Intermediate Levels Research Articles

Cholesterol-Dependent Membrane Deformation by Metastable Viral Capsids Facilitates Entry.

Nonenveloped viruses employ unique entry mechanisms to breach and infect host cells. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing antiviral strategies. Prevailing perspective suggests that nonenveloped viruses release membrane pore-forming peptides to breach host membranes. However, the precise involvement of the viral capsid in this entry remains elusive. Our study presents direct observations elucidating the dynamically distinctive steps through which metastable reovirus capsids disrupt host lipid membranes as they uncoat into partially hydrophobic intermediate particles. Using both live cells and model membrane systems, our key finding is that reovirus capsids actively deform and permeabilize lipid membranes in a cholesterol-dependent process. Unlike membrane pore-forming peptides, these metastable viral capsids induce more extensive membrane perturbations, including budding, bridging between adjacent membranes, and complete rupture. Notably, cholesterol enhances subviral particle adsorption, resulting in the formation of pores equivalent to the capsid size. This cholesterol dependence is attributed to the lipid condensing effect, particularly prominent at an intermediate cholesterol level. Furthermore, our results reveal a positive correlation between membrane disruption extent and efficiency of viral variants in establishing infection. This study unveils the crucial role of capsid-lipid interaction in nonenveloped virus entry, providing new insights into how cholesterol homeostasis influences virus infection dynamics.

Correlates of lifestyle patterns among children in Singapore aged 10 years: the growing up in Singapore towards healthy outcomes (GUSTO) study

ObjectiveTo characterise lifestyle patterns (comprising dietary and movement behaviour aspects) of children in Singapore and examine the correlates of these patterns.DesignAn observational study approach was used. Children recorded their diet and activities over two weekdays and two weekend days on a validated web-based assessment, My E-Diary for Activities and Lifestyle (MEDAL). Lifestyle patterns were derived using principal component analysis, and the correlations of these with multiple known determinants organised by distal, intermediate, and proximal levels of influence were studied.SettingChildren of the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) cohort.ParticipantsTen-year-old children (n = 397).ResultsThree lifestyle patterns, “high snacks and processed food”, “balanced” and “mixed”, were identified. We focused on the more health-promoting “balanced” pattern, characterised by lower screen-viewing and higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and dairy. Among the distal factors, girls were more adherent to the “balanced” pattern compared to boys, and children of parents with lower education levels were less adherent to this pattern. Among intermediate factors, children of mothers with higher diet quality were more adherent to the “balanced” pattern. Among the proximal factors, engagement in active transport, leisure sports, and educational activities outside of school were positively associated with the “balanced” pattern, whereas screen-viewing while travelling was negatively associated with this pattern. Having siblings, pet ownership, mother’s physical activity, parenting style, parental bonding, child’s outdoor time, and breakfast consumption were not associated with children’s lifestyle patterns.ConclusionsThese findings provide direction for future interventions by identifying vulnerable groups and contexts that should be prioritised.

Titration of RAS alters senescent state and influences tumour initiation.

Oncogenic RAS-induced senescence (OIS) is an autonomous tumour suppressor mechanism associated with premalignancy1,2. Achieving this phenotype typically requires a high level of oncogenic stress, yet the phenotype provoked by lower oncogenic dosage remains unclear. Here we develop oncogenic RAS dose-escalation models in vitro and in vivo, revealing a RAS dose-driven non-linear continuum of downstream phenotypes. In a hepatocyte OIS model in vivo, ectopic expression of NRAS(G12V) does not induce tumours, in part owing to OIS-driven immune clearance3. Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses reveal distinct hepatocyte clusters with typical OIS or progenitor-like features, corresponding to high and intermediate levels of NRAS(G12V), respectively. When titred down, NRAS(G12V)-expressing hepatocytes become immune resistant and develop tumours. Time-series monitoring at single-cell resolution identifies two distinct tumour types: early-onset aggressive undifferentiated and late-onset differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecular signature of each mouse tumour type is associated with different progenitor features and enriched in distinct human hepatocellular carcinoma subclasses. Our results define the oncogenic dosage-driven OIS spectrum, reconciling the senescence and tumour initiation phenotypes in early tumorigenesis.

