Modulation Profile Research Articles

Molecular Factors Involved in the Reproductive Morphophysiology of Female Domestic Cat (Felis catus).

The domestic cat (Felis catus) is considered an important model for the study of feline reproductive morphophysiology. However, although the morphological changes and clinical signs that occur during the estrous cycle and pregnancy are well known, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in the reproductive physiology of this animal species. Thus, this paper reviews the current knowledge about the modulation and expression profile of hormonal, immunological, redox, and growth mediators involved in the uterine, ovarian, and placental morphophysiology of domestic cats.

The Effect of Width-Mismatch of Modulated Nanowaveguides on the Thermoelectric Efficiency.

Width-modulated nanowaveguides are promising for thermoelectric efficiency enhancement because electron and phonon transport properties can be geometrically tuned for improved performance. The shape of the modulation profile drastically affects the transport properties. Optimization of the width modulation for simultaneous maximum thermoelectric transport and minimum thermal transport is challenging because of the interconnected electron and phonon transport properties. We addressed this problem by analysing the effect of each characteristic dimension of a single rectangular modulation unit on electron and phonon transport. We identified distinct behaviours for electrons and phonons. We reveal that whereas phonon thermal conductance decreases with increasing width-mismatch, the electron thermoelectric power factor shows a non-monotonic dependence. It is pointed out that optimal width-mismatch that maximizes thermoelectric efficiency is mainly determined by electron transport and should be identified by maximizing the thermoelectric power. Our work points to a new strategy of optimizing geometry-modulated metamaterials for maximum thermoelectric efficiency.

The Adr1 transcription factor directs regulation of the ergosterol pathway and azole resistance in Candida albicans.

Research often relies on well-studied orthologs within related species, with researchers using a well-studied gene or protein to allow prediction of the function of the ortholog. In the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans, orthologs are usually compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and this approach has been very fruitful. Many transcription factors (TFs) do similar jobs in the two species, but many do not, and typically changes in function are driven not by modifications in the structures of the TFs themselves but in the connections between the transcription factors and their regulated genes. This strategy of changing TF function has been termed transcription factor rewiring. In this study, we specifically looked for rewired transcription factors, or Candida-specific TFs, that might play a role in drug resistance. We investigated 30 transcription factors that were potentially rewired or were specific to the Candida clade. We found that the Adr1 transcription factor conferred resistance to drugs like fluconazole, amphotericin B, and terbinafine when activated. Adr1 is known for fatty acid and glycerol utilization in Saccharomyces, but our study reveals that it has been rewired and is connected to ergosterol biosynthesis in Candida albicans.

Evaluation of Tube Current Modulation Profile on CT Image of 128 slices CT Scanner using The Borobudur Phantom

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the tube current profile of Siemens 128 slice CT scanner with tube current modulation (TCM) technique using the Borobudur phantom. Borobudur phantom was made from acrylic which has four different diameters of 8, 16, 24, and 32 cm. It was filled with distilled water. The phantom was scanned using a Siemens Somatom 128 slice CT Scanner. The CT scanner took a topogram image first to estimate the attenuation level of each diameter of the phantom. The phantom was scanned using tube voltage and quality reference variations. After the axial images of the phantom were obtained, the tube current information was extracted from digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) header in each dataset using through IndoQCT software. It is found that as the phantom diameter increases, the tube current also increases. For variation of quality reference, the increasing value of quality reference will increase the tube current value. The results show that the tube current profile in the tube voltage variation shows insignificant changes with a statistical test p-value of 0.752. From this study, we conclude that TCM can be evaluated using Borobudur phantom and IndoQCT software.

ERK1/2 modulation in the central nervous system of male and female thiamine-deficient mice with amprolium.

