bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helicity dependent temporal profile of the semiconductor thin film photoresponse
Authors: Mikheev Gennady M. , Fateev Arseniy E. , Kogai Vladimir Ya. , Mogileva Tatyana N. , Vanyukov Viatcheslav V. , Svirko Yuri P.
Published: May 2021

We demonstrate that the transverse photovoltage pulses generated in the thin CuSe/Se semiconductor nanocomposite film irradiated by circularly and linearly polarized femtosecond laser beams have different durations, indicating the dependence of the relaxation time of the photogenerated carriers on their spin. For the linearly polarized excitation beam, the photovoltage is a unipolar pulse that reverses polarity when the polarization azimuth changes sign, while its duration is polarization independent. For the left- and right-circularly polarized excitation beams, the photovoltage pulses are also unipolar having the same amplitude and duration but the opposite polarities. However, the temporal profile of the photoresponse changes drastically when the excitation beam is elliptically polarized. Specifically, it can be either a unipolar or bipolar pulse depending on the degree of the circular polarization of the excitation beam. We show that the observed helicity-sensitive temporal profile of the photoresponse originates from the interference of photocurrents generated in the subsurface layer of the film due to the linear and circular surface photogalvanic effects.
Reducing high carrier concentration in rocksalt-AlxSc1-xN with Mg acceptor doping
Authors: Upadhya Krithika , Rao Dheemahi , Biswas Bidesh , Kumar Rajendra , Bhatia Vijay , Pillai Ashalatha Indiradevi Kamalasanan , Garbrecht Magnus , Saha Bivas
Published: May 2021

Aluminum scandium nitride (AlxSc1-xN) is an emerging III-nitride semiconductor that has attracted significant interest in recent years in surface and bulk acoustic resonators for its high piezoelectric coefficient and applications in high-power electronic devices. AlxSc1-xN stabilizes in the rock salt phase for x < 0.52 when deposited directly on (001) MgO substrates and has been utilized as a semiconductor in single-crystalline TiN/AlxSc1-xN metal/semiconductor superlattices for thermionic energy conversion, optical hyperbolic metamaterials, and the fundamental studies on heat and current transport in materials. However, due to the presence of oxygen impurities and native defects, such as nitrogen vacancies, sputter-deposited rock salt-AlxSc1-xN exhibits a high carrier concentration in the (2–4) × 1020 cm−3 range that leads to its Ohmic tunneling contact with metals and prevents observation of thermionic emission. In this Letter, we demonstrate that magnesium (Mg) acts as an efficient hole-dopant in r-AlxSc1-xN, increases its resistivity, and reduces its carrier concentration as a function of Mg concentration to as low as 1.4 × 1018 cm−3. A combination of spectroscopy, microscopy, and first-principles modeling demonstrate (a) epitaxial 001 oriented AlxSc1-xN:Mg growth for the first 35–75 nm and subsequent pyramidal growth with multiple in-plane orientations, (b) MgxNy to form a uniform and homogeneous solid solution with r-AlxSc1-xN without any precipitation, phase separation, or secondary phase formation, and (c) Mg-defect states are located deep inside the valence and conduction bands that leave behind a pristine r-AlxSc1-xN bandgap and band edges. The demonstration of Mg-hole doping in r-AlxSc1-xN marks significant progress in r-AlxSc1-xN thin film and superlattice-based devices.
Symmetries in the multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree wavefunction representation and propagation
Authors: Weike Thomas , Manthe Uwe
Published: May 2021

In multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree (MCTDH) approaches, different multi-layered wavefunction representations can be used to represent the same physical wavefunction. Transformations between different equivalent representations of a physical wavefunction that alter the tree structure used in the multi-layer MCTDH wavefunction representation interchange the role of single-particle functions (SPFs) and single-hole functions (SHFs) in the MCTDH formalism. While the physical wavefunction is invariant under these transformations, this invariance does not hold for the standard multi-layer MCTDH equations of motion. Introducing transformed SPFs, which obey normalization conditions typically associated with SHFs, revised equations of motion are derived. These equations do not show the singularities resulting from the inverse single-particle density matrix and are invariant under tree transformations. Based on the revised equations of motion, a new integration scheme is introduced. The scheme combines the advantages of the constant mean-field approach of Beck and Meyer [Z. Phys. D 42, 113 (1997)] and the singularity-free integrator suggested by Lubich [Appl. Math. Res. Express 2015, 311]. Numerical calculations studying the spin boson model in high dimensionality confirm the favorable properties of the new integration scheme.
Collectivism predicts mask use during COVID-19
Authors: Lu Jackson G. , Jin Peter , English Alexander S.
Published: May 2021

Significance

What explains the striking regional differences in COVID-19 severity around the world? We reveal the role of culture in mask usage, a precautionary measure vital for mitigating the pandemic. Leveraging a dataset of all 3,141 counties of the 50 US states, a dataset of 16,737 individuals in the 50 US states, a dataset of 367,109 individuals in 29 countries, and a dataset of 277,219 Facebook users in 67 countries, we provide evidence that people in more collectivistic (versus individualistic) regions are more likely to wear masks. Our research suggests that culture fundamentally shapes how people respond to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Familial thrombocytopenia: The long and short of it
Authors: Murphy Lauren , Mead Adam J.
Published: May 2021