Assessment of conceptual understanding in student learning of evaporation

Developing a deeper understanding of scientific concepts is one of the primary goals of science education. To improve students’ conceptual understanding, it is necessary to explore the major characteristics of their learning process. Informed by previous work on conceptual understanding, this study focuses on the concept of evaporation, exploring the level division of students’ conceptual understanding of evaporation and the development of corresponding test questions. The level-based conceptual understanding assessment was tested on 721 seventh-grade Chinese students before and after the evaporation lesson. The results of quantitative and qualitative analyses indicated that the students’ conceptual understanding of evaporation could be divided into three progression levels. Students with a low level of understanding only mechanically remembered the definition of evaporation and could identify evaporation phenomena in their daily lives based on memorized examples. Students with an intermediate level of understanding grasped not only the definition of evaporation but also the factors affecting the evaporation rate. Students with a high level of understanding understood the microscopic nature of evaporation and could explain how these three factors affect the evaporation rate from a microscopic perspective. This study also provides further evidence of the value of grasping the nature of concepts in conceptual understanding. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

The middle technology trap: China in a comparative perspective

This article examines the concept of the "middle technology trap" as a critical challenge for China in transitioning from a middle-income to a high-income economy. It argues that overcoming this trap is essential for China to achieve high-quality economic development and sustain its growth momentum. The study compares China's technological landscape with that of both developed economies and those stuck in the middle-income trap, identifying the necessity of transitioning from applied to original technology for economic leapfrogging. Through comprehensive analysis, it is highlighted that China's current technological capabilities, although leading in certain areas, predominantly remain at an intermediate level, characterized by a significant reliance on foreign core technologies and a lack of original technological innovation. The paper further explores historical contexts, policy implications, and strategic reforms required to navigate this trap, emphasizing the importance of an open policy, the cultivation of a robust innovation ecosystem, and the strategic role of government in facilitating technological progress and industrial upgrading. It draws on the experiences of developed economies and successful latecomers, advocating for a "new whole nation system" that embraces openness and global integration, rather than isolation. By analyzing the complex interplay between technology diffusion, talent migration, industrial policies, and the global geopolitical landscape, this study provides insights into the systemic reforms and strategic initiatives China must undertake. It stresses the need for a balanced approach between leveraging external technologies and fostering domestic innovation capabilities to escape the middle technology trap and secure a position as a global technology leader. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on technology-led development strategies and offer policy recommendations for economies facing similar technological and developmental challenges.

A critical assessment of the mechanical strength and radiation shielding efficiency of advanced Concrete composites and Vanadium Oxide-Glass container for enhanced nuclear waste management

The nuclear industry produces large quantities of low, intermediate, and high levels of radioactive waste, all of which require safe management during both transport and storage. This study evaluates the radiation shielding effectiveness and mechanical properties of four distinct container materials: Pb Composite Glass, 0.5 Cement-0.5 Bitumen, Concrete (Steel-Magnetite), and C9 (BCBV0.5) Vanadium Oxide-Glass. Using Monte Carlo simulations and theoretical methods, we determined the Transmission Factors (TF) and Half-Value Layers (HVL) for each material. The TF indicates the effectiveness of a material in attenuating radiation, calculated by the ratio of gamma rays exiting the material to those entering it. Lower TF values signify better radiation shielding. The HVL is the thickness of material required to reduce the intensity of gamma rays by half, with lower HVL values indicating more effective shielding. Concrete (Steel-Magnetite) demonstrated superior performance with the lowest TF values (e.g., 1.0 × 10-1 at 0.662 MeV and 1 cm thickness) and HVL values (e.g., 2.5 cm at 1.3325 MeV), alongside a high elastic modulus of 163.15 GPa, indicating its robustness for high-energy gamma-ray applications. Pb Composite Glass also showed strong performance with a TF of 9.5 × 10-2 at 0.662 MeV and 1 cm thickness, an HVL of 2.0 cm at 0.662 MeV, and an elastic modulus of 41.54 GPa. The C9 (BCBV0.5) Vanadium Oxide-Glass, with an elastic modulus of 73.79 GPa, outperformed the 0.5 Cement-0.5 Bitumen mixture in both TF (e.g., 1.15 × 10-1 at 0.662 MeV and 1 cm thickness) and HVL (e.g., 4.2 cm at 1.1732 MeV) measurements, highlighting its potential as a more effective alternative. It can be concluded that C9 (BCBV0.5) Vanadium Oxide-Glass presents promising properties for future advancements in radiation protection, warranting further research and optimization.

