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Quantum systems of infinite dimension, such as bosonic oscillators, provide vast resources for quantum sensing. Yet, a general theory on how to manipulate such bosonic modes for sensing beyond parameter estimation is unknown. We present a general algorithmic framework, quantum signal processing interferometry (QSPI), for quantum sensing at the fundamental limits of quantum mechanics by generalizing Ramsey-type interferometry. Our QSPI sensing protocol relies on performing nonlinear polynomial transformations on the oscillator's quadrature operators by generalizing quantum signal processing (QSP) from qubits to hybrid qubit-oscillator systems. We use our QSPI sensing framework to make efficient binary decisions on a displacement channel in the single-shot limit. Theoretical analysis suggests the sensing accuracy, given a single-shot qubit measurement, scales inversely with the sensing time or circuit depth of the algorithm. We further concatenate a series of such binary decisions to perform parameter estimation in a bit-by-bit fashion. Numerical simulations are performed to support these statements. Our QSPI protocol offers a unified framework for quantum sensing using continuous-variable bosonic systems beyond parameter estimation and establishes a promising avenue toward efficient and scalable quantum control and quantum sensing schemes beyond the NISQ era.

HER2-targeted therapies, such as Trastuzumab (Tz), have significantly improved the clinical outcomes for patients with HER2+ breast cancer (BC). However, treatment resistance remains a major obstacle. To elucidate functional and metabolic changes associated with acquired resistance, we characterized protein profiles of BC Tz-responder spheroids (RSs) and non-responder spheroids (nRSs) by a proteomic approach. Three-dimensional cultures were generated from the HER2+ human mammary adenocarcinoma cell line BT-474 and a derived resistant cell line. Before and after a 15-day Tz treatment, samples of each condition were collected and analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The analysis of differentially expressed proteins exhibited the deregulation of energetic metabolism and mitochondrial pathways. A down-regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and up-regulation of mitochondria organization proteins, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, were observed in nRSs. Of note, Complex I-related proteins were increased in this condition and the inhibition by metformin highlighted that their activity is necessary for nRS survival. Furthermore, a correlation analysis showed that overexpression of Complex I proteins NDUFA10 and NDUFS2 was associated with high clinical risk and worse survival for HER2+ BC patients. In conclusion, the non-responder phenotype identified here provides a signature of proteins and related pathways that could lead to therapeutic biomarker investigation.

This study using PROSPER data (N = 977, age 11.5-age 15) investigated the longitudinal within-family associations between parent reported parental monitoring and adolescent aggression. Importantly, this study is the first one to examine parent gender and adolescent gender differences on these within-family associations. Results differed between mothers and fathers. There was a negative, bidirectional within-family association between maternal monitoring and adolescent aggression, such that more maternal monitoring than usual was associated with fewer adolescent aggressive behavior problems than usual within the same family, and vice versa. In contrast, during mid-adolescence, a positive, bidirectional within-family association between paternal monitoring and adolescent males' aggression was found, such that more paternal monitoring than usual was related to more adolescent males' aggression than usual within the same family, and vice versa. Practical implications on intervention strategies are discussed.

West Nile virus (WNV) is a globally distributed mosquito-borne virus of great public health concern. The number of WNV human cases and mosquito infection patterns vary in space and time. Many statistical models have been developed to understand and predict WNV geographic and temporal dynamics. However, these modeling efforts have been disjointed with little model comparison and inconsistent validation. In this paper, we describe a framework to unify and standardize WNV modeling efforts nationwide. WNV risk, detection, or warning models for this review were solicited from active research groups working in different regions of the United States. A total of 13 models were selected and described. The spatial and temporal scales of each model were compared to guide the timing and the locations for mosquito and virus surveillance, to support mosquito vector control decisions, and to assist in conducting public health outreach campaigns at multiple scales of decision-making. Our overarching goal is to bridge the existing gap between model development, which is usually conducted as an academic exercise, and practical model applications, which occur at state, tribal, local, or territorial public health and mosquito control agency levels. The proposed model assessment and comparison framework helps clarify the value of individual models for decision-making and identifies the appropriate temporal and spatial scope of each model. This qualitative evaluation clearly identifies gaps in linking models to applied decisions and sets the stage for a quantitative comparison of models. Specifically, whereas many coarse-grained models (county resolution or greater) have been developed, the greatest need is for fine-grained, short-term planning models (m-km, days-weeks) that remain scarce. We further recommend quantifying the value of information for each decision to identify decisions that would benefit most from model input.