In this issue, Wahlster, Verboon, and colleagues (2021. J. Exp. Med.https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20210444) describe a multigenerational family with inherited thrombocytopenia where the causal variant was not identified using conventional genome sequencing approaches. Long-read sequencing and RNA sequencing revealed a complex structural variant, causing overexpression of a pathogenic gain-of-function WAC-ANKRD26 fusion transcript.
Shaker-IR K+ channel gating in heavy water: Role of structural water molecules in inactivation
Authors: Szanto Tibor G. , Gaal Szabolcs , Karbat Izhar , Varga Zoltan , Reuveny Eitan , Panyi Gyorgy
Published: May 2021

It has been reported earlier that the slow (C-type) inactivated conformation in Kv channels is stabilized by a multipoint hydrogen-bond network behind the selectivity filter. Furthermore, MD simulations revealed that structural water molecules are also involved in the formation of this network locking the selectivity filter in its inactive conformation. We found that the application of an extracellular, but not intracellular, solution based on heavy water (D2O) dramatically slowed entry into the slow inactivated state in Shaker-IR mutants (T449A, T449A/I470A, and T449K/I470C, displaying a wide range of inactivation kinetics), consistent with the proposed effect of the dynamics of structural water molecules on the conformational stability of the selectivity filter. Alternative hypotheses capable of explaining the observed effects of D2O were examined. Increased viscosity of the external solution mimicked by the addition of glycerol had a negligible effect on the rate of inactivation. In addition, the inactivation time constants of K+ currents in the outward and the inward directions in asymmetric solutions were not affected by a H2O/D2O exchange, negating an indirect effect of D2O on the rate of K+ rehydration. The elimination of the nonspecific effects of D2O on our macroscopic current measurements supports the hypothesis that the rate of structural water exchange at the region behind the selectivity filter determines the rate of slow inactivation, as proposed by molecular modeling.
Cardiomyopathic mutations in essential light chain reveal mechanisms regulating the super relaxed state of myosin
Authors: Sitbon Yoel H. , Diaz Francisca , Kazmierczak Katarzyna , Liang Jingsheng , Wangpaichitr Medhi , Szczesna-Cordary Danuta
Published: May 2021

In this study, we assessed the super relaxed (SRX) state of myosin and sarcomeric protein phosphorylation in two pathological models of cardiomyopathy and in a near-physiological model of cardiac hypertrophy. The cardiomyopathy models differ in disease progression and severity and express the hypertrophic (HCM-A57G) or restrictive (RCM-E143K) mutations in the human ventricular myosin essential light chain (ELC), which is encoded by the MYL3 gene. Their effects were compared with near-physiological heart remodeling, represented by the N-terminally truncated ELC (Δ43 ELC mice), and with nonmutated human ventricular WT-ELC mice. The HCM-A57G and RCM-E143K mutations had antagonistic effects on the ATP-dependent myosin energetic states, with HCM-A57G cross-bridges fostering the disordered relaxed (DRX) state and the RCM-E143K model favoring the energy-conserving SRX state. The HCM-A57G model promoted the switch from the SRX to DRX state and showed an ∼40% increase in myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) phosphorylation compared with the RLC of normal WT-ELC myocardium. On the contrary, the RCM-E143K–associated stabilization of the SRX state was accompanied by an approximately twofold lower level of myosin RLC phosphorylation compared with the RLC of WT-ELC. Upregulation of RLC phosphorylation was also observed in Δ43 versus WT-ELC hearts, and the Δ43 myosin favored the energy-saving SRX conformation. The two disease variants also differently affected the duration of force transients, with shorter (HCM-A57G) or longer (RCM-E143K) transients measured in electrically stimulated papillary muscles from these pathological models, while no changes were displayed by Δ43 fibers. We propose that the N terminus of ELC (N-ELC), which is missing in the hearts of Δ43 mice, works as an energetic switch promoting the SRX-to-DRX transition and contributing to the regulation of myosin RLC phosphorylation in full-length ELC mice by facilitating or sterically blocking RLC phosphorylation in HCM-A57G and RCM-E143K hearts, respectively.
Regional differences in arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Short Ben
Published: May 2021

JGP study shows that the subendocardium is more susceptible to spontaneous Ca2+ release events that can initiate arrhythmias, and this may be reduced by local CaMKII inhibition.
Self-consistent fluid model for simulating power coupling in hydrogen ICPs at 1 MHz including the nonlinear RF Lorentz force
Authors: Zielke D , Rauner D , Briefi S , Lishev S , Fantz U
Published: May 2021