Career variety and turnover intention: mediating role of job crafting and moderating role of HR innovators and integrators

Purpose Previous studies have indicated that career variety offers numerous benefits in the work environment; however, knowledge regarding the mechanisms that retain employees with diverse career experiences is scant. Drawing on person–environment (P–E) fit theory and the job crafting perspective, this study aims to explore the relationship between career variety and turnover intention, and the roles of job crafting and HR innovators and integrators in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach This study examines the nonlinear effect of career variety on turnover intention using survey data collected from 509 employees (Study 1) and 346 employees and their supervisors (Study 2) in China. Findings Career variety and turnover intention exhibited an inverted U-shaped relationship – mediated by job crafting. Additionally, the HR innovator and integrator moderated the relationship between career variety and job crafting. When the HR innovator and integrator were strong, employees engaged in more job crafting at intermediate levels of career variety. Originality/value The findings not only deepen our understanding of the inherent capabilities and preference traits of employees with diverse career backgrounds but also enrich the body of research on career variety, reconcile inconsistencies across previous studies and offer new insights into strategic organisational interventions for retaining a workforce with varied career experiences.

When does antimicrobial resistance increase bacterial fitness? Effects of dosing, social interactions, and frequency dependence on the benefits of AmpC β-lactamases in broth, biofilms, and a gut infection model.

One of the longstanding puzzles of antimicrobial resistance is why the frequency of resistance persists at intermediate levels. Theoretical explanations for the lack of fixation of resistance include cryptic costs of resistance or negative frequency-dependence but are seldom explored experimentally. β-lactamases, which detoxify penicillin-related antibiotics, have well-characterized frequency-dependent dynamics driven by cheating and cooperation. However, bacterial physiology determines whether β-lactamases are cooperative, and we know little about the sociality or fitness of β-lactamase producers in infections. Moreover, media-based experiments constrain how we measure fitness and ignore important parameters such as infectivity and transmission among hosts. Here, we investigated the fitness effects of broad-spectrum AmpC β-lactamases in Enterobacter cloacae in broth, biofilms, and gut infections in a model insect. We quantified frequency- and dose-dependent fitness using cefotaxime, a third-generation cephalosporin. We predicted that infection dynamics would be similar to those observed in biofilms, with social protection extending over a wide dose range. We found evidence for the sociality of β-lactamases in all contexts with negative frequency-dependent selection, ensuring the persistence of wild-type bacteria, although cooperation was less prevalent in biofilms, contrary to predictions. While competitive fitness in gut infections and broth had similar dynamics, incorporating infectivity into measurements of fitness in infections significantly affected conclusions. Resistant bacteria had reduced infectivity, which limited the fitness benefits of resistance to infections challenged with low antibiotic doses and low initial frequencies of resistance. The fitness of resistant bacteria in more physiologically tolerant states (in biofilms, in infections) could be constrained by the presence of wild-type bacteria, high antibiotic doses, and limited availability of β-lactamases. One conclusion is that increased tolerance of β-lactams does not necessarily increase selection pressure for resistance. Overall, both cryptic fitness costs and frequency dependence curtailed the fitness benefits of resistance in this study.

Effects of perceived teacher support on online language learners’ engagement

This study aimed to investigate the effects of perceived teacher support on online language learners’ engagement. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted to explore the issue. A total of 1429 Chinese first-year non-English major students from different disciplines participated in the survey, and three of them were selected as semi-structured interviewees. The collected survey data were processed through multiple analyses with the help of SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 24.0, while qualitative data subsequently gathered from interviews served as supplementary evidence for examining the quantitative results. The findings indicated that online language learners were generally engaged at an intermediate level, and overall perceived teacher support was relatively close to the upper level. Furthermore, online language learners’ engagement was positively correlated with perceived teacher support. Specifically, perceived intellectual support dominated in predicting overall engagement, cognitive engagement, emotional engagement, and social engagement, whereas perceived emotional support had the strongest influence on language learners’ behavioral engagement in the online context. The implications of these findings for future studies and educational practices were discussed.

