Hasil untuk "Zoology"

Çîîëîãèÿ áåñïîçâîíî÷íûõ, A. Chernyshev, R. P. Kostyuchenko et al.

Edgardo Brigatti, Fernando Peruani

We investigate active particles that exhibit long-range interactions only restricted by a field of view, which is characterized by an angle $β$. We show that constraining attractive interactions to a field of view leads to the emergence of a complex pattern that exhibits - depending on the value of $β$ and initial conditions - significantly different topologies and transport properties. We find, in two dimensions, a nematic closed filament in the form of a ring that moves as a chiral active particle, a closed polar filament with one singular topological point that exhibits net polar order and moves ballistically, a structure with two singular topological points that rotates, or an open polar filament that behaves as a persistent random walk. Furthermore, we investigate the process that transforms one structure into another by slowly varying $β$ and observe that the process is non-reversible and presents strong hysteresis. Finally, we find that in three dimensions similar patterns also emerge. The analysis sheds light on the physics of single-species active particles with long-range, non-reciprocal interactions in two and three dimensions, characterized by the absence of gas phases, and provides evidence that in these systems, topological and transport properties are closely related.

Antonio Amariti, Pietro Glorioso, Chiara Mascherpa et al.

In this paper we investigate and propose new dualities involving 2d gauge theories with $\mathcal{N}=(0,2)$ supersymmetry. In the first part of the paper we focus on $\mathrm{SU}(n)$ gauge theories with two antisymmetric chirals. The gauge theories are non-anomalous if we consider, in addition to such matter content, $n_f$ fundamental and $n_a$ antifundamental chirals, provided the constraint $n_f+n_a=4$. By exploring the five possibile scenarios arising from this constraint we provide in each case evidences of a dual LG description, by matching the 't Hooft anomalies and deriving the relation between the elliptic genera in terms of other more fundamental dualities. In the second part of the paper we provide a 4d origin for a gauge/LG duality already stated in the literature, that does not descend from any known s-confining duality. In the last part of the paper we focus on dualities for $\mathrm{SU}(n)$ and $\mathrm{USp}(2n)$ models with antisymmetric Fermi multiplets, obtained from dimensional reduction of 4d parent dualities.

Athanasios G. Georgiadis, Andrew P. Percival

We investigate the problem of density estimation on the unit circle and the unit sphere from a computational perspective. Our primary goal is to develop new density estimators that are both rate-optimal and computationally efficient for direct implementation. After establishing these estimators, we derive closed-form expressions for probability estimates over regions of the circle and the sphere. Then, the proposed theories are supported by extensive simulation studies. The considered settings naturally arise when analyzing phenomena on the Earth's surface or in the sky (sphere), as well as directional or periodic phenomena (circle). The proposed approaches are broadly applicable, and we illustrate their usefulness through case studies in zoology, climatology, geophysics, and astronomy, which may be of independent interest. The methodologies developed here can be readily applied across a wide range of scientific domains.

Francisco Acuña, Gisela Soledad Gualdoni, Francisco Rivollier et al.

During development, the remodelling of fibrillar components of the uterine extracellular matrix (ECM), mediated by the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), plays an essential role in embryonic survival. Previously, we observed that in the plains viscacha (<i>Lagostomus maximus</i>), only caudal implantation sites (IS) contain viable embryos, whereas embryos at cranial and middle IS die and are reabsorbed. The objective of this study was to analyse the distribution and expression of key components of the endometrial ECM, including fibrillar collagens, MMPs 2 and 9, and TIMPs 1 and 2, in three uterine segments (US) of the non-pregnant adult viscachas. In sections from three US, we observed a significant craniocaudal increase in collagen fibres (Van Gieson and Picrosirius red staining) and elastic fibres (Verhoeff-Van Gieson trichrome staining), along with the immunolabelling levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 (immunohistochemistry). Zymography revealed similar gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 in the three US but higher than the MMP-9 activity. However, MMP-9 activity in the caudal segment was significantly higher than that in the cranial and middle ones. These findings suggest that uterine ECM variations along the craniocaudal axis may contribute to uterine remodelling processes that regulate embryonic survival during gestation.

