with smokers and non-smokers divided equally, 189. Most respondents were 20–29 years old (n = 223, 59.0%) and had tertiary education (n = 207, 54.8%). Most smokers were male (n = 172, 91.0%), and most non-smokers were female (n = 119, 63.0%). Most respondents (n = 364, 96.3%, p = 0.276) noticed the pictorial warnings on cigarette packs. Nevertheless, significantly (p < 0.001) more smokers (n = 73, 38.6%) seldomly read the content compared to non-smokers (n = 57, 30.2%). Most smokers (n = 48, 12.7%) sometimes consider quitting smoking upon exposure to pictorial warnings on cigarette packs. However, most non-smokers (n = 161, 42.6%) never had the urge to smoke upon looking at the pictorial warnings. The most impactful image on cigarette packs among smokers was ‘Lung cancer’ (n = 74, 39.2%), while for non-smokers was ‘Mouth cancer’ (n = 59, 31.2%) with p < 0.001.

Conclusion

While non-smokers demonstrated greater engagement with and emotional responses to the warnings, smokers showed less frequent interaction and a tendency toward desensitisation. Although pictorial warnings play a vital role in raising awareness of the health risks of smoking, particularly lung and mouth cancer, their effectiveness in encouraging smoking cessation among smokers remains limited.
Effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Chinese propolis on dental pulp stem cell viability, migration and cytokine expression
Authors: Park Ha Bin , Dinh Yen , Yesares Rubi Pilar , Gibbs Jennifer L. , Michot Benoit
Published: December 2024

Background

Propolis is a natural substance produced by honeybees that has various biological properties including, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Although previous studies have evaluated the antimicrobial effects of propolis in dentistry, its effects on dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) viability, migration, and differentiation are yet not well understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Chinese propolis on viability/proliferation, migration, differentiation and cytokine expression in DPSCs.

Methods

Commercially available DPSCs (Lonza) were treated with aqueous extract of propolis (AEP) or ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP), and viability/proliferation was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays and quantification of nuclear staining. DPSC differentiation into mineralizing cells was evaluated with Alizarin red staining and cell migration was assessed using Boyden Chamber Transwell inserts. Cytokine expression was measured by RT-qPCR. AEP and EEP at 0.03 and 0.1 mg/mL did not affect DPSC viability/proliferation for up to 7-days treatment.

Results

Higher doses (0.33–33 mg/mL) induced a dose dependent decrease in DPSC viability/proliferation with a more prominent effect with EEP at 7 days. Neither AEP nor EEP induced DPSC differentiation into mineralizing cells, but both AEP and EEP (0.03–0.1 mg/ml) induced a dose dependent increase in DPSC migration. In addition, EEP prevents the upregulation of IL1b and IL6 but not IL8 and CCL2 in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. AEP has less potent anti-inflammatory effects and prevents only IL1b upregulation.

Conclusion

This study provides new information about the biologic properties of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of propolis and shows that propolis, at doses that do not affect cell viability, induces DPSC migration and has anti-inflammatory properties. These data highlight the potential use of propolis as an alternative intra-canal medicament for regenerative endodontic procedures.
Del Parking al Núcleo Residencial: oportunidades de articulación barrial en
el Centro de Santiago mediante la rehabilitación adaptativa de un edificio de
estacionamiento y su entorno
Authors:   , Ibáñez Troncoso Diego Ignacio
Published: December 2024