Annelid methylomes reveal ancestral developmental and aging-associated epigenetic erosion across Bilateria

BackgroundDNA methylation in the form of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) is the most abundant base modification in animals. However, 5mC levels vary widely across taxa. While vertebrate genomes are hypermethylated, in most invertebrates, 5mC concentrates on constantly and highly transcribed genes (gene body methylation; GbM) and, in some species, on transposable elements (TEs), a pattern known as “mosaic”. Yet, the role and developmental dynamics of 5mC and how these explain interspecies differences in DNA methylation patterns remain poorly understood, especially in Spiralia, a large clade of invertebrates comprising nearly half of the animal phyla.ResultsHere, we generate base-resolution methylomes for three species with distinct genomic features and phylogenetic positions in Annelida, a major spiralian phylum. All possible 5mC patterns occur in annelids, from typical invertebrate intermediate levels in a mosaic distribution to hypermethylation and methylation loss. GbM is common to annelids with 5mC, and methylation differences across species are explained by taxon-specific transcriptional dynamics or the presence of intronic TEs. Notably, the link between GbM and transcription decays during development, alongside a gradual and global, age-dependent demethylation in adult stages. Additionally, reducing 5mC levels with cytidine analogs during early development impairs normal embryogenesis and reactivates TEs in the annelid Owenia fusiformis.ConclusionsOur study indicates that global epigenetic erosion during development and aging is an ancestral feature of bilateral animals. However, the tight link between transcription and gene body methylation is likely more important in early embryonic stages, and 5mC-mediated TE silencing probably emerged convergently across animal lineages.

PENGEMBANGAN BAHAN AJAR MENULIS BIPA TINGKAT MADYA TINGGI BERBASIS KONTEKS LINGKUNGAN PELAJAR

This development research aims to produce an intermediate high level BIPA writing teaching material product based on the context of the learner's environment that has gone through a validation test. This research adapts Thiagarajan's 4D development model and is limited to the revision stage based on the assessment of expert validators and practitioners. Based on the validation results, an average percentage of 81.25% was obtained in the content feasibility aspect, an average percentage of 83.3% was obtained in the presentation feasibility aspect, an average percentage of 75% was obtained in the language feasibility aspect, and an average percentage of 81.06% was obtained in the display feasibility aspect. From the overall total validation results with an average percentage of 80.15%, it can be concluded that the teaching materials for writing intermediate high level BIPA based on the context of the learner's environment can be said to be feasible to use.

Development of a Rapid Analytical Method on UV Spectrophotometer for Analysis of Trace Level APIs Telmisartan in Cleaning Validation Sample

Since the 1990’s, cleaning validations have gained a lot of interest within pharmaceutical and bio-pharmaceutical companies. In 1988, the FDA experienced its first major incident with cross contamination traceable to inadequate cleaning and cleaning validation. The finished drug product, Cholestyramine Resin USP, was recalled due to contamination with low levels of intermediates and degradants from the production of agricultural pesticides. The cross-contamination was believed to have come from the use of drums in the production of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). These drums had previously been used to store solvents for the manufacture of agricultural pesticides at another plant. Extra pure methanol procured from Chempura Enterprises Indore of make Merck and Analytical Grade water procured from the SK Traders Indore M.P. Reference materials, Telmisartan from Axiom Analytical Services Indore M.P. HPLC grade methanol (MeOH), HPLC Grade Water were purchased from Chempura Enterprises Indore M.P.. All chemicals were used as received, without any further purification. In recent years, increased emphasis has been placed in pharmaceutical companies for implementing robust validated cleaning procedures. The cleaning procedure is one of the most important tasks to avoid contamination and cross- contamination of APIs in pharmaceutical products manufactured on the same equipment trains. The cleaning procedures must be supported byappropriate analytical methods and related sampling methodologies.

Symposium 5: Applications of networked learning to the support of learning and teaching in higher education

This symposium is the result of a broad effort by the authors to consider the applicability of networked learning to our work to support learning and teaching across our institution. We, the authors, work in a central learning and teaching support unit within Auckland University of Technology (AUT), in Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. We are concerned with how networked learning is applicable to our efforts to support learning and teaching at AUT-specifically- to operationalise the institution’s strategic commitments to learner success. Our focus on supporting learning and teaching operates at various levels, from the ‘local’ level of individual courses to the intermediate level of supporting degree programmes to the more ‘global’ level associated with developing institutional policy that supports effective academic teaching practices and the ongoing evolution of a technology infrastructure that enables and supports productive learning and teaching activity. Moreover, our work deals with questions and challenges which range from specific, situated practical challenges to broad, philosophical questions which affect learning and teaching across the institution. This symposium represents our efforts to synthesise our understandings of networked learning and connect general ideas about networked learning with specific, situated aspects of our work to support learning and teaching across the institution.