Radio frequency (RF) power coupling in inductively coupled plasmas is investigated numerically using a self-consistent fluid model. Hydrogen discharges are simulated at pressures from 0.3–10 Pa and at RF powers of around 1 kW. At the low excitation frequency of 1 MHz a high magnetic RF field of around 30 G is generated by the RF coil, meaning that discharges at low pressures are in the nonlinear skin effect regime. Therefore, a description of the RF power coupling by simple collisional Joule heating is not appropriate. Moreover, models that account for collisionless heating by means of a stochastic collision frequency or as diffusion of the RF current density (as is state of the art for discharges operated in the anomalous skin effect regime at higher frequencies of e.g. 13.56 MHz) are incapable of describing the RF power coupling in the nonlinear skin effect regime properly. This is due to their total neglect or simplified treatment of the RF Lorentz force. Instead, this work demonstrates that the RF power coupling mechanism for discharges operating at low RF in the nonlinear skin effect regime can be described by an electron momentum balance retaining the nonlinear RF Lorentz force as well as electron inertia and advection. The crucial role of the RF Lorentz force in generating the RF plasma current density and thus in shaping the plasma parameter profiles is validated successfully with experimentally obtained electrical and spatially resolved plasma parameters for pressures as low as 0.5 Pa. Below this pressure the results obtained from the model and the ones from the experiment diverge. Most likely this is caused by a sudden change in the electron distribution function at the lowest pressures.
Spectral features of Pb-related color centers in diamond – a systematic photoluminescence characterization
Authors: Ditalia Tchernij Sviatoslav , Corte Emilio , Lühmann Tobias , Traina Paolo , Pezzagna Sébastien , Degiovanni Ivo Pietro , Provatas Georgios , Moreva Ekaterina , Meijer Jan , Olivero Paolo , Genovese Marco , Forneris Jacopo
Published: May 2021

We report on the systematic characterization of the optical properties of diamond color centers based on Pb impurities. An ensemble photoluminescence analysis of their spectral emission was performed at different excitation wavelengths in the 405–520 nm range and at different temperatures in the 4–300 K range. The series of observed spectral features consist of different emission lines associated with Pb-related defects. Finally, a room-temperature investigation of single-photon emitters under 490.5 nm laser excitation is reported, revealing different spectral signatures with respect to those already reported under 514 nm excitation. This work represents a substantial progress with respect to previous studies on Pb-related color centers, both in the attribution of an articulated series of spectral features and in the understanding of the formation process of this type of defect, thus clarifying the potential of this system for high-impact applications in quantum technologies.
Resolving the influence of local flows on urban heat amplification during heatwaves
Authors: Hirsch Annette L , Evans Jason P , Thomas Christopher , Conroy Brooke , Hart Melissa A , Lipson Mathew , Ertler William
Published: May 2021

Heatwaves have implications for human health and ecosystem function. Over cities, the impacts of a heatwave event may be compounded by urban heat, where temperatures over the urban area are higher than their rural surroundings. Coastal cities often rely upon sea breezes to provide temporary relief. However, topographic features contributing to the development of Foehn-like conditions can offset the cooling influence of sea breezes. Using convection-permitting simulations (⩽4 km) we examine the potential for both mechanisms to influence heatwave conditions over the large coastal city of Sydney, Australia that is bordered by mountains. Heatwave onset in the hot period of January–February 2017 often coincides with a hot continental flow over the mountains into the city. The temperature difference between the coast and the urban–rural interface can reach 15.79 °C. Further, the urban heat island contributes on average an additional 1 °C in the lowest 1 km of the atmosphere and this often extends beyond the city limits. The cumulative heat induced by the urban environment reaches 10 °C over the city and 3 °C over adjacent inland areas. Strong sea breezes are important for heat dispersion with city temperature gradients reducing to within 1 °C. The resolution permits a comparison between urban types and reveals that the diurnal cycle of temperature, moisture content and wind are sensitive to the urban type. Here we show that convection permitting simulations can resolve the interaction between local breezes and the urban environment that are not currently resolved in coarser resolution models.
Anonymity and Non-Identity Cases
Authors: Francis Tomi
Published: May 2021

I argue for the principle of Anonymity, according to which two populations are equally good whenever they have the same anonymous distribution of wellbeing. I first show that, given transitivity of the at-least-as-good-as relation, Anonymity is entailed by the ``Non-Identity Principle'', according to which the consequence of bringing better rather than worse lives into existence is, all else equal, better. I then argue for the Non-Identity Principle on the basis that if it were false, it would follow that we fail to improve the world when we make existing people better off, while at the same time replacing worse-off future people with different better-off future people. Since this is implausible, we should accept the Non-Identity Principle, and therefore Anonymity as well.
Outpatient ureteric stent removal following kidney transplantation
Authors: Georgiades F. , Silva A. N. S. , Purohit K. , King S. , Torpey N. , Saeb-Parsy K. , Pettigrew G. J. , Rouhani F. J.
Published: May 2021

Lay Summary

During a kidney transplant, a plastic tube (stent) is placed in the ureter, connecting the new kidney to the bladder, in order to keep the new join open during the initial phase of transplantation. The stent is then removed after a few weeks via a camera procedure (cystoscopy), as it is no longer needed. The present study compared performing this in the operating theatre or in clinic for transplanted patients using a new single-use type of camera with an integrated grasper system. The results have shown that it is safe and cost-effective to do this in clinic, despite patients being susceptible to infection after transplantation.
Karyopherin abnormalities in neurodegenerative proteinopathies
Authors: Pasha Terouz , Zatorska Anna , Sharipov Daulet , Rogelj Boris , Hortobágyi Tibor , Hirth Frank
Published: May 2021

