Hasil untuk "Biology (General)"

Miguel Brilhante, Iain Darbyshire, Maria Cristina Duarte et al.

ABSTRACT Despite the extensive diversity of African flora, significant gaps remain in taxonomic research and biodiversity conservation, including under‐sampling in highly diverse regions, a shortage of taxonomic expertise, limited financial resources and delays in species descriptions. Type specimens act as effective proxies for tracking the discovery and description of species, providing a historical baseline for assessing taxonomic effort and our understanding of biodiversity. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of Fabaceae species collected in Mozambique, one of the most diverse and ecologically important plant families in the region. It offers new insights into the taxonomic, spatial and temporal patterns shaping current botanical knowledge through an analysis of Fabaceae type specimens collected in Mozambique. We identified 273 type specimens, including 126 recognised taxa, with a notable proportion of endemism (44 strict‐endemic and 18 near‐endemic taxa) and a predominance of woody growth forms. Nearly 40% of these taxa lack IUCN conservation assessments, highlighting significant information gaps. The findings reveal that collection activity peaked during colonial botanical initiatives, driven by a small group of prolific collectors and influenced by spatial biases towards southern and central provinces. Using generalised linear modelling, we demonstrate that collection locations were significantly affected by elevation, slope, land cover and proximity to roads and harbours, reflecting the interaction between biogeographic patterns and accessibility. By identifying these historical and geographic biases, our study deepens understanding of Mozambique's botanical heritage and provides a crucial baseline for future floristic and conservation efforts in underexplored regions. Furthermore, this research underscores the vital role of herbarium type specimens as scientific resources supporting taxonomic research and conservation planning, emphasising the importance of preserving and digitising these collections to enhance their accessibility and utility.

Laila Khawaja, Sarah Muir, Sarah Jenner et al.

Abstract Objective Conducting health research with adolescents involves navigating complex challenges at both organisational and individual levels. As part of evaluating the EACH-B (Engaging Adolescents with Changing Behaviour) intervention—a school-based randomised controlled trial aimed at improving diet and physical activity in adolescents, we explored researchers’ insider experiences of programme implementation. The study investigates real-world implementation challenges and protocol adaptations in the EACH-B trial to provide practical guidance for public health interventions in schools. Applying the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 10 members of the research team. Results Researchers identified significant barriers within the ‘Inner’ settings (internal research processes) and ‘Outer’ settings (external school environment and policy landscape). Research delivery was hindered by post-pandemic school priorities—specifically academic recovery and mental health support which limited the feasibility of maintaining adolescent engagement and school access. Researcher-led adaptations emerged as a critical, yet often hidden, component of maintaining trial fidelity. The study concludes that reflexive ‘insider’ perspectives and flexible designs are essential to align research with shifting school priorities. These adaptive strategies provide a blueprint for more resilient and feasible public health interventions.

Saranya Prashath

Abstract L-arginine (L-Arg) is metabolised in the cell to generate nitric oxide (NO) and citrulline via nitric oxide synthase (NOS). NO is an important cellular signalling molecule that regulates lipid and glucose metabolism. The biological availability of NO is affected by the NOS inhibitor; NG-nitro-L-Arg methyl ester (L-NAME) and the external NO donor; S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D, L-penicillamine (SNAP). Mouse adipocyte 3T3 L1 cells were cultured with 0, 400 and 800 µM L-Arg or control complete DMEM media. The impact of L-NAME (4 mM), and SNAP (100 µM) was also analysed. The cell fitness was similar and the mRNA levels of AMPK was increased and ACC-1 was decreased, whilst the activation of AMPK and ACC-1 was decreased upon the addition of exogenous L-Arg. Transcript and protein levels of AMPK and ACC-1 were regulated by addition of L-NAME and SNAP, however the impact of these targets was related to the concentration of L-Arg added to the cells and the culture time point of analysis. NO in the form of NO2 − in cell culture supernatant was elevated in 400 and 800 µM L-Arg cultures. L-NAME significantly inhibited NO production from adipose cells in a time-dependent manner and subsequently impacted AMPK and ACC expression. Associated with these changes were changed in the concentration of L-Arg, L-Cit and L-Orn in the culture media. Collectively, these results show that excess L-Arg is sensed by the cell which then regulates AMPK and ACC-1 expression in response. The findings could have implications in modulation of signalling pathways for treating obesity and obesity induced diabetic mellitus.