Govindhasamy Murugadoss, Nachimuthu Venkatesh, Pandurengan Sakthivel et al.

Quantum dots (QDs) are employed in photocatalytic applications because of their distinctive optical characteristics, such as high absorption coefficients and tunable bandgaps, enabling efficient visible light absorption and charge carrier generation. This study focuses on synthesizing homogeneous bismuth-doped tin sulfide (Bi-doped SnS) QDs for environmental remediation. Bi-doped SnS QDs with varying Bi concentrations are prepared via a facile, cost-effective chemical method, and their structural, optical, and morphological characteristics are analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM results confirm that the catalysts are highly homogeneous and tiny (<5 nm). Photocatalytic activity is assessed through the breakdown of Crystal Violet (CV) and Methylene Blue (MB) when exposed to visible light. High efficiencies of 89.0 % and 95.8 % are achieved for CV and MB, respectively, outperforming undoped SnS. Kinetic analysis reveals a pseudo-first-order reaction, providing insights into the underlying degradation kinetics. A plausible mechanism is proposed, elucidating how Bi-ion doping enhances photocatalytic performance and facilitates dye degradation. Additionally, toxicity evaluation using Vigna radiata seeds demonstrates the efficacy of the degradation process. Treated dye solutions (D-CV and D-MB) show no significant changes in intracellular ROS levels compared to untreated dye and control solutions, confirming reduced toxicity. These findings highlight the enhanced photocatalytic performance of Bi-doped SnS QDs and their potential in environmental purification, advancing the understanding of QD-based photocatalysts for sustainable applications.

Li-Tao Che, Li-Tao Che, Ahmed H. El-Sappah et al.

IntroductionThis study investigated whether glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) can alleviate the reproductive toxicity of Zearalenone (ZEN) in replacement gilts.MethodsEighty Landrace × Yorkshire gilts were randomly assigned to four dietary groups: control (basal diet), ZEN (1 mg/kg), GA (400 mg/kg), and ZEN + GA (1 mg/kg ZEN + 400 mg/kg GA).ResultsThe onset of estrus advanced significantly in all treatment groups, with the GA and ZEN + GA groups showing the most pronounced changes. Puberty onset occurred earlier in the ZEN group and was further advanced by GA supplementation. ZEN exposure impaired uterine and ovarian development, while GA improved organ development and mitigated the abnormalities in the ZEN + GA group. Hormonal analysis revealed that ZEN reduced estradiol (E2) and luteinizing hormone (LH), whereas GA elevated all measured hormones. The ZEN + GA group showed a partial recovery in hormone levels, excluding E2. Histological examination of liver tissue in the ZEN group revealed focal hepatocellular necrosis and lymphocyte infiltration, which GA notably attenuated. ZEN upregulated 3α/3β/17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) gene expression in the liver and duodenum, while GA co-administration downregulated most HSD genes except hepatic 3α-HSD.Discussion and conclusionThese findings suggest that GA can alleviate ZEN-induced reproductive toxicity via modulation of endocrine and hepatic metabolic pathways.

MUNEEBA, Abdul KHALIQ, Faran MUHAMMAD et al.

Salinity poses a significant constraint to cereal productivity particularly in arid and semiarid regions. The application of allelochemical has shown promising results in mitigating the intensity of abiotic stresses. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the efficacy of different concentrations of aqueous allelopathic extract derived from moringa leaves in mitigating the adverse impacts of salinity on the germination and growth of maize cultivars via seed priming. The study involved three variables: two cultivars of maize, ‘Pioneer 30Y87’ (salt tolerant) and ‘Pioneer 30T60’ (salt sensitive) e seed priming with moringa leaf extract (MLE) at varying concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, and hydro-priming as control; and different salinity levels of 0, 6, and 12 dS m-1. Salinity had a negative impact on the germination process, leading to delayed and suboptimal growth of seedlings. Additionally, salinity reduced the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments (20-50%), photosynthesis, transpiration, internal carbon, and stomatal conductance. Further, MLE also improved the antioxidant activities (catalase: CAT and peroxidase: POD) by 22-56% which reduced the hydrogen peroxide production. Moreover, ‘P-30Y87’ exhibited favorable performance in terms of better germination, growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant activities.  The application of moringa leaf extract (3%) resulted in a more notable hermetic effect in elevating salinity stress thereby enhancing germination, growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant activities. In the conclusion, application of MLE (3%) is a promising approach to mitigate the adverse impacts of salinity by improving germination, growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant activities.