Neurodegenerative proteinopathies are characterized by progressive cell loss that is preceded by the mislocalization and aberrant accumulation of proteins prone to aggregation. Despite their different physiological functions, disease-related proteins like tau, α-synuclein, TAR DNA binding protein-43, fused in sarcoma and mutant huntingtin, all share low complexity regions that can mediate their liquid-liquid phase transitions. The proteins’ phase transitions can range from native monomers to soluble oligomers, liquid droplets and further to irreversible, often-mislocalized aggregates that characterize the stages and severity of neurodegenerative diseases.

Recent advances into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms have associated mislocalization and aberrant accumulation of disease-related proteins with defective nucleocytoplasmic transport and its mediators called karyopherins. These studies identify karyopherin abnormalities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and synucleinopathies including Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, that range from altered expression levels to the subcellular mislocalization and aggregation of karyopherin α and β proteins.

The reported findings reveal that in addition to their classical function in nuclear import and export, karyopherins can also act as chaperones by shielding aggregation-prone proteins against misfolding, accumulation and irreversible phase-transition into insoluble aggregates. Karyopherin abnormalities can, therefore, be both the cause and consequence of protein mislocalization and aggregate formation in degenerative proteinopathies. The resulting vicious feedback cycle of karyopherin pathology and proteinopathy identifies karyopherin abnormalities as a common denominator of onset and progression of neurodegenerative disease.

Pharmacological targeting of karyopherins, already in clinical trials as therapeutic intervention targeting cancers such as glioblastoma and viral infections like COVID-19, may therefore represent a promising new avenue for disease-modifying treatments in neurodegenerative proteinopathies.
ESC working group on cardiac cellular electrophysiology position paper: relevance, opportunities, and limitations of experimental models for cardiac electrophysiology research
Authors: Odening Katja E , Gomez Ana-Maria , Dobrev Dobromir , Fabritz Larissa , Heinzel Frank R , Mangoni Matteo E , Molina Cristina E , Sacconi Leonardo , Smith Godfrey , Stengl Milan , Thomas Dierk , Zaza Antonio , Remme Carol Ann , Heijman Jordi
Published: May 2021

Cardiac arrhythmias are a major cause of death and disability. A large number of experimental cell and animal models have been developed to study arrhythmogenic diseases. These models have provided important insights into the underlying arrhythmia mechanisms and translational options for their therapeutic management. This position paper from the ESC Working Group on Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology provides an overview of (i) currently available in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo electrophysiological research methodologies, (ii) the most commonly used experimental (cellular and animal) models for cardiac arrhythmias including relevant species differences, (iii) the use of human cardiac tissue, induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived and in silico models to study cardiac arrhythmias, and (iv) the availability, relevance, limitations, and opportunities of these cellular and animal models to recapitulate specific acquired and inherited arrhythmogenic diseases, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, sinus node, and conduction disorders and channelopathies. By promoting a better understanding of these models and their limitations, this position paper aims to improve the quality of basic research in cardiac electrophysiology, with the ultimate goal to facilitate the clinical translation and application of basic electrophysiological research findings on arrhythmia mechanisms and therapies.
Co-cultivation of sake yeast and Kocuria isolates from the sake brewing process
Authors: Terasaki Momoka , Inoue Airu , Kanamoto Emi , Yoshida Saki , Yamada Masato , Toda Hiroshi , Nishida Hiromi
Published: May 2021

Kocuria isolates collected from the sake brewing process have inhabited the Narimasa Sake Brewery in Toyama, Japan. To investigate the effect of these actinobacterial isolates on the growth and metabolism of sake yeast, co-cultivation of sake yeast and Kocuria isolates was performed in a medium containing tryptone, glucose and yeast extract (TGY), and a solution containing koji (steamed rice covered with Aspergillus oryzae) and glucose. In the TGY medium, the ethanol concentration and the number of living cells of each microorganism were measured. In the koji solution, the concentrations of ethanol and organic acids (citric acid, lactic acid and succinic acid) were measured. The results showed that in TGY media, the growth of each Kocuria isolate in the co-culture of the two Kocuria isolates was similar to that in each monoculture. However, the growth of both Kocuria isolates was inhibited in the co-cultures of sake yeast and Kocuria isolates. On the other hand, the growth and ethanol productivity of sake yeast did not differ between its monoculture and co-cultures with Kocuria isolates. In the koji solution, Kocuria isolates TGY1120_3 and TGY1127_2 affected the concentrations of ethanol and lactic acid, respectively. Thus, Kocuria isolates affected the microbial metabolism, but the effects were not identical between the two isolates. This strongly suggests that bacteria inhabiting a sake brewery may influence the flavor and taste of sake products of the brewery.
The role of non-standard translation in Candida albicans pathogenesis
Authors: Bezerra Ana Rita , Oliveira Carla , Correia Inês , Guimarães Ana Rita , Sousa Gonçalo , Carvalho Maria João , Moura Gabriela , Santos Manuel A S
Published: May 2021