Alexandru Rusu, Octavian Groza, Nicolae Popa et al.

This study evaluates the impact of different territorial contexts on academic mobility within the framework of the Erasmus Programme, using data on Key Action 1 exchanges between 2015 and 2023. Using official EU datasets and a gravity model framework, the research investigates how economic performance, geographical distance, EU membership, AUF (Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie) regional affiliation, and state contiguity shape international academic flows. The research developed two gravity models: one aimed to measure the potential barriers to academic flows through a residuals analysis, and the second integrated territorial delineations as predictors. In both models, the core of the explanatory variable is formed by indicators describing the economic performance of states and the distance between countries. When applied, the models converge in emphasizing that the inclusion of states in different territorial configurations has a strong effect on the structuring of academic flows. This suggests that the Erasmus Programme exhibits trends of overconcentration of flows in a limited number of countries, questioning the need for a more polycentric strategy and a reshaping of the funding mechanisms. Even if the gravity models behave well, given the limited number of predictors, further studies may need to incorporate qualitative indicators for a more comprehensive evaluation of the interactions.

Lía Hoz Rodríguez, Maricela Santana Vázquez, Luis Fernando Ramírez González et al.

Abstract A pentapeptide AVIFM (CAP‐p5) derived from the carboxy‐terminus end of cementum attachment protein was examined for its role on proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of human periodontal ligament cells (HPLC), and for its potential to induce cementum deposition in vivo. CAP‐p5 capability to induce hydroxyapatite crystal formation on demineralized dentin blocks was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, μRAMAN, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that CAP‐p5 promoted cell proliferation and cell differentiation and increases alkaline phosphatase activity of HPLC and mineralization at an optimal concentration of 10 μg/mL. It induced the expression of cementum molecular markers BSP, CAP, CEMP1, and ALP at the protein level. In a cell‐free system, human demineralized dentin blocks coated with CAP‐p5 induced the deposition of a homogeneous and continuous mineralized layer, intimately integrated with the underlying dentin indicating new cementum formation. Physicochemical characterization of this mineral layer showed that it is composed of hydroxyapatite crystals. Demineralized dentin blocks coated with CAP‐p5 implanted subcutaneously in BALB/cAnNCrl were analyzed histologically; the results disclosed that CAP‐p5 could induce the deposition of a cementum layer intimately integrated with the subjacent dentin with cementocytes embedded into the cementum matrix. Immunostaining showed the expression of cementum molecular markers; v.gr. BSP, CAP, CEMP1 and ALP, validating the molecular identity of the newly deposited cementum. We conclude that CAP‐p5 is a new biomolecule with the potential of therapeutic application to contribute to the regeneration of cementum and periodontal structures lost in periodontal disease.

M. Hamann, M. Godfrey, J. Seminoff et al.

Jiaxing Hao, Xuetian Wang, Sen Yang et al.

The target simulation of airplanes is an important research topic. It is particularly important to find the right balance between high performance and low cost. In order to balance the contradictions between realistic target simulations and controllable costs, the scientific formulation of the performance parameters of target simulation is the key to achieving high performance. This paper proposes an intelligent simulation technology based on RCS imaging simulation through the combination of 60° variation corner reflector and a Luneberg lens reflector. It is designed to simulate several important RCS characteristics of the aircraft. At the same time, the different RCS images are automatically shifted to the corresponding gear position to achieve the purpose of simulation, and the price is low and the performance is good. It can be used for the training of radar target searching.

Roger R Berton, Patrick W McGonagil, Isaac J Jensen et al.

Sepsis, an amplified immune response to systemic infection, is characterized by a transient cytokine storm followed by chronic immune dysfunction. Consequently, sepsis survivors are highly susceptible to newly introduced infections, suggesting sepsis can influence the function and composition of the naïve CD8 T cell pool and resulting pathogen-induced primary CD8 T cell responses. Here, we explored the extent to which sepsis induces phenotypic and functional changes within the naïve CD8 T cell pool. To interrogate this, the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) mouse model of polymicrobial sepsis was used. In normal, non-septic mice, we show type-I interferon (IFN I)-mediated signaling plays an important role in driving the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity in the naïve CD8 T cell compartment leading to increased representation of Ly6C+ naïve CD8 T cells. In response to viral infection after sepsis resolution, naïve Ly6C+ CD8 T cells generated more primary effector and memory CD8 T cells with slower conversion to a central memory CD8 T cell phenotype (Tcm) than Ly6C- naïve CD8 T cells. Importantly, as a potent inducer of cytokine storm and IFN I production, sepsis leads to increased representation of Ly6C+ naïve CD8 T cells that maintained their heightened ability to respond (i.e., effector and memory CD8 T cell accumulation and cytokine production) to primary LCMV infection. Lastly, longitudinal analyses of peripheral blood samples obtained from septic patients revealed profound changes in CD8 T cell subset composition and frequency compared to healthy controls. Thus, sepsis has the capacity to alter the composition of naïve CD8 T cells, directly influencing primary CD8 T cell responses to newly introduced infections.

