Effect of offspring distribution on population survival

The survival probabilities of newly-formed colonies of organisms arising from the branching process formulation of individual reproduction are examined. Six types of 2-parameter discrete offspring distributions common to mathematical ecology are compared with respect to survival of newly formed colonies of offspring. It is found that the survival value of the distribution can be rank ordered in the following descending order: modified Poisson (highest) Neyman A, geometric Poisson, Pólya-Aeppli, negative binomial and the modified geometric. Causal factors for these differences and practical implications of these results are discussed.     

Non-canonical Targets of HIF1a Impair Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Function

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Multimodal data acquisition at SARS-CoV-2 drive through screening centers: Setup description and experiences in Saarland,Germany

SARS-CoV-2 drive through screening centers (DTSC) have been implemented worldwide as a fast and secure way of mass screening. We use DTSCs as a platform for the acquisition of multimodal datasets that are needed for the development of remote screening methods. Our acquisition setup consists of an array of thermal, infrared and RGB cameras as well as microphones and we apply methods from computer vision and computer audition for the contactless estimation of physiological parameters. We have recorded a multimodal dataset of DTSC participants in Germany for the development of remote screening methods and symptom identification. Acquisition in the early stages of a pandemic and in regions with high infection rates can facilitate and speed up the identification of infection specific symptoms and large-scale data acquisition at DTSC is possible without disturbing the flow of operation.     

Acacetin exerts antioxidant potential against atherosclerosis through Nrf2 pathway in apoE−/− Mice

Oxidative stress has a considerable influence on endothelial cell dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Acacetin, an anti-inflammatory and antiarrhythmic, is frequently used in the treatment of myocarditis, albeit its role in managing atherosclerosis is currently unclear. Thus, we evaluated the regulatory effects of acacetin in maintaining endothelial cell function and further investigated whether the flavonoid could attenuate atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E deficiency (apoE^−/−) mice. Different concentrations of acacetin were tested on EA.hy926 cells, either induced or non-induced by human oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), to clarify its influence on cell viability, cellular reactive oxidative stress (ROS) level, apoptotic ratios and other regulatory effects. In vivo, apoE^−/− mice were fed either a Western diet or a chow diet. Acacetin pro-drug (15 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously two times a day for 12 weeks. The effects of acacetin on the atherosclerotic process, plasma inflammatory factors and lipid metabolism were also investigated. Acacetin significantly increased EA.hy926 cell viability by reducing the ratios of apoptotic and necrotic cells at 3 μmol/L. Moreover, 3 μmol/L acacetin clearly decreased ROS levels and enhanced reductase protein expression through MsrA and Nrf2 pathway through phosphorylation of Nrf2 and degradation of Keap1. In vivo, acacetin treatment remarkably attenuated atherosclerosis by increasing reductase levels in circulation and aortic roots, decreasing plasma inflammatory factor levels as well as accelerating lipid metabolism in Western diet-fed apoE^−/− mice. Our findings demonstrate the anti-oxidative and anti-atherosclerotic effects of acacetin, in turn suggesting its potential therapeutic value in atherosclerotic-related cardiovascular diseases (CVD).     

A remarkable new species of Salacia (Celastraceae: Salacioideae) from the Western Ghats,India

A new species of Salacia is described from Karnataka and Kerala states of the Western Ghats, India. It is unique within the genus on account of its obliquely dehiscing anthers and 7–10 cm long, prolate to broadly ellipsoid or ovoid, keeled, greenish-yellow 5- to 8-seeded fruit with thin epicarp and dry mesocarp. Salacia megacarpa sp. nov. can be grouped with S. fruticosa Heyne ex M.A.Lawson and S. oblonga Wight & Arn. which are the only other species from the sub-continent which exhibit axillary, ramiflorous, dichotomously branched cymes.     

Effects of the Involvement of Calcium Channels on Neuronal Hyperexcitability Related to Alzheimer’s Disease: A Computational Model

Neurophysiology - Signaling pathways of neurons depend on such factors as the type and “strength” of the synapse, cable properties, distribution of ion channels, and biophysical...