Thiamine deficiency experimental models focus on using the pyrithiamine analog in male rodents, making the thiamine deficiency effects in females and the use of other thiamine antagonists, such as amprolium, unknown. We investigated the impact of thiamine deficiency with amprolium in the cerebral cortex and thalamus of male and female mice by evaluating the modulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The animals were exposed for 20 days to thiamine-deficient chow with different doses of amprolium (20, 40, 60 and 80 mg/kg) and at different treatment periods (five, 10, 15 or 20 days) at a dose of 60 mg/kg. After treatments, ERK1/2 phosphorylation was analyzed by western blot. In male mice, we observed a progressive increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation in both the cerebral cortex and thalamus in response to the dose of amprolium. In females, ERK1/2 phosphorylation did not progressively increase in response to the amprolium dosage. However, an increase in phosphorylation at the higher doses of 60 and 80 mg/kg was observed. We observed a more intense increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation in males' cerebral cortex and thalamus from 10 days onwards. In females, the ERK1/2 modulation profiles were similar. The results show that thiamine deficiency induction with amprolium is efficient, compatible with other recognized models that use pyrithiamine, showing changes in cell signaling in the nervous system. The study showed differences in response to thiamine deficiency with amprolium between male and female mice in relation to ERK1/2 phosphorylation and demonstrated that females respond positively to the method and can also be used as model animals.

Stable higher-charge vortex solitons in the cubic-quintic medium with a ring potential.

We put forward a model for trapping stable optical vortex solitons (VSs) with high topological charges m. The cubic-quintic nonlinear medium with an imprinted ring-shaped modulation of the refractive index is shown to support two branches of VSs, which are controlled by the radius, width, and depth of the modulation profile. While the lower-branch VSs are unstable in their nearly whole existence domain, the upper branch is completely stable. Vortex solitons with m ≤ 12 obey the anti-Vakhitov-Kolokolov stability criterion. The results suggest possibilities for the creation of stable narrow optical VSs with a low power, carrying higher vorticities.

Individual endogenous pain modulation profiles within a multidimensional context of people with cervicogenic headache – A retrospective exploratory study

BackgroundOne in four individuals with cervicogenic headache (CeH) are unresponsive to therapy. Such therapy involves predominantly biomedical interventions targeting the upper-cervical spine. A recurring theme within musculoskeletal practice is the multidimensional nature and substantial heterogeneity of the condition. Such heterogeneity might be a reason for failure of a biomedical approach. Therefore, future studies investigating efficacy of managing CeH should ideally be based on identification, and better understanding of the heterogeneity of this population based on a comprehensive evaluation of clinically relevant contributing factors. ObjectivesThe objective was to map profiles of individuals with CeH based on pain modulation within a multidimensional context. DesignPain Modulation Profiles (PMPs) of 18 adults (29–51 years) with CeH were mapped retrospectively. MethodThe PMPs consisted of a Pain-Profile (bilateral suboccipital, erector spinae, anterior tibialis pressure pain thresholds), a Psycho-Social-Lifestyle-Profile (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale, Headache Impact test, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), or a combination of both. Individual results were compared to normative data. Two Pain-Profiles were defined: normal or altered. Psycho-Social-Lifestyle-Profiles were categorized based on the number of altered psycho-social-lifestyle factors (range 0–5). ResultsMapping PMPs in individuals with CeH resulted in 50% presenting with a dominant altered Pain-Profile, 16.7% with a dominant altered Psycho-Social-Lifestyle-Profile, and 5.6% with dominant alterations in both Pain-Profile and Psycho-Social-Lifestyle-Profile. ConclusionOur results indicate heterogeneity of PMPs within the CeH population. Replication of these results is needed through dynamic assessment of the Pain-Profile before evaluating if these profiles can help patient-stratification.

