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A multi-agent system based on HNC for domain-specific machine translation
Exploring the adsorption desulfurization efficiency using RSM and ANN methodologies
Role of mitochondrial dynamics in mouse preimplantation embryonic development and its molecular mechanisms
Investigating tectonic links between the deep Volturno plain and Campanian volcanism using vintage seismic and potential field data
Map of the neuronal O-glycoproteome reveals driver functions in the regulated secretory pathway
Understanding the interaction of upper respiratory tract infection with respiratory syncytial virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae using a human challenge model: a multicenter, randomized controlled study protocol
Background Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are major causes of respiratory infections globally. Viral and bacterial co-infections are commonly observed in respiratory infections and there is evidence that these pathogens interact synergistically to evade host responses and lead to more severe disease. Notably, RSV seasonal outbreaks are associated with increased hospitalization and a subsequent peak in invasive pneumococcal disease cases, particularly in pediatric populations. Here, we summarize a protocol for a controlled human infection model aiming to evaluate pathogen interaction dynamics and immune responses in a combined pneumococcus and RSV model. The primary objective is to determine whether primary RSV challenge increases the risk of secondary pneumococcal colonization. Methods This is an open-label, multi-center, randomized controlled human co-infection study, inclusive of a pilot phase. Individuals will be randomized to primary inoculation with either pneumococcus (serotype 6B) or RSV (subtype RSV-A) intra-nasally on day 0 followed by a reciprocal challenge on day 7. During pilot phase A up to 10 participants will be monitored in an in-patient facility for 7–10 days following RSV-A challenge. If there are no safety concerns, we will then progress to an outpatient phase where participants will self-isolate at home. Clinical samples to be taken from participants include nasal swabs and washes for pathogen detection; and nasal cells, nasal lining fluid, and blood samples to examine mucosal and systemic immune responses. Discussion This work will lead to important scientific knowledge on the interaction and dynamics between pneumococcus and RSV. This knowledge could help inform pneumococcal and RSV vaccination strategies, particularly for groups at risk of developing severe pneumococcal and RSV disease. Trial registration The study is registered on ISRCTN (The UKs Clinical Study Registry). DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12036902
Integrated plasma metabolomics and lipidomics profiling highlight distinctive signatures with hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Semi-automated screening of azobezenes for solar energy storage using extended tight binding methods
Genome-wide association study of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) unveils novel loci governing root-to-seed zinc allocation
Kinetics thermodynamics and adsorption study of raw treated diatomite as a sustainable adsorbent for crystal violet dye
Abstract Adsorption is a simple and effective method to remove heavy metal ions and anionic or cationic dyes from aqueous or waste solutions. Herein, we report on the adsorption of a cationic dye crystal violet on a low-cost natural material. The diatomite was obtained from Sig deposit (west of Algeria) and then treated with 1 M HCl solution. Natural clay (diatomite) was characterized using different physical-chemical methods, including, X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared and pH of zero charge. The effect of various experimental parameters, such as initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, initial pH, and shaking time on adsorption was investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 82.0 mg.g− 1 for treated Diatomite and 75.0 mg.g− 1 for raw diatomite, with equilibrium reached within 120 min. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, with high correlation coefficients (R² = 0.998 for treated diatomite and R² = 0.999 for raw diatomite). The isotherm data showed the best fit with the Langmuir model. Optimal adsorption occurred at pH 8 for treated diatomite and pH 10 for raw diatomite.