Spiritual needs and influencing factors among people with stroke in China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundStroke is one of the primary causes of disability in China and around the world, having an impact on the health and well-being of stroke patients. The importance of spiritual needs for stroke patients has always been a controversial topic internationally, partly because related research was mostly qualitative and may not directly reflect the degree of spiritual needs. In addition, most studies focus on the same cultural background, there is a lack of research that delves into the nuances of Chinese culture and background. The goal of this study is to evaluate the level of spiritual needs and influencing factors in Chinese stroke patients and to explore the mediating role and pathways of these variables on spiritual needs.MethodsFrom August 2022 to January 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 422 stroke patients in the affiliated hospitals of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine in Changsha Province by cluster sampling. We measured the patient’s spiritual needs, quality of life, anxiety and depression levels, and family support using the Spiritual Needs Questionnaire (SPNQ), the MOS36 item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Family Support Self Rating Scale (PSS-Fa). We used the General Information Questionnaire to gain insight into the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients. Nonparametric tests and multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the independent relationship between spiritual needs and quality of life, anxiety, depression, and family support. The mediation model in AMOS 24.0 software was used to analyze the mediating role among the five variables.ResultsThe score of spiritual needs of people with stroke included in this study was 37 points [IQR 33 to 40)]. The influencing factors of spiritual needs included primary economic sources for disease-related expenditures (p = 0.044), number of stroke occurrences (p = 0.001), duration of illness (p = 0.023), activities of daily living (p = 0.006), depression scores(p = 0.034), and family support scores(p = 0.008). Anxiety (β = 0.347, p = 0.004), depression (β = 0.368, p = 0.005), and family support (β = 0.167, p = 0.023) had directly or indirectly affected the spiritual needs of people with stroke. Quality of life (β=-0.202, p = 0.017) had a direct effect on spiritual needs.ConclusionsThe spiritual needs of people with stroke were at an intermediate level. Our findings highlight that the SPNQ score is associated with anxiety, depression, quality of life, and family support. Therefore, nurses should identify the spiritual needs of patients and provide them with effective and comprehensive spiritual care by reducing negative emotions and enhancing social support, promoting the development and progress of spiritual care in China. This study offers a theoretical basis for the spiritual care of clinical people with stroke and constructing a stroke spiritual care model.

Professional competencies in geriatric nursing for geriatric nurses: a latent profile analysis

BackgroundAs the global population continues to age, social realities such as advanced age, disability and living alone are coming to the fore, and the demand for medical care and health services for the elderly is increasing dramatically, especially in geriatrics. Given the important role geriatric nurses play in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and rehabilitation of elderly patients, and due to the uniqueness and complexity of geriatric work, this requires geriatric nurses not only to have the competencies that are available in general nursing, but also to ensure that they have sufficient geriatric core competencies in order to effectively meet the needs of the patients and accelerate their recovery. Although previous studies have investigated the core competencies of nursing staff, there has been little research on geriatric nurses’ core geriatric nursing competencies and their predictors. The aim of this study was to investigate the current status of the geriatric nursing competency inventory (GNCI) among geriatric nurses using latent profiling, to identify potential subgroups and their population characteristics, and to explore the factors that influence the potential subgroups.MethodsFrom January to March 2024, 1,313 geriatric nurses in Hefei City were selected by stratified cluster sampling method and surveyed with general information questionnaire, geriatric nursing competency inventory, and occupational coping self-efficacy scale for nurses(OCSE-N). Potential subgroups of GNCI differences among geriatric nurses were identified by latent profile analysis (LPA). Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to explore the factors influencing the GNCI of geriatric nurses with different latent profiles.ResultsGeriatric nurses’ OCSE-N was positively correlated with GNCI, and the GNCI score was 123.06(41.60), which indicated that geriatric nurses’ GNCI was at an intermediate level. The OCSE-N score was 35.44(7.34), which was at a relatively high level. There was heterogeneity in the GNCI of geriatric nurses, which was classified into three subgroups i.e., Low-competency group, Medium-competency group, High-competency group. The results of multiple logistic regression analyses showed that OCSE-N, title, whether or not they attended geriatric nurse specialist training, and specialist nurse status were predictors of GNCI among geriatric nurses (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe GNCI categorical characteristics of geriatric nurses are obvious, and nursing managers should adopt targeted interventions according to the characteristics of nurses in different profiles to improve the overall quality of care.

