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Food sustainability is crucial aspect in achieving several United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By integrating advanced technologies for reliable and accurate decision-making, we can advance food sustainability and, consequently, make significant advances toward achieving the UN SDGs. Rice, a staple crop in many Asian and some African nations, is crucial to Sri Lanka as well. Serving as the primary food for most Sri Lankans, it plays a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of over 1.8 million farmers. In Sri Lanka, rice is grown during two distinct seasons of the year (Yala and Maha). This study focuses on ML with feature engineering for rice yield prediction using weather data: Rainfall, Maximum temperature, Minimum temperature, and Radiation. The data from two districts in Yala and Maha seasons collected from 1982 to 2019 were used for evaluating two sets of models respectively. Data were pre-processed to handle the outliers and missing values and scaled using normalization. The machine learning models considered are Linear Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), k-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), and Random Forest (RF). The performance of these models was evaluated using metrics: Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Relative Root Mean Squared Error (RRMSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The results demonstrate that Random Forest Regression with less number of features can yield comparable results compared to the original set of features.Article Highlights: Rice is a staple food and vital to the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Therefore, accurate and timely prediction of rice yield is essential for global food security. The study integrates machine learning techniques and feature engineering on weather data (including rainfall and temperature) to improve rice yield predictions, thus contributing to food sustainability and progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the machine learning models evaluated (Linear Regression, Support Vector Machine, k-Nearest Neighbour, and Random Forest), Random Forest Regression demonstrated that fewer features could produce results comparable to those using a full set of features, highlighting its efficiency in rice yield prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A critical cell cycle checkpoint for most bacteria is the onset of constriction when the septal peptidoglycan synthesis starts. According to the current understanding, the arrival of FtsN to midcell triggers this checkpoint in Escherichia coli. Recent structural and in vitro data suggests that recruitment of FtsN to the Z-ring leads to a conformational switch in actin-like FtsA, which links FtsZ protofilaments to the cell membrane and acts as a hub for the late divisome proteins. Here, we investigate this putative pathway using in vivo measurements and stochastic cell cycle modeling at moderately fast growth rates. Quantitatively upregulating protein concentrations and determining the resulting division timings shows that FtsN and FtsA numbers are not rate-limiting for the division in E. coli. However, at higher overexpression levels, they affect divisions: FtsN by accelerating and FtsA by inhibiting them. At the same time, we find that the FtsZ numbers in the cell are one of the rate-limiting factors for cell divisions in E. coli. Altogether, these findings suggest that instead of FtsN, accumulation of FtsZ in the Z-ring is one of the main drivers of the onset of constriction in E. coli at faster growth rates. The recruitment of protein FtsN to midcell is thought to be the main rate-liming process for cell division in the bacterial model E. coli. Here, Männik et al. use experiments with live bacteria as well as stochastic cell-cycle modeling to show that instead of FtsN, accumulation of the tubulin-like protein FtsZ in the Z-ring is one of the main drivers of the onset of cell division at fast growth rates in E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides in colluvial soils under rainfall have been identified as a significant problem due to their loose, heterogeneous nature and low shear strength. Evaluation of the stability of colluvial slopes under rainfall conditions is challenging. This study investigated two landslide failure case studies of colluvial soils to understand the failure patterns using finite element (FE) and limit equilibrium (LE) slope stability analysis methods under unsaturated conditions. Transient seepage conditions due to rainfall infiltration and failure were analysed using hydromechanical models. Here, a FE fully coupled hydromechanical model and a sequential coupling of a FE hydrological and LE mechanical model were used to evaluate the failure of variably saturated slopes. Results from the case studies revealed that the failure occurred due to the rise in the groundwater table in both cases. It was evident that there can be significant disparities in the pore water pressure profiles with the fully coupled and sequentially coupled analysis. The dynamic capability of the two models can also affect the interplay between the hydrological and mechanical aspects. When the thickness of the colluvium layer is large, the failure could potentially occur as a deep-seated failure along the boundary of overburden and the bedrock surface due to the large driving force. However, when the thickness is small, failure can occur along the colluvium-weathered rock surface. The outcomes from the study will contribute to mitigate the uncertainty of failure prediction of landslides in colluvial soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-read single-cell transcriptomics (scRNA-Seq) is revolutionizing the way we profile heterogeneity in disease. Traditional short-read scRNA-Seq methods are limited in their ability to provide complete transcript coverage, resolve isoforms, and identify novel transcripts. The scRNA-Seq protocols developed for long-read sequencing platforms overcome these limitations by enabling the characterization of full-length transcripts. Long-read scRNA-Seq techniques initially suffered from comparatively poor accuracy compared to short read scRNA-Seq. However, with improvements in accuracy, accessibility, and cost efficiency, long-reads are gaining popularity in the field of scRNA-Seq. This review details the advances in long-read scRNA-Seq, with an emphasis on library preparation protocols and downstream bioinformatics analysis tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Pain management is a critical aspect of care during and following a cesarean delivery. Without proper control of pain, individuals can experience poor mobility, increased thromboembolic events, and difficulty caring for the neonate in the postpartum period. There have been multiple methods for pain management for cesarean delivery and intrathecal morphine (ITM) has emerged as a prominent option for post-operative analgesia due to its efficacy, safety, and potential benefits over other treatments. This review analyzes data on efficacy, side effects, and safety of ITM and the pain control alternatives. Recent Findings: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to compare ITM with other analgesic techniques in post-cesarean patients. ITM was found to be as effective or better than other analgesic options, including bilateral quadratus lumborum block (QLB), opioid-free epidural analgesia (CSEA-EDA), and intravenous fentanyl. One study found that both ITM and oral analgesia were effective in pain control and that ITM caused fewer breakthrough pain events but had a longer duration and a greater rate of side effects than oral opioid analgesia. Commonly observed side effects of intrathecal opioids include nausea, vomiting, pruritus, and urinary retention, and it is thought that the adverse effects from intrathecal administration of