(Invited) Stimuli-Responsive Metal-Organic Frameworks

Development of stimuli-responsive materials is crucial for the next advancements in the technology and energy sectors. For instance, reversible tuning photophysical profiles of materials or modulation of energy transfer processes are key aspects for the development of next generation of logic gates, spatially- and temporally-resolved sensors, and on-demand drug delivery systems. Our recent efforts have focused on employment of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as a versatile platform for the material development, which contain photochromic moieties, allowing for tailoring MOF electronic and photophysical properties. In our work, confinement-imposed photophysics was probed for a variety of photoresponsive moieties including a not-well studied class of hydrazone-based photoswitches integrated into topologically distinct porous scaffolds. The performed studies involved a comprehensive analysis of photophysics-structure correlation performed for the first time in two-dimensional and three-dimensional porous frameworks using steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. This presentation will delineate our findings on a series of different frameworks with coordinatively immobilized photochromic molecules. Specifically, we will discuss static and dynamic tuning of photophysical and electronic properties through metal incorporation, guest encapsulation, and photoresponsive linker embedment. Our findings were employed to develop the first example of the field-effect transistor built upon photochromic MOFs foreshadowing framework implementation in the practical realm.

Different Mechanisms for Visual Attention at the Hand-movement Goal and Endogenous Visual Attention.

Visual perception is closely related to body movements and action, and it is known that processing visual stimuli is facilitated at the hand or at the hand-movement goal. Such facilitation suggests that there may be an attentional process associated with the hands or hand movements. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of visual attention at a hand-movement goal, we conducted two experiments to examine whether attention at the hand-movement goal is a process independent from endogenous attention. Endogenous attention is attention that is intentionally focused on a location, feature, or object. We controlled the hand-movement goal and endogenous attention separately to investigate the spatial profiles of the two types of attention. A visual target was presented either at the goal of hand movement (same condition) or at its opposite side (opposite condition) while steady-state visual-evoked potential (SSVEP) was used to estimate the spatial distributions of the facilitation effect from the 2 types of attention around the hand-movement goal and around the visual target through EEG. We estimated the spatial profile of attentional modulation for the hand-movement goal by taking the difference in SSVEP amplitude between conditions with and without hand movement, thereby obtaining the effect of visual endogenous attention alone. The results showed a peak at the hand-movement goal, independent of the location of the visual target where participants intentionally focused their attention (endogenous attention). We also found differences in the spatial extent of attentional modulation. Spatial tuning was narrow around the hand-movement goal (i.e., attentional facilitation only at the goal location) but was broadly tuned around the focus of endogenous attention (i.e., attentional facilitation spreading over adjacent stimulus locations), which was obtained from the condition without hand movement. These results suggest the existence of two separate mechanisms, one underlying the attention at the hand-movement goal and another underlying endogenous attention.

Situational Adaptation of the Open Wagon Body to Container Transportation

Increased volumes of freight turnover in international transportation require the situational adaptation of the existing wagon fleet to the transportation of containers, which are commonly used at present. The research presented in this article substantiates the possibility of transporting containers in open wagons. It has been found that taking into account the possible displacements of containers in the body, the stresses at the operating modes can be twice as high as the permissible ones if an open wagon is part of the combined train. In this regard, it is proposed that a detachable multifunctional module for securing containers in the open wagon body be used. The detachable module is fixed through the fitting stops, either stationary or hinged, in the body. The rationale for the choice of the detachable module profile, as well as the results of its strength calculation, is given. The strength of the open wagon body during container transportation has been studied taking into account the proposed fastening diagram. The results of the calculations have shown that the maximum stresses in the body do not exceed permissible values. The results of the study will contribute to improvement in the efficiency of container transportation and the transport industry as a whole. Also, these results may be useful developments for designing modular vehicles.

Instability Analysis of Tri-Hybrid Nanofluid Under the Influence of Three Types of Gravity Modulation

The stability analysis of tri-hybrid nanofluid is examined theoretically in the presence of three types of gravity modulation. Normal mode techniques have been carried out for linear stability analysis, and the truncated Fourier series method is used for non-linear analysis. We observe both stationary and oscillatory convection is possible in the bottom-heavy case, and the onset of convection gets delayed in stationary in comparison to oscillatory. We also observe the onset of convection is earlier in the case of top-heavy with respect to bottom-heavy. Heat and mass transport start earlier in the day–night profile in comparison to other profiles of gravity modulation. In the graph of nusselt number, mass transfer of the first particle increases with an increase in Rn1 value while other two concentration Rayleigh numbers (Rn2, Rn3) does not have any effect on first concentration nusselt number. If we generalize the problem for n-different types of nanoparticles, then two cases may be possible (1) Top-heavy-ordinary nanofluids will be the most stabilizing case. (2) Bottom-heavy-nanofluids with n-type particles will be the most stabilizing case. The most stabilizing case is possible with the same ratio of Rn in the top-heavy, whereas the opposite result is found in the bottom-heavy.