Relationship between moral resilience and secondary traumatic stress among ICU nurses: A cross-sectional study.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, researchers worldwide have focused more on the issue of secondary traumatic stress (STS) experienced by nurses. This stress has an adverse effect on the health of nurses and the quality of nursing care, potentially undermining the stability of the nursing team and hindering the ability to meet the growing demand for nursing services. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise in global demand for ICU nursing, has placed a significant strain on ICU nurses, severely damaging their mental and physical health. Notably, ICU nurses also face high levels of moral distress, and moral resilience can effectively alleviate this distress and improve the quality of care. This study aimed to examine the levels of moral resilience and STS among ICU nurses, to explore their relationship and identify the factors influencing STS. This cross-sectional study involved 229 ICU nurses from two tertiary hospitals in Xi'an, China, who participated between November and December 2023. The data were collected through email using anonymous electronic questionnaires, encompassing a self-designed demographic- and work-life-related characteristic questionnaire; the Rushton Moral Resilience Scale; and the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, analysis of variance and hierarchical regression analysis were performed to analyse the data. The findings of the study indicated that ICU nurses' moral resilience and STS scores were at an intermediate level. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that STS was negatively correlated with the subscales of the Rushton Moral Resilience Scale, specifically moral adversity coping (β, -0.156; 95% CI, -1.241 to -0.039) and relational integrity (β, -0.245; 95% CI, -1.453 to -0.388), which are significant predictors of STS. Additionally, good sleep quality (β, -.396; 95% CI, -14.948 to -7.117) and seeking psychological counselling because of work difficulties (β, .107; 95% CI, 0.237-9.624) emerged as significant predictors of STS among ICU nurses, with the model's explanation of the variance in STS increasing to 45.5%, △R2 = .167, F = 16.482 (p < .001). This study found that ICU nurses have moderate levels of moral resilience and STS, which are negatively correlated. This suggests that improving the moral resilience of ICU nurses may help reduce their STS levels. The study revealed that ICU nurses' moral resilience and secondary traumatic stress levels were at a moderate level, indicative of the need to take measures to enhance their moral resilience and reduce their secondary traumatic stress, as their presence not only affects the health of ICU nurses but also diminishes the quality of care and increases turnover rates.

Effects of parental diet on Mormon cricket egg diapause, embryonic development rate, and periodic outbreaks

Transgenerational phenotypic modification can alter organismal fitness, population demographics, and community interactions. For ectotherms, both dietary composition and temperature have important effects on organismal fitness, but they are rarely investigated together. Mormon crickets Anabrus simplex are capable of diapausing as eggs in the soil for multiple years with duration largely dependent on cumulative heat units or degree days. Because Mormon crickets can be abundant in the landscape in one year and disappear suddenly the next, I asked: does parental nutrition affect the duration of egg diapause? Beginning in the ultimate nymphal instar, Mormon crickets were fed a diet high in protein, one equal in protein to carbohydrate, or a diet high in carbohydrates and the time for eggs to develop after they were laid was measured. If parental nutrition affects temperature-sensitive egg diapause, then that change in sensitivity to temperature might also alter the relationship between embryonic development rate and temperature. I asked: does parental nutrition affect embryonic development rate as a function of temperature? To this end, I manipulated densities of Mormon cricket nymphs and protein-rich prey (grasshoppers) in field cages, collected eggs from the adult Mormon crickets, and measured the optimal temperature, maximum development rate, and thermal breadth for embryonic development of the offspring. I found that Mormon crickets fed a high protein diet laid eggs with shorter diapause. Consistent with this long-term result, those housed with the most grasshoppers to eat laid eggs that had the fastest maximum development rate, whereas those without grasshoppers laid eggs with slower maximum developmental rates but the broadest thermal breadth. Eggs from Mormon crickets housed with intermediate levels of grasshopper densities had a decline in peak development rate with an increase in density. In addition, Mormon crickets housed with more conspecifics laid eggs with faster development rates, whereas thermal breadth and the temperature optima were not affected by cricket density. As predicted, Mormon cricket diets significantly affected egg diapause and development rates. Contrary to expectations based on observed changes in diet preferences during a Mormon cricket outbreak, Mormon crickets fed high protein diets laid eggs with significantly shorter egg diapause and significantly faster egg development rates. Interestingly, doubling of Mormon cricket density caused eggs to develop in nearly half the time. This latter result indicates that Mormon cricket aggregations promote rapid development of progeny. Moreover, the tight, linear structure of migratory bands in which females intermittently stop to lay eggs assures that the progeny hatch and develop in dense cohorts. In this manner, the banding behavior might carry-over into subsequent generations as long as cohorts are dense and protein is available. With band thinning or protein restriction, females spread their bet-hedging and progeny remain longer as eggs in the soil.