Bin-Lu Liu, Yan-bin Yao, Zi-Min Jiang et al.

Eleven leptonetid species belonging to four genera collected in Jiangxi and Fujian Provinces, China are presented. Ten new species of midget cave spiders from southern China are diagnosed, described, and illustrated: Leptonetela dawu Yao &amp;amp; Liu, sp. nov., L. yuanhaoi Yao &amp;amp; Liu, sp. nov. and L. zuojiashanensis Yao &amp;amp; Liu, sp. nov. from Jiangxi; Longileptoneta guadunensis Yao &amp;amp; Liu, sp. nov., L. huboliao Yao &amp;amp; Liu, sp. nov., L. jiaxiani Yao &amp;amp; Liu, sp. nov., L. letuensis Yao &amp;amp; Liu, sp. nov., L. renzhouensis Yao &amp;amp; Liu, sp. nov., L. tianmenensis Yao &amp;amp; Liu, sp. nov., and Pararana mingxuani Yao &amp;amp; Liu, sp. nov. from Fujian. Furthermore, Falcileptoneta monodactyla (Yin, Wang &amp;amp; Wang, 1984) is recorded from Jiangxi province for the first time. Distributions records are given for all investigated species.

Uppala Radhakrishna, Uppala Ratnamala, Devendrasinh D. Jhala et al.

BackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects hair follicles in areas with apocrine sweat glands, such as the underarms, groin, and buttocks. The pathogenesis of HS is not fully understood, but considering the key role played by the biological clock in the control of immune/inflammatory processes the derangement of circadian and ultradian pathways could be hypothesized.MethodsWe analyzed genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in peripheral blood from 24 HS cases and 24 controls using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array (Illumina), followed by bioinformatics and statistical analyses.ResultsWe found that several circadian and ultradian genes were differentially methylated in HS patients, predominantly exhibiting hypomethylation. These genes were enriched in pathways such as MAPK and WNT cascades, acute phase response, cytokine release, inflammation, innate immune response, xenobiotic detoxification, and oxidative stress response.ConclusionAltered DNA methylation patterns of genes related to circadian and ultradian pathways could contribute to immune system derangement and inflammatory processes chronicization in addition to other comorbidities hallmarking HS onset and progression, at the same time representing possible druggable targets.

Yijie Shen, Chao He, Zipei Song et al.

Skyrmions are topologically protected quasiparticles, originally studied in condensed-matter systems and recently in photonics, with great potential in ultra-high-capacity information storage. Despite the recent attention, most optical solutions require complex and expensive systems yet produce limited topologies. Here we demonstrate an extended family of quasiparticles beyond normal skyrmions, which are controlled in confined photonic gradient-index media, extending to higher-order members such as multiskyrmions and multimerons, with increasingly complex topologies. We introduce new topological numbers to describe these complex photonic quasiparticles and propose how this new zoology of particles could be used in future high-capacity information transfer. Our compact creation system lends integrated and programmable solutions of complex particle textures, with potential impacts on both photonic and condensed-matter systems for revolutionizing topological informatics and logic devices.

Enrico Olivucci

This work presents the building-blocks of an integrability-based representation for multi-point Fishnet Feynman integrals with any number of loops. Such representation relies on the quantum separation of variables (SoV) of a non-compact spin-chain with symmetry $SO(1,5)$ explained in the first paper of this series. The building-blocks of the SoV representation are overlaps of the wave-functions of the spin-chain excitations inserted along the edges of a triangular tile of Fishnet lattice. The zoology of overlaps is analyzed along with various worked out instances in order to achieve compact formulae for the generic triangular tile. The procedure of assembling the tiles into a Fishnet integral is presented exhaustively. The present analysis describes multi-point correlators with disk topology in the bi-scalar limit of planar $γ$-deformed $\mathcal{N}=4$ SYM theory, and it verifies some conjectural formulae for hexagonalization of Fishnets CFTs present in the literature. The findings of this work are suitable for generalization to a wider class of Feynman diagrams.