The Ferris ferromagnetic resonance technique: Principles and applications

Measurements of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) are pivotal to modern magnetism and spintronics. Recently, we reported on the Ferris FMR technique, which relies on large-amplitude modulation of the externally applied magnetic field. It was shown to benefit from high sensitivity while being broadband. The Ferris FMR also expanded the resonance linewidth such that the sensitivity to spin currents was enhanced as well. Eventually, the spin Hall angle (θSH) was measurable even in wafer-level measurements that require low current densities to reduce the Joule heating. Despite the various advantages, analysis of the Ferris FMR response is limited to numerical modeling, where the linewidth depends on multiple factors such as the field modulation profile and the magnetization saturation. Here, we describe, in detail, the basic principles of operation of the Ferris FMR and discuss its applicability and engineering considerations. We demonstrated these principles in a measurement of the orbital Hall effect taking place in Cu using an Au layer as the orbital-to-spin current converter. This illustrates the potential of the Ferris FMR for the future development of spintronics technology.

Real‐Time 3D Visualization of the Formation of Micrograting Structures Upon Direct Laser Interference Patterning of Ge

AbstractDirect Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) is a versatile technique that enables the fabrication of periodic micro‐ to nanometric scale structures over large areas in a variety of materials. The periodically modulated excitation pattern can be exploited to trigger a range of complex processes, including heating, melting, ablation, and matter reorganization.In this work, a novel strategy is developed to combine deep‐ultraviolet (UV) DLIP (λ = 193 nm, τ = 23 ns) and real‐time optical reflectivity and diffraction techniques to unravel the formation dynamics of grating structures with periods down to Λ = 740 nm. Applied to crystalline Ge wafers, single‐pulse topography modulation profiles with amplitudes up to 85 nm can be imprinted. Moreover, the dynamics of the melting and solidification processes, as well as the surface topography deformation, can be followed in real‐time. Combined with a model, changes in topography over time with ns resolution can be obtained. The results unambiguously reveal that the formation process of the 3D structures can only be understood when taking both Marangoni convection and thermocapillary waves into account. The technique presented here has the potential to unravel the formation dynamics of a wide range of periodic structures in other materials.

Flexible terahertz phase modulation profile via all-silicon metasurfaces

Metasurfaces represent a group of artificially designed structures capable of efficiently manipulating the transmission properties of incident waves, have attracted considerable attention in terahertz (THz) radiation, and gradually overcome the complexity of bulky optical systems. Although the introduction of meta-optics has made great progress in full-span phase modulation schemes within orthogonal polarization channels, flexible phase functions can still effectively alleviate the design complexity of wavefront engineering. Here, we experimentally demonstrate several designs of general-purpose all-silicon THz metasurfaces applied in different scenarios. By combining geometric phase and propagation phase, switchable multiple phase modulation in orthogonal circularly polarized (CP) channels can be realized by switching the handedness of the incident wave. The advantage of the proposed scheme is that not only a locked phase modulation profile can be generated within the cross-polarized channels with opposite handedness, but also the phase distribution within each channel can be arbitrarily tailored to break the locking, demonstrating the flexible wavefront manipulation capability of the spin-decoupled phase control. Two different metalens are experimentally demonstrated to verify the feasibility of the multiple phase modulation scheme, mainly exploiting the topological charge and type of the focused beams. This work allows the metasurface to show a higher degree of freedom in wavefront manipulation by using a simpler phase-composite algorithm.