Candida albicans typically resides in the human gastrointestinal tract and mucosal membranes as a commensal organism. To adapt and cope with the host immune system, it has evolved a variety of mechanisms of adaptation such as stress-induced mutagenesis and epigenetic regulation. Niche-specific patterns of gene expression also allow the fungus to fine-tune its response to specific microenvironments in the host and switch from harmless commensal to invasive pathogen. Proteome plasticity produced by CUG ambiguity, on the other hand is emerging as a new layer of complexity in C. albicans adaptation, pathogenesis, and drug resistance. Such proteome plasticity is the result of a genetic code alteration where the leucine CUG codon is translated mainly as serine (97%), but maintains some level of leucine (3%) assignment. In this review, we dissect the link between C. albicans non-standard CUG translation, proteome plasticity, host adaptation and pathogenesis. We discuss published work showing how this pathogen uses the fidelity of protein synthesis to spawn novel virulence traits.
Continuous and elastically consistent viscoelastic reflection and transmission coefficient curves for plane inhomogeneousPandSwaves
Authors: Liu Xu
Published: May 2021

For inhomogeneous plane waves in dissipative media, correctly selecting the vertical slowness (q) is the key requirement to obtain physically acceptable reflection/transmission (R/T) coefficients (e.g. both continuous curves as a function of incidence angle, and consistency with the elastic coefficients at very low attenuation). Based on the fundamental branch-cut theory, the continuity criterion ensures the continuity of the R/T coefficient curves. The elastic consistence is obtained due to the definition of the mixed principal values and the consistent assumptions of time dependence of the harmonic plane wave, the Z-direction of the spatial coordinate system and the particle motion (polarization) vectors. The elastic consistence of R/T coefficients is checked by both elastic models with zero dissipation factor (1/Q) and the equal-Q model in which the Q values of the incident wave and the R/T waves are non-zero but equal for the P and S waves on both sides of the interface. In particular, the previously reported 180° phase difference between the viscoelastic coefficients with arbitrarily small attenuation but the same ratio of Q across the interface and the corresponding elastic coefficients is circumvented by introducing the mixed principal value. The continuity criterion is implemented directly in the complex vertical slowness squared (q2) plane in which the branch-cut is defined. Furthermore, the loci of q2 and several ‘critical angles’ defined for anelastic waves are clearly investigated and clarified. The loci of q2 are expressed as a function of the incidence angle and the incident wave inhomogeneity parameter D. The plots of wave inhomogeneity parameter (D and/or attenuation angle γ) versus incidence angle are calculated from the slowness vectors. The resultant D values, especially their equality for all vertically propagating R/T waves, are examined using the complex Snell's law to provide extra support to the correctness of the slowness vectors and thus of the R/T coefficients. It is worth noting that phase angle of the R/T waves from an inhomogeneous incident wave may exhibit rapid changes at vertical incidence because near-vertical reflection is still the dominant application of the exploration seismic method. To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first time it has been possible to obtain continuous and elastically consistent viscoelastic R/T coefficients.
Equity in public health spending in Ethiopia: a benefit incidence analysis
Authors: Hailu Alemayehu , Gebreyes Roman , Norheim Ole F
Published: May 2021

Inequality in access and utilization of health services because of socioeconomic status is unfair, and it should be monitored and corrected with appropriate remedial action. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the distribution of benefits from public spending on health care across socioeconomic groups in Ethiopia using a benefit incidence analysis. We employed health service utilization data from the Living Standard Measurement Survey, recurrent government expenditure data from the Ministry of Finance and health services delivery data from the Ministry of Health’s Health Management Information System. We calculated unit subsidy as the ratio of recurrent government health expenditure on a particular service type to the corresponding number of health services visits. The concentration index (CI) was applied to measure inequality in health care utilization and the distribution of the subsidy across socioeconomic groups. We conducted a disaggregated analysis comparing health delivery levels and service types. Furthermore, we used decomposition analysis to measure the percentage contribution of various factors to the overall inequalities. We found that 61% of recurrent government spending on health goes to health centres (HCs), and 74% was spent on outpatient services. Besides, we found a slightly pro-poor public spending on health, with a CI of −0.039, yet the picture was more nuanced when disaggregated by health delivery levels and service types. The subsidy at the hospital level and for inpatient services benefited the wealthier quintiles most. However, at the HC level and for outpatient services, the subsidies were slightly pro-poor. Therefore, an effort is needed in making inpatient and hospital services more equitable by improving the health service utilization of those in the lower quintiles and those in rural areas. Besides, policymakers in Ethiopia should use this evidence to monitor inequity in government spending on health, thereby improving government resources allocation to target the disadvantaged better.
Postcolonial pandemic publics: examining social media health promotion in India during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Roy Dibyadyuti , Das Madhurima , Deshbandhu Aditya
Published: May 2021

Affordances offered by new media platforms are perceived as revolutionary instruments for removing the inequities of access to health promotion and communication. However, the production and dissemination of health promotional material on digital platforms does not necessarily translate into uniform access across diverse demographics. This article addresses the lacuna when it comes to analyzing Health Promotion initiatives in India, with a specific focus on the governmental publicity carried out on social media during the four phases of COVID-19 national lockdown between 24 March and 31 May 2020. Our intervention examines how governmental social media health promotion in India played a key role in shaping the ‘outbreak narrative’ during the lockdown across different levels of social and economic privilege. Through a combination of quantitative data analysis and qualitative interview methods, this article analyzes the circulation and impact of official publicity in online and offline spaces, during the COVID-19 lockdown in India. Resultant findings allow for a comprehensive assessment of whether such publicity contributed to democratized citizen science discourses: enabling social protection measures for vulnerable majorities or potentially reified the existing privileges of the economically and socially affluent minority. We find that health promotion campaigns during a pandemic must focus on reaching the widest possible audience in the most efficient manner. Specifically, in the Indian context, health promotion through mass-media like Television and Radio, and participatory media platforms needed to be implemented in tandem with new media platforms, to achieve required engagement with vulnerable communities on key health issues.
How Signaling Geometry Shapes the Efficacy and Evolution of Animal Communication Systems
Authors: Echeverri Sebastian A , Miller Audrey E , Chen Jason , McQueen Eden W , Plakke Melissa , Spicer Michelle , Hoke Kim L , Stoddard Mary Caswell , Morehouse Nathan I
Published: May 2021

Synopsis

Animal communication is inherently spatial. Both signal transmission and signal reception have spatial biases—involving direction, distance, and position—that interact to determine signaling efficacy. Signals, be they visual, acoustic, or chemical, are often highly directional. Likewise, receivers may only be able to detect signals if they arrive from certain directions. Alignment between these directional biases is therefore critical for effective communication, with even slight misalignments disrupting perception of signaled information. In addition, signals often degrade as they travel from signaler to receiver, and environmental conditions that impact transmission can vary over even small spatiotemporal scales. Thus, how animals position themselves during communication is likely to be under strong selection. Despite this, our knowledge regarding the spatial arrangements of signalers and receivers during communication remains surprisingly coarse for most systems. We know even less about how signaler and receiver behaviors contribute to effective signaling alignment over time, or how signals themselves may have evolved to influence and/or respond to these aspects of animal communication. Here, we first describe why researchers should adopt a more explicitly geometric view of animal signaling, including issues of location, direction, and distance. We then describe how environmental and social influences introduce further complexities to the geometry of signaling. We discuss how multimodality offers new challenges and opportunities for signalers and receivers. We conclude with recommendations and future directions made visible by attention to the geometry of signaling.
Assessing the Vulnerabilities of Vertebrate Species to Light and Noise Pollution: Expert Surveys Illuminate the Impacts on Specialist Species
Authors: Ditmer Mark A , Francis Clinton D , Barber Jesse R , Stoner David C , Seymoure Brett M , Fristrup Kurt M , Carter Neil H
Published: May 2021

Synopsis

Global expansion of lighting and noise pollution alters how animals receive and interpret environmental cues. However, we lack a cross-taxon understanding of how animal traits influence species vulnerability to this growing phenomenon. This knowledge is needed to improve the design and implementation of policies that mitigate or reduce sensory pollutants. We present results from an expert knowledge survey that quantified the relative influence of 21 ecological, anatomical, and physiological traits on the vulnerability of terrestrial vertebrates to elevated levels of anthropogenic lighting and noise. We aimed not only to quantify the importance of threats and the relative influence of traits as viewed by sensory and wildlife experts, but to examine knowledge gaps based on the variation in responses. Identifying traits that had less consensus can guide future research for strengthening ecologists’ and conservation biologists’ understanding of sensory abilities. Our findings, based on 280 responses of expert opinion, highlight the increasing recognition among experts that sensory pollutants are important to consider in management and conservation decisions. Participant responses show mounting threats to species with narrow niches; especially habitat specialists, nocturnal species, and those with the greatest ability to differentiate environmental visual and auditory cues. Our results call attention to the threat specialist species face and provide a generalizable understanding of which species require additional considerations when developing conservation policies and mitigation strategies in a world altered by expanding sensory pollutant footprints. We provide a step-by-step example for translating these results to on-the-ground conservation planning using two species as case studies.
Who Rules Over Immunology? Seasonal Variation in Body Temperature, Steroid Hormones, and Immune Variables in a Tegu Lizard
Authors: Madelaire Carla B , Zena Lucas A , Dillon Danielle , Silva Diego P , Hunt Kathleen E , Buck C Loren , Bícego Kênia C , Gomes Fernando R
Published: May 2021