El Centro fundacional de Santiago es por vocación un polo de grandes
equipamientos cívicos y culturales, con una potente actividad comercial. Sin
embargo, el explosivo aumento demográfico que ha experimentado en las últimas
décadas y las características de la oferta inmobiliaria que se ha hecho cargo de
esta población han puesto en evidencia un conflicto urbano. Se trata de un
sector cuyos programas y espacios públicos responden eminentemente a la escala
metropolitana, y sus calles están diseñadas para un habitante pasajero. Por
ende, no existen muchos espacios públicos ni equipamientos pensados desde el
residente y sus necesidades cotidianas, sean programas recreativos, servicios
básicos, cuidado infantil, u otros.La presente investigación se enmarca en el
problema de cómo dar sustento a esta vida residencial en un Centro consolidado
en torno a la vida metropolitana. A través de un proyecto exploratorio, se busca
cuestionar las características de la vivienda en el casco histórico, su relación
con lo público y lo colectivo. Esto se cruza con una discusión acerca del cómo
construir en el centro en el siglo XXI. El suelo libre es escaso, y los
interiores de manzana están ya construidos. Por ello, el proyecto asociado a
esta tesis se abordará desde la rehabilitación adaptativa de edificaciones
existentes que han entrado en un proceso de obsolescencia, particularmente el
edificio de estacionamientos. Se desarrollará un caso de estudio, la
intervención de un edificio en la manzana Merced, en el cual se revisarán
estrategias que permitan adaptar el edificio a sus nuevos usos en un contexto
complejo y heterogéneo. Esto pondrá en cuestión qué significa transformar una
estructura hermética -pensada para la máquina y la movilidad motorizada-, en un
edificio que de soporte al habitar humano. Finalmente, se reflexionará sobre el
tejido de la manzana, de qué manera un proyecto acotado podría detonar cambios
que excedan el edificio mismo, y que discusiones abre respecto a la evolución
del casco histórico a futuro.
Profit-driven optimal segment churn prevention actions for a financial
institution. A multi-action and shared-segment budget constraint approach
Authors:   , Abraham Fuentealba
Published: December 2024

Customer attrition is a significant source of revenue loss for
organizations, and attracting new customers is estimated to be five to six times
more expensive than retaining an existing customer. This paper presents a
profit-driven optimization approach to prevent customer churn using a
multi-action customer retention action portfolio subject to a budget constraint.
The proposed approach integrates the problem of predicting customer churn
through analytical models with the issue of selecting specific customer
retention actions from a set of defined actions with different costs and
effectiveness while enforcing budgetary constraints. The main contribution is
developing an optimization framework that matches the customer with the actions,
maximizing the expected Customer Lifetime Value retention by applying a given
action to a set of customers subject to a budget constraint. This proactive
approach is compared with industry customer-action matching heuristics such as
sorting by Expected Profit of a Customer, churn ratio, and Customer lifetime
Value. Results show that the proposed model significantly outperforms the
mentioned heuristics, using a shared budget over a specific campaign budget is
preferred, an adequate portfolio of retention actions is crucial for maximizing
value, and overestimating a campaign’s effectiveness can reduce the value. The
proactive model was tested in a set of 150,000 customers and increased the
return on investment of the retention actions by over a 185% compared to the
reactive approach of the company.
Desarrollo de una cápsula psicoeducativa sobre narcisismo
Authors:   , Videla Matte Carolina
Published: December 2024

El concepto de narcisismo, a pesar de utilizarse con frecuencia en el
discurso psiquiátrico, presenta una elevada confusión respecto de su significado
(Gabbard y Crisp, 2016). Se trata de un diagnóstico controversial, lo que se
debería a una presentación altamente variable, incluyendo subtipos vulnerables y
grandiosos, un amplio espectro de gravedad y una variabilidad intraindividual
significativa en cuanto a los niveles de funcionamiento (Caligor y Stern, 2020).
Esta falta de claridad conceptual y diagnóstica confunde también la evaluación
clínica y el desarrollo del tratamiento (Caligor y Stern, 2020). En este
sentido, el objetivo principal de este proyecto, consiste en el desarrollo de un
guion de cápsula educativa sobre narcisismo, orientado a psicólogos/as que no
poseen conocimientos específicos en el tema, con el objetivo de entregar
información clara y comprensible respecto del concepto de narcisismo y sus
diversas manifestaciones, las principales dificultades en psicoterapia con
pacientes con este tipo de rasgos, así como proporcionar algunos lineamientos
generales respecto del abordaje psicoterapéutico. Con este fin, la metodología
utilizada se divide en dos partes. En primer lugar, el desarrollo del guion,
basado en una revisión bibliográfica sobre el concepto y sobre el formato de
cápsulas educativas, a fin de entregar una propuesta que contemple información
seleccionada de un modo riguroso y basado en la evidencia científica disponible.
En segundo lugar, interesó conocer la percepción del público objetivo del guion
sobre la calidad de este, mediante un diseño mixto de tipo transversal y no
experimental. Se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo de los resultados
cuantitativos obtenidos, y un análisis de contenido cualitativo.
Efficacy of Pasteurised Donor Human Milk on the Growth of Preterm Neonates: A Research Protocol of a Randomised Control Trial
Authors: Sisodia Akansha , Meshram RJ , Karotkar Sagar
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Growth restriction is a common complication affecting a significant proportion of Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants, with estimates suggesting that up to 97% of these vulnerable newborns are impacted. While Maternal Own Milk (MOM) is the gold standard for nutrition, pasteurised Donor Human Milk (DHM) offers a safe and nutritious alternative when MOM is not available. This research investigation aims to examine and compare the effects of MOM and DHM on growth parameters and outcomes in preterm infants.