Abstract Background Chagas disease remains a persistent vector-borne neglected tropical disease throughout the Americas and threatens both human and animal health. Diverse control methods have been used to target triatomine vector populations, with household insecticides being the most common. As an alternative to environmental sprays, host-targeted systemic insecticides (or endectocides) allow for application of chemicals to vertebrate hosts, resulting in toxic blood meals for arthropods (xenointoxication). In this study, we evaluated three systemic insecticide products for their ability to kill triatomines. Methods Chickens were fed the insecticides orally, following which triatomines were allowed to feed on the treated chickens. The insecticide products tested included: Safe-Guard® Aquasol (fenbendazole), Ivomec® Pour-On (ivermectin) and Bravecto® (fluralaner). Triatoma gerstaeckeri nymphs were allowed to feed on insecticide-live birds at 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days post-treatment. The survival and feeding status of the T. gerstaeckeri insects were recorded and analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves and logistic regression. Results Feeding on fluralaner-treated chickens resulted 50–100% mortality in T. gerstaeckeri over the first 14 days post-treatment but not later; in contrast, all insects that fed on fenbendazole- and ivermectin-treated chickens survived. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QQQ) analysis, used to detect the concentration of fluralaner and fenbendazole in chicken plasma, revealed the presence of fluralaner in plasma at 3, 7, and 14 days post-treatment but not later, with the highest concentrations found at 3 and 7 days post-treatment. However, fenbendazole concentration was below the limit of detection at all time points. Conclusions Xenointoxication using fluralaner in poultry is a potential new tool for integrated vector control to reduce risk of Chagas disease. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including hypertension, are a leading cause of maternal mortality in Nigeria. However, there is a paucity of data on pregnant women with hypertension who receive care in primary health care facilities. This study presents the results from a cross-sectional analysis of pregnant women enrolled in the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program which is aimed at integrating and strengthening hypertension care in primary health care centres. Methods A descriptive analysis of the baseline results from the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program was performed. Baseline blood pressures, treatment and control rates of pregnant women were analysed and compared to other adult women of reproductive age. A complete case analysis was performed, and a two-sided p value

Abstract Transposable elements are repetitive and mobile DNA segments that can be found in virtually all organisms investigated to date. Their complex structure and variable nature are particularly challenging from the genomic annotation point of view. Many softwares have been developed to automate and facilitate TEs annotation at the genomic level, but they are highly heterogeneous regarding documentation, usability and methods. In this review, we revisited the existing software for TE genomic annotation, concentrating on the most often used ones, the methodologies they apply, and usability. Building on the state of the art of TE annotation software we propose best practices and highlight the strengths and weaknesses from the available solutions.

Los géneros de dinoflagelados bentónicos Gambierdiscus y Fukuyoa están entre los agentes causales de la ciguatera, intoxicación causada por el consumo de invertebrados y peces contaminados con ciguatoxinas. Debido a las similitudes morfológicas que presentan las especies pertenecientes a estos géneros, su identificación requiere del uso combinado de técnicas de microscopía y moleculares. Sin embargo, estas metodologías son poco accesibles para muchos países con limitados recursos económicos, donde lo más común es disponer en la práctica de la microscopía óptica. Este trabajo propone una clave dicotómica para la identificación preliminar de las especies de Gambierdiscus y Fukuyoa reportadas en la región del Caribe, utilizando caracteres morfológicos visibles al microscopio óptico convencional. La clave propuesta permite emplear un número limitado de caracteres morfológicos lo cual fue posible al incluir pocas especies en el análisis. Recibido: 15.09.2022 Aceptado: 06.06.2023 Editor: Liliana Gómez Luna

