Protective Yeasts Control V. anguillarum Pathogenicity and Modulate the Innate Immune Response of Challenged Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae

Indexación: Web of ScienceWe investigated mechanisms involved in the protection of zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae by two probiotic candidate yeasts, Debaryornyces hansenii 97 (Dh97) and Yarrowia Iypolitica 242 (YI242), against a Vibrio anguillarum challenge. We determined the effect of different yeast concentrations (10(4)-10(7) CFU/mL) to: (i) protect larvae from the challenge, (ii) reduce the in vivo pathogen concentration and (iii) modulate the innate immune response of the host. To evaluate the role of zebrafish microbiota in protection, the experiments were performed in conventionally raised and germ free larvae. In vitro co-aggregation assays were performed to determine a direct yeast-pathogen interaction. Results showed that both yeasts significantly increased the survival rate of conventionally raised larvae challenged with V. anguillarum. The concentration of yeasts in larvae tended to increase with yeast inoculum, which was more pronounced for Dh97. Better protection was observed with Dh97 at a concentration of 106 CFU/mL compared to 104 CFU/mL. In germ-free conditions V anguillarum reached higher concentrations in larvae and provoked significantly more mortality than in conventional conditions, revealing the protective role of the host microbiota. Interestingly, yeasts were equally (Dh97) or more effective (YI242) in protecting germ-free than conventionally-raised larvae, showing that protection can be exerted only by yeasts and is not necessarily related to modulation of the host microbiota. Although none of the yeasts co aggregated with V anguillarum, they were able to reduce its proliferation in conventionally raised larvae, reduce initial pathogen concentration in germ-free larvae and prevent the upregulation of key components of the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory response (il1b, tnfa, c3, mpx, and il10, respectively). These results show that protection by yeasts of zebrafish larvae challenged with V anguillarum relates to an in vivo anti-pathogen effect, the modulation of the innate immune system, and suggests that yeasts avoid the host-pathogen interaction through mechanisms independent of co-aggregation. This study shows, for the first time, the protective role of zebrafish microbiota against V. anguillarum infection, and reveals mechanisms involved in protection by two non-Saccharomyces yeasts against this pathogen.http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fcimb.2016.00127/ful

Introduction to quantum optics

These are the lecture notes for a course that I am teaching at Zhiyuan College of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (available at www.youtube.com/derekkorg), though the first draft was created for a previous course I taught at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany. It has been designed for students who have only had basic training on quantum mechanics, and hence, the course is suited for people at all levels (say, from the end of the bachelor all the way into the PhD). The notes are a work in progress, meaning that some proofs and many figures are still missing. However, I’ve tried my best to write everything in such a way that a reader can follow naturally all arguments and derivations even with these missing bits. Also a few chapters are left to add, including one on mathematical methods to analyze the dynamics of open systems, and another introducing the plethora of current experimental platforms where the tools and ideas developed in these notes are being currently implemented

Reading Comprehension: Theories and Strategies Toward an Effective Reading Instruction

Comprehension is a vital component in the reading process and is associated with a learner’s success in school, and even in life. However, research shows that many students are struggling to comprehend what they are reading, especially texts that require higher order thinking skills. Several factors could be ascribed to this problem and one of them is the insufficiency of teachers in terms of pedagogical knowledge. Many of them felt unprepared to teach reading skills and strategies; they focused more on assessing students’ reading comprehension rather than teaching them how to comprehend better. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to present some of the theories that explain how reading comprehension occurs. It also reviews the different researches conducted on teaching reading comprehension strategies specifically on how to comprehend single and multiple texts. Further, this paper argues that it is imperative for reading teachers (including content area teachers) to have operational knowledge on the different strategies in teaching reading comprehension and how to strategically apply these in their instruction, particularly when reading multiple texts to improve their students’ critical thinking skills. Keywords: Reading comprehension, strategies, theories, reading instruction, single and multiple texts comprehension DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-13-12 Publication date:May 31st 2019

Floquet theory for temporal correlations and spectra in time-periodic open quantum systems: Application to squeezed parametric oscillation beyond the rotating-wave approximation