Need of the Study: Preterm infants are disproportionately vulnerable to neurodevelopmental delays and other complications, underscoring the importance of identifying effective interventions to support their growth and development. While MOM is widely recognised as the optimal source of nutrition, the potential benefits of DHM warrant further investigation. Given the limited research directly comparing MOM and DHM, this study aims to address this knowledge gap and explore the impact of these nutritional sources on the developmental outcomes of preterm neonates.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of pasteurised DHM on anthropometric indices (Weight/Head circumference/Length) of preterm neonates until the age of discharge.

Materials and Methods: This randomised controlled trial will be conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Ward of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and AVBRH Hospital, Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India, from January 2024 to January 2026. All preterm infants born before 37 weeks of gestation and receiving enteral nutrition during the study duration will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups based on the type of milk consumed: MOM, DHM, or a combination of both. Anthropometric measurements {Weight (once every day in the morning from 6 AM to 8 AM), head circumference and length (both once weekly on every Sunday in the morning from 6 AM to 8 AM)} will be recorded regularly until discharge. Recording anthropometric measurements regularly (daily/weekly) at consistent times (6 AM-8 AM) enables timely detection of growth issues, prompt intervention and informed discharge planning. This approach ensures accuracy, consistency and comprehensive tracking of patient growth and development until discharge. Data analysis will be performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 software. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) will be employed to compare anthropometric indices among groups. Weight Gain Velocity (WGV) will be calculated by dividing the weight on the 10th day by the weight on the 1st day, multiplying by 1,000 and expressing the result in grams per kilogram per day (g/kg/day). Logistic regression analysis will be used to compare the incidence of Feeding Intolerance (FI) among groups.
Development and Evaluation of Carrot Powder-Enriched Pasta for Improved Dietary Health
Authors: Panda Lipsa , Devidarshini Chitrotpala
Published: December 2024

Pasta is gaining popularity in the diet of an individual specially among the young. Due to increased awareness about food components for health consciousness, it is important to enhance the nutritional quality of pasta. However, the present study was designed to developed nutrient rich pasta by using carrot powder and refined wheat flour. The developed products analyzed for their nutritional quality, sensory characteristics and storability using standard procedures. It was observed that the nutritional quality of all developed enriched pasta increased significantly (p<0.05) by increasing the level of supplementation of carrot powder with refined wheat flour. In sensory characteristics evaluation it was found that there was a significant (p<0.05) difference among the formulated pastas. Results indicated CP4 (refined wheat flour 65% with carrot powder 35%) pasta higher nutritional value i.e. moisture (8.72%), ash (2.26%), crude protein (11.85%), crude fat (1.39%), crude fiber (4.43%), carbohydrate (71.35%), calcium (84.32 mg/100g), iron (3.62 mg/100g), zinc (1.25 mg/100g), magnesium (71.56 mg/100g), phosphorus (114.17 mg/100g) and potassium (626.49 mg/100g) and CP1 had higher overall acceptability than all the formulated pasta and control (100% refined wheat flour) pasta. Formulated pasta products were obtained in acceptable category even after 60th days of keeping and stored in laminated pouch which showed lower significant changes in color.
Standardization of Seed to Solution Ratio and Hydropriming Duration for Seed Priming of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)
Authors: Kumar A S Bharath , Macha Sangeeta I , Ganigara B S , Doddagoudar S R , K J Hemalatha , Meena M K
Published: December 2024