Summary: The recent proliferation of new Cre and CreER recombinase lines provides researchers with a diverse toolkit to study microglial gene function. To determine how best to apply these lines in studies of microglial gene function, a thorough and detailed comparison of their properties is needed. Here, we examined four different microglial CreER lines (Cx3cr1YFP-CreER(Litt), Cx3cr1CreER(Jung), P2ry12CreER, and Tmem119CreER), focusing on (1) recombination specificity, (2) leakiness (the degree of tamoxifen-independent recombination in microglia and other cells), (3) the efficiency of tamoxifen-induced recombination, (4) extraneural recombination (the degree of recombination in cells outside of the CNS, particularly myelo/monocyte lineages), and (5) off-target effects in the context of neonatal brain development. We identify important caveats and strengths for these lines, which will provide broad significance for researchers interested in performing conditional gene deletion in microglia. We also provide data emphasizing the potential of these lines for injury models that result in the recruitment of splenic immune cells.

Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease, is common in US government working dogs along the US-Mexico border. This 3145 km long border comprises four states: Texas (TX), New Mexico (NM), Arizona (AZ) and California (CA) with diverse ecosystems and several triatomine (a.k.a., kissing bug) species, primary vectors of T. cruzi in this region. The kissing bug (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) community ranging from CA to TX includes Triatoma protracta (Uhler), Triatoma recurva (Stål) and Triatoma rubida (Uhler) and becomes dominated by Triatoma gerstaeckeri Stål in TX. Here, we ask if T. cruzi infection dynamics in dogs varies along this border region, potentially reflecting changes in vector species and their vectorial capacity. Using reversible catalytic models of infection, where seropositivity can be lost, we estimated an R0 (Estimate ± S.E.) of 1.192 ± 0.084 for TX and NM. In contrast, seropositivity decayed to zero as dogs aged in AZ and CA. These results suggest that dogs are likely infected by T. cruzi during their training in western TX, with a force of infection large enough for keeping R0 above 1, i.e., the disease endemically established, in TX and NM. In AZ and CA, a lower force of infection, probably associated with different vector species communities and associated vectorial capacity and/or different lineages of T. cruzi, results in dogs decreasing their seropositivity with age.

ABSTRACTOrbital data from the MESSENGER spacecraft show that a significant portion of Mercury’s northern hemisphere is covered by smooth plains, which are interpreted to be flood volcanic material and/or impact melt. The smooth plains show pervasive tectonic structures and encompass a broad raised bulge of uncertain geophysical interpretation. In this work, we focus on the mapping of all the morphostructures within the northern smooth plains, aiming at providing a useful dataset for further studies about the mapped area. The structural map is obtained through a twofold process: first with an automatic mapping, using an algorithm to identify all the lineaments from a DEM; and second with a visual inspection and classification of the results of the algorithm in a GIS environment. The final maps are drafted at two different scales, 1:300,000 and 1:600,000. With this approach, we mapped and characterized more than fifty thousand lines marking scarps on the surface, creating a database with several morphometric attributes for each of the identified scarps (e.g. length, azimuth, and height), which can be used for geostatistical study of smooth plains tectonics. Our structural map reveals that: (i) the area is broadly dominated by wrinkle ridges, ghost crater assemblages of lineaments, and scarps related to impact crater processes (e.g. radial faults, secondary crater chains, ejecta emplacement) and that (ii) the amount of strain was not evenly accommodated throughout the northern smooth plains.

Adverse birth outcomes put children at increased risk of poor future health. They also put families under sudden socioeconomic and psychological strain, which has poorly understood consequences. We tested whether infants experiencing an adverse birth outcome-low birthweight or prematurity, as well as lengthy hospital stays-were more likely to be evicted in early childhood, through age 5 years. We analyzed 5,655 observations contributed by 2,115 participants in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study-a national, randomly sampled cohort of infants born in large US cities between 1998 and 2000-living in rental housing at baseline. We fitted proportional hazards models using piecewise logistic regression, controlling for an array of confounders and applying inverse probability of selection weights. Having been born low birthweight or preterm was associated with a 1.74-fold increase in children's hazard of eviction (95% confidence interval: 1.02, 2.95), and lengthy neonatal hospital stays were independently associated with a relative hazard of 2.50 (95% confidence interval: 1.15, 5.44) compared with uncomplicated births. Given recent findings that unstable housing during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes, our results suggest eviction and health may be cyclical and co-constitutive. Children experiencing adverse birth outcomes are vulnerable to eviction and require additional supports.