Cankai Lin, Rongchun Huang, Juntao Liu et al.

Seven new polyketides named fusarisolins F-K (<b>1</b>–<b>6</b>) and fusarin I (<b>7</b>) were isolated from the marine-derived fungus <i>Fusarium solani</i> 8388, together with the known anhydrojavanicin (<b>8</b>), 5-deoxybostry coidin (<b>9</b>), and scytalol A (<b>10</b>). Their structures were established by comprehensive spectroscopic data analyses, and by comparison of the ¹H and ¹³C NMR data with those reported in literature. Fusarisolin F (<b>1</b>) contained both a dichlorobenzene group and an ethylene oxide unit, which was rare in nature. In the bioassays, fusarisolin I (<b>4</b>), fusarisolin J (<b>5</b>), and 5-deoxybostry coidin (<b>9</b>) exhibited obvious antibacterial activities against methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> n315 with MIC values of 3, 3, and 6 μg/mL, respectively. Fusarisolin H (<b>3</b>) and fusarisolin J (<b>5</b>) showed inhibitory effects against methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> NCTC 10442 with the same MIC value of 6 μg/mL. With the exception of <b>5</b>, all other compounds did not show or showed weak cytotoxicities against HeLa, A549, and KB cells; while fusarisolin J (<b>5</b>) demonstrated moderate cytotoxicities against the three human cancer cell lines with CC₅₀ values between 9.21 and 14.02 μM.

Hoda Zarkoob, Anna Allué-Guardia, Yu-Chi Chen et al.

Human alveolar and tracheobronchial epithelial air liquid interface (ALI) tissues are used as models to examine cellular responses to SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus infections and as antiviral drug screening assay platforms.

Edward Bormashenko, Irina Legchenkova, Mark Frenkel et al.

In this paper, informational (Shannon) measures of symmetry are introduced and analyzed for patterns built of 1D and 2D shapes. The informational measure of symmetry <inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><msub><mi>H</mi><mrow><mi>s</mi><mi>y</mi><mi>m</mi></mrow></msub><mrow><mo>(</mo><mi>G</mi><mo>)</mo></mrow></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula> characterizes the averaged uncertainty in the presence of symmetry elements from group <i>G</i> in a given pattern, whereas the Shannon-like measure of symmetry <inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><msub><mi mathvariant="sans-serif">Ω</mi><mrow><mi>s</mi><mi>y</mi><mi>m</mi></mrow></msub><mrow><mo>(</mo><mi>G</mi><mo>)</mo></mrow></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula> quantifies the averaged uncertainty of the appearance of shapes possessing a total of <i>n</i> elements of symmetry belonging to group <i>G</i> in a given pattern. <inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><msub><mi>H</mi><mrow><mi>s</mi><mi>y</mi><mi>m</mi></mrow></msub><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><msub><mi>G</mi><mn>1</mn></msub></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow><mo>=</mo><msub><mi mathvariant="sans-serif">Ω</mi><mrow><mi>s</mi><mi>y</mi><mi>m</mi></mrow></msub><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><msub><mi>G</mi><mn>1</mn></msub></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow><mo>=</mo><mn>0</mn></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula> for the patterns built of irregular, non-symmetric shapes, where <inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><msub><mi>G</mi><mn>1</mn></msub></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula> is the identity element of the symmetry group. Both informational measures of symmetry are intensive parameters of the pattern and do not depend on the number of shapes, their size, and the entire area of the pattern. They are also insensitive to the long-range order (translational symmetry) inherent for the pattern. Additionally, informational measures of symmetry of fractal patterns are addressed, the mixed patterns including curves and shapes are considered, the time evolution of Shannon measures of symmetry are examined, the close-packed and dispersed 2D patterns are analyzed, and an application of the suggested measures of symmetry for the analysis of the chemical reaction is demonstrated.