A laboratory experiment was carried out to standardize the seed to solution ratio and hydropriming duration for seed priming in fenugreek at Department of Seed Science & Technology, College of Agriculture, UAS, Raichur during Rabi 2023-24. The experiment was laid out in Two Factorial Completely Randomized Design. The first factor consisted of seed to solution ratios viz., 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:2.5 and 1:3. The second factor was hydropriming durations viz., 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hours. The results revealed that seed priming in 1:2.5 seed to solution for 12 hours has recorded higher seed quality parameters viz., seed germination (97.25 %), seedling length (21.50 cm), seedling dry weight (11.24 mg), seedling vigour index-I and II (2091 & 1093). While, seed priming in 1:1 seed to solution for 8 hours has recorded lower seed quality parameters (89.50 %, 15.99 cm, 8.30 mg, 1431 and 743, respectively). Based on the results, it can be concluded that for priming in fenugreek 1:2.5 seed to solution ratio for 12 hours duration suitable to get good quality seedlings.
Exploring Genetic Variability in Rice for Yield Improvement under Low Phosphorus Soil Conditions
Authors: Shruti  , T Harisha , Anantha M. S. , Diwan J. R. , Raveendra C. H. , Eshwar  , Gireesh C. , Sundaram R. M. , Neeraja C. N. , Kumar R. Mahender , Brajendra  , Lokesha R. , Mahantashivayogayya K. , Suma T. C. , Beladadi R. V. , Saiprasad S. V. , Krishnamurthy S. L. , Senguttuvel P. , Honnappa  , Aleena D.
Published: December 2024

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for all living organisms. P deficiency in soils is a major limiting factor for crop growth in rice and reduces yield. Understanding genetic variability for low P tolerance is crucial for improvement of rice genotypes for this stress. This study was conducted under low soil P and normal conditions to evaluate genetic variability in yield and its associated traits among rice genotypes. The experimental material consists of 91 F2:3 mapping population along with two checks, planted in a low P and normal plot at ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad. Traits assessed included days to 50% flowering, plant height, total number of tillers, number of productive tillers per plant, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, panicle length, total number of grains per panicle, spikelet fertility, single plant yield, shoot length, root length, root volume, dry root weight, dry shoot weight and root to shoot ratio. ANOVA analysis suggested, mean sum of squares due to test genotypes were significant (p<0.01) for most of the traits under study. Plant height, number of tillers per plant, number of productive tillers per plant, flag leaf length, number of grains per panicle, spikelet fertility, single plant yield, shoot length, root volume, shoot dry weight, root dry weight and root to shoot ratio possessed high GCV and PCV values under low P condition. Genetic advance as per cent of mean for all traits possessed high genetic advance as per cent mean except for days to 50% flowering which showed medium GAM under low P condition. The genotypes showed varied response to genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean for days to 50% flowering (low), plant height (high), number of productive tillers per plant (high), panicle length (medium to high), flag leaf length (high), flag leaf width (medium to high), number of grains per panicle (high), spikelet fertility (high), single plant yield (high), root volume (high), shoot dry weight (high), root dry weight (high) and root to shoot ratio (high) under low P condition. This study identified these traits with high genetic variability and heritability, which are useful for developing P efficient rice cultivars and selection based on these traits would improve the rice for low soil P tolerance.
Exploring the Medicinal Benefits of Filfil Darāz (Piper longum L.): Insights from Unani Medicine and Modern Perspectives
Authors: Habib Abdul , Arzoo Khan Sabiha , Kalam Mohd Afsahul , Aziz Abdul , Babu Chand , Ahmad Belal
Published: December 2024

Backround: Filfil Darāz (Piper longum L.) is an important medicinal plant belonging to the Piperaceae family, is therapeutically used in many traditional systems of medicine, such as Unani, Ayurveda, Siddha, etc.
Purpose of Review: This review's primary goal is to investigate data on Piper longum botanical description, Pharmacognostic characteristics, phytochemicals, and therapeutic uses. This information will ultimately help Unani and other scientists plan various studies for additional research on this significant medicinal plant.
Materials and Methods: This systemic review was done through an extensive literature survey of Unani classical and other ethnobotanical literature and published research work available on various search engines viz., Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, etc.
Result: Piper longum L. is the accepted botanical name of Filfil Darāz, long pepper, Pīplamūl as referred in Unani and other traditional medicines. It is grown in Nepal, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Philippines. In India, the plant is found in the lower hills of West Bengal, the Khasi hills, the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats from Konkan to Kerala, and the Nicobar Islands, it is also found in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka. Usually, the fruit of this important medicinal plant is therapeutically used for various ailments, including indigestion, constipation, dysentery, neurogenic gastralgia, skin diseases, nervine weakness, weakness of stomach, flatulence, amenorrhea, dribbling of urine, etc. It contains many important secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, esters, piperine, steroids, and essential oils, etc., which have been reported to possess antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anthelminthic, mosquito-larvicidal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-asthmatic, cardioprotective, anti-snake-venom neuro-pharmacological, immunomodulation, antiarthritic and antiulcer and lipidemic agents.
Conclusion: Numerous bioactive chemicals that have been isolated and extracted from piper longum have been found to have potential therapeutic benefits for various bodily systems.
Exploring the Relationship between Dietary Patterns and Mental Health
Authors: K.P. Sivakumar , S.SriAmirthavarshini  , A.Vijayakumar  , A.Kalaiselvan  , T.Balaji
Published: December 2024

Dietary patterns play a crucial role in shaping mental health, as they influence the availability of essential nutrients that support brain function and emotional regulation. The high intake of antioxidants and healthy fats supports brain health, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. For example, in patients with depression, markers of systemic inflammation are often significantly greater than in controls, which is indicative of immune system dysregulation. The potential importance of the relationship between dietary patterns or quality and mental health early in the life span. Prospective and intervention studies are now required to improve the level of evidence. Given that the average age of onset for anxiety and mood disorders is 6 years and 13 years, respectively, the potential for early intervention using strategies targeted at improving dietary intake at a population level may be of substantial public health benefit. However, this would require policy action to improve the global food environment. Diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats are linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Prioritizing a balanced, nutritious diet can therefore play a crucial role in preventing mental health issues and enhancing overall well-being.
Nutritional, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Citrus Peels: A Sustainable Valorization Approach
Authors: Sengupta Sudeshna , Khatun Rojina , Kumari Aanchal , Rai Roshlina , Dutta Subarna , Mondal Torsha , Chattaraj Banani , Bhattacharya Malavika
Published: December 2024

Background: Citrus peels are often discarded as waste despite being rich in bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. Traditional extraction methods for these compounds are not always sustainable and can lead to environmental harm. Using a sustainable vaporization approach, the bioactive compounds in citrus peels can be efficiently extracted and retained for various applications. Valorization strategies have been used for various waste streams, including agro-industrial by-products and olive mill wastewater.
Aims: Using a sustainable vaporization method, this study seeks to examine the antibacterial, antioxidant, and nutritional qualities of citrus peels.
Methods: waste valorization remains a promising approach for sustainable waste management and resource recovery. Quantitative studies and antimicrobial activities were carried out using peels of C. aurantifolia (Key Lime), C. maxima (Pomelo), C. sinensis (orange), Citrus limetta (Sweet Lemon), and C. reticulata. Citrus aurantiifolia is believed to be a hybrid of Citrus medica, Citrus grandis, and a Micro-citrus species, with significant antibacterial activity.
Result: Citrus limetta Mosambi is gaining popularity due to its delicious taste and high vitamin-C content. Citrus sinensis is a small, spherical fruit rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. Pummelo, or Citrus maxima, is known for its large, sweet fruits with abortifacient and menstrual stimulant properties. Peels of C. maxima exhibit the highest amount of antioxidant activity equivalent to ascorbic acid and display significant antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella species. Citrus reticulata, found mainly in eastern India, has a maximum amount vitamin C among citrus species and exhibits high antimicrobial activity.
Crustal nature and lithospheric structure of the Okinawa Trough
Authors: Wang Gang , Jiang Suhua , Li Sanzhong , Zhang Huixuan , Cao Wei , Zhao Feiyu , Lei Jianping , Gao Song
Published: February 2020

The Okinawa Trough (OT) is a back‐arc basin located in the eastern edge of the Eurasian Plate. The stage of back‐arc spreading and the exact crustal thickness of the OT are still controversial. To determine the crustal nature and lithospheric structure of the OT, the Moho discontinuity depth of the OT is calculated through the Parker–Oldenburg iterative inversion method based on the Bouguer gravity anomaly data in this article. The result shows that the crustal thickness of the OT is 15–27 km, thinner than those of the typical continental crust, and thicker than those of the normal oceanic crust. In this study, the formation and evolution of marginal basins or back‐arc basins is divided into four stages based on the crustal thickness of the basin. By comparing crustal thickness and heat flow of typical marginal basins located in global passive continental margins and continental rift, it can be inferred that the OT is at a stage later than continental drift. We suggest that the southern and middle OT are at the early stage of back‐arc spreading, while the northern OT is still at the ocean–continent transitional stage. There may have been initial oceanic crust developed at the spreading center in the southern OT. The tomographic images of the OT show that there is low‐velocity anomalous mantle beneath the OT, providing deep geophysical evidence for back‐arc spreading of the OT.
Techno-economic assessment for energy transition from diesel-based to hybrid energy system-based off-grids in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Shamma’a Abdullrahman Abdullah , Alturki Fahd A. , Farh Hassan M. H.
Published: February 2020

Hybrid energy power plants are remarkable option for the electrification of isolated areas, which commonly fulfill their energy demand by means of diesel generators. An energy combination comprising also PV or wind systems would lead to a reduction of costs and is, therefore, being gradually esteemed. In this paper, an optimal sizing approach was established based on a long-term energy analysis, to study the techno-economic feasibility of different hybrid systems proposed to electrify an isolated area located in the north of Saudi Arabia under different fuel cost scenarios. For each fuel cost scenario, the hybrid system has been designed and optimized to get a maximum renewable penetration ratio at a low cost of energy. An optimization model based on genetic algorithm is developed to determine the optimum hybrid systems. Three different systems are studied, with different diesel price, to relatively analyze the different hybrid systems and the result reveals that PV/battery/diesel with zero LPSP is the most cost-effective system for the proposed remote area. Sensitivity analysis reveals that that the hybrid systems is the most economically choice even if the solar radiation decreases to half. It also found that irrespective of the wind speed, PV/battery/diesel system is the optimal choice if the wind speed is less than about 6.75 m/s. At solar radiation and wind speed less than 1500 W/m2, 5.6 m/s, respectively, diesel only system is cost effective. According to the present results, there is a good economic prospective to shift the diesel plants to hybrid systems, with cost reduction opportunities of around 41% of the cost of energy.
Research of mechanical and electrical properties of Cu–Sc and Cu–Zr alloys
Authors: Franczak Krystian , Kwaśniewski Paweł , Kiesiewicz Grzegorz , Zasadzińska Małgorzata , Jurkiewicz Bartosz , Strzępek Paweł , Rdzawski Zbigniew
Published: February 2020

The research paper presents the impact of the scandium additive and various conditions of the heat treatment on copper mechanical, electrical and heat resistance properties. The performed research works included manufacturing of CuSc0.15 and CuSc0.3 alloys through metallurgical synthesis with the use of induction furnace and following crystallization in graphite crucibles at ambient temperature. Additionally, a CuZr0.15 alloy was produced as a reference material for previously synthesized Cu–Sc alloys. During research, the selection of heat treatment for the produced materials was conducted in order to obtain the highest mechanical–electrical properties ratio. Materials obtained in such a way were next subjected to thermal resistance tests. Parameters of thermal resistance test included temperatures from the range of 200–700 °C and 1 h of annealing time. The research has shown that CuSc0.15 and CuSc0.3 alloys have higher heat resistance after their precipitation hardening compared to the Cu–Zr alloy. The paper also presents microstructural research of the produced materials, which showed that alloying elements precipitates are mainly localized at the grain boundaries of the material structure.
All-optical control of exciton flow in a colloidal quantum well complex
Authors: Yu Junhong , Sharma Manoj , Sharma Ashma , Delikanli Savas , Volkan Demir Hilmi , Dang Cuong
Published: February 2020

Excitonics, an alternative to romising for processing information since semiconductor electronics is rapidly approaching the end of Moore’s law. Currently, the development of excitonic devices, where exciton flow is controlled, is mainly focused on electric-field modulation or exciton polaritons in high-Q cavities. Here, we show an all-optical strategy to manipulate the exciton flow in a binary colloidal quantum well complex through mediation of the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) by stimulated emission. In the spontaneous emission regime, FRET naturally occurs between a donor and an acceptor. In contrast, upon stronger excitation, the ultrafast consumption of excitons by stimulated emission effectively engineers the excitonic flow from the donors to the acceptors. Specifically, the acceptors’ stimulated emission significantly accelerates the exciton flow, while the donors’ stimulated emission almost stops this process. On this basis, a FRET-coupled rate equation model is derived to understand the controllable exciton flow using the density of the excited donors and the unexcited acceptors. The results will provide an effective all-optical route for realizing excitonic devices under room temperature operation.
Toward a self-driving ultrafast fiber laser
Authors: Meng Fanchao , Dudley John M.
Published: February 2020

