Beta, Dipole and Noncommutative Deformations of M-theory Backgrounds with One or More Parameters

We construct new M-theory solutions starting from those that contain 5 U(1) isometries. We do this by reducing along one of the 5-torus directions, then T-dualizing via the action of an O(4,4) matrix and lifting back to 11-dimensions. The particular T-duality transformation is a sequence of O(2,2) transformations embedded in O(4,4), where the action of each O(2,2) gives a Lunin-Maldacena deformation in 10-dimensions. We find general formulas for the metric and 4-form field of single and multiparameter deformed solutions, when the 4-form of the initial 11-dimensional background has at most one leg along the 5-torus. All the deformation terms in the new solutions are given in terms of subdeterminants of a 5x5 matrix, which represents the metric on the 5-torus. We apply these results to several M-theory backgrounds of the type AdS_r x X^{11-r}. By appropriate choices of the T-duality and reduction directions we obtain analogues of beta, dipole and noncommutative deformations. We also provide formulas for backgrounds with only 3 or 4 U(1) isometries and study a case, for which our assumption for the 4-form field is violated.Comment: v2:minor corrections, v3:small improvements, v4:conclusions expanded, to appear in Class. Quant. Gra

Comparison of nitrogen-15 and diaminopimelic acid for estimating bacterial protein synthesis of lactating cows fed diets of varying protein degradability.

Three lactating Holstein cows fitted with duodenal cannulae were fed diets containing cottonseed meal, corn gluten meal, or blood meal as protein supplements in a 3 c 3 Latin square experiment. Diets averaged 15% CP and were 60% concentrate, 31% corn silage, and 9% alfalfa hay. The flow marker was Cr2O3; the bacterial protein fraction of digesta CP was estimated by 15N (as ammonium sulfate) and diaminopimelic acid. The undegraded fraction of total feed protein entering the duodenum for respective diets was .52, .57, and .69. The 15N method was less variable than diaminopimelic acid. Based on 15N, percentage of bacterial of total protein differed among treatments (61.5, 59.4, and 55.0, respectively). Ten percent more protein entered the duodenum on blood meal than other diets, but differences were not significant. Protein sources were similar in microbial passage, but degraded protein was used most efficiently for microbial synthesis on blood meal. Incorporation of 15N consumed into bacterial protein ranged from 50 to 83% with numerically highest values on blood meal, suggesting greater efficiency of ammonia, capture. Recoveries of 15N for the 72 h as milk, feces and urine ranged from 54 to 78%

Experimental and theoretical investigation of ligand effects on the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles

ZnO nanoparticles with highly controllable particle sizes(less than 10 nm) were synthesized using organic capping ligands in Zn(Ac)2 ethanolic solution. The molecular structure of the ligands was found to have significant influence on the particle size. The multi-functional molecule tris(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane (THMA) favoured smaller particle distributions compared with ligands possessing long hydrocarbon chains that are more frequently employed. The adsorption of capping ligands on ZnnOn crystal nuclei (where n = 4 or 18 molecular clusters of(0001) ZnO surfaces) was modelled by ab initio methods at the density functional theory (DFT) level. For the molecules examined, chemisorption proceeded via the formation of Zn...O, Zn...N, or Zn...S chemical bonds between the ligands and active Zn2+ sites on ZnO surfaces. The DFT results indicated that THMA binds more strongly to the ZnO surface than other ligands, suggesting that this molecule is very effective at stabilizing ZnO nanoparticle surfaces. This study, therefore, provides new insight into the correlation between the molecular structure of capping ligands and the morphology of metal oxide nanostructures formed in their presence

Characterization of the skin microbiota in bullous pemphigoid patients and controls reveals novel microbial indicators of disease

Introduction: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering disease. It predominately afflicts the elderly and is significantly associated with increased mortality. The observation of age-dependent changes in the skin microbiota as well as its involvement in other inflammatory skin disorders suggests that skin microbiota may play a role in the emergence of BP blistering. We hypothesize that changes in microbial diversity associated with BP might occur before the emergence of disease lesions, and thus could represent an early indicator of blistering risk. Objectives: The present study aims to investigate potential relationships between skin microbiota and BP and elaborate on important changes in microbial diversity associated with blistering in BP. Methods: The study consisted of an extensive sampling effort of the skin microbiota in patients with BP and age- and sex-matched controls to analyze whether intra-individual, body site, and/or geographical variation correlate with changes in skin microbial composition in BP and/or blistering status. Results: We find significant differences in the skin microbiota of patients with BP compared to that of controls, and moreover that disease status rather than skin biogeography (body site) governs skin microbiota composition in patients with BP. Our data reveal a discernible transition between normal skin and the skin surrounding BP lesions, which is characterized by a loss of protective microbiota and an increase in sequences matching Staphylococcus aureus, a known inflammation-promoting species. Notably, Staphylococcus aureus is ubiquitously associated with BP disease status, regardless of the presence of blisters. Conclusion: The present study suggests Staphylococcus aureus may be a key taxon associated with BP disease status. Importantly, we however find contrasting patterns in the relative abundances of Staphylococcus hominis and Staphylococcus aureus reliably discriminate between patients with BP and matched controls. This may serve as valuable information for assessing blistering risk and treatment outcomes in a clinical setting

Technology-Supported Storytelling (TSST) Strategy in Virtual World for Multicultural Education

Learning culture through stories is an effective way for multicultural education, since stories are one of the most powerful and personal ways that we learn about the world. Storytelling, the process of telling stories, is a form of communication and a universal expression of culture. With the development of technology, storytelling emerges out of diverse ways. This study explores the storytelling in virtual worlds for multicultural education, and devises a Technology-Supported storytelling (TSST) strategy by examining and considering the characteristics of virtual worlds which could be incorporated into the storytelling, and then uses this strategy to teach Korean culture to students with different culture background. With this innovative TSST strategy in virtual world, this study expects to provide a guide to practice for teaching multicultural in digital era

Nipocalimab, an anti-FcRn monoclonal antibody, in participants with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis and inadequate response or intolerance to anti-TNF therapy: results from the phase 2a IRIS-RA study

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nipocalimab in participants with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inadequate response or intolerance to ≥1 antitumour necrosis factor agent. Methods: In this phase 2a study, participants with RA seropositive for anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) or rheumatoid factors were randomised 3:2 to nipocalimab (15 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks) or placebo from Weeks 0 to 10. Efficacy endpoints (primary endpoint: change from baseline in Disease Activity Score 28 using C reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) at Week 12) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were assessed through Week 12. Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were assessed through Week 18. Results: 53 participants were enrolled (nipocalimab/placebo, n=33/20). Although the primary endpoint did not reach statistical significance for nipocalimab versus placebo, a numerically higher change from baseline in DAS28-CRP at Week 12 was observed (least squares mean (95% CI): –1.03 (–1.66 to –0.40) vs –0.58 (–1.24 to 0.07)), with numerically higher improvements in all secondary efficacy outcomes and PROs. Serious adverse events were reported in three participants (burn infection, infusion-related reaction and deep vein thrombosis). Nipocalimab significantly and reversibly reduced serum immunoglobulin G, ACPA and circulating immune complex levels but not serum inflammatory markers, including CRP. ACPA reduction was associated with DAS28-CRP remission and 50% response rate in American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria; participants with a higher baseline ACPA had greater clinical improvement. Conclusions: Despite not achieving statistical significance in the primary endpoint, nipocalimab showed consistent, numerical efficacy benefits in participants with moderate to severe active RA, with greater benefit observed for participants with a higher baseline ACPA. Trial registration number: NCT04991753

Wnt5a stimulates chemotactic migration and chemokine production in human neutrophils

Wnt5a is a ligand that activates the noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways (??-catenin-independent pathways). Human neutrophils expressed several Wnt5a receptors, such as Frizzled 2, 5 and 8. Stimulation of human neutrophils with Wnt5a caused chemotactic migration and the production of two important chemokines, CXCL8 and CCL2. CCL2 production by Wnt5a was mediated by a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein-dependent pathway. Wnt5a also stimulated the phosphorylation of three mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs: ERK, p38 MAPK and JNK) and Akt. Inhibition of ERK, p38 MAPK or JNK by specific inhibitors induced a dramatic reduction in Wnt5a-induced CCL2 production. Supernatant collected from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages induced neutrophil chemotaxis, which was significantly inhibited by anti-Wnt5a antibody. Our results suggested that Wnt5a may contribute to neutrophil recruitment, mediating the inflammation response.open4

Open Institute of the African BioGenome Project: Bridging the gap in African biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics

Africa, a continent of 1.3 billion people, had 326 researchers per one million people in 2018 (Schneegans, 2021; UNESCO, 2022), despite the global average for the number of researchers per million people being 1368 (Schneegans, 2021; UNESCO, 2022). Nevertheless, a strong research community is a requirement to advance scientific knowledge and innovation and drive economic growth (Agnew, et al., 2020; Sianes, et al., 2022). This low number of researchers extends to scientific research across Africa and finds resonance with genomic projects such as the African BioGenome Project (Ebenezer, et al., 2022). The African BioGenome project (AfricaBP) plans to sequence 100,000 endemic African species in 10 years (Ebenezer, et al., 2022) with an estimated 203,000 gigabases of DNA sequence. AfricaBP aims to generate these genomes on-the-ground in Africa. However, for AfricaBP to achieve its goals of on-the-ground sequencing and data analysis, there is a need to empower African scientists and institutions to obtain the required skill sets, capacity and infrastructure to generate, analyse, and utilise these sequenced genomes in-country. The Open Institute is the genomics and bioinformatics knowledge exchange programme for the AfricaBP (Figures 1 & 2). It consists of 10 participating institutions including the University of South Africa in South Africa and National Institute of Agricultural Research in Morocco. It aims to: develop biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics curricula targeted at African scientists, promote and develop genomics and bioinformatics tools that will address critical needs relevant to the African terrain such as limited internet access, and advance grassroot knowledge exchange through outreach and public engagement such as quarterly training and workshops

Supporting Student Learning Toward Twenty-First-Century Skills Through Digital Storytelling

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