opioids are short-lived. Summary: ITM may provide a decreased risk of DVT and coagulation by decreasing lower extremity weakness and numbness, thereby decreasing recovery time and increasing mobility. ITM is a safe and effective option for post-cesarean analgesia, with comparable pain relief to alternative forms of pain control, and side effects that are generally manageable. Further research is warranted to explore beneficial combinations with other methods of pain management and optimal dosing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) may interact with a virtual pion that is exchanged between nucleons. This interaction channel is important to consider in models where the spin-independent isoscalar channel is suppressed. Using data from the first science run of the LUX-ZEPLIN dark matter experiment, containing 60 live days of data in a 5.5 tonne fiducial mass of liquid xenon, we report the results on a search for WIMP-pion interactions. We observe no significant excess and set an upper limit of 1.5 × 10−46 cm2 at a 90% confidence level for a WIMP mass of 33 GeV/c2 for this interaction. Cosmological evidence suggests that nonluminous dark matter comprises 27% of the energy density of the universe, with weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) being a favoured candidate. Here, the authors perform a search for WIMP-like dark matter interacting with a virtual particle that is exchanges between xenon nucleons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensive utilization of tropical inland water bodies for multiple and sometimes competing activities underlines the necessity for their integrated and holistic co-management. This paper presents our synthesis on lake and reservoir fisheries in South and Southeast Asia as social–ecological systems, based on a synopsis of our research findings from a previous EU-funded research programme in Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Philippines (FISHSTRAT project). The paper attempts to merge our results with recent developments in research, policy and practice. We explore the effects of the main external and internal control mechanisms of the trophic state and pinpoint to the high production potential of traditionally unexploited small indigenous fish species. The limitations of conventional centralized management systems highlight the importance of introducing transdisciplinary approaches which integrate limnology, fish ecology and fisheries with the interests of other resource using stakeholders and decision makers in order to develop locally appropriate co-management strategies for sustainable aquatic resource use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major question in developmental and regenerative biology is how organ size and architecture are controlled by progenitor cells. While limb bones exhibit catch-up growth (recovery of a normal growth trajectory after transient developmental perturbation), it is unclear how this emerges from the behaviour of chondroprogenitors, the cells sustaining the cartilage anlagen that are progressively replaced by bone. Here we show that transient sparse cell death in the mouse fetal cartilage is repaired postnatally, via a two-step process. During injury, progression of chondroprogenitors towards more differentiated states is delayed, leading to altered cartilage cytoarchitecture and impaired bone growth. Then, once cell death is over, chondroprogenitor differentiation is accelerated and cartilage structure recovered, including partial rescue of bone growth. At the molecular level, ectopic activation of mTORC1 correlates with, and is necessary for, part of the recovery, revealing a specific candidate to be explored during normal growth and in future therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vision-based autonomous underwater vehicle localization, navigation, and mapping is an attractive field of research in recent years. Despite the development of vision-only and vision-inertial-based algorithms, particularly in the terrestrial and aerial robotics groups, applying such approaches directly to underwater environments remains challenging due to visual degradation in the medium and further due to the slow crusade of the underwater vehicles. This paper introduces U-VIP-SLAM, a unique visual-inertial-pressure SLAM system that combines data from a monocular camera, a low-cost IMU, and a pressure sensor to create a SLAM system focused to the underwater region. All of the key components of a comprehensive SLAM system are included in the U-VIP-SLAM, including loop closure capabilities tailored to the underwater environment. Further, we introduce forward and backward projection strategies to fuse pressure measurement in the local bundle adjustment. Furthermore, a unique initialization strategy is proposed to effectively bootstrap the system by fusing pressure and IMU data. Several datasets were used to compare the performance of the proposed methods against the state-of-the-art monocular VI systems. Source Code is available at https://github.com/chintha/U-VIP-SLAM.git. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive rainfall is considered the major landslide triggering mechanism, especially in tropical climate regions. During rainfall, water infiltrates into the subsurface; reducing the matric suction, increasing pore water pressure, and decreasing the shear strength of the soil. The prevailing unfavourable ground and geomorphological conditions can further exacerbate the vulnerability and severity of catastrophic landslides. Hence, it is vital to identify different landslide mechanisms, key drivers for rainfall-induced landslides, and risk assessment methods for adopting appropriate failure mitigation strategies. This study captures a comprehensive review and in-depth analysis based on 200 articles published in literature including authors own case studies to describe the risk management strategies of rain-induced landslides in tropical countries. First, a clear relationship between the rainfall patterns and the landslide events has been proposed through the comprehensive data sets reviewed. Then key influencing factors for landslides in the tropical region have been identified with in-depth discussion from past reported studies. Moreover, landslide risk assessment and management framework are discussed with the key steps involved. The framework provides a better-structured approach to discuss on identifying, analysing, evaluating, and managing risk associated with landslides. The complex geological conditions, lack of rainfall and impact data, and rapid change in land use make quantitative risk assessment challenging in the tropical region. The review finally recommends effective risk mitigation strategies from the authors' experience on past projects and reported literature case studies. The outcomes from the review are beneficial for engineers and authorities for adopting risk mitigation approaches in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opportunistic observations of Erabu sea kraits (Laticauda semifaciata) provide evidence that this species undertake a novel foraging tactic; coordinated communal hunting. Erabu sea kraits prey on cryptic fish species in highly complex reef habitats. Intra- and interspecific cooperative hunting strategies may increase chances for all members of the hunting party to encounter and capture prey in these complex habitats. Here, we observed 52 instances of communal hunting by Erabu sea kraits with conspecifics and other predatory fishes at recreational dive sites in Southern Lombok, Indonesia. These observations highlight the potential higher cognitive capacity of sea kraits to coordinate activities around communal hunting events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 revealed the inferiority of hard engineering solutions in coastal protection and provided sound evidence over the potential of coastal vegetation, particularly mangroves in protecting the