Open quantum systems can display periodic dynamics at the classical level either due to external periodic modulations or to self-pulsing phenomena typically following a Hopf bifurcation. In both cases, the quantum fluctuations around classical solutions do not reach a quantum-statistical stationary state, which prevents adopting the simple and reliable methods used for stationary quantum systems. Here we put forward a general and efficient method to compute two-time correlations and corresponding spectral densities of time-periodic open quantum systems within the usual linearized (Gaussian) approximation for their dynamics. Using Floquet theory we show how the quantum Langevin equations for the fluctuations can be efficiently integrated by partitioning the time domain into one-period duration intervals, and relating the properties of each period to the first one. Spectral densities, like squeezing spectra, are computed similarly, now in a two-dimensional temporal domain that is treated as a chessboard with one-period x one-period cells. This technique avoids cumulative numerical errors as well as efficiently saves computational time. As an illustration of the method, we analyze the quantum fluctuations of a damped parametrically-driven oscillator (degenerate parametric oscillator) below threshold and far away from rotating-wave approximation conditions, which is a relevant scenario for modern low-frequency quantum oscillators. Our method reveals that the squeezing properties of such devices are quite robust against the amplitude of the modulation or the low quality of the oscillator, although optimal squeezing can appear for parameters that are far from the ones predicted within the rotating-wave approximation.Comment: Comments and constructive criticism are welcom

Conjugated Polymers for Organic Electronics: Structural and Electronic Characteristics

The use of organic materials to design electronic devices has actually presented a broad interest for because they constitute an ecological and suitable resource for our current "electronic world". These materials provide several advantages (low cost, light weight, good flexibility and solubility to be easily printed) that cannot be afforded with silicium. They can also potentially interact with biological systems, something impossible with inorganic devices. Between these materials we can include small molecules, polymers, fullerenes, nanotubes, graphene, other carbon-based molecular structures and hybrid materials. Actually these materials are being used to build electronic structures into electronic devices, like organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic solar cells (OSCs), and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), constituting and already commercial reality. Some of them are used on a widespread basis1, and are the focus of some recent researches in molecules2,3 and polymers4-6 suitable for these purposes. In this study we analyze the electronic and molecular characteristics of some different π-conjugated structures in order to evaluate their potential as semiconducting materials for organic electronics. For this purpose we focus on the study of conjugated polymers with different backbones configurations: (i) donor-acceptor configuration, (ii) 1D lineal or 2D branched conjugated backbones, and (iii) encapsulated polymers. To achieve this goal, we use a combined experimental and theoretical approach that includes electronic spectroscopies (i.e., absorption, emission and microsecond transient absorption), vibrational Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations. These structural modifications are found to provoke a strong impact on the HOMO and LUMO levels and the molecular morphology, and, consequently, on their suitability as semiconductors in organic electronic applications.References 1. S. R. Forrest, M. E. Thompson. Chem. Rev., 2007, 107, 923 2. R. C. González-Cano, G. Saini, J. Jacob, J. T. López Navarrete, J. Casado and M. C. Ruiz Delgado. Chem. Eur. J. 2013, 19, 17165 3. J. L. Zafra, R. C. González-Cano, M. C. Ruiz Delgado, Z. Sun, Y. Li, J. T. López Navarrete, J. Wu and J. Casado. J. Chem. Phys. , 2014, 140, 054706 4. M. Goll, A. Ruff, E. Muks, F. Goerigk, B. Omiecienski, I. Ruff, R. C. González-Cano, J. T. López Navarrete, M. C. Ruiz Delgado, S. Ludwigs. Beilstein J. Org. Chem., 2015, 11, 335. 5. D. Herrero-Carvajal, A. de la Peña, R. C. González-Cano, C. Seoane, J. T. López Navarrete, J. L. Segura, J. Casado, M. C. Ruiz Delgado, J. Phys. Chem. C, 2014, 118, 9899. 6. M. Scheuble, Y. M. Gross, D. Trefz, M. Brinkmann, J. T. López Navarrete, M. C. Ruiz Delgado, and S. Ludwigs, Macromolecules, 2015, 48, 7049.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Case Study of Online Flipped Learning in Higher Education

Due to a world-wide health emergency, higher education instructors were compelled to adapt their courses from traditional in-person classes to remote learning. In this case study, we investigated the use of flipped learning for this adaptation process from diverse higher education instructors’ perspectives. To mitigate social distancing requirements, instructors included synchronous and asynchronous components in using the flipped approach to their courses. The use of video conferencing synchronous sessions to replace the in-person class time showed a nuanced approach to flipped learning that required exploration. Instructors from distinct academic settings were interviewed on their experience in using the flipped approach in their courses adapted for maintaining social distancing protocol. Using case methodology, nine instructors from various locations and disciplines were interviewed on how they transformed their courses utilizing flipped approaches. Findings from the interview texts showed the distinction of asynchronous and synchronous elements, as key components of fully online flipped learning environments. Findings in this study highlights the importance of supporting student engagement for autonomous learning in courses using online flipped learning approaches. Implications for the support of student self-determined learning through the implementation of synchronous and asynchronous learning components are discussed

Influence of Feeding Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Yeast Cell Wall on Growth Performance and Digestive Function of Feedlot Cattle during Periods of Elevated Ambient Temperature.