Femtosecond pulses from an ultrafast mode-locked fiber laser can be optimized in real time by combining single-shot spectral measurements with a smart genetic algorithm to actively control and drive the intracavity dynamics.
Graphene-based sensing of oxygen transport through pulmonary membranes
Authors: Kim Mijung , Porras-Gomez Marilyn , Leal Cecilia
Published: February 2020

Lipid-protein complexes are the basis of pulmonary surfactants covering the respiratory surface and mediating gas exchange in lungs. Cardiolipin is a mitochondrial lipid overexpressed in mammalian lungs infected by bacterial pneumonia. In addition, increased oxygen supply (hyperoxia) is a pathological factor also critical in bacterial pneumonia. In this paper we fabricate a micrometer-size graphene-based sensor to measure oxygen permeation through pulmonary membranes. Combining oxygen sensing, X-ray scattering, and Atomic Force Microscopy, we show that mammalian pulmonary membranes suffer a structural transformation induced by cardiolipin. We observe that cardiolipin promotes the formation of periodic protein–free inter–membrane contacts with rhombohedral symmetry. Membrane contacts, or stalks, promote a significant increase in oxygen gas permeation which may bear significance for alveoli gas exchange imbalance in pneumonia.
Mechanochemical synthesis of pillar[5]quinone derived multi-microporous organic polymers for radioactive organic iodide capture and storage
Authors: Jie Kecheng , Zhou Yujuan , Sun Qi , Li Bo , Zhao Run , Jiang De-en , Guo Wei , Chen Hao , Yang Zhenzhen , Huang Feihe , Dai Sheng
Published: February 2020

The incorporation of supramolecular macrocycles into porous organic polymers may endow the material with enhanced uptake of specific guests through host−guest interactions. Here we report a solvent and catalyst-free mechanochemical synthesis of pillar[5]quinone (P5Q) derived multi-microporous organic polymers with hydrophenazine linkages (MHP-P5Q), which show a unique 3-step N2 adsorption isotherm. In comparison with analogous microporous hydrophenazine-linked organic polymers (MHPs) obtained using simple twofold benzoquinones, MHP-P5Q is demonstrated to have a superior performance in radioactive iodomethane (CH3I) capture and storage. Mechanistic studies show that the rigid pillar[5]arene cavity has additional binding sites though host−guest interactions as well as the halogen bond (−I⋯N = C−) and chemical adsorption in the multi-microporous MHP-P5Q mainly account for the rapid and high-capacity adsorption and long-term storage of CH3I.
Spectral cues are necessary to encode azimuthal auditory space in the mouse superior colliculus
Authors: Ito Shinya , Si Yufei , Feldheim David A. , Litke Alan M.
Published: February 2020

Sound localization plays a critical role in animal survival. Three cues can be used to compute sound direction: interaural timing differences (ITDs), interaural level differences (ILDs) and the direction-dependent spectral filtering by the head and pinnae (spectral cues). Little is known about how spectral cues contribute to the neural encoding of auditory space. Here we report on auditory space encoding in the mouse superior colliculus (SC). We show that the mouse SC contains neurons with spatially-restricted receptive fields (RFs) that form an azimuthal topographic map. We found that frontal RFs require spectral cues and lateral RFs require ILDs. The neurons with frontal RFs have frequency tunings that match the spectral structure of the specific head and pinna filter for sound coming from the front. These results demonstrate that patterned spectral cues in combination with ILDs give rise to the topographic map of azimuthal auditory space.
Publisher Correction: Cryo-EM structure of the human MLL1 core complex bound to the nucleosome
Authors: Park Sang Ho , Ayoub Alex , Lee Young-Tae , Xu Jing , Kim Hanseong , Zheng Wei , Zhang Biao , Sha Liang , An Sojin , Zhang Yang , Cianfrocco Michael A. , Su Min , Dou Yali , Cho Uhn-Soo
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.