Universal Active Metasurfaces for Ultimate Wavefront Molding by Manipulating the Reflection Singularities

AbstractOptical metasurfaces are becoming ubiquitous optical components to control light properties. However, most of these devices are passive and cannot be arbitrarily reconfigured according to the change in the surrounding environment. Here the authors propose an innovative design strategy relying on the position of topological singularities to address full phase modulation of light with almost unity efficiency. The active metasurface unit cells consist of asymmetric Gires–Tournois resonators filled with either silicon or hetero‐structured materials to leverage on the thermo‐optical or electro‐optical effects, respectively. In both cases, a full phase modulation associated with 100% reflection amplitude is observed even when dealing with extremely low refractive index change, on the order of 0.01. Improving the deflection efficiencies for each deflection angle is performed by optimizing the refractive index modulation profile in the extended unit cell using an advanced statistical learning optimization methodology. Consequently, active beam steering designs for active thermo‐optical effect with ultimate performance exceeding 90% have been optimized. Furthermore, active wavefront splitting using electro‐optics materials is optimized to reach ultimate modulation performances with nearly 92% efficiency. The realization of highly efficient active beam‐forming operating at high frequencies would open important applications in imaging microscopy, and 3D light detection and ranging (LiDAR).

Novel role of PE_PGRS47 in the alteration of mycobacterial cell wall integrity and drug resistance

The proline-glutamic acid and proline-proline-glutamic acid (PE/PPE) family of proteins is widespread in pathogenic mycobacteria and plays different roles in mycobacterial physiology. While several PE/PPE family proteins have been studied, the exact function of most PE/PPE proteins in the physiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) remains unknown. PE_PGRS47 belongs to the PE/PPE family of proteins reported to help Mtb evade protective host immune responses. In this study, we demonstrate a novel role of PE_PGRS47. Heterologous expression of the pe_pgrs47 gene in a non-pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis, intrinsically deficient of PE_PGRS protein, exhibits modulated colony morphology and cell wall lipid profile leading to a marked susceptibility to multiple antibiotics and environmental stressors. Using ethidium bromide/Nile red uptake assays, Mycobacterium smegmatis expressing PE_PGRS47 showed higher cell wall permeability than the control strain. Overall, these data suggested that PE_PGRS47 is cell surface exposed and influences cell wall integrity and the formation of mycobacterial colonies, ultimately potentiating the efficacy of lethal stresses against mycobacteria.

Pain perception and modulation profiles in patients suffering from unipolar and bipolar depression

There is a need to find meaningful markers that can distinguish between unipolar and bipolar depression (UPD and BD respectively). In patients with unipolar depression (UPD), unique and inconsistent patterns of pain perception and modulation have been widely described. At the same time, patterns of pain processing in BD have been poorly studied. A recent study showed that initial evaluation of pain intensity is elevated in UPD compared with healthy controls (HC). The aim of the present study was to compare the pain processing profile between UPD and BD. Participants were 40 UPD patients, 36 age- and sex-matched BD patients, and 35 healthy controls (HC). Thermal stimuli were used to determine sensory threshold and pain threshold. Pain 60 temperature (i.e., a temperature that elicits a pain rating of 60 out of 100) was the first noxious stimulus administered during the experimental session. Central pain inhibition was assessed using conditioned pain modulation (CPM). All participants completed questionnaires on sociodemographic and clinical information. The only discriminatory experimental pain finding between UPD and BD was related to pain-60. Patients diagnosed with UPD had significantly lower pain-60. indices than patients with BD (p = .004). This finding was confounded by the level of anxiety symptoms. Patients diagnosed with UPD initially rated their pain intensity higher than patients with BPD and HC. Nonetheless, this difference becomes insignificant when controlling for the higher anxiety scores in the UPD group. Possibly, the higher levels of anxiety were manifested in a pronounced negative cognitive bias. This finding is important for the management of pain symptoms in patients with UPD and BD. Further studies should focus on anxiety as a mediator in pain processing. We used the pain 60-temperature test, a method not yet established as an instrument for this purpose, to assess an evaluation bias. Antidepressants treatment of participants might have an antinociceptive effect. Physical and mental comorbidities of the participants may confound the results of our study.