Abstract Three-dimensional hydrogel-based organ-like cultures can be applied to study development, regeneration, and disease in vitro. However, the control of engineered hydrogel composition, mechanical properties and geometrical constraints tends to be restricted to the initial time of fabrication. Modulation of hydrogel characteristics over time and according to culture evolution is often not possible. Here, we overcome these limitations by developing a hydrogel-in-hydrogel live bioprinting approach that enables the dynamic fabrication of instructive hydrogel elements within pre-existing hydrogel-based organ-like cultures. This can be achieved by crosslinking photosensitive hydrogels via two-photon absorption at any time during culture. We show that instructive hydrogels guide neural axon directionality in growing organotypic spinal cords, and that hydrogel geometry and mechanical properties control differential cell migration in developing cancer organoids. Finally, we show that hydrogel constraints promote cell polarity in liver organoids, guide small intestinal organoid morphogenesis and control lung tip bifurcation according to the hydrogel composition and shape.

Scorpions and assassin bugs are arthropod predators that may impact in trophic chain, coexisting in similar microhabitats and exhibiting antagonistic interactions. This study reports the first case of predation of the scorpion Physoctonus debilis by the assassin bug Microtomus tibialis in a Brazilian Seasonal Dry Tropical Forest biome. During a nocturnal collection, an adult individual of M. tibialis was observed, with the head and body facing downwards, while holding a female of P. debilis, with the aid of the mouthparts under the vegetation. Reports like these are important to understand the evolutionary dynamics and natural history of predators that cohabit in the same microhabitat.

Abstract Cr-doped UO2 is a leading accident tolerant nuclear fuel where the complexity of Cr chemical states in the bulk material has prevented acquisition of an unequivocal understanding of the redox chemistry and mechanism for incorporation of Cr in the UO2 matrix. To resolve this, we have used electron paramagnetic resonance, high energy resolution fluorescence detection X-ray absorption near energy structure and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopic measurements to examine Cr-doped UO2 single crystal grains and bulk material. Ambient condition measurements of the single crystal grains, which have been mechanically extracted from bulk material, indicated Cr is incorporated substitutionally for U+4 in the fluorite lattice as Cr+3 with formation of additional oxygen vacancies. Bulk material measurements reveal the complexity of Cr states, where metallic Cr (Cr0) and oxide related Cr+2 and Cr+3 2O3 were identified and attributed to grain boundary species and precipitates, with concurrent (Cr+3 xU+4 1-x)O2-0.5x lattice matrix incorporation. The deconvolution of chemical states via crystal vs. powder measurements enables the understanding of discrepancies in literature whilst providing valuable direction for safe continued use of Cr-doped UO2 fuels for nuclear energy generation.

Background: Aedes aegypti presence, human-vector contact rates, and Aedes-borne virus transmission are highly variable through time and space. The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), Texas, is one of the few regions in the U.S. where local transmission of Aedes-borne viruses occurs, presenting an opportunity to evaluate social, urbanistic, entomological, and mobility-based factors that modulate human exposure to Ae. aegypti. Methodology & Principal findings: Mosquitoes were collected using BG-Sentinel 2 traps during November 2021 as part of an intervention trial, with knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and housing quality surveys to gather environmental and demographic data. Human blood samples were taken from individuals and a Bitemark Assay (ELISA) was conducted to quantify human antibodies to the Ae. aegypti Nterm-34kDa salivary peptide as a measure of human exposure to bites. In total, 64 houses were surveyed with 142 blood samples collected. More than 80% of participants had knowledge of mosquito-borne diseases and believed mosquitoes to be a health risk in their community. Our best fit generalized linear mixed effects model found four fixed effects contributed significantly to explaining the variation in exposure to Ae. aegypti bites: higher annual household income, younger age, larger lot area, and higher female Ae. aegypti abundance per trap night averaged over 5 weeks prior to human blood sampling. Conclusions: Most surveyed residents recognized mosquitoes and the threat they pose to individual and public health. Urbanistic (i.e., lot size), social (i.e., income within a low-income community and age), and entomological (i.e., adult female Ae. aegypti abundance) factors modulate the risk of human exposure to Ae. aegypti bites. The use of serological biomarker assays, such as the Bitemark Assay, are valuable tools for surveillance and risk assessment of mosquito-borne disease, especially in areas like the LRGV where the transmission of target pathogens is low or intermittent. Author summary: Aedes aegypti is a mosquito vector with public health importance on the global scale as it transmits viruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Although transmission rates of dengue and Zika are low in the U.S., there are a few regions, including south Texas, where local transmission has occurred. Our study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with risk of exposure to these viruses using a serological bioassay that measured antibody response to an Ae. aegypti salivary protein to assess human-vector contact. We collected mosquitoes, took human-blood samples, and conducted urbanistic and demographic surveys in November 2021 in eight communities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Our knowledge, attitude, and practices survey found that most residents recognized adult mosquitoes, though few individuals knew someone personally who been sick with a mosquito-borne disease. Outdoor adult female Ae. aegypti abundance was positively associated with exposure to mosquito bites. Household income, individual age, and lot area also significantly affected exposure levels. The Bitemark Assay we used in this study can be utilized as a tool for entomological risk assessment and could be used as an alternative to infection exposure in areas where mosquito-borne disease levels are low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Crato Formation (Lower Cretaceous, Brazil) is a Konservat-Lagerstätte preserving a great number of exceptionally well-preserved insects. Here, we sought to explore the preservational modes of two abundant aquatic and terrestrial groups of this unit, mayflies and crickets. To better understand how exceptional is their preservation, we also present detailed data on the modes of preservation of mayflies from the renowned Solnhofen limestones (Upper Jurassic, Germany). For the Crato Formation, out of 234 fossil mayflies and crickets, ten specimens were additionally analyzed using scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), energy and micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF and μEDXRF), and μRaman spectroscopy. For the Solnhofen limestones, 85 adult mayflies were analyzed, and five of them were subjected to SEM-EDS and μEDXRF analyses. The Crato specimens preserve several external and internal microfeatures. The areas with the highest fidelity of preservation are characterized by smaller and more closely-packed crystals when compared to less-preserved parts. We also recovered microscopic features that suggest the presence of microbial mats during the fossilization process. All the analyzed Crato specimens are preserved by replacement of tissues with iron oxides after pyritization. Sulfur occurs scattered in some regions of the crickets, but is associated with low iron counts, which may indicate the presence of sulfates post-dating pyrite oxidation. Additionally, the orthopterans have calcium phosphate preserving some of their structures. Differing from Crato insects, Solnhofen mayflies are overall poorly preserved as mere imprints, and their micron-scale morphology is obliterated by coarse mineral growth, whereas tissues are obliterated by calcite crystals alone or in combination with globular material. There is an elevated concentration of Si, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, and Fe in comparison to the host rock, which may be related to a yet unknown mineral phase(s). Although the paleoenvironments of the Crato Formation and the Solnhofen limestones are different, there are similarities in the style of preservation of their vertebrates and in some of their paleoenvironmental conditions such as anoxic hypersaline bottom waters and deposition of laminated limestones. However, the same does not apply to the preservation of insects, specifically mayflies, which are poorly preserved in the Solnhofen limestones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Encapsulation of siRNA fragments inside liposome vesicles has emerged as an effective method for delivering siRNAs in vitro and in vivo. However, the liposome's fluid-phospholipid bilayer