Automated English Teaching System Through Deep Belief Network for Human-Computer Interaction Experience

This paper presented the integration of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with the Automated Teaching Belief Network (ATBN) to enhance automated English teaching experiences. The proposed ATBN model implemented the Deep Belief Network for the estimation of the factors related to the HCI to promote the experience of the users. The ATBN model uses the deep learning model for the classification in English Teaching. Through the capabilities of deep learning and HCI principles, the ATBN system offers personalized and adaptive learning experiences tailored to individual student needs. The proposed ATBN model estimates the features in English teaching to improve the performance of the Students through HCI model. Simulation analysis expressed that proposed ATBN model improves the pre-test and post-test score by +15 for the English Teaching. The classification values are achieved with accuracy value of 94.8% with minimal loss of 0.12. The assessment of student performance through pre-test and post-test score is improved by 15 for the beginner, intermediate and advanced level. The findings expressed that proposed ATBN model achieves the higher teaching test performance for the HCI language level through the belief network those significantly improves the user experience.

Effect of carnosine on nitrosamine formation in gastric-simulated aqueous and lipid environments.

Nitrite salts are frequently utilized as meat additives to improve the quality and safety of processed meat products. However, these salts are associated with the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. Given its potential regulating effect on the formation of intermediate molecules, such as nitric oxide, it is hypothesized that carnosine, a meat constituent possessing antioxidant activity and other multiple health benefits, could dampen the formation of nitrosamines. The current study therefore assessed the effect of carnosine on nitrosamine formation in both a monophasic aqueous system and a biphasic water-lipid system simulating a gastric environment. In the monophasic system, relatively high levels of carnosine were required to significantly reduce the formation of different species of nitrosamine compared with the control (no carnosine). While higher levels of some nitrosamines were generated in both phases of the biphasic system, low carnosine concentrations significantly suppressed nitrosamine formation in the aqueous phase, while in the lipid phase, intermediate levels of carnosine were required. At higher carnosine levels, further reduction in nitrosamines was observed in the lipid phase. This study demonstrates the capacity of carnosine to reduce nitrosamine formation in aqueous and lipid environments and suggests the potential of dietary carnosine to lower the risks associated with the consumption of processed meat products. © 2024 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada and The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Moderate cryptoxanthin intake correlates with maintenance of a proper PINT index in a general Japanese population

ABSTRACT Introduction Small fibre neuropathy (SFN) is an early manifestation of diabetic polyneuropathy. Although oxidative stress, inflammation and change of intestinal bacterial population are assumed to be their pathogenesis, the effects of dietary nutrition have not been evaluated. The relationship between dietary nutrition intake and pain sensation was evaluated in the Japanese population. Methods We conducted the Iwaki project, a population-based study recruiting 1,028 individuals, in 2018. The relationships between the pain threshold from intraepidermal electrical stimulation (PINT) and the amount of dietary nutrition evaluated by a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire were examined. The odds ratio was further explored after categorizing subjects based on low (< 63.7 μg/day), intermediate (63.7-159.2 μg/day), and high cryptoxanthin levels (> 159.2 μg/day). Results Univariate linear regression analyses showed significant correlations between PINT and cryptoxanthin intake even after adjustments for other nutritional intakes (ß = 0.107, p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed low and high cryptoxanthin intake as significant risk factors for abnormal PINT (≥ 0.20 mA). Multivariate linear regression analyses showed significant correlations between PINT and cryptoxanthin intake levels after adjustment for other clinically PINT-related factors (ß = 0.09, p < 0.01). Conclusions Adequate intake of cryptoxanthin is recommended to maintain the pain threshold in the Japanese population.