Student and Teacher Collaboration in Developing STEM-Based Learning Modules and Pancasila Student Profiles

Implementing an independent curriculum in Indonesia urges teachers to develop learning modules. However, conditions in elementary schools indicate that teachers still need to receive training related to teaching modules following the independent curriculum. Therefore, this study aims to develop a product in the form of a valid and effective STEM-based learning module and Pancasila Student Profile. The type of research is Research & Development (R&D) regarding the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) development model. The developed product was tested on fourth-grade students at one of the elementary school levels. The results of product quality materials are assessed from expert judgment, language, media, and practitioners. The learning module developed obtained an average score of 94.5%, categorized as very feasible. The results of student responsiveness to the learning module obtained an average of 85.5% with an exciting category. The learning module has succeeded in streamlining learning outcomes and student character formation. The implementation of the learning module successfully reflects the character formation of the Pancasila Student Profile in critical reasoning, independence, and cooperation. Thus, in elementary schools, learning is needed that is oriented to the STEM model and efforts in forming the character of the Pancasila Student Profile so that the compiled modules are considered to be used in the learning of fourth-grade elementary school students.

Unique osteogenic profile of bone marrow stem cells stimulated in perfusion bioreactor is Rho-ROCK-mediated contractility dependent.

The fate determination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BMSC) is tightly regulated by mechanical cues, including fluid shear stress. Knowledge of mechanobiology in 2D culture has allowed researchers in bone tissue engineering to develop 3D dynamic culture systems with the potential for clinical translation in which the fate and growth of BMSC are mechanically controlled. However, due to the complexity of 3D dynamic cell culture compared to the 2D counterpart, the mechanisms of cell regulation in the dynamic environment remain relatively undescribed. In the present study, we analyzed the cytoskeletal modulation and osteogenic profiles of BMSC under fluid stimuli in a 3D culture condition using a perfusion bioreactor. BMSC subjected to fluid shear stress (mean 1.56 mPa) showed increased actomyosin contractility, accompanied by the upregulation of mechanoreceptors, focal adhesions, and Rho GTPase-mediated signaling molecules. Osteogenic gene expression profiling revealed that fluid shear stress promoted the expression of osteogenic markers differently from chemically induced osteogenesis. Osteogenic marker mRNA expression, type 1 collagen formation, ALP activity, and mineralization were promoted in the dynamic condition, even in the absence of chemical supplementation. The inhibition of cell contractility under flow by Rhosin chloride, Y27632, MLCK inhibitor peptide-18, or Blebbistatin revealed that actomyosin contractility was required for maintaining the proliferative status and mechanically induced osteogenic differentiation in the dynamic culture. The study highlights the cytoskeletal response and unique osteogenic profile of BMSC in this type of dynamic cell culture, stepping toward the clinical translation of mechanically stimulated BMCS for bone regeneration.

A Spread Spectrum Clock Generator with Dual-tone Hershey-Kiss Modulation Profile

This paper presents a spread spectrum clock generator (SSCG) using a dual-tone Hershey-Kiss modulation profile. The modulation controller has two up/down counters and one delta-sigma modulator, and the output of the modulation controller is provided to a multi-modulus divider in a fractional-N PLL. The proposed SSCG is designed to operate in either single-tone modulation mode or dual-tone modulation mode. Once the targeted modulation frequency and spread ratio are given, the design variables for the SSCG can be controlled digitally. The proposed SSCG was designed and fabricated using the 65 nm CMOS process and consumes 8.5 mW while generating a 5 GHz spectrum-spread clock signal with 1.2 V supply voltage. After all design parameters are set for a 0.5% spread ratio using 30 and 33 kHz modulation frequencies, the measured EMI reduction is 24.6 dB while single-tone modulation is applied and 28.7 dB while dual-tone modulation is applied.