pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Tactical treatment with copper oxide wire particles and symptomatic levamisole treatment using the FAMACHA© system in indigenous goats in South Africa

AbstractHaemonchosis is considered to be the most economically important gastrointestinal disease of small ruminants in the tropics and subtropics. However, chemical anthelmintics, which were the mainstay of control, have been compromised by a high prevalence of resistance worldwide. Copper oxide wire particles (COWP) have been shown to have anthelmintic effects, but few studies have examined their use under field conditions. The use of COWP was therefore evaluated as a tactical anthelmintic treatment in indigenous goats raised under communal farming conditions in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. At the beginning of the summer rainfall season (October 2007), the faecal egg counts of 172 female goats belonging to 15 farmers were determined and this sampling continued every four weeks until the second week of January 2008. The goats within each of the 15 herds were ranked according to their faecal egg counts for this week. The goats were sequentially paired off within each ranking starting with those goats with the highest counts. One goat from each pair was randomly allocated to a treated or control group. Two weeks later, a 4g COWP bolus was randomly administered to each goat in the treated group. Faecal egg counts were carried out on the goats two weeks following treatment, and the sampling of the goats then proceeded every four weeks until October 2008. Except for the six-week period prior to the administration of the COWP, the goats were examined according to the FAMACHA© system and symptomatically treated with 12mg/kg levamisole when anaemic. The percentage reduction in faecal egg count due to the COWP treatment was 89.0%. Mean pre- and post-treatment faecal egg counts for the COWP-treated group (n=73) were 2347 eggs per gram of faeces (epg) and 264epg, respectively. The corresponding values for the untreated controls (n=66) were 2652epg and 2709epg. The prevalence of Haemonchus spp. larvae in pre- and post-treatment faecal cultures was 72% and 46%, respectively. Symptomatic anthelmintic treatments in combination with mid-summer tactical treatments with COWP appear to be useful strategies for the control of Haemonchus contortus in indigenous goats in this farming system and this approach could have application in other similar agro-ecological zones
Pathological hemichannels associated with human Cx26 mutations causing Keratitis–Ichthyosis–Deafness syndrome

AbstractConnexin (Cx) proteins form intercellular gap junction channels by first assembling into single membrane hemichannels that then dock to connect the cytoplasm of two adjacent cells. Gap junctions are highly specialized structures that allow the direct passage of small molecules between cells to maintain tissue homeostasis. Functional activity of nonjunctional hemichannels has now been shown in several experimental systems. Hemichannels may constitute an important diffusional exchange pathway with the extracellular space, but the extent of their normal physiological role is currently unknown. Aberrant hemichannel activity has been linked to mutations of connexin proteins involved in genetic diseases. Here, we review a proposed role for hemichannels in the pathogenesis of Keratitis–Ichthyosis–Deafness (KID) syndrome associated with connexin26 (Cx26) mutations. Continued functional evaluation of mutated hemichannels linked to human hereditary disorders may provide additional insights into the mechanisms governing their regulation in normal physiology and dysregulation in disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and characteristics
Cholesterol favors the anchorage of human dystrophin repeats 16 to 21 in membrane at physiological surface pressure

AbstractDystrophin (DYS) is a filamentous protein that connects the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix via the sarcolemma, conferring resistance to muscular cells. In this study, interactions between the DYS R16–21 fragment and lipids were examined using Langmuir films made of anionic and zwitterionic lipids. The film fluidity was modified by the addition of 15% cholesterol. Whatever the lipid mixture examined, at low surface pressure (20mN/m) few differences appeared on the protein insertion and the presence of cholesterol did not affect the protein/lipid interactions. At high surface pressure (30mN/m), the protein insertion was very low and occurred only in zwitterionic films in the liquid-expanded phase. In anionic films, electrostatic interactions prevented the protein insertion outright, and caused accumulation of the protein on the hydrophilic part of the monolayer. Addition of cholesterol to both lipid mixtures drastically modified the protein–lipid interactions: the DYS R16–21 insertion increased and its organization in the monolayer appeared to be more homogeneous. The presence of accessible cholesterol recognition amino-acid consensus sequences in this fragment may enhance the protein/membrane binding at physiological lateral pressure. These results suggest that the anchorage of dystrophin to the membrane in vivo may be stabilized by cholesterol-rich nano-domains in the inner leaflet of sarcolemma
Invariant approach to CP in unbroken Δ(27)

AbstractThe invariant approach is a powerful method for studying CP violation for specific Lagrangians. The method is particularly useful for dealing with discrete family symmetries. We focus on the CP properties of unbroken Δ(27) invariant Lagrangians with Yukawa-like terms, which proves to be a rich framework, with distinct aspects of CP, making it an ideal group to investigate with the invariant approach. We classify Lagrangians depending on the number of fields transforming as irreducible triplet representations of Δ(27). For each case, we construct CP-odd weak basis invariants and use them to discuss the respective CP properties. We find that CP violation is sensitive to the number and type of Δ(27) representations
The Gapeev–Kühn stochastic game driven by a spectrally positive Lévy process

AbstractIn Gapeev and Kühn (2005) [8], the Dynkin game corresponding to perpetual convertible bonds was considered, when driven by a Brownian motion and a compound Poisson process with exponential jumps. We consider the same stochastic game but driven by a spectrally positive Lévy process. We establish a complete solution to the game indicating four principle parameter regimes as well as characterizing the occurrence of continuous and smooth fit. In Gapeev and Kühn (2005) [8], the method of proof was mainly based on solving a free boundary value problem. In this paper, we instead use fluctuation theory and an auxiliary optimal stopping problem to find a solution to the game
Dose- and time-dependent effects of genipin crosslinking on cell viability and tissue mechanics – Toward clinical application for tendon repair

AbstractThe crosslinking agent genipin is increasingly invoked for the mechanical augmentation of collagen tissues and implants, and has previously been demonstrated to arrest mechanical damage accumulation in various tissues. This study established an in vitro dose–response baseline for the effects of genipin treatment on tendon cells and their matrix, with a view to in vivo application to the repair of partial tendon tears. Regression models based on a broad range of experimental data were used to delineate the range of concentrations that are likely to achieve functionally effective crosslinking, and predict the corresponding degree of cell loss and diminished metabolic activity that can be expected. On these data, it was concluded that rapid mechanical augmentation of tissue properties can only be achieved by accepting some degree of cytotoxicity, yet that post-treatment cell survival may be adequate to eventually repopulate and stabilize the tissue. On this basis, development of delivery strategies and subsequent in vivo study seems warranted
Search for new phenomena in events with high jet multiplicity and low missing transverse momentum in proton-proton collisions at sqrt(s) = 8 TeV

A dedicated search is presented for new phenomena in inclusive 8- and 10-jet final states with low missing transverse momentum, with and without identification of jets originating from b quarks. The analysis is based on data from proton–proton collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7fb−1 collected with the CMS detector at the LHC at s=8TeV. The dominant multijet background expectations are obtained from low jet multiplicity control samples. Data agree well with the standard model background predictions, and limits are set in several benchmark models. Colorons (axigluons) with masses between 0.6 and 0.75 (up to 1.15) TeV are excluded at 95% confidence level. Similar exclusion limits for gluinos in R-parity violating supersymmetric scenarios are from 0.6 up to 1.1 TeV. These results comprise the first experimental probe of the coloron and axigluon models in multijet final states
Evaluation of green walls as passive acoustic insulation system for buildings

Greenery on buildings is being consolidated as an interesting way to improve the quality of life in urban environments. Among the benefits that are associated with greenery systems for buildings, such as energy savings, biodiversity support, and storm-water control, there is also noise attenuation. Despite the fact that green walls are one of the most promising building greenery systems, few studies of their sound insulation potential have been conducted. In addition, there are different types of green walls; therefore, available data for this purpose are not only sparse but also scattered. To gather knowledge about the contribution of vertical greenery systems to noise reduction, especially a modular-based green wall, two different standardised laboratory tests were conducted. The main results were a weighted sound reduction index (Rw) of 15 dB and a weighted sound absorption coefficient (a) of 0.40. It could be concluded that green walls have significant potential as a sound insulation tool for buildings but that some design adjustments should be performed, such as improving the efficiency of sealing the joints between the modular pieces.The authors would like to thank the FEDER of the European
Union for financial support via the project ‘‘G-GI3000/IDIX
SILENTVEG: Barreras vegetales autónomas y sostenibles para la
mitigación acústica y compensación del CO2 en vías de transporte,
con seguimiento telemático’’ of the ‘‘Programa Operativo FEDER de
Andalucía 2007-2013’’
Study of hard double-parton scattering in four-jet events in pp collisions at √s=7 TeV with the ATLAS experiment

Inclusive four-jet events produced in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of s√=7 TeV are analysed for the presence of hard double-parton scattering using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 37.3 pb−1, collected with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The contribution of hard double-parton scattering to the production of four-jet events is extracted using an artificial neural network, assuming that hard double-parton scattering can be approximated by an uncorrelated overlaying of dijet events. For events containing at least four jets with transverse momentum pT ≥ 20 GeV and pseudorapidity |η| ≤ 4.4, and at least one having pT ≥ 42.5 GeV, the contribution of hard double-parton scattering is estimated to be fDPS = 0.092− 0.011+ 0.005(stat.)− 0.037+ 0.033(syst.). After combining this measurement with those of the inclusive dijet and four-jet cross-sections in the appropriate phase space regions, the effective cross-section, σeff , was determined to be σeff = 14. 9− 1.0+ 1.2(stat.)− 3.8+ 5.1(syst.) mb. This result is consistent within the quoted uncertainties with previous measurements of σeff , performed at centre-of-mass energies between 63 GeV and 8 TeV using various final states, and it corresponds to 21− 6+ 7 % of the total inelastic cross-section measured at s√=7 TeV. The distributions of the observables sensitive to the contribution of hard double-parton scattering, corrected for detector effects, are also provided
Search for disappearing tracks in proton-proton collisions at sqrt(s) = 8 TeV

A search is presented for long-lived charged particles that decay within the CMS detector and produce the signature of a disappearing track. Disappearing tracks are identified as those with little or no associated calorimeter energy deposits and with missing hits in the outer layers of the tracker. The search uses proton-proton collision data recorded at sqrt(s) = 8 TeV that corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 19.5 inverse femtobarns. The results of the search are interpreted in the context of the anomaly- mediated supersymmetry breaking (AMSB) model. The number of observed events is in agreement with the background expectation, and limits are set on the cross section of direct electroweak chargino production in terms of the chargino mass and mean proper lifetime. At 95% confidence level, AMSB models with a chargino mass less than 260 GeV, corresponding to a mean proper lifetime of 0.2 ns, are excluded
Communication : truncated non-bonded potentials can yield unphysical behavior in molecular dynamics simulations of interfaces

Non-bonded potentials are included in most force fields and therefore widely used in classical molecular dynamics simulations of materials and interfacial phenomena. It is commonplace to truncate these potentials for computational efficiency based on the assumption that errors are negligible for reasonable cutoffs or compensated for by adjusting other interaction parameters. Arising from a metadynamics study of the wetting transition of water on a solid substrate, we find that the influence of the cutoff is unexpectedly strong and can change the character of the wetting transition from continuous to first order by creating artificial metastable wetting states. Common cutoff corrections such as the use of a force switching function, a shifted potential, or a shifted force do not avoid this. Such a qualitative difference urges caution and suggests that using truncated non-bonded potentials can induce unphysical behavior that cannot be fully accounted for by adjusting other interaction parameters. Published by AIP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4997698\u
Optimal and Asymptotically Optimal Equi-partition of Rectangular Domains via Stripe Decomposition

We present an efficient method for assigning any number of processors to tasks associated with the cells of a rectangular uniform grid. Load balancing equi-partition constraints are observed while approximately minimizing the total perimeter of the partition, which corresponds to the amount of interprocessor communication. This method is based upon decomposition of the problem size grows large in all parameters, he error bound associated with this feasible solution approaches zero. We also present computational results from a high level parallel Genetic Algorithm that utilizes this method, and make comparisons with other methods. On a network of workstations, our algorithm solves within minutes instances of the problem that would require one billion binary variables in a Quadratic Assignment formulation
RoboTAP : target priorities for robotic microlensing observations

K.H. acknowledges support from STFC grant ST/M001296/1.Context. The ability to automatically select scientifically-important transient events from an alert stream of many such events, and to conduct follow-up observations in response, will become increasingly important in astronomy. With wide-angle time domain surveys pushing to fainter limiting magnitudes, the capability to follow-up on transient alerts far exceeds our follow-up telescope resources, and effective target prioritization becomes essential. The RoboNet-II microlensing program is a pathfinder project which has developed an automated target selection process (RoboTAP) for gravitational microlensing events which are observed in real-time using the Las Cumbres Observatory telescope network. Aims. Follow-up telescopes typically have a much smaller field-of-view compared to surveys, therefore the most promising microlens- ing events must be automatically selected at any given time from an annual sample exceeding 2000 events. The main challenge is to select between events with a high planet detection sensitivity, aiming at the detection of many planets and characterizing planetary anomalies. Methods. Our target selection algorithm is a hybrid system based on estimates of the planet detection zones around a microlens. It follows automatic anomaly alerts and respects the expected survey coverage of specific events. Results. We introduce the RoboTAP algorithm, whose purpose is to select and prioritize microlensing events with high sensitivity to planetary companions. In this work, we determine the planet sensitivity of the RoboNet follow-up program and provide a working example of how a broker can be designed for a real-life transient science program conducting follow-up observations in response to alerts, exploring the issues that will confront similar programs being developed for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) and other time domain surveys.PostprintPeer reviewe
Import pathways of precursor proteins into mitochondria

The precursor of porin, a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, competes for the import of precursors destined for the three other mitochondrial compartments, including the Fe/S protein of the bc1- complex (intermembrane space), the ADP/ATP carrier (inner membrane), subunit 9 of the F0-ATPase (inner membrane), and subunit beta of the F1- ATPase (matrix). Competition occurs at the level of a common site at which precursors are inserted into the outer membrane. Protease- sensitive binding sites, which act before the common insertion site, appear to be responsible for the specificity and selectivity of mitochondrial protein uptake. We suggest that distinct receptor proteins on the mitochondrial surface specifically recognize precursor proteins and transfer them to a general insertion protein component (GIP) in the outer membrane. Beyond GIP, the import pathways diverge, either to the outer membrane or to translocation contact-sites, and then subsequently to the other mitochondrial compartments.
Measurements of the pseudorapidity dependence of the total transverse energy in proton-proton collisions at root s=7 TeV with ATLAS

ATLAS Collaboration contributor: Paul Douglas Jackson of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford CA, United States of America. Extent: 54This paper describes measurements of the sum of the transverse energy of particles as a function of particle pseudorapidity, η, in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy, √s=7 TeV using the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The measurements are performed in the region |η| < 4.8 for two event classes: those requiring the presence of particles with a low transverse momentum and those requiring particles with a significant transverse momentum. In the second dataset measurements are made in the region transverse to the hard scatter. The distributions are compared to the predictions of various Monte Carlo event generators, which generally tend to underestimate the amount of transverse energy at high |η|.The ATLAS collaboratio
ENERGY LOSS OF SOLAR              p              MODES DUE TO THE EXCITATION OF MAGNETIC SAUSAGE TUBE WAVES: IMPORTANCE OF COUPLING THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE

We consider damping and absorption of solar p modes due to their energy loss to magnetic tube waves that can freely carry energy out of the acoustic cavity. The coupling of p modes and sausage tube waves is studied in a model atmosphere composed of a polytropic interior above which lies an isothermal upper atmosphere. The sausage tube waves, excited by p modes, propagate along a magnetic fibril which is assumed to be a vertically aligned, stratified, thin magnetic flux tube. The deficit of p-mode energy is quantified through the damping rate, Γ, and absorption coefficient, α. The variation of Γ and α as a function of frequency and the tube's plasma properties is studied in detail. Previous similar studies have considered only a subphotospheric layer, modeled as a polytrope that has been truncated at the photosphere. Such studies have found that the resulting energy loss by the p modes is very sensitive to the upper boundary condition, which, due to the lack of an upper atmosphere, have been imposed in a somewhat ad hoc manner. The model presented here avoids such problems by using an isothermal layer to model the overlying atmosphere (chromosphere, and, consequently, allows us to analyze the propagation of p-mode-driven sausage waves above the photosphere. In this paper, we restrict our attention to frequencies below the acoustic cut off frequency. We demonstrate the importance of coupling all waves (acoustic, magnetic) in the subsurface solar atmosphere with the overlying atmosphere in order to accurately model the interaction of solar f and p modes with sausage tube waves. In calculating the absorption and damping of p modes, we find that for low frequencies, below ≈3.5 mHz, the isothermal atmosphere, for the two-region model, behaves like a stress-free boundary condition applied at the interface (z = –z 0)
CXCR7/ACKR3-targeting ligands interfere with X7 HIV-1 and HIV-2 entry and replication in human host cells

Chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 are considered the main coreceptors for initial HIV infection, replication and transmission, and subsequent AIDS progression. Over the years, other chemokine receptors, belonging to the family of G protein-coupled receptors, have also been identified as candidate coreceptors for HIV entry into human host cells. Amongst them, CXCR7, also known as atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3), was suggested as a coreceptor candidate capable of facilitating both HIV-1 and HIV-2 entry. In this study, a cellular infection model was established to further decipher the role of CXCR7 as an HIV coreceptor. Using this model, CXCR7-mediated viral entry was demonstrated for several clinical HIV isolates as well as laboratory strains. Of interest, the X4-tropic HIV-1 HE strain showed rapid adaptation towards CXCR7-mediated infection after continuous passaging on CD4- and CXCR7-expressing cells. Furthermore, we uncovered anti-CXCR7 monoclonal antibodies, small molecule CXCR7 inhibitors and the natural CXCR7 chemokine ligands as potent inhibitors of CXCR7 receptor-mediated HIV entry and replication. Even though the clinical relevance of CXCR7-mediated HIV infection remains poorly understood, our data suggest that divergent HIV-1 and HIV-2 strains can quickly adapt their coreceptor usage depending on the cellular environment, which warrants further investigation.status: publishe