coast against erosion, tropical storm surges, and occasional natural calamities like tsunamis. The present study was initiated therefore to determine the extent to which mangroves could be used to protect the coasts against damage by tsunamis. The structure of mangrove vegetation at Kirinda, Kalametiya, and Rekawa in Sri Lanka that resisted tsunami waves for varying extents in 2004 was studied in detail to discern the wave attenuation function of mangrove vegetation. Vegetation structure is a salient factor that contributes to reduction of the impact of natural disturbances to which mangrove ecosystems are vulnerable. The current study highlights that mangrove parameters such as canopy, trunk, and complex root system and wave parameters such incident wave height and inundation distance play vital role in mangroves-induced wave attenuation. The study found that tsunami run-up height and tsunami inundation distance were negatively correlated with tree volume, forest width and tree height whereas that was positively correlated with porosity of the mangrove vegetation. Depth of sedimentation caused by tsunami waves decreased across the mangrove vegetation from the proximal end (in relation to the advancing wave) to the distal end at all mangrove study sites indicating the progressive dissipation of energy of the wave. The mangrove plant communities comprised of Avicennia marina, Ceriops tagal, Excoecaria agallocha and, Rhizophora mucronata evidently, have served as natural coastal barriers and contribute to mitigate impacts of natural disturbances such as tsunamis and tropical storms. As such our study revealed that the effectiveness of coastal bio-shields is based on the make-up of the coastal forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The banded krait, Bungarusfasciatus is a widespread elapid snake, likely to comprise several distinct species in different geographic regions of Asia. Therefore, based on molecular phylogenetics and comparative morphology data, we present an overview of the systematic composition of the species to delimit potential biogeographic boundaries. Our phylogenetic analyses, based on four mitochondrial genes, reveal the existence of at least three evolutionary lineages within B.fasciatus, corresponding to Indo-Myanmar, Sundaic and eastern Asian lineages. We are convinced that there are at least three taxonomic entities within the nomen B.fasciatus and restrict the distribution of B.fasciatus sensu stricto to the Indo-Myanmar region. We also provide additional natural history data of the taxon from eastern India. Finally, we advocate further studies to establish the degree of reproductive isolation among these diverging evolutionary lineages and to reassess the systematic status of this species complex especially the Sundaic and eastern Asian lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice fields in Sri Lanka create suitable breeding places for vector mosquitoes. Such sites provide habitats for diversified naturally occurring microbiota. Ciliated protists, Zoothamnium sp., Chilodonella sp., and Vorticella microstoma are among such microbiota found in vector mosquito habitats especially in rice field habitats in Sri Lanka. The present study was carried out to determine the comparative larvicidal effect of these ciliated protists collected from naturally infested mosquito larvae in some rice-field habitats in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, against vector mosquito larvae. Vector mosquito larvae, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, and Culex gelidus were reared in the laboratory from field-collected water samples while Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae were reared using egg sheets, for the laboratory bioassays. V. microstoma showed the potential for infection and mortality of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus larvae (71.33% ± 5.23). Results revealed a minimum of 1000 V. microstoma is required to kill a single third instar larva of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus at 69.60 ± 2.40 h of exposure. Cx. gelidus larvae showed 41.33% ± 3.43 mortality due to V. microstoma infestation. However, none of the ciliates were effective against Ae. aegypti larvae. Chilodonella sp. was very occasionally reported during this study hence was not possible to the mass rear for experimentations. This study concludes that V. microstoma is an effective ciliated parasite of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus larvae. Due to their effectiveness and eco-friendly nature, this species can be developed as an effective bio-controlling agent against Cx. tritaeniorhynchus mosquito species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The psychometric properties of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS-4D), an oral health-related quality-of-life tool for children, and EuroQol 5D-Young (EQ-5D-Y), a commonly used generic quality-of-life tool for children, were compared across a clinical severity index to determine which tool is better for measuring oral health-related quality of life in children.Delayed and filled surfaces score (dfs) was calculated for under six-year-old children at the recruitment and one year later. ECOHIS-4D and EQ-5D were filled out on both occasions. The following properties were examined: (i) Content validity by comparing mean utility values using the Wilcoxson Signed Rank Test and Bland Altman Test, (ii) Construct validity (ability to discriminate between groups of different clinical severity) by examining effect size between severity groups (iii) Responsiveness (for changes in health status) using floor and ceiling effect, standard response mean and linear regression (iv) Correlation between the utilities and dfs.Respectively, 287 and 189 children were examined at the baseline and follow-up. Mean utility estimates from the tools were significantly different. All items of EQ-5D-Y showed high ceiling effects compared to items of ECOHIS-4D. Only the utility scores of ECOHIS-4D showed a significant association with the dfs score (β=-0.003, 95%CI=-0.004 to -0.002) in the linear regression models. Utility values form ECOHIS-4D, but not EQ-5D-Y correlated with the dfs (spearman’s r=-0.33, 95%CI -0.43 to -0.23).ECOHIS-4D performs better than EQ-5D-Y in assessing young children’s oral health-related quality of life.Methods: The psychometric properties of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS-4D), an oral health-related quality-of-life tool for children, and EuroQol 5D-Young (EQ-5D-Y), a commonly used generic quality-of-life tool for children, were compared across a clinical severity index to determine which tool is better for measuring oral health-related quality of life in children.Delayed and filled surfaces score (dfs) was calculated for under six-year-old children at the recruitment and one year later. ECOHIS-4D and EQ-5D were filled out on both occasions. The following properties were examined: (i) Content validity by comparing mean utility values using the Wilcoxson Signed Rank Test and Bland Altman Test, (ii) Construct validity (ability to discriminate between groups of different clinical severity) by examining effect size between severity groups (iii) Responsiveness (for changes in health status) using floor and ceiling effect, standard response mean and linear regression (iv) Correlation between the utilities and dfs.Respectively, 287 and 189 children were examined at the baseline and follow-up. Mean utility estimates from the tools were significantly different. All items of EQ-5D-Y showed high ceiling effects compared to items of ECOHIS-4D. Only the utility scores of ECOHIS-4D showed a significant association with the dfs score (β=-0.003, 95%CI=-0.004 to -0.002) in the linear regression models. Utility values form ECOHIS-4D, but not EQ-5D-Y correlated with the dfs (spearman’s r=-0.33, 95%CI -0.43 to -0.23).ECOHIS-4D performs better than EQ-5D-Y in assessing young children’s