Synopsis

Multiple factors can influence the immune response of ectothermic vertebrates, including body temperature (Tb), gonadal steroids, and seasonality, in ways that are thought to reflect trade-offs between energetic investment in immunity versus reproduction. Hibernating tegu lizards (Salvator merianae) are a unique model to investigate how immunocompetence might be influenced by different factors during their annual cycle. We assessed immunological measures (plasma bacterial killing ability, total and differential leukocyte count), plasma hormone levels (testosterone in males, estradiol and progesterone in females, and corticosterone [CORT] in both sexes), Tb, and body condition from adult tegus during each stage of their annual cycle: reproduction, post-reproduction/preparation for hibernation, and hibernation. Our hypothesis that immune traits present higher values during the reproductive phase, and a sharp decrease during hibernation, was partially supported. Immune variables did not change between life history stages, except for total number of leukocytes, which was higher at the beginning of the reproductive season (September) in both males and females. Average Tb of the week prior to sampling was positively correlated with number of eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and azurophils, corroborating other studies showing that when animals maintain a high Tb, there is an increase in immune activity. Surprisingly, no clear relationship between immune traits and gonadal steroids or CORT levels was observed, even when including life history stage in the model. When gonadal hormones peaked in males and females, heterophil: lymphocyte ratio (which often elevates during physiological stress) also increased. Additionally, we did not observe any trade-off between reproduction and immunity traits, sex differences in immune traits, or a correlation between body condition and immune response. Our results suggest that variation in patterns of immune response and correlations with body condition and hormone secretion across the year can depend upon the specific hormone and immune trait, and that experienced Tb is an important variable determining immune response in ectotherms.
Effects of dietary Forsythia suspensa extract supplementation to lactating sows and nursery pigs on post-weaning performance, antioxidant capacity, nutrient digestibility, immunoglobulins, and intestinal health
Authors: Long Shenfei , Piao Xiangshu
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary Forsythia suspensa extract (FSE) supplementation to lactating sows and nursery pigs on post-weaning performance, antioxidant capacity, immunoglobulins, and intestinal health. Based on backfat, body weight (BW), and parity, 24 gestating sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with average parity of 3.38 ± 0.61 and BW of 234 ± 6.81 kg were allotted into two dietary treatments (control vs. 100 mg/kg FSE) with 12 sows per treatment from day 107 of gestation to day 21 of lactation. After weaning, based on the initial BW and source litter, 192 nursery pigs (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire], average BW of 6.98 ± 0.32 kg, weaned at day 21) were allotted into four dietary treatments with eight replicate pens per treatment, six pigs per pen for a 4-wk study. The treatments included the following: 1) CC (sows and their piglets both fed control diet); 2) CF (sows fed control diet and their piglets fed FSE diet [containing 100 mg/kg FSE]); 3) FC (sows fed FSE diet and their piglets fed control diet); and 4) FF (sows and their piglets both fed FSE diet). The MIXED procedures of SAS for a split-plot arrangement with sow diet as the whole plot and nursery diet as split plot were used to analyze the data. After weaning, piglets from FSE-fed sows had improved (P < 0.05) average daily gain and feed efficiency, and lower (P < 0.05) diarrhea rate in overall (day 1 to 28) compared with those from sows fed control diet. Piglets from FSE-fed sows also had higher (P < 0.05) contents of immunoglobulin G (IgG), growth hormone, superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity in serum, villus height in ileum, and villus height to crypt depth ratio in jejunum, as well as lower (P < 0.05) content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and crypt depth in ileum compared with those from sows fed control diet. Piglets fed FSE during nursery had increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of IgG, SOD, and catalase, and decreased (P < 0.05) MDA and tumor nuclear factor-α levels in serum compared with those fed control diet during nursery. Piglets from FC group had increased (P < 0.05) protein expression of occludin in jejunal mucosa and relative abundance of Lactobacillus on genus level in colon compared with those from CC group. In conclusion, for the performance and intestinal health, diets supplemented with FSE during lactation phase seemed more efficient to alleviate weaning stress than the nursery phase. In terms of the antioxidant status and immunoglobulins, FSE supplemented in both phases were efficient for nursery pigs.
Type Theory with Opposite Types: A Paraconsistent Type Theory
Authors: Agudelo-Agudelo Juan C , Sicard-Ramírez Andrés
Published: May 2021

A version of intuitionistic type theory is extended with opposite types, allowing a different formalization of negation and obtaining a paraconsistent type theory ($\textsf{PTT} $). The rules for opposite types in $\textsf{PTT} $ are based on the rules of the so-called constructible falsity. A propositions-as-types correspondence between the many-sorted paraconsistent logic $\textsf{PL}_\textsf{S} $ (a many-sorted extension of López-Escobar’s refutability calculus presented in natural deduction format) and $\textsf{PTT} $ is proven. Moreover, a translation of $\textsf{PTT} $ into intuitionistic type theory is presented and some properties of $\textsf{PTT} $ are discussed.
Dose individualization of intravenous busulfan in pediatric patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation: impact and in vitro evaluation of infusion lag-time
Authors: Neroutsos E , Athanasiadou I , Paisiou A , Zisaki K , Goussetis E , Archontaki H , Tsirigotis P , Kitra M , Grafakos S , Spyridonidis A , Dokoumetzidis A , Valsami G
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To apply therapeutic drug monitoring and dose-individualization of intravenous Busulfan to paediatric patients and evaluate the impact of syringe-pump induced Busulfan infusion lag-time after in vitro estimation.