of liposomes allows siRNA fragments to diffuse out of the liposome, decreasing the dose concentration and therefore the effectiveness of the carrier. We have previously reported that β-cyclodextrins formulated in liposomes help increase the stability of siRNAs in cell culture medium. Here, we continued that study to include α, γ, methyl-β-cyclodextrins and β-cyclodextrin-modified gold and selenium nanoparticles. Methods: We used Isothermal Titration Calorimetry to study the binding thermodynamics of siRNAs to the cyclodextrin-modified nanoparticles and to screen for the best adamantane derivative to modify the siRNA fragments, and we used gel electrophoresis to study the stabilization effect of siRNA by cyclodextrins and the nanoparticles. Results: We found that only β- and methyl-β-cyclodextrins increased siRNA serum stability. Cyclodextrin-modified selenium nanoparticles also stabilize siRNA fragments in serum, and siRNAs chemically modified with an adamantane moiety (which forms inclusion complexes with the cyclodextrin-modified-nanoparticles) show a strong stabilization effect. Conclusions: β-cyclodextrins are good additives to stabilize siRNA in cell culture medium, and the thermodynamic data we generated of the interaction between cyclodextrins and adamantane analogs (widely used in drug delivery studies), should serve as a guide for future studies where cyclodextrins are sought for the delivery and solvation of small organic molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Madariaga virus (MADV), a member of the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) complex, circulates in Latin America and exhibits distinct evolutionary and ecological features compared to the North American EEEV. While published data have shed light on MADV ecology, several key aspects remain unknown. Methods: In this study, we compiled data on virus isolation, vector competence, and animal serology collected over six decades in Latin America to identify critical knowledge gaps on MADV transmission and ecology. Results: Specific vertebrate animals serving as amplifying hosts and the mosquito species acting as enzootic and epizootic vectors have not yet been identified. Other aspects that remain unclear are the virus current geographic distribution, the role of equines as hosts in epizootic cycles, and the full impact of MADV on human health in endemic regions. Conclusions: The numerous knowledge gaps surrounding MADV, its widespread distribution in Latin America, and its potential to cause severe disease in animals and humans emphasize the urgent need for increased research efforts, heightened awareness, and intensified surveillance towards this potential emerging threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multispecies microbial communities drive most ecosystems on Earth. Chemical and biological interactions within these communities can affect the survival of individual members and the entire community. However, the prohibitively high number of possible interactions within a microbial community has made the characterization of factors that influence community development challenging. Here, we report a Microbial Community Interaction (μCI) device to advance the systematic study of chemical and biological interactions within a microbial community. The μCI creates a combinatorial landscape made up of an array of triangular wells interconnected with circular wells, which each contains either a different chemical or microbial strain, generating chemical gradients and revealing biological interactions. Bacillus cereus UW85 containing green fluorescent protein provided the "target" readout in the triangular wells, and antibiotics or microorganisms in adjacent circular wells are designated the "variables." The μCI device revealed that gentamicin and vancomycin are antagonistic to each other in inhibiting the target B. cereus UW85, displaying weaker inhibitory activity when used in combination than alone. We identified three-member communities constructed with isolates from the plant rhizosphere that increased or decreased the growth of B. cereus. The μCI device enables both strain-level and community-level insight. The scalable geometric design of the μCI device enables experiments with high combinatorial efficiency, thereby providing a simple, scalable platform for systematic interrogation of three-factor interactions that influence microorganisms in solitary or community life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted testing inequities in developing countries. Lack of lateral flow test (LFT) manufacturing capacity was a major COVID-19 response bottleneck in low- and middle-income regions. Here we report the development of an open-access LFT for SARS-CoV-2 detection comparable to commercial tests that requires only locally available supplies. The main critical resource is a locally developed horse polyclonal antibody (pAb) whose sensitivity and selectivity are greatly enhanced by affinity purification. We demonstrate that these Abs can perform similarly to commercial monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), as well as mAbs and other pAbs developed against the same antigen. We report a workflow for test optimization using nasopharyngeal swabs collected for RT-qPCR, spiked with the inactivated virus to determine analytical performance characteristics as the limit of detection, among others. Our final prototype showed a performance similar to available tests (sensitivity of 83.3% compared to RT-qPCR, and 90.9% compared to commercial antigen tests). Finally, we discuss the possibility and the challenges of utilizing affinity-purified pAbs as an alternative for the local development of antigen tests in an outbreak context and as a tool to address inequalities in access to rapid tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world faces two seemingly unrelated challenges-a shortfall in the STEM workforce and increasing antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens. We address these two challenges with Tiny Earth, an undergraduate research course that excites students about science and creates a pipeline for antibiotic discovery.

Aedes aegypti control requires dedicated resources that are usually scarce, limiting the reach and sustainability of vector control programs. This generates a need to focus on areas at risk of disease transmission and also understand the factors that might modulate local mosquito abundance. We evaluated the eco-bio-social factors that modulate indoor and outdoor relative abundance of female Ae. aegypti in communities of South Texas. We conducted housing quality and Knowledge Attitudes and Practices surveys in households that were part of a weekly mosquito surveillance program in November of 2017 and 2018. Our results showed widespread knowledge of mosquitoes and Zika virus by our participants. However, less than 35% considered them as serious problems in this region. The presence of window-mounted air conditioning units increased the risk of female mosquito relative abundance indoors. An increase in outdoor relative abundance was associated with larger properties and a higher number of children between 6 to 17 years of age. Interestingly, we observed that an increasing number of children

Younger members of the House and Ball Community (HBC) have created an emerging social scene called "Kiki" that has shared elements with the HBC. Given the growing popularity of the Kiki scene in urban communities with large numbers of Black gay, bisexual, and transgender (GBT) adolescents and emerging adults, it is important to understand the developmental benefits of the Kiki scene. We conducted individual in-depth interviews with 30 GBT adolescents and emerging adults (ages 15-24) who attended Kiki-related events and 15 older opinion leaders affiliated with the HBC. Participants described how the Kiki scene provides them with a range of supportive and affirming functions and offers a place where they can achieve important developmental milestones. The results clustered into three primary thematic areas of development: Executive Functioning Development, Social-Emotional Development, and Physical and Emotional Safety during Development. Within each of these thematic areas are sub-themes that further explicate the ways in which these functions are supported. We believe this to be one of the first papers exclusively focused on the positive aspects of the Kiki scene for adolescent and emerging adult development, and we encourage other researchers to further explore this emerging socializing force and its potential benefits to development.

Fiber-reinforced cement composites, particularly those incorporating natural fibers like cellulose, have gained attention for their potential towards more sustainable construction. However, natural fibers present inherent deficiencies in mechanical properties and can benefit from hybridization with carbon fibers. This study focuses on the incorporation of cellulose and carbon fibers, in varying contents, into fibrocement composites, employing a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimize the material characteristics. The methodology involves testing, encompassing flexural tensile, compression, and fracture toughness tests. The results indicate an increasing trend in flexural strength for higher carbon fiber content, peaking near 5%. A plateau in flexural strength is observed between 1.2% and 3.6% carbon fiber content, suggesting a range where mechanical properties stabilize. Compressive strength shows a plateau between 1.2 and 3.6% and reaches its highest value (≈33 MPa) at a carbon fiber content greater than 4.8%, and fracture toughness above 320 MPa·m1/2 is achieved with carbon fiber content above 3.6%. This study offers insights into optimizing the synergistic effects of cellulose and carbon fibers in fibrocement composites.

Abstract Brazil is among the largest apple producers in the world (Malus domestica Bork, Rosaceae), with production concentrated mainly in the southern of the country. Panonychus ulmi (Koch) (Tetranychidae) have economic importance in apple and, recently, Aculus schlechtendali (Nalepa) (Eriophyidae), was reported in Brazil. This review aims to delineate the distribution of the acarofauna associated to apple, with emphasis on the main groups of economic importance and their potential natural enemies and highlight the problems related to phytophagous species and management possibilities. Searches were carried out in databases, and the principal keywords were Aculus schlechtendali, Malus domestica and Panonychus ulmi. After the exclusion criteria resulted 166 publications. The social and economic importance of the apple has been increasing on the world, however, due to environmental imbalance, phytophagous mites are increasing their populations and acquiring resistance against acaricides. Panonychus ulmi has been reported in America for decades, being of economic importance for Brazil and the record of A. schlechtendali alerts to the possibility of damage in orchards in the country. Therefore, it is important that the literature be evaluated, that the mite species are identified and that forms of conscious management are developed. Prioritizing the human and animal health and environmental balance.