oral health-related quality of life.Results: The psychometric properties of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS-4D), an oral health-related quality-of-life tool for children, and EuroQol 5D-Young (EQ-5D-Y), a commonly used generic quality-of-life tool for children, were compared across a clinical severity index to determine which tool is better for measuring oral health-related quality of life in children.Delayed and filled surfaces score (dfs) was calculated for under six-year-old children at the recruitment and one year later. ECOHIS-4D and EQ-5D were filled out on both occasions. The following properties were examined: (i) Content validity by comparing mean utility values using the Wilcoxson Signed Rank Test and Bland Altman Test, (ii) Construct validity (ability to discriminate between groups of different clinical severity) by examining effect size between severity groups (iii) Responsiveness (for changes in health status) using floor and ceiling effect, standard response mean and linear regression (iv) Correlation between the utilities and dfs.Respectively, 287 and 189 children were examined at the baseline and follow-up. Mean utility estimates from the tools were significantly different. All items of EQ-5D-Y showed high ceiling effects compared to items of ECOHIS-4D. Only the utility scores of ECOHIS-4D showed a significant association with the dfs score (β=-0.003, 95%CI=-0.004 to -0.002) in the linear regression models. Utility values form ECOHIS-4D, but not EQ-5D-Y correlated with the dfs (spearman’s r=-0.33, 95%CI -0.43 to -0.23).ECOHIS-4D performs better than EQ-5D-Y in assessing young children’s oral health-related quality of life.Conclusion: The psychometric properties of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS-4D), an oral health-related quality-of-life tool for children, and EuroQol 5D-Young (EQ-5D-Y), a commonly used generic quality-of-life tool for children, were compared across a clinical severity index to determine which tool is better for measuring oral health-related quality of life in children.Delayed and filled surfaces score (dfs) was calculated for under six-year-old children at the recruitment and one year later. ECOHIS-4D and EQ-5D were filled out on both occasions. The following properties were examined: (i) Content validity by comparing mean utility values using the Wilcoxson Signed Rank Test and Bland Altman Test, (ii) Construct validity (ability to discriminate between groups of different clinical severity) by examining effect size between severity groups (iii) Responsiveness (for changes in health status) using floor and ceiling effect, standard response mean and linear regression (iv) Correlation between the utilities and dfs.Respectively, 287 and 189 children were examined at the baseline and follow-up. Mean utility estimates from the tools were significantly different. All items of EQ-5D-Y showed high ceiling effects compared to items of ECOHIS-4D. Only the utility scores of ECOHIS-4D showed a significant association with the dfs score (β=-0.003, 95%CI=-0.004 to -0.002) in the linear regression models. Utility values form ECOHIS-4D, but not EQ-5D-Y correlated with the dfs (spearman’s r=-0.33, 95%CI -0.43 to -0.23).ECOHIS-4D performs better than EQ-5D-Y in assessing young children’s oral health-related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins communicate from cell-surface receptors to drive transcription of immune response genes. The parasite Toxoplasma gondii blocks STAT1-mediated gene expression by secreting the intrinsically disordered protein TgIST that traffics to the host nucleus, binds phosphorylated STAT1 dimers, and occupies nascent transcription sites that unexpectedly remain silenced. Here we define a core region within internal repeats of TgIST that is necessary and sufficient to block STAT1-mediated gene expression. Cellular, biochemical, mutational, and structural data demonstrate that the repeat region of TgIST adopts a helical conformation upon binding to STAT1 dimers. The binding interface is defined by a groove formed from two loops in the STAT1 SH2 domains that reorient during dimerization. TgIST binding to this newly exposed site at the STAT1 dimer interface alters its conformation and prevents the recruitment of co-transcriptional activators, thus defining the mechanism of blocked transcription. Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDP) are pleotropic proteins with diverse functions. Here the authors show that an IDP, TgIST, from T. gondii blocks interferon-induced gene expression by binding to the STAT1 dimer interface and preventing the recruitment of co-transcriptional activators, CBP/p300, to STAT1 to inhibit expression of immunity genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The British Garrison Cemetery is a burial ground for Europeans that is located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Consisting of graves that date from the early to late 19th century, it provides information on the social status and individual identities of the European settlers in the hill country of the island, and also the circumstances of their deaths. The cause of the high mortality rates among infants, children, and young adults there may be related to the lack of medical facilities, cholera epidemics, and the vulnerability of Europeans to tropical diseases. Graves of individuals who belonged to Nonconformist groups, such as Methodists and Presbyterians, are located on the same grounds as the graves of Anglicans. This apparent harmony indicates that the political and religious rivalry that existed between Anglicans and Nonconformists in England was minimal in British colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antibody response magnitude and kinetics may impact clinical severity, serological diagnosis and long-term protection of COVID-19, which may play a role in why children experience lower morbidity. We therefore tested samples from 122 children in Hong Kong with symptomatic (n = 78) and asymptomatic (n = 44) SARS-CoV-2 infections up to 200 days post infection, relative to 71 infected adults (symptomatic n = 61, and asymptomatic n = 10), and negative controls (n = 48). We assessed serum IgG antibodies to a 14-wide antigen panel of structural and accessory proteins by Luciferase Immuno-Precipitation System (LIPS) assay and circulating cytokines. Infected children have lower levels of Spike, Membrane, ORF3a, ORF7a, ORF7b antibodies, comparable ORF8 and elevated E-specific antibodies than adults. Combination of two unique antibody targets, ORF3d and ORF8, can accurately discriminate SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. Principal component analysis reveals distinct pediatric serological signatures, and the highest contribution to variance from adults are antibody responses to non-structural proteins ORF3d, NSP1, ORF3a and ORF8. From a diverse panel of cytokines that can modulate immune priming and relative inflammation, IL-8, MCP-1 and IL-6 correlate with the magnitude of pediatric antibody specificity and severity. Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 internal proteins may become an important sero surveillance tool of infection with the roll-out of vaccines in the pediatric population. The antibody response of children to SARS-CoV-2 is less well studied than in adults. Here Hachim et al. show that children have reduced antibody levels to structural proteins and suggest that the predominance of antibody responses to non-structural proteins can be used to discriminate infection and vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions are often considered difficult drug targets because the surfaces involved lack obvious druggable pockets. Cryptic pockets could present opportunities for targeting these interactions, but identifying and exploiting these pockets remains challenging. Here, we apply a general pipeline for identifying cryptic pockets to the interferon inhibitory domain (IID) of Ebola virus viral protein 35 (VP35). VP35 plays multiple essential roles in Ebola's replication cycle but lacks pockets that present obvious utility for drug design. Using adaptive sampling simulations and machine learning algorithms, we predict VP35 harbors a cryptic pocket that is allosterically coupled to a key dsRNA-binding interface. Thiol labeling experiments corroborate the predicted pocket and mutating the predicted allosteric network supports our model of allostery. Finally, covalent modifications that mimic drug binding allosterically disrupt dsRNA binding that is essential for immune evasion. Based on these results, we expect this pipeline will be applicable to other proteins. Many viral proteins are thought to be unlikely candidates for drug discovery as they lack obvious drug binding sites. Here, the authors use computational approaches followed by experimental validation to identify a cryptic pocket within the Ebola virus protein VP35. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-021-05143-6. Therefore, these original names were removed from XML data to correct the PubMed record. Correction to: Archives of Virology https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-021-05143-6 Unfortunately, the inclusion of original names (in non-Latin script) of the following authors caused problems with author name indexing in PubMed. [Extracted from the article]

In March 2021, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. The phylum was expanded by four families (Aliusviridae, Crepuscuviridae, Myriaviridae, and Natareviridae), three subfamilies (Alpharhabdovirinae, Betarhabdovirinae, and Gammarhabdovirinae), 42 genera, and 200 species. Thirty-nine species were renamed and/or moved and seven species were abolished. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the development of acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) devices that are fabricated using in-house grown, high-quality single crystals of mercurous bromide (Hg2Br2). The Hg2Br2 crystals were grown using physical vapor transport (PVT). The quality of the Hg2Br2 single crystals are determined using high-resolution x-ray diffraction (HRXRD). The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the (220) reflection was found to be 0.029 degrees, which is a significant improvement in the growth of Hg2Br2 bulk single crystals. The diffraction efficiencies of the fabricated AOTF device in the long wavelength infrared (LWIR) found to be 26% which is the highest reported. The device was tested for point detection and for imaging capabilities in the LWIR range. The study shows promising results using Hg2Br2 in LWIR AOTF-based technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ebola virus VP30 protein interacts with the viral nucleoprotein and with host protein RBBP6 via PPxPxY motifs that adopt non‐canonical orientations, as compared to other proline‐rich motifs. An affinity tag‐purification mass spectrometry approach identified additional PPxPxY‐containing host proteins hnRNP L, hnRNPUL1, and PEG10, as VP30 interactors. hnRNP L and PEG10, like RBBP6, inhibit viral RNA synthesis and EBOV infection, whereas hnRNPUL1 enhances. RBBP6 and hnRNP L modulate VP30 phosphorylation, increase viral transcription, and exert additive effects on viral RNA synthesis. PEG10 has more modest inhibitory effects on EBOV replication. hnRNPUL1 positively affects viral RNA synthesis but in a VP30‐independent manner. Binding studies demonstrate variable capacity of the PPxPxY motifs from these proteins to bind VP30, define PxPPPPxY as an optimal binding motif, and identify the fifth proline and the tyrosine as most critical for interaction. Competition binding and hydrogen‐deuterium exchange mass spectrometry studies demonstrate that each protein binds a similar interface on VP30. VP30 therefore presents a novel proline recognition domain that is targeted by multiple host proteins to modulate viral transcription. SYNOPSIS: Protein mapping studies identified multiple VP30 interacting host protein possessing PPxPxY motifs, including RBBP6, hnRNP L, hnRNPUL1 and PEG10. RBBP6 and hnRNP L prevent VP30‐NP interaction, impair VP30 dephosphorylation and inhibit viral RNA synthesis. Multiple host proteins possessing PPxPxY motifs can bind the Ebola virus VP30 protein.Proteins with the motif PxPPPPxY bind tightly to VP30, compete with the viral nucleoprotein for binding to VP30 and inhibit Ebola viral RNA synthesis.RBBP6 and hnRNP L modulate Ebola virus transcription by preventing the dephosphorylation of VP30.RBBP6 and hnRNP L act as restriction factors and can cooperatively modulate Ebola virus replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the notion of "CSCL scripts", different pedagogical models for structuring and supporting collaboration in the classroom have been proposed. We report on a practical experience with scripts based on the Pyramid collaborative learning flow pattern supported by a specific classroom tool and a teacher-facing dashboard that implements mirroring and guiding support. The input data of our analysis stems from recordings of classroom interactions guided by several teachers using the PyramidApp with different levels of teaching support. For the analysis, we introduce a specific coding scheme enabling a quantitative comparison and deeper analysis using epistemic network analysis. The results show that the guiding support enabled teachers to perform more orchestration actions, more targeted interactions and to make more announcements to the class (regarding time, phase transitions, and students' activity participation) when compared to the mirroring support. Teachers' actionable differences observed under the mirroring and guiding support directed us to deconstruct the notion of orchestration load into different facets and to discuss how different support provisions correspond to the different facets of orchestration load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of antennas for terahertz systems remains a significant challenge. These antennas must provide very high gain to overcome significant free-space path loss, which limits their ability to broadcast or receive a beam over a wide angular range. To circumvent this limitation, here we describe a new device concept, based on the application of quasi-conformal transformation optics to the traditional Luneburg lens. This device offers the possibility for wide-angle beam steering and beam reception over a broad bandwidth, scalable to any frequency band in the THz range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In March 2020, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. At the genus rank, 20 new genera were added, two were deleted, one was moved, and three were renamed. At the species rank, 160 species were added, four were deleted, ten were moved and renamed, and 30 species were renamed. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cosmological perturbation theory it is convenient to use the scalar, vector, tensor basis as defined according to how these components transform under three-dimensional rotations. In attempting to solve the fluctuation equations that are automatically written in terms of gauge-invariant combinations of these components, the equations are taken to break up into separate scalar, vector and tensor sectors, the decomposition theorem. Here, without needing to specify a gauge, we solve the fluctuation equations exactly for some standard cosmologies, to show that in general the various gauge-invariant combinations only separate at a higher-derivative level. To achieve separation at the level of the fluctuation equations themselves one has to assume boundary conditions for the higher-derivative equations. While spatially asymptotic boundary conditions suffice for fluctuations around a de Sitter background or a spatially flat Robertson–Walker background, for fluctuations around a spatially non-flat Robertson–Walker background one additionally has to require that the fluctuations be well-behaved at the origin. We show that in certain cases the gauge-invariant combinations themselves involve both scalars and vectors. For such cases there is no decomposition theorem for the individual scalar, vector and tensor components themselves as that would violate gauge invariance, but for the gauge-invariant combinations there still can be. Given the lack of manifest covariance (though not of covariance itself) in defining a basis with respect to three-dimensional rotations, we introduce an alternate scalar, vector, tensor basis whose components are defined according to how they transform under four-dimensional general coordinate transformations. With this basis the fluctuation equations greatly simplify, and while one can again break them up into separate gauge-invariant sectors at the higher-derivative level, in general we find that even with boundary conditions we do not obtain a decomposition theorem in which the fluctuations separate at the level of the fluctuation equations themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatio-temporal changes during the last twelve year period (2006–2017) and their impacts on ecological and socio-economic status of Dondra lagoon, southern coast of Sri Lanka were studied as many lagoons in southern Sri Lanka are being seriously affected due to anthropogenic pressure in the recent past. The changes of Dondra lagoon and its immediate surroundings were studied in conjunction with a GIS-coupled ecological survey and a questionnaire survey. The lagoon water surface area has decreased by about 0.92 ha (~8%) and the mangrove cover has increased by about 1.38 ha (~11%) over this period. The salinity of the lagoon has also reduced, forming a ‘low saline’ (3 psu) regime. About 40% of the lost water surface has scarified for a newly formed land mass (~0.4 ha) within the proximal part of the lagoon. The bridge, broken by the tsunami of 2004, has newly been constructed twice during the reporting period. The construction most likely led to impair the inflow and outflow through the lagoon mouth. Several development projects were launched in the immediate periphery of the lagoon stimulated soil erosion causing heavy siltation in the lagoon. The above changes in the morphometry of the lagoon is a cumulative effect of two factors; impaired inflow and outflow through the lagoon mouth, and the increase of the sediment input to the lagoon. If the ongoing processes are sustained, the lagoon will change into a different landscape. Therefore, early intervention to restore the lagoon hydrology is highly recommended if the lagoon ecosystem is to be protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ebola virus (EBOV) causes severe human disease with a high case fatality rate. The balance of evidence implies that the virus circulates in bats. The molecular basis for host–viral interactions, including the role for phosphorylation during infections, is largely undescribed. To address this, and to better understand the biology of EBOV, the phosphorylation of EBOV proteins was analyzed in virions purified from infected monkey Vero-E6 cells and bat EpoNi/22.1 cells using high-resolution mass spectrometry. All EBOV structural proteins were detected with high coverage, along with phosphopeptides. Phosphorylation sites were identified in all viral structural proteins. Comparison of EBOV protein phosphorylation in monkey and bat cells showed only partial overlap of phosphorylation sites, with shared sites found in NP, VP35, and VP24 proteins, and no common sites in the other proteins. Three-dimensional structural models were built for NP, VP35, VP40, GP, VP30 and VP24 proteins using available crystal structures or by de novo structure prediction to elucidate the potential role of the phosphorylation sites. Phosphorylation of one of the identified sites in VP35, Thr-210, was demonstrated to govern the transcriptional activity of the EBOV polymerase complex. Thr-210 phosphorylation was also shown to be important for VP35 interaction with NP. This is the first study to compare phosphorylation of all EBOV virion proteins produced in primate versus bat cells, and to demonstrate the role of VP35 phosphorylation in the viral life cycle. The results uncover a novel mechanism of EBOV transcription and identify novel targets for antiviral drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biobased approach was taken to endow microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with surface hydrophobicity using sunflower oil biodiesel (sunflower oil fatty acid ethyl esters, SFEEs) and thereby improve the compatibility with a hydrophobic polypropylene (PP) matrix. This environmentally friendly green chemistry approach introduces a monomolecular long-chain fatty acid layer on the MCC surface, making the surface hydrophobic. However, as per the X-ray Diffraction results, this surface modification process had no effect on the crystal structure of MCC. The inclusion of surface-modified MCC in the PP matrix significantly improves the thermomechanical properties of the composite. The tensile, impact and hardness properties of the surface-treated fiber reinforcements were improved by 11%, 71%, and 23%, respectively, compared to those of nonreinforced PP. The thermal stability also was improved considerably by the incorporation of modified MCC into PP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Awns are bristle-like organs at the tips of the glumes. Wild rice has maintained long awns for successful seed propagation through seed dispersal. Seed awning is an interesting trait in rice domestication. Long awns might have been beneficial for seed gatherers in the initial phase of domestication; however, awnless phenotypes were preferably selected in a later phase with non-seed-shattering plants. Investigation of domestication loci associated with awnlessness in cultivated rice will be useful in clarifying the process and history of rice domestication. Results: Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis for seed awning was carried out using a BC3F2 population between Oryza sativa IR36 (a cultivated donor parent with awnless phenotype) and O. rufipogon W630 (a wild recurrent parent with awns). As a result, two QTLs on chromosome 4 (corresponding to An-1 and LABA1) and one on chromosome 2 (designated as qAWNL2) were detected. Gene interaction among three seed-awning QTLs were further examined with the plants having eight different combinations of homozygous genotypes. Their awn length variation indicated that the IR36 alleles at these loci had the additive awnlessness effects in the genetic background of wild rice. The shortest awn length was observed for the plants having IR36 homozygous alleles at all loci, giving about 75% reduction in awn length. By the fine mapping, the candidate region of the novel qAWNL2 locus was delimited in a 157.4-kb region containing 22 predicted genes in Nipponbare genome. Conclusions: QTL analysis revealed that three loci, An-1, LABA1 and qAWNL2, were mainly responsible for the awnlessness of O. sativa IR36. In the wild genetic background, loss-of-function alleles at three awning loci showed additive effects on length reduction. In rice domestication, awnless forms may be gradually generated through the accumulation of mutations at awning loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand the molecular control of leaf senescence, we examined transcriptome changes during seasonal leaf senescence in Populus trichocarpa Nisqually-1, the Populus reference genome, growing in its natural habitat. Using monthly (from May to October) transcriptomes for three years (2009, 2015, and 2016), we identified 17,974 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; false discovery rate <0.05; log-fold change cutoff = 0) from 36,007 expressed Populus gene models. A total of 14,415 DEGs were directly related to transitions between four major developmental phases – growth, senescence