Methods

76 children and adolescents were administered 2 h intravenous Busulfan infusion every 6 h (16 doses). Busulfan plasma levels, withdrawn by an optimized sampling scheme and measured by a validated HPLC–PDA method, were used to estimate basic PK parameters, AUC, Cmax, kel, t1/2, applying Non-Compartmental Analysis. In vivo infusion lag-time was simulated in vitro and used to evaluate its impact on AUC estimation.

Key findings

Mean (%CV) Busulfan AUC, Cmax, clearance and t1/2 for pediatric population were found 962.3 μm × min (33.1), 0.95 mg/L (41.4), 0.27 L/h/kg (33.3), 2.2 h (27.8), respectively. TDM applied to 76 children revealed 6 (7.9%) being above and 25 (32.9%) below therapeutic-range (AUC: 900–1350 μm × min). After dose correction, all patients were measured below toxic levels (AUC < 1500 μm × min), no patient below 900 μm × min. Incorporation of infusion lag-time revealed lower AUCs with 17.1% more patients and 23.1% more younger patients, with body weight <16 kg, being below the therapeutic-range.

Conclusions

TDM, applied successfully to 76 children, confirmed the need for Busulfan dose-individualization in paediatric patients. Infusion lag-time was proved clinically significant for younger, low body-weight patients and those close to the lower therapeutic-range limit.
Aprepitant: an antiemetic drug, contributes to the prevention of acute lung injury with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Authors: Kose Duygu , Un Harun , Ugan Rustem Anil , Halici Zekai , Cadirci Elif , Tastan Tugba Bal , Kahramanlar Aysenur
Published: May 2021

Objectives

We investigated, the effects of aprepitant (APRE) on the lung tissues of rats with an experimental polymicrobial sepsis model (CLP: cecal ligation and puncture) biochemically, molecularly and histopathologically.

Methods

A total of 40 rats were divided into 5 groups with 8 animals in each group. Group 1 (SHAM), control group; Group 2 (CLP), cecal ligation and puncture; Group 3 (CLP + APRE10), rats were administered CLP + 10 mg/kg aprepitant; Group 4 (CLP + APRE20), rats were administered CLP + 20 mg/kg aprepitant; and Group 5 (CLP + APRE40), rats were administered CLP + 40 mg/kg aprepitant. A polymicrobial sepsis model was induced with CLP. After 16 h, lung tissues were taken for examination. Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-kappa b (NFK-b) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressions were analysed by real-time PCR (RT-PCR), biochemically antioxidant parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) and oxidant parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and lung damage histopathologically.

Key findings and conclusions

The GSH level and SOD activity increased while the MDA level and the expressions of TNF-α and NFK-b were reduced in the groups treated with APRE, especially in the CLP + APRE40 group. The histopathology results supported the molecular and biochemical results.
NGTS-19b: a high-mass transiting brown dwarf in a 17-d eccentric orbit
Authors: Acton Jack S , Goad Michael R , Burleigh Matthew R , Casewell Sarah L , Breytenbach Hannes , Nielsen Louise D , Smith Gareth , Anderson David R , Battley Matthew P , Bayliss Daniel , Bouchy François , Bryant Edward M , Csizmadia Szilárd , Eigmüller Philipp , Gill Samuel , Gillen Edward , Grieves Nolan , Günther Maximilian N , Henderson Beth A , Hodgkin Simon T , Jackman James A G , Jenkins James S , Lendl Monika , McCormac James , Moyano Maximiliano , Nelson Richard P , Sefako Ramotholo R , Smith Alexis M S , Stalport Manu , Thomas Jessymol K , Tilbrook Rosanna H , Udry Stéphane , West Richard G , Wheatley Peter J , Worters Hannah L , Vines Jose I , Alves Douglas R
Published: May 2021

We present the discovery of NGTS-19b, a high-mass transiting brown dwarf discovered by the Next Generation Transit Survey. We investigate the system using follow-up photometry from the South African Astronomical Observatory, as well as sector 11 Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite data, in combination with radial velocity measurements from the CORALIE spectrograph to precisely characterize the system. We find that NGTS-19b is a brown dwarf companion to a K-star, with a mass of $69.5 ^{+5.7}_{-5.4}$ MJup and radius of $1.034 ^{+0.055}_{-0.053}$RJup. The system has a reasonably long period of 17.84 d, and a high degree of eccentricity of $0.3767 ^{+0.0061}_{-0.0061}$. The mass and radius of the brown dwarf imply an age of $0.46 ^{+0.26}_{-0.15}$ Gyr, however, this is inconsistent with the age determined from the host star spectral energy distribution, suggesting that the brown dwarf may be inflated. This is unusual given that its large mass and relatively low levels of irradiation would make it much harder to inflate. NGTS-19b adds to the small, but growing number of brown dwarfs transiting main-sequence stars, and is a valuable addition as we begin to populate the so-called brown dwarf desert.