Field pea cardinal temperatures, growth and vigor traits of winter- and spring-adapted germplasm at germination and seedling stages
Abstract There are few estimates of cardinal temperatures [Tb (base), To (optimal), Tm (maximum)] for pea (Pisum sativum L.) seed germination and seedling growth traits, with variable results, and there is almost no understanding of how these traits vary among pea varieties or classes. The objective of this controlled-environment study was to compare these among multiple varieties of food-grade winter and spring field peas and Austrian winter pea (AWP). Contrary to hypothesized outcomes, there were no collective differences in any of the three cardinal temperatures between winter- and spring-adapted food-grade field peas. Overall estimates were − 0.98 °C for Tb, 27.5 °C for To, and 37.5 °C for Tm. AWP, known for exceptional cold hardiness, contrasted from the food peas in having lower To (25.7 °C) and Tm (36.1 °C). Metrics of seedling vigor and growth (germination rate and percentage, shoot elongation) were markedly higher for AWP than the food peas. The food-grade winter pea seeds were collectively somewhat more vigorous than the spring peas. Considering both cardinal temperatures and germination rate, the average thermal time requirements for 50% germination were 31.0, 46.6, and 55.9 °Cd for AWP, winter food, and spring food peas, respectively. These results provide improved metrics and understanding of field pea seedling responses to temperature.
Automated framework for comprehensive usability analysis of healthcare websites using web parsing
Caveolin-1 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma via EGFR degradation
Effects of the radii of curvature and the connecting length on erosion behavior in sequentially connected elbows
Functional genomics and structural insights into maize aldo-keto reductase-4 family: Stress metabolism and substrate specificity in embryos
Outdated reproductive norms, the naturalistic fallacy, and misunderstandings of welfare in recent call for zoo breed-and-feed programs
Social media influencer or traditional celebrity? Moderational analysis on the relationship between endorser type and endorsement effectiveness
The effectiveness of an endorsement depends on the endorser. Social media influencers and traditional celebrities are both prized as endorsers by advertisers. Studies comparing the effectiveness of these two endorser types has yielded inconsistent results. The effectiveness of a type of endorser depends on the advertising context. The present study explored the moderating effects of product–endorser fit, popularity, self-congruity, similarity, and likeability on the relationship between endorser type and consumer attitudes toward an endorsement in two different sporting contexts. A multiple-factor, independent sample, pretest–posttest, quasi-experimental design was implemented. In total, 473 participants were enrolled in four experiments. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of covariance and hierarchical linear regression. The results indicate that product–endorser fit, popularity, self-congruity, and similarity but not likeability moderate the relationship between endorser type and consumer attitudes toward an endorsement. This study contributes to the literature on endorsement marketing and helps marketers more effectively choose an endorser that fits the given marketing context.
Exploring the spatiotemporal influence of climate on American avian migration with random forests
Abstract Birds have adapted to climatic and ecological cycles to inform their Spring and Fall migration timings, but anthropogenic global warming has affected these long-establish cycles. Understanding these dynamics is critical for conservation during a changing climate. Here, we employ a modeling approach to explore how climate spatiotemporally affects bird occurrence on eBird surveys. Specifically, we train an ensemble of multivariate and multi-response random forest models on North and South American climate data, then predict eBird survey occurrence rates for 41 migrating passerine bird species in a Northeastern American ecoregion from 2008 to 2018. In October, when many passerines have begun their southward winter migration, we achieve more accurate predictions of bird occurrence using lagged climate features alone to predict occurrence. These results suggest that analyses of machine learning model metrics may be useful for identifying spatiotemporal climatic cues that affect migratory behavior. Lastly, we explore the application and limitations of random forests for prediction of future bird occurrence using 2021–2040 climate projections.
Functional characterisation of components in two Plasmodium falciparum Cullin-RING-Ligase complexes
Abstract Ubiquitination is the key eukaryotic post-translational modification that governs protein degradation, localisation, and activity which is mediated by a concerted enzyme cascade. The largest superfamily of these enzymes include the Cullin-RING-Ligase (CRL) complexes. Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of the most severe form of malaria in humans, encodes the critical proteins required for ubiquitination, but we do not yet understand the function of this pathway. Here the P. falciparum CRL complexes were characterised to reveal an essential but minimal repertoire controlled by two Cullin scaffolds. A PfCullin1-linked CRL complex, recruiting a single substrate receptor, was identified as being required for parasite inner-membrane biogenesis and DNA replication. A second CRL complex functioning through a PfCullin4 scaffold was identified that utilised a previously unidentified adaptor protein and receptors to support DNA replication. These results show that the P. falciparum CRL complexes are essential in both nuclear maintenance and membrane integrity.