Eshan D. Mitra, William S. Hlavacek

Ivan Maly

Stefano Cademartori, Carlo Cravero, Martino Marini et al.

A CFD model to simulate the cooling technique trough slot jet impingement has been developed. Such a technique has been tested on an existing vertical galvanizing industrial line, which initially envisaged a round jet configuration, the subject of a previous work. Two different slot jet configurations have been simulated and compared to the pre-existing one, in order to provide design information for a possible new jet cooler after exploring different solutions. The numerical model has been appropriately calibrated and validated by comparing it with experimental measurements from a literature case. At first, a single slot jet configuration was simulated through a 2D model, then multi slot configurations were calculated using 3D models. Different turbulence models were compared to select the best candidate for the CFD approach. Finally, several configurations with different slots numbers and jet-wall distances were considered. It was possible to understand the physical mechanisms underlying this cooling technique and to be able to select the most promising configuration for the reference industrial cooling process.

Salvatore Pasqua, Maria Concetta Niotta, Giuseppina Di Martino et al.

Endotoxin content is a critical factor that affects the safety of biological pharmaceutical products. International pharmacopoeias describe several reference methods to determine endotoxin levels in advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) preparations. Administration of ATMPs must be done as rapidly as possible to ensure complete viability and potency of the cellular product. To evaluate the endotoxin content in the shortest time possible, we chose to validate an alternative method based on the use of the Charles River Portable Testing System (PTS) and FDA-approved cartridges, compliant with the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia and providing results in <20 min. Here, we describe a unique and complete validation approach for instrument, personnel, and analytical method for assessment of endotoxins in ATMP matrices. The PTS system provides high sensitivity and fast quantitative results and uses less raw material and accessories compared with compendial methods. It is also less time consuming and less prone to operator variability. Our validation approach is suitable for a validated laboratory with trained personnel capable of conducting the ATMP release tests, and with very low intra-laboratory variability, and meets the criteria required for an alternative approach to endotoxin detection for in-process and product-release testing of ATMPs.

Miloš Koprivica

Tekst predstavlja originalnu recenziju knjige “STANJE ŠUMA I ŠUMSKIH ZEMLJIŠTA U BOSNI I HERCEGOVINI, prema drugoj inventuri šuma na velikim površinama (2006 – 2009)”, koju je uradila grupa naučnih radnika Šumarskog fakulteta u Sarajevu: Lojo A., Balić B., Musić J., Višnjić Ć., Vojniković S., Treštić T., Čabaravdić A., Gurda S., Delić S., Imbrahimspahić A., u saradnji sa konsultantom Svjetske banke Hočevar M. Recenziju je uradio Miloš Koprivica 17.06.2015. na osnovu Odluke broj 01/6- 1008/15 koju je donijelo Naučno-nastavno vijeće Šumarskog fakulteta u Sarajevu dana 06. 05. 2015. godine, čime je isti imenovan za recenzenta.

F. Greenspan

E. Nestler, P. Greengard

Irvan Sidik, Sutiman Bambang Sumitro, Nia Kurniawan

The decisive morphological character of Calamaria linnaei from the Ijen plateau was analyzed in an attempt to evaluate these snakes independently achieved as different populations or whether more likely only cryptic species affected by natural conditions. The evidence was concluded that a cryptic species is very interesting to be regarded as something entirely different. In general, however, the population appears to have more closely related to other congeners populations of the same species. It is suggested that at least temporarily, the C. linnaei population of the Ijen plateau be specifically considered to include in species with high individual variations based on limited geographic boundaries until molecular analysis proves it.

Frank A. Chapman, Richard D. Miles

Color in fish is mostly genetically determined, but they are unable to produce red, orange, yellow, green, and some blue colors themselves. They get these colors from their food. Fish raised in aquariums or recirculating water systems without pigment supplementation in their diet will fade and lose their vibrant hues. Even in ponds, dietary pigment supplementation can make fishes brighter and more variably colored, just like their wild counterparts. This 6-page fact sheet written by F. A. Chapman and R. D. Miles and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, addresses how ornamental fish get their colors and provides a list of ingredient sources for diets that can be used to enhance and intensify fish colors. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa192 Accessibility Summary: In accordance with Title II regulations this content meets all points of exemption as Archived web content and/or Preexisting conventional electronic documents.