Particle Acceleration in Pulsar Wind Nebulae: PIC modelling

We discuss the role of particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations in unveiling the origin of the emitting particles in PWNe. After describing the basics of the PIC technique, we summarize its implications for the quiescent and the flaring emission of the Crab Nebula, as a prototype of PWNe. A consensus seems to be emerging that, in addition to the standard scenario of particle acceleration via the Fermi process at the termination shock of the pulsar wind, magnetic reconnection in the wind, at the termination shock and in the Nebula plays a major role in powering the multi-wavelength signatures of PWNe.Comment: 32 pages, 16 figures, to appear in the book "Modelling Nebulae" edited by D. Torres for Springer, based on the invited contributions to the workshop held in Sant Cugat (Barcelona), June 14-17, 201

Programmable antivirals targeting critical conserved viral RNA secondary structures from influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2

Influenza A virus’s (IAV’s) frequent genetic changes challenge vaccine strategies and engender resistance to current drugs. We sought to identify conserved and essential RNA secondary structures within IAV’s genome that are predicted to have greater constraints on mutation in response to therapeutic targeting. We identified and genetically validated an RNA structure (packaging stem–loop 2 (PSL2)) that mediates in vitro packaging and in vivo disease and is conserved across all known IAV isolates. A PSL2-targeting locked nucleic acid (LNA), administered 3 d after, or 14 d before, a lethal IAV inoculum provided 100% survival in mice, led to the development of strong immunity to rechallenge with a tenfold lethal inoculum, evaded attempts to select for resistance and retained full potency against neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant virus. Use of an analogous approach to target SARS-CoV-2, prophylactic administration of LNAs specific for highly conserved RNA structures in the viral genome, protected hamsters from efficient transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 USA_WA1/2020 variant. These findings highlight the potential applicability of this approach to any virus of interest via a process we term ‘programmable antivirals’, with implications for antiviral prophylaxis and post-exposure therapy

Additive multiple predator effects can reduce mosquito populations

1. Multiple predator interactions may profoundly alter ecological community dynamics and can complicate predictions of simpler pairwise predator–prey interaction strengths. In particular, multiple predator effects may lessen or enhance prey risk, with implications for community‐level stability. Such emergent effects may modulate natural enemy efficacy towards target organisms. 2. In the present study, a functional response approach was used to quantify emergent multiple predator effects among natural enemies towards the disease vector mosquito complex, Culex pipiens. Conspecific multiple predator–predator interactions of the cyclopoid copepod Macrocyclops albidus (intermediate predator) were quantified by comparing multiple predator consumption simulations, based on individual consumption rates, with multiple predator consumption rates that were experimentally observed. Further, the study examined the influence of the presence of a predator at a higher trophic level, Chaoborus flavicans, on copepod group predation. 3. Both predators displayed type II functional responses, with C. flavicans consuming significantly more prey than M. albidus individually. Overall consumption levels of mosquitoes increased with greater predator density and richness. Antagonistic or synergistic emergent multiple predator effects between conspecifics of M. albidus were not detected, and the higher‐level predator did not reduce effects of the intermediate predator. Accordingly, evidence for additive multiple predator interactions was found. 4. The lack of predator–predator interference between cyclopoid copepods and larval chaoborid midges provides strong support for their combined application in mosquito biocontrol. It is proposed that there should be increased examination of multiple predator effects in assessments of natural enemy efficacies to better understand overall predatory effects within communities and utilities in vector control

Catalog of Radio Galaxies with z>0.3. I:Construction of the Sample

The procedure of the construction of a sample of distant ($z>0.3$) radio galaxies using NED, SDSS, and CATS databases for further application in statistical tests is described. The sample is assumed to be cleaned from objects with quasar properties. Primary statistical analysis of the list is performed and the regression dependence of the spectral index on redshift is found.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures, 2 table

Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

Designing 8-Bit multiplier

The Fundamental of Multiplying two binary Numbers is the most often use arithmetic operation in the Digital Signal Processor. Therefore, Multiplier design block is especially crucial in VLSI prospectus when Speed and Area is the concern. Many of the Design Topologies regarding this operation has been approached over the years

A Robust Camera-Based Interface for Mobile Entertainment

[eng] Camera-based interfaces in mobile devices are starting to be used in games and apps, but few works have evaluated them in terms of usability or user perception. Due to the changing nature of mobile contexts, this evaluation requires extensive studies to consider the full spectrum of potential users and contexts. However, previous works usually evaluate these interfaces in controlled environments such as laboratory conditions, therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to real users and real contexts. In this work, we present a robust camera-based interface for mobile entertainment. The interface detects and tracks the user's head by processing the frames provided by the mobile device's front camera, and its position is then used to interact with the mobile apps. First, we evaluate the interface as a pointing device to study its accuracy, and different factors to configure such as the gain or the device's orientation, as well as the optimal target size for the interface. Second, we present an in the wild study to evaluate the usage and the user's perception when playing a game controlled by head motion. Finally, the game is published in an application store to make it available to a large number of potential users and contexts and we register usage data. Results show the feasibility of using this robust camera-based interface for mobile entertainment in different contexts and by different people

Eczema phenotypes are associated with multiple vitamin D pathway genes in Chinese children

Background: Vitamin D is increasingly recognized to play crucial roles in cutaneous immunity, and vitamin D treatment improved eczema control in small clinical trials. Several vitamin D-related genes were associated with asthma, but there are no data for eczema. Methods: Twenty-three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of five vitamin D-related genes (CYP27A1, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, GC and VDR) were genotyped in 1442 Chinese children with eczema and 1231 non-allergic controls. SNPs that followed Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and yielded ≥95% genotyping call-rate were included. Haplotypic associations and SNP–SNP interactions for eczema diagnosis and subphenotypes were analysed. Results: Atopic eczema was associated with rs4674343 of CYP27A1 (odds ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.53–0.83, P = 0.0004). Increased eosinophil percentage was associated with CYP2R1 rs2060793A (P = 0.001) and rs1933064A (P = 0.001). Two CYP2R1 haplotypes increased eczema risk whereas one VDR haplotype lowered eczema risk. GC rs7041 and CYP2R1 rs7935792 interacted to modulate total IgE (cross-validation consistency 10/10, P = 0.047). Specifically, high-risk eczema patients had higher log-transformed total IgE than low-risk patients (2.76 ± 0.76 vs 2.60 ± 0.80, P = 0.002). Conclusion: A vitamin D-related SNP rs4674343 on CYP27A1 was found to be protective against atopic eczema. CYP2R1 and VDR haplotypes altered eczema susceptibility and eosinophil percentage, and GC and CYP2R1 interacted to determine total IgE among eczema patients