Jianxin Jiao, Ting Wang, Shanshan Li et al.

Objective Sweet sorghum is an important forage crop for ruminants, especially in low rainfall areas. Grapeseeds are an abundant by-product of wine-making and contain bioactive substances that can improve the antioxidant capacity of meat. We examined the effect of sweet sorghum forage with supplementary grapeseeds on carcass and meat quality in lambs. Methods Twenty-eight Small-tailed Han lambs (body weight = 19.1±1.20 kg), aged 3 to 4 months, were penned, and fed individually. The lambs were divided into four groups (n = 7 each) and were offered one of four diets: i) sweet sorghum silage; ii) sweet sorghum silage + grapeseeds; iii) sweet sorghum hay; and iv) sweet sorghum hay + grapeseeds. The grapeseeds were added to the concentrate at 6% DM and the diets were fed for 100 d. Results Sweet sorghum silage tended (p = 0.068) to increase hot carcass weight, while grapeseeds tended (p = 0.081) to decrease dressing percentage without affecting other carcass parameters. Lambs consuming supplementary grapeseeds increased (p<0.05) meat redness and tended to decrease (p = 0.075) concentration of methionine in meat. Lambs consuming sweet sorghum silage increased (p<0.001) water content of the meat and had a lower (p<0.05) concentration of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio than lambs consuming sweet sorghum hay. Saturated fatty acids content in meat was lowest (p<0.05) in lambs consuming sweet sorghum silage with grapeseeds. Lambs with supplementary grapeseeds tended (p<0.10) to increase eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and have a lower thrombogenic index than lambs not consuming grapeseeds. Conclusion It was concluded that sweet sorghum with supplementary grapeseeds fed to lambs; i) improved the color of the meat to be more appetizing to the consumer; ii) tended to improve the fatty acids composition of the meat; and iii) lowered thrombogenic index of the meat.

Yijie Shen, Shankar Pidishety, Isaac Nape et al.

Self-healing of light refers to the ability of a light field to recover its structure after being damaged by a partial obstruction placed in its propagation path. Here, we will give a comprehensive review of the history and development of self-healing effects, especially highlighting its importance in vector vortex beams carrying spin and orbital angular momenta. Moreover, an unified zoology of self-healing, structured light is proposed to unveil a deeper understanding of its physical mechanism and provide a bird's eye view on diverse forms of self-healing effects of different kinds of complex structured light. Finally, we outline the open challenges we are facing, potential opportunities and future trends for both fundamental physics and applications.

N. D. Khanh, T. Nakajima, S. Hayami et al.

Magnetic skyrmion is a topologically stable particle-like swirling spin texture potentially suitable for high-density information bit, which was first observed in noncentrosymmetric magnets with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. Recently, nanometric skyrmion has also been discovered in centrosymmetric rare-earth compounds, and the identification of their skyrmion formation mechanism and further search of nontrivial spin textures are highly demanded. Here, we have exhaustively studied magnetic structures in a prototypical skyrmion-hosting centrosymmetric tetragonal magnet GdRu2Si2, by performing the resonant X-ray scattering experiments. We identified a rich variety of double-Q magnetic structures, including the antiferroic order of meron(half-skyrmion)/anti-meronlike textures with fractional local topological charges. The observed intricate magnetic phase diagram has been successfully reproduced by the theoretical framework considering the four-spin interaction mediated by itinerant electrons and magnetic anisotropy. The present results will contribute to the better understanding of the novel skyrmion formation mechanism in this centrosymmetric rare-earth compound, and suggest that itinerant electrons can ubiquitously host a variety of unique multiple-Q spin orders in a simple crystal lattice system.

Marcelo Augusto Pereira Coelho Dias, Eduarda Melo de Abreu Vieira, Clodoaldo Lopes de Assis et al.

Reptiles can be on the diet of some bird species, and the glass lizard Ophiodes fragilis seems to be no exception. Although predation events are not easily recorded, in this work we document a new record of predation by C. cristata upon O. fragilis. The event occurredin November 2017 in the municipality of Viçosa, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and helps to fill a gap in trophic relationships between the lizard and its predators.