initiation, reorganization, and senescence termination. These DEGs were significantly (p < 0.05) enriched in 279 gene ontology (GO) terms, including those related to photosynthesis, metabolic process, catalytic activity, protein phosphorylation, kinase activity, pollination, and transport. Also, there were 881 differentially expressed transcription factor (TF) genes from 54 TF families, notably bHLH, MYB, ERF, MYB-related, NAC, and WRKY. We also examined 28 DEGs known as alternative splicing (AS) factors that regulate AS process, and found evidence for a reduced level of AS activity during leaf senescence. Furthermore, we were able to identify a number of promoter sequence motifs associated with leaf senescence. This work provides a comprehensive resource for identification of genes involved in seasonal leaf senescence in trees, and informs efforts to explore the conservation and divergence of molecular mechanisms underlying leaf senescence between annual and perennial species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report Armillifer moniliformis species infecting the endemic Sri Lankan brown palm civet (Paradoxurus montanus) from the Knuckles Range Forest Conservation Area, Sri Lanka. Larval stages of A. moniliformis were found during the postmortem of three civet cats found dead. Morphological studies were done by a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Histopathological examination was conducted using tissue samples obtained from the liver. For the molecular analysis, DNA was extracted from the isolated third-stage larvae. The NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) and the second internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-2), a portion of the large subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA (28S), a portion of 18S ribosomal rRNA gene (18S), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COX1) were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Excysted third-stage larvae were observed in the lungs, omentum, the pleural cavity, the abdominal cavity, and the surface of the spleen and the pericardium. Around 88 third-stage larvae were isolated from three civet cats. First-stage larvae in the liver were surrounded by outer fibrous layer over the inner germinal layer and filled with clear fluid. Slight hemorrhage, leukocyte infiltration, and mild hepatocellular degeneration in the liver were observed. The SEM examination indicated the unique oral apparatus comprises the oval-shaped mouth opening in between two pairs of curved, retractile hamuli. The sequences obtained for ND5, ITS-2, 28S, 18S, and COX1 were 301, 382, 325, 414, and 644 bp in length respectively. Morphology, sequence similarity search, sequence alignment, and phylogenetic analysis identified this parasite as A. moniliformis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general problem for semiconductor applications is that very slow deposition on expensive single-crystal substrates yields high crystalline quality with excellent electro-optical properties, but at prohibitive costs and throughput for many applications. In contrast, rapid deposition on inexpensive substrates or nanocrystalline films yields low costs, but comparatively inferior crystallinity, carrier transport, and recombination. Here, we present methods to deposit single-crystal material at rates 2–3 orders of magnitude faster than state-of-the-art epitaxy with low-cost methods without compromising crystalline or electro-optical quality. For example, single-crystal CdTe and CdZnTe films that would take several days to grow by molecular-beam epitaxy are deposited in 8 minutes by close-spaced sublimation, yet retain the same crystalline quality measured by X-ray diffraction rocking curves. The fast deposition is coupled with effective n- and p-type in-situ doping by In, P, and As. The epitaxy can be extended to nanocrystalline substrates. For example, we recrystallize thin CdTe films on glass to deposit large grains with low defect density. The results provide new research paths for photovoltaics, detectors, infrared imaging, flexible electronics, and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applications of terahertz (THz) wireless communication require studies on link performance in all kinds of atmospheric conditions, including rain, fog, cloud, haze, and snow. Here, we present theoretical investigations on THz wave propagation in falling snow and through snow layers. Mie scattering theory is employed to fit the measured data. Good agreement confirms the applicability of Mie theory to dry and wet snow when gaseous attenuation and scintillation loss are considered. We investigate the scattering mechanism in a snow layer under different temperatures and water content. We find the THz wave suffers higher signal loss in snow than in rain under identical fall rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The majority of amebic infections among humans remain asymptomatic. Rarely, the disease takes a fulminant acute course due to the development of necrotizing amebic colitis. This complication is usually found in adult patients. However, on the contrary, this case was diagnosed in a 9-year-old patient. He was transferred to the Sirimavo Bandaranayake Specialized Children’s Hospital (SBSCH), Peradeniya from the District General Hospital, Kilinochchi. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this rare complication in a child in Sri Lanka. Case presentation: We present a case of acute fulminant necrotizing amebic colitis in a 9-year-old boy. Surgical exploration revealed extensive ulceration and multiple perforations in the entire colon. PAS-Martius Yellow 40 stain highlighted amebae with erythrophagocytosis within the necrotic debris of the ulcers. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that was conducted to confirm the diagnosis was positive for Entameba histolytica. The post-operative course was marked with antimicrobial treatment for septicemia and the need for ventilator assistance. Antimicrobial treatment included intravenous metronidazole. The patient progressively recovered and was discharged on a normal diet. Conclusion: This case reports an acute fulminant necrotizing amebic colitis in a 9-year-old patient. After the treatments, the patient progressively recovered and was discharged on a normal diet. E. histolytica infections in northern Sri Lanka should be given attention as a public health concern. Furthermore, this case highlights that acute fulminant amebic colitis requires early surgical intervention, aggressive supportive and anti-amebic treatments. Clinicians should be cognizant of this potentially fatal complication of amebic colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experimentally demonstrate a two-dimensional Luneburg lens for the THz region using a waveguide-based artificial-dielectric medium. The substrate material of the lens is Teflon with the top and bottom surfaces coated with silver to form a quasi-parallel-plate waveguide. The top surface of the device has a curved conical profile and the bottom surface is flat. The lens can focus an approximately 2-cm diameter input beam at a frequency of 0.162 THz to a spot size of 3.4 mm (less than 2λ) at the diametrically opposite edge of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal expansions of single crystals of mercurous halides grown by the physical vapor transport method have been investigated. The unit cell lattice parameters were measured by using x-ray diffraction, whereas, the bulk thermal expansion was investigated using the dilatometer instrument as a function of temperature. It was found by both techniques that mercurous halides exhibit positive linear thermal expansion along the a-axis and negative linear thermal expansion along the c-axis. However, the volume expansion in both methods was found to be positive. The coefficient of thermal expansion along the a-axis was significantly larger than the one along the c-axis giving a net positive volume expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ebola viral infections have resulted in several deadly epidemics in recent years in West and Central Africa. Because only one of the seven proteins encoded by the viral genome possesses enzymatic activity, disruption of protein–protein interactions is a promising route for antiviral drug development. We carried out a screening campaign to identify small, drug-like compounds that bind to the C-terminal region of the multifunctional Ebola nucleoprotein (eNP) with the objective of discovering ones that disrupt its binding to other Ebola proteins or to the single-stranded RNA genome. In the course of this effort we assigned the backbone 1H, 15N, and 13C resonances of residues 600‒739, the region that contains the critical eVP30 binding region 600‒615 targeted by host factors, and used the assigned chemical shifts to predict secondary structural features and peptide dynamics. This work supports and extends the previous X-ray crystal structures and NMR studies of residues 641‒739. We found that the 600‒739 domain consists of separate regions that are largely disordered and ordered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents how predictive analytics can be used to inform the formulation of adaptive collaborative learning groups in the context of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning considering across-spaces learning situations. During the study we have collected data from different learning spaces which depicted both individual and collaborative learning activity engagement of students in two different learning contexts (namely the classroom learning and distance learning context) and attempted to predict individual student's future collaborative learning activity participation in a pyramid-based collaborative learning activity using supervised machine learning techniques. We conducted experimental case studies in the classroom and in distance learning settings, in which real-time predictions of student's future collaborative learning activity participation were used to formulate adaptive collaborative learner groups. Findings of the case studies showed that the data collected from across-spaces learning scenarios is informative when predicting future collaborative learning activity participation of students hence facilitating the formulation of adaptive collaborative group configurations that adapt to the activity participation differences of students in real-time. Limitations of the proposed approach and future research direction are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In February 2019, following the annual taxon ratification vote, the order Mononegavirales was amended by the addition of four new subfamilies and 12 new genera and the creation of 28 novel species. This article presents the updated taxonomy of the order Mononegavirales as now accepted by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving simultaneously high carrier density and lifetime is important for II–VI semiconductor-based applications such as photovoltaics and infrared detectors; however, it is a challenging task. In this work, high purity CdTe single crystals doped with indium (In) were grown by vertical Bridgman melt growth under carefully controlled stoichiometry. Two-photon excitation time-resolved photoluminescence was employed to measure bulk recombination lifetime by eliminating surface recombination effects. By adjusting stoichiometry with post growth annealing, high-net free carrier density approaching 1018 cm−3 was achieved simultaneously with lifetime approaching the radiative limit by suppressing non-radiative recombination centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In October 2018, the order Mononegavirales was amended by the establishment of three new families and three new genera, abolishment of two genera, and creation of 28 novel species. This article presents the updated taxonomy of the order Mononegavirales as now accepted by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interpretation of data from absorbance spectroscopy experiments of liposomes in flow systems is often complicated by the fact that there is currently no easy way to account for scattering artefacts. This has proved particularly problematic for linear dichroism (LD) spectroscopy, which may be used to determine binding modes of small molecules, peptides and proteins to liposomes if we can extract the absorbance signal from the combined absorbance/scattering experiment. Equations for a modified Rayleigh-Gans-Debye (RGD) approximation to the turbidity (scattering) LD spectrum are available in the literature though have not been implemented. This review summarises the literature and shows how it can be implemented. The implementation proceeds by first determining volume loss that occurs when a spherical liposome is subjected to flow. Calcein fluorescence can be used for this purpose since at high concentrations (> 60 mM) it has low intensity fluorescence with maxima at 525 and 563 nm whereas at low concentrations (<1 mM) the fluorescence intensity is enhanced and the band shifts to 536 nm. The scattering calculation process yields the average axis ratios of the distorted liposome ellipsoids and extent of orientation of the liposomes in flow. The scattering calculations require methods to estimate liposome integrity, volume loss, and orientation when subjected to shear stresses under flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2018, the order Mononegavirales was expanded by inclusion of 1 new genus and 12 novel species. This article presents the updated taxonomy of the order Mononegavirales as now accepted by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) and summarizes additional taxonomic proposals that may affect the order in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic regulation has been recognized as a powerful principle guiding immune responses. Inflammatory macrophages undergo extensive metabolic rewiring [1] marked by the production of substantial amounts of itaconate, which has recently been described as an immunoregulatory metabolite [2]. Itaconate and its membrane-permeable derivative dimethyl itaconate (DI) selectively inhibit a subset of cytokines [2], including IL-6 and IL-12 but not TNF. The major effects of itaconate on cellular metabolism during macrophage activation have been attributed to the inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase [2], [3], yet this inhibition alone is not sufficient to account for the pronounced immunoregulatory effects observed in the case of DI. Furthermore, the regulatory pathway responsible for such selective effects of itaconate and DI on the inflammatory program has not been defined. Here we show that itaconate and DI induce electrophilic stress, react with glutathione and subsequently induce both Nrf2 (also known as NFE2L2)-dependent and -independent responses. We find that electrophilic stress can selectively regulate secondary, but not primary, transcriptional responses to toll-like receptor stimulation via inhibition of IκBζ protein induction. The regulation of IκBζ is independent of Nrf2, and we identify ATF3 as its key mediator. The inhibitory effect is conserved across species and cell types, and the in vivo administration of DI can ameliorate IL-17-IκBζ-driven skin pathology in a mouse model of psoriasis, highlighting the therapeutic potential of this regulatory pathway. Our results demonstrate that targeting the DI-IκBζ regulatory axis could be an important new strategy for the treatment of IL-17-IκBζ-mediated autoimmune diseases. The immunoregulatory metabolite itaconate and its dimethyl derivative induce electrophilic stress and react with glutathione to induce both Nrf2-dependent and Nrf2-independent responses, resulting in AF3-mediated inhibition of the inflammation-related protein IκBζ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]