In experiment 1, eighty crossbred steers (239±15 kg) were used in a 229-d experiment to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast (EHY) cell wall in diets on growth performance feedlot cattle during periods of elevated ambient temperature. Treatments consisted of steam-flaked corn-based diets supplemented to provide 0, 1, 2, or 3 g EHY/hd/d. There were no effects on growth performance during the initial 139-d period. However, from d 139 to harvest, when 24-h temperature humidity index averaged 80, EHY increased dry matter intake (DMI) (linear effect, p<0.01) and average daily gain (ADG) (linear effect, p = 0.01). There were no treatment effects (p>0.10) on carcass characteristics. In experiment 2, four Holstein steers (292±5 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4×4 Latin Square design experiment to evaluate treatments effects on characteristics of ruminal and total tract digestion in steers. There were no treatment effects (p>0.10) on ruminal pH, total volatile fatty acid, molar proportions of acetate, butyrate, or estimated methane production. Supplemental EHY decreased ruminal molar proportion of acetate (p = 0.08), increased molar proportion of propionate (p = 0.09), and decreased acetate:propionate molar ratio (p = 0.07) and estimated ruminal methane production (p = 0.09). It is concluded that supplemental EHY may enhance DMI and ADG of feedlot steers during periods of high ambient temperature. Supplemental EHY may also enhance ruminal fiber digestion and decrease ruminal acetate:propionate molar ratios in feedlot steers fed steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets

Amelogenin Peptide Extract Increases Differentiation and Angiogenic and Local Factor Production and Inhibits Apoptosis in Human Osteoblasts

Enamel matrix derivative (EMD), a decellularized porcine extracellular matrix (ECM), is used clinically in periodontal tissue regeneration. Amelogenin, EMD’s principal component, spontaneously assembles into nanospheres in vivo, forming an ECM complex that releases proteolytically cleaved peptides. However, the role of amelogenin or amelogenin peptides in mediating osteoblast response to EMD is not clear. Human MG63 osteoblast-like cells or normal human osteoblasts were treated with recombinant human amelogenin or a 5 kDa tyrosine-rich amelogenin peptide (TRAP) isolated from EMD and the effect on osteogenesis, local factor production, and apoptosis assessed. Treated MG63 cells increased alkaline phosphatase specific activity and levels of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, prostaglandin E2, and active/latent TGF-β1, an effect sensitive to the effector and concentration. Primary osteoblasts exhibited similar, but less robust, effects. TRAP-rich 5 kDa peptides yielded more mineralization than rhAmelogenin in osteoblasts in vitro. Both amelogenin and 5 kDa peptides protected MG63s from chelerythrine-induced apoptosis. The data suggest that the 5 kDa TRAP-rich sequence is an active amelogenin peptide that regulates osteoblast differentiation and local factor production and prevents osteoblast apoptosis

Bulge RR Lyrae stars in the VVV tile b201\textit{b201}

The VISTA Variables in the V\'ia L\'actea (VVV) Survey is one of the six ESO public surveys currently ongoing at the VISTA telescope on Cerro Paranal, Chile. VVV uses near-IR ($ZYJHK_{\rm s}$) filters that at present provide photometry to a depth of $K_{\rm s} \sim 17.0$ mag in up to 36 epochs spanning over four years, and aim at discovering more than 10$^6$ variable sources as well as trace the structure of the Galactic bulge and part of the southern disk. A variability search was performed to find RR Lyrae variable stars. The low stellar density of the VVV tile $\textit{b201}$, which is centered at ($\ell, b$) $\sim$ ($-9^\circ, -9^\circ$), makes it suitable to search for variable stars. Previous studies have identified some RR Lyrae stars using optical bands that served to test our search procedure. The main goal is to measure the reddening, interstellar extinction, and distances of the RR Lyrae stars and to study their distribution on the Milky Way bulge. A total of 1.5 sq deg were analyzed, and we found 39 RR Lyrae stars, 27 of which belong to the ab-type and 12 to the c-type. Our analysis recovers all the previously identified RR Lyrae variables in the field and discovers 29 new RR Lyrae stars. The reddening and extinction toward all the RRab stars in this tile were derived, and distance estimations were obtained through the period--luminosity relation. Despite the limited amount of RR Lyrae stars studied, our results are consistent with a spheroidal or central distribution around $\sim 8.1$ and $\sim 8.5$ kpc. for either the Cardelli or Nishiyama extinction law.Comment: 10 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysic