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We report detailed theoretical investigations of the micromechanics and bulk elastic properties of composites consisting of randomly distributed stiff fibers embedded in an elastic matrix in two and three dimensions. Recent experiments [V. Pelletier, N. Gal, P. Fournier, and M. L. Kilfoil, Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 188303 (2009)] have suggested that the inclusion of stiff microtubules in a softer, nearly incompressible biopolymer matrix can lead to emergent compressibility. This can be understood in terms of the enhancement of the compressibility of the composite relative to its shear compliance as a result of the addition of stiff rodlike inclusions. We show that the Poisson's ratio &ngr; of such a composite evolves with increasing rod density toward a particular value, or fixed point, independent of the material properties of the matrix, as long as it has a finite initial compressibility. This fixed point is &ngr; = 1/4 in three dimensions and &ngr; = 1 /3 in two dimensions. Our results suggest an important role for stiff filaments such as microtubules and stress fibers in cell mechanics. At the same time, our work has a wider elasticity context, with potential applications to composite elastic media with a wide separation of scales in stiffness of its constituents such as carbon nanotube-polymer composites, which have been shown to have highly tunable mechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antitoxin of arsenic poisoning. • Formation of a stable water-soluble complex between NAC and arsenic. • Raman spectral study to find the molar ratio of NAC:As for stable complexation. • Synthesis and characterization of NAC:As::3:1 complex by Raman and SERS analyses. • DFT based calculations to elucidate the structural changes during complexation. Arsenic poisoning is a critical health hazard. Here we investigate the mechanism that enables N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant drug, to act as an antitoxin of arsenic poisoning. Concentration dependent Raman spectral analysis determined the precise molar ratio (3:1) at which a water-soluble complex between NAC and arsenic is formed. Stability and geometry of the complex was inferred by characterizing the synthesized complex using Raman and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) techniques. Density functional theory (DFT) based studies were performed to understand the nature of interaction between NAC and arsenic at molecular level, as well as to elucidate the structural changes taking place during complexation. The combined experimental and theoretical study suggests that a stable complex between NAC and arsenic is formed in three steps. This study highlights the high affinity of NAC towards arsenic and may help to identify the way NAC is expected to protect biomolecules from the toxic effect of arsenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing platforms for collaborative BIM design have a centralized system architecture, which suffers cybersecurity risks of design data manipulation and denial of access, leading to a loss of data traceability, a decline in design productivity, and project delays. Blockchain is a promising technology to solve such risks by providing decentralized and immutable data storage. However, integrating blockchain with BIM faces a problem that blockchain is inherently unsuitable for storing large-sized design files like BIM models, hindering blockchain from protecting BIM data integrity. Therefore, this paper proposes a distributed common data environment (DCDE) framework for BIM-based design leveraging two distributed technologies: blockchain and Interplanetary File System (IPFS). The DCDE framework guarantees irreversible design changes storage using blockchain while secures design file storage using IPFS. A blockchain transaction data model and a smart contract are also developed within the framework to support DCDE functionalities. Lastly, framework applicability and performance are tested in an illustrative design example. Results show that: (1) DCDE is a feasible solution for secure design collaboration, and (2) DCDE latency (in millisecond-level), TPS (60 transactions per second), and storage cost (12.5 KB per day) are within an acceptable range. • A distributed common data environment (DCDE) framework is proposed using blockchain and IPFS technologies. • An original transaction data model compliant with ISO 19650 standards is developed for recording design changes. • A smart contract algorithm is developed for design transactions sharing and querying. • The proposed DCDE framework is deployed in a design example to illustrate its feasibility and performance. • Results show that the proposed DCDE is a promising solution for secure decentralized design collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We have successfully prepared Bi 2 Fe 4 O 9 nanochains. • It shows antiferromagnetic transition at ~63 K and surface ferromagnetism. • An exchange bias field of ~100 Oe has been observed. • It exhibits 77% change in ferroelectric polarization at 10 kOe magnetic field. We report synthesis of self-assembled Bi 2 Fe 4 O 9 nanochains by hydrothermal method using Oleic acid as a surfactant which plays an important role in the self-assembled nanochain formation. Temperature dependent dc magnetization study suggests downward shift of the Neel temperature T N ~ 63 K for the particles of size ~ 22 nm while it is reported to be ~ 260 K in the bulk sample. The magnetic hysteresis (M−H) loops offer evidence of weak ferromagnetism across the entire temperature range 10–300 K. Exchange coupling across the interface between coexisting ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic orders gives rise to a small amount of exchange bias at low temperature. The sample also exhibits substantial magnetoelectric multiferroic coupling at room temperature with ~77% suppression of ferroelectric polarization under 10 kOe magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study attempts to analyse paleoceanographic changes in the Central Indian Ocean (Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 237), linked to monsoon variability as well as deep-sea circulation during the Plio-Pleistocene. We used factor and cluster analyses of census data of the 34 most dominant species of benthic foraminifera that enabled us to identify five biofacies: Astrononion umbilicatulum–Uvigerina proboscidea (Au–Up), Pullenia bulloides–Bulimina striata (Pb–Bs), Globocassidulina tumida–Nuttallides umbonifera (Gt–Nu), Gyroidinoides nitidula–Cibicides wuellerstorfi (Gn–Cw) and Cassidulina carinata–Cassidulina laevigata (Cc–Cl) biofacies. Knowledge of the environmental preferences of modern deep-sea benthic foraminifera helped to interpret the results of factor and cluster analyses in combination with oxygen and carbon isotope values. The biofacies indicative of high surface productivity, resulting from a stronger South Equatorial Current (Au–Up and Pb–Bs biofacies), dominate the early Pliocene interval (5.6–4.5Ma) of global warmth. An intense Indo-Pacific ‘biogenic bloom’ and strong Oxygen Minimum Zone extended to intermediate depths (∼1000–2000m) over large parts of the Indian Ocean in the early Pliocene. Since 4.5Ma, the food supply in the Central Indian Ocean dropped and fluctuated while deep waters were corrosive (biofacies Gt–Nu, Gn–Cw). The Pleistocene interval is characterized by an intermediate flux of organic matter (Cc–Cl biofacies). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Airway hyperresponsiveness, airway eosinophilia and increased IgE levels in serum are the important characteristic features of asthma. We evaluated the potential of para-Bromophenacyl bromide (PBPB), a known phospholipase A2 inhibitor, on allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model. We sensitized and challenged mice with ovalbumin (OVA) to develop airway hyperresponsiveness as assessed by airway constriction and airway hyperreactivity (AHR) to methacholine (MCh) induced by allergen. The mice were orally treated with PBPB (0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg) during or after OVA-sensitization and OVA-challenge to evaluate its protective or reversal effect on airway constriction and AHR to MCh. Determination of OVA-induced airway constriction and AHR to MCh were performed by measuring specific airway conductance (SGaw) using non-invasive dual-chamber whole body-plethysmography. We observed that PBPB (1 mg/kg) significantly reduced OVA-induced airway constriction and AHR to MCh (p<0.01). PBPB (1 mg/kg) treatment significantly inhibited PLA2 activity in the BAL fluid. Cytokine analysis of the BAL fluid revealed that PBPB caused an increase in interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (p<0.02) and a decrease in interleukin-4 (IL-4) (p<0.05) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) (p<0.05) levels. The OVA-specific serum IgE levels (p<0.01) and the BAL eosinophils (p<0.001) were also reduced significantly. Thus, PBPB is capable of modulating allergen induced cytokine levels and serum IgE levels, and alleviating allergen induced airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophils in mice. These data suggest that PBPB could be useful in the development of novel agents for the treatment of allergen induced airway hyperresponsiveness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Security of information in collaborative BIM platforms is crucial particularly for critical projects such as that of government buildings, prisons, and power plants. Inappropriate distribution and loss of sensitive information may potentially lead to physical security threats, financial loss, and loss of trust and reputation. Therefore, this paper identifies the information security requirements of collaborative BIM platforms considering the characteristics related to data security of collaborative BIM platforms through a literature review and as a result, identifies seven components of BIM security, based on which defines three levels of BIM security. Existing cybersecurity facilitating technologies such as encryption protocols, distributed database technology, and blockchain technology are reviewed to assess applicability to BIM security. This review shows that although the technologies to support BIM security are available in research and on market, they are not customized in existing collaborative BIM platforms to support BIM security. Therefore, two conceptual frameworks are proposed – (1) an encryption strategy-based framework to facilitate secure storage and distribution of BIM and (2) a blockchain-based framework to record BIM changes in a tamper-proof ledger for the non-trusting environment of construction projects. Discussions on cost and functionality are provided, which will be further extended in the future. • A comprehensive study on the requirements of BIM security is presented. • Levels of BIM security are defined with examples. • Existing and emerging cybersecurity technologies were reviewed for BIM security. • A conceptual encryption strategy for securing BIM data distribution is proposed. • A conceptual distributed blockchain-based framework for BIM change recording is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sterol-enriched fungi extracts are potential sources of bio molecules. • Ergosterol and derivatives from fungal source have promising health beneficial effects in hyperlipidemia. • Hypocholesterolemic effect of ergosterol from edible mushrooms. • Application of the mycosterols for the development of functionalized food formulations. Cardiovascular diseases associated with obesity are alarmingly increasing in both developed and developing countries. Obesity is mainly ascribed to higher lipid accumulation in the body. There are several simple approaches to treat this condition like lifestyle modification, dietary intervention, physical activities, drug treatment etc. There are many drugs available in the market to treat hyperlipidemia condition, but those drugs have many fatal adverse effects on human health. In view of this, it is reasonable to suggest some preventive measures by functional food ingredients as human health has acclimatized to these since thousands of years. Phytosterols have been studied since decades for its hypocholesterolemic effect in human nutrition. Although the mycosterols from fungi are still under- exploited, ergosterol and derivatives from fungal source have promising health beneficial effects in obesity associated cardiovascular diseases. This review aims to summarise the investigations on mycosterol with respect to obesity in the last decade and also scope of future research on its application in functional food supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric and magnetic properties are investigated for Bi2Fe4O9 nanoparticles with different shapes (cuboid and sphere-like) synthesized by hydrothermal and sol-gel method. The magnetic study reveals that coercivity, Neel temperature and remanent magnetization strongly depend on shape of the particle. The nanoparticle with sphere-like shape exhibits magnetization curve of antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering with ferromagnetic (FM) component. As the particle shape changes from sphere-like to cuboid, the AFM component is dominating over the ferromagnetic component. A small exchange bias is also observed at low temperature in both the sphere-like and cuboid nanoparticle. The coercivity, remanent magnetization and Neel temperature of sphere-like nanoparticle is greater than cuboid nanoparticle. Ferroelectric measurement shows the remanent polarization of cuboid is greater than sphere-like nanoparticle but the coercivity is almost same. This Bi2Fe4O9 nanoparticle shows a small change in polarization under magnetic field. The polarization value decreases with magnetic field increases. The magnetoelectric coupling-measured by change of remanent polarization under magnetic field are found to be greater in Bi2Fe4O9 sphere-like nanoparticles. These shape dependent magnetic and ferroelectric properties are coming because of shape anisotropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interim payment provisions in construction projects are susceptible to unfair practices. In construction project participants with varying financial capacities belonging to different organizations are bound by contractual relationships. Due to this type of project organizational structure, project participants do not completely trust each other which prevents the adoption of existing centralized automated frameworks for interim payment. Therefore, this paper presents a distributed blockchain-based framework that does not require to be trusted for automatically enforcing the terms and conditions related to interim payments and sharing payment records at project-level transparently and securely. A logic to automatically initiate, validate, and disburse interim payments according to general contract conditions for interim payments is formalized in this paper. A blockchain-based data model that enables selective-transparency in payment records is proposed. This data model facilitates the sharing of sensitive financial information privately between two contracting parties and non-sensitive payment-related information publicly among all project participants. The proposed blockchain-based framework is supported by a key management strategy to facilitate different security properties such as confidentiality and authenticity of data and users. Considering the non-technical nature of construction project participants, the proposed key management strategy is designed to dynamically generate cryptographic keys from publicly sharable parameters so that storage and management overheads are reduced. Security properties such as immutability, data confidentiality, user integrity, performance, and cost of deployment of the proposed blockchain framework are validated and recommendations for executing the proposed framework with a high level of security are discussed in this paper. • Automated and secure execution of interim payment via smart contracts is facilitated. • Data model for selectively-transparent recording of payments on blockchain is presented. • A blockchain-based key management strategy for data confidentiality in construction projects is presented. • Cost and security of the framework are evaluated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating building information modeling (BIM) with emerging blockchain technology has gained considerable attention in addressing design collaboration problems like poor data security, weak traceability, and low transparency in off-site construction. However, blockchain implementations in off-site construction design, especially with openBIM standards, currently lack standardized workflow management and methods for ensuring data completeness within the blockchain environment. To bridge these gaps, this paper presents a novel blockchain-enabled platform-as-a-service (PaaS), specifically tailored for off-site construction to enhance interoperability and collaborative design efficiency using openBIM standards. The proposed PaaS offers two significant intellectual contributions: (1) a data contract system that manages openBIM workflow standardization and (2) a data escrow system that ensures the completeness and integrity of openBIM data. The data contract system utilizes an innovative asynchronous smart contract algorithm to streamline workflow checks, while the data escrow system introduces a new blockchain-driven data-checking strategy to ensure openBIM completeness at the data level. Besides, a PaaS architecture is developed to clarify the interaction logic between these two systems. The PaaS is validated and evaluated in openBIM-based design collaborations from a real-world project, with results indicating improvements: a 38% time-saving in design issue coordination and a 32% reduction in design data delivery time. Furthermore, the platform received favorable feedback from project participants, validating the approach and confirming the PaaS as a valuable tool for enhancing design collaboration in off-site construction. • Proposed a BIM-based blockchain framework for production management utilizing openBIM standards • Developed a standardized object/process-oriented semantically enriched Asset Information Model (AIM) • Proposed a data contract system with prefab-related data structures for automatic digitalization transformation • Integrated IDS with blockchain to build a transparent and consistent information-sharing strategy • Designed a data escrow system integrating with blockchain technology for openBIM data completeness checking [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium parvum, a predominant causal agent of a fatal zoonotic protozoan diarrhoeal disease called cryptosporidiosis, bears a worldwide public health concern for childhood mortality and poses a key threat to the dairy and water industries. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small but powerful posttranscriptional gene silencing RNA molecules, regulate a variety of molecular, biological, and cellular processes in animals and plants. As to the present date, there is a paucity of information regarding miRNAs of C. parvum ; hence, this study was used to identify miRNAs in the organism using a comprehensible expressed sequence tag–based homology search approach consisting of a series of computational screening process from the identification of putative miRNA candidates to the functional annotation of the important gene targets in C. parvum. The results revealed a conserved miRNA that targeted 487 genes in the model organism (Drosophila melanogaste r) and 85 genes in C. parvum, of which 11 genes had direct involvements in several crucial virulence factors such as environmental oocyst protection, excystation, locomotion, adhesion, invasion, stress protection, intracellular growth, and survival. Besides, 20 genes showed their association with various major pathways dedicated for the ribosomal biosynthesis, DNA repair, transportation, protein production, gene expression, cell cycle, cell proliferation, development, immune response, differentiation, and nutrient metabolism of the organism in the host. Thus, this study provides a strong evidence of great impact of identified miRNA on the biology, virulence, and pathogenesis of C. parvum. Furthermore, the study suggests that the detected miRNA could be a potential epigenomic tool for controlling the protozoon through silencing those virulent and pathway-related target genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium parvum, a predominant causal agent of a fatal zoonotic protozoan diarrhoeal disease called cryptosporidiosis, bears a worldwide public health concern for childhood mortality and poses a key threat to the dairy and water industries. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small but powerful posttranscriptional gene silencing RNA molecules, regulate a variety of molecular, biological, and cellular processes in animals and plants. As to the present date, there is a paucity of information regarding miRNAs of C. parvum; hence, this study was used to identify miRNAs in the organism using a comprehensible expressed sequence tag-based homology search approach consisting of a series of computational screening process from the identification of putative miRNA candidates to the functional annotation of the important gene targets in C. parvum. The results revealed a conserved miRNA that targeted 487 genes in the model organism (Drosophila melanogaster) and 85 genes in C. parvum, of which 11 genes had direct involvements in several crucial virulence factors such as environmental oocyst protection, excystation, locomotion, adhesion, invasion, stress protection, intracellular growth, and survival. Besides, 20 genes showed their association with various major pathways dedicated for the ribosomal biosynthesis, DNA repair, transportation, protein production, gene expression, cell cycle, cell proliferation, development, immune response, differentiation, and nutrient metabolism of the organism in the host. Thus, this study provides a strong evidence of great impact of identified miRNA on the biology, virulence, and pathogenesis of C. parvum. Furthermore, the study suggests that the detected miRNA could be a potential epigenomic tool for controlling the protozoon through silencing those virulent and pathway-related target genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapidly rising population and climate changes are two critical issues that require immediate action to achieve sustainable development goals. The rising population is posing increased demand for food, thereby pushing for an acceleration in agricultural production. Furthermore, increased anthropogenic activities have resulted in environmental pollution such as water pollution and soil degradation as well as alterations in the composition and concentration of environmental gases. These changes are affecting not only biodiversity loss but also affecting the physio-biochemical processes of crop plants, resulting in a stress-induced decline in crop yield. To overcome such problems and ensure the supply of food material, consistent efforts are being made to develop strategies and techniques to increase crop yield and to enhance tolerance toward climate-induced stress. Plant breeding evolved after domestication and initially remained dependent on phenotype-based selection for crop improvement. But it has grown through cytological and biochemical methods, and the newer contemporary methods are based on DNA-marker-based strategies that help in the selection of agronomically useful traits. These are now supported by high-end molecular biology tools like PCR, high-throughput genotyping and phenotyping, data from crop morpho-physiology, statistical tools, bioinformatics, and machine learning. After establishing its worth in animal breeding, genomic selection (GS), an improved variant of marker-assisted selection (MAS), has made its way into crop-breeding programs as a powerful selection tool. To develop novel breeding programs as well as innovative marker-based models for genetic evaluation, GS makes use of molecular genetic markers. GS can amend complex traits like yield as well as shorten the breeding period, making it advantageous over pedigree breeding and marker-assisted selection (MAS). It reduces the time and resources that are required for plant breeding while allowing for an increased genetic gain of complex attributes. It has been taken to new heights by integrating innovative and advanced technologies such as speed breeding, machine learning, and environmental/weather data to further harness the GS potential, an approach known as integrated genomic selection (IGS). This review highlights the IGS strategies, procedures, integrated approaches, and associated emerging issues, with a special emphasis on cereal crops. In this domain, efforts have been taken to highlight the potential of this cutting-edge innovation to develop climate-smart crops that can endure abiotic stresses with the motive of keeping production and quality at par with the global food demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As such various cryptanalytic attacks become stronger day by day, attaining the security over a single key based techniques become a complicated and burning problem among the researchers. Even, in the session key approaches, when session extends for a little bit longer, protecting data in ciphertext only attack also cannot be assured. In this regard, various mechanisms have been proposed to change the key frequently by establishing the session keys in every short interval. But, such schemes may not be suitable and survive for real time applications because of unnecessary increase of network overheads and enhancement of costs exponentially. So, to tackle such problems, we have proposed a true random key variation technique based on piggybacking strategies and one time pad (OTP) under public key environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockchain technology has gained increasing attention in the construction sector. The process of developing a blockchain-based application that fits user requirements largely depends on the selection of a suitable consensus protocol, which acts as the centerpiece of blockchain architecture. In distributed networks, consensus protocols not only help maintain data consistency among all stakeholders, but also allow users to work together and stay secure. However, limited efforts have been delivered to analyze and compare existing consensus protocols under various construction scenarios, leading to uncertainties when applying blockchain technology in the construction domain. Therefore, this paper performs a critical review extracting literatures from (1) blockchain-based applications in the construction industry, and (2) existing blockchain consensus protocols. Additionally, a mixed method that integrates qualitative and quantitative analysis is proposed to evaluate the suitability of mainstream consensus protocols for various construction-related applications. Based on the selection criteria and efficiency requirements of consensus protocols generated, a recommendation strategy is also presented for consensus protocol selection under different construction scenarios. This study contributes to the following: (1) it helps construction stakeholders to understand the consensus process in a specific construction application case, and (2) it provides lucid reference guidance in developing a robust blockchain-based system underlying an appropriate consensus protocol. • Reviewed blockchain applications in the construction industry to categorize its implementations. • Identified mainstream consensus protocols and compared their features via four dimensions. • Proposed a qualitative and quantitative analysis method for consensus evaluation. • Generated criteria and requirements for consensus selection under different construction scenarios. • Evaluated consensus suitability and proposed a recommendation strategy for blockchain-based applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-algal bio-fuel is the most potential alternative of fossil fuel. There is not any commercially feasible algal-fuel technology available till now. Therefore, to make algal bio-fuel commercial, cumulating cheap raw materials and compelling down streaming of product with consummate utilization of biomass ought have to be applied. Coupling utilization of waste-water and flue gasses to algal development decreases production cost as well as give waste-water treatment and reduces air pollution. Therefore, this review focuses on potential outcome of consolidating waste-water, flue gasses with micro-algae production and to develop algal bio-fuel generation technology in the future course of study. This technology will address three major problems of the world viz. Energy depletion, global warming and water pollution. Hence, with the help of in-situ single process, three main aims of algal-fuel generation, remediation of industrial waste-water and flue gases may be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inside cells, cargos such as vesicles and organelles are transported by molecular motors to their correct locations via active motion on cytoskeletal tracks and passive, Brownian diffusion. During the transportation of cargos, motor-cargo complexes (MCCs) navigate the confining and crowded environment of the cytoskeletal network and other macromolecules. Motivated by this, we study a minimal two-state model of motor-driven cargo transport in confinement and predict transport properties that can be tested in experiments. We assume that the motion of the MCC is directly affected by the entropic barrier due to confinement if it is in the passive, unbound state but not in the active, bound state where it moves with a constant bound velocity. We construct a lattice model based on a Fokker Planck description of the two-state system, study it using a kinetic Monte Carlo method and compare our numerical results with analytical expressions for a mean field limit. We find that the effect of confinement strongly depends on the bound velocity and the binding kinetics of the MCC. Confinement effectively reduces the effective diffusivity and average velocity, except when it results in an enhanced average binding rate and thereby leads to a larger average velocity than when unconfined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid climatic shifts across the last glacial to Holocene transition are pervasive feature of the North Atlantic as well as low latitude proxy archives. Our decadal to centennial scale record of summer monsoon proxy Globigerina bulloides from rapidly accumulating sediments from Hole 723A, Arabian Sea shows two distinct intervals of weak summer monsoon wind coinciding with cold periods with in Ållerød inerstadial of the North Atlantic named here as IACP-A1 and IACP-A2 and dated (within dating uncertainties) at 13.5 and 13.3 calibrated kilo years before the present (cal kyr BP), respectively. Spectral analysis of the Globigerina bulloides time series for the segment 13.6-13.1 kyr (Ållerød period) reveals a strong solar 208-year cycle also known as de Vries or Suess cycle, suggesting that the centennial scale variability in Indian summer monsoon winds during the Ållerød inerstadial was driven by changes in the solar irradiance through stratospheric-tropospheric interactions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why do some biological systems and communities persist while others fail? Robustness, a system's stability, and resilience, the ability to return to a stable state, are key concepts that span multiple disciplines within and outside the biological sciences. Discovering and applying common rules that govern the robustness and resilience of biological systems is a critical step toward creating solutions for species survival in the face of climate change, as well as the for the ever-increasing need for food, health, and energy for human populations. We propose that network theory provides a framework for universal scalable mathematical models to describe robustness and resilience and the relationship between them, and hypothesize that resilience at lower organization levels contribute to robust systems. Insightful models of biological systems can be generated by quantifying the mechanisms of redundancy, diversity, and connectivity of networks, from biochemical processes to ecosystems. These models provide pathways towards understanding how evolvability can both contribute to and result from robustness and resilience under dynamic conditions. We now have an abundance of data from model and non-model systems and the technological and computational advances for studying complex systems. Several conceptual and policy advances will allow the research community to elucidate the rules of robustness and resilience. Conceptually, a common language and data structure that can be applied across levels of biological organization needs to be developed. Policy advances such as cross-disciplinary funding mechanisms, access to affordable computational capacity, and the integration of network theory and computer science within the standard biological science curriculum will provide the needed research environments. This new understanding of biological systems will allow us to derive ever more useful forecasts of biological behaviors and revolutionize the engineering of biological systems that can survive changing environments or disease, navigate the deepest oceans, or sustain life throughout the solar system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Diversity parameters of Neogene deep-sea benthic foraminifera were measured at Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Hole 752A, southeastern Indian Ocean (water depth of 1086.3m) using Information Function (H), Equitability (E), number of species (S) and Sander''s rarefaction values. These parameters combined with population abundance of dominant benthic foraminifera (Bulimina macilenta, Nuttallides umbonifera, Cibicides wuellerstorfi, Cibicides lobatulus, Bolivina pusilla, Ehrenbergina carinata, Gavelinopsis lobatulus, Cassidulina laevigata, Globocassiulina subglobosa) reveal significant paleoceanographic changes in the southeastern Indian Ocean during the Neogene. The values of all the diversity parameters show a decrease from 25 to 23Ma and thereafter an increase with peak values at ~13.5Ma. The Late Oligocene to Earliest Miocene was an interval of more unstable conditions at Hole 752A dominated by species characteristic of low organic carbon, well-ventilated, carbonate corrosive high energy conditions. The highest values of diversity parameters coincide with the early Middle Miocene climatic optimum. All these parameters show a declining trend and gradual decrease from 13.5 to 4.5Ma coinciding with the major build up of ice sheets in the Antarctic region. Major increase in B. pusilla and E. carinata population during this time suggests high nutrient levels and low oxygen conditions at Hole 752A. This interval corresponds with the so-called “biogenic bloom” and an intense Oxygen Minimum Zone as observed throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Deep waters were warmer from 4.5 to 3Ma marked by an increase in species diversity values, coinciding with the early middle Pliocene warmth. The species diversity values abruptly decreased in the younger interval, contemporaneous with the major Northern Hemisphere glaciation. During this time species characteristics of high-energy bottom currents and relatively cold deep water were dominant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Previous studies have successfully classified 86% of malignant melanomas using a relative-color segmentation method, by feature extraction from photographic images in the automatic identification of skin tumors. These studies were extended by applying the relative-color method to dermoscopic images of melanoma grouped with melanoma in situ and clark nevus lesions in dermoscopic images allow more control over lighting variations, which contribute to lesion misclassification. Dermoscopic images then enable a more detailed examination of the structure of skin lesions, provide much more structural detail within lesions, and contain visual information that cannot be seen in photographic images. This present work extends the previous studies by applying relative-color feature extraction to dermoscopic images to differentiate among melanoma, seborrheic keratoses and Reed/Spitz nevi. Objective: To develop a method for automatically differentiating among malignant melanoma, seborrheic keratoses and Reed/Spitz nevi, using digitized, color, dermoscopic images. Methods: Images underwent preprocessing, tumor segmentation, feature extraction and tumor classification. The relative-color method was used in the segmentation stage. Classification was accomplished by taking the inner products of model tumor feature vectors with test-image tumor vectors followed by the nearest-neighbor classification method. Results: The classification rates of melanoma, seborrheic keratoses and Reed/Spitz nevi images mixed together, were 60%, 58.3% and 80%, respectively. Classification of melanoma and Reed/Spitz nevi mixed, were 70% and 90%, respectively. Classification rates were the best when melanoma was being differentiated from seborrheic keratoses. These rates were 100% and 88.9%, respectively. Conclusion: Dermoscopic rather than photographic images were preprocessed, using a hair-removal technique. They were then converted to relative-color images, which were segmented using the principal components transform and median split, followed by morphological filtering. After processing, the multi-dimensional tumor feature space described herein was used to differentiate the tumors. The high success rates for differentiating seborrheic keratoses from melanoma show that the use of dermoscopic images has a strong promise in enabling prescreening, as well as automated assistance and significant improvement in tumor diagnosis in clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease, the incidence of which is increasing globally. The existing therapy is inadequate and has many adverse effects. It needs a better therapeutic molecule preferably of natural origin, which has negligible or no adverse effects. In view of this, we evaluated Glycyrrhizin (GRZ), a major constituent of a plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, for its efficacy on asthmatic features in a mouse model of asthma. BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to develop the asthmatic features such as airway hyperresponsiveness: allergen induced airway constriction and airway hyperreactivity (AHR) to methacholine (MCh), and pulmonary inflammation. The mice were orally treated with GRZ (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) during or after OVA-sensitization and OVA-challenge to evaluate its protective or reversal effect, respectively on the above asthmatic features. The status of airway hyperresponsiveness was measured by monitoring specific airway conductance (SGaw) using a non-invasive method and the pulmonary inflammation was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining of lung sections. Several other parameters associated with asthma such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 interferon-γ (IFN-γ), OVA-specific IgE, total IgG2a and cortisol were measured by ELISA. GRZ (5 mg/kg) markedly inhibited OVA-induced immediate airway constriction, AHR to MCh (p <0.01), lung inflammation, and infiltration of eosinophils in the peribronchial and perivascular areas. It prevented the reduction of IFN-γ (p <0.02), and decreased IL-4 (p <0.05), IL-5 (p <0.05) and eosinophils (p <0.0002) in the BAL fluid. Also, it reduced OVA-specific IgE levels (p <0.01) and prevented the reduction of total IgG2a (p <0.01) in serum. We have also showed that it has no effect on serum cortisol levels. Our results demonstrate that GRZ alleviates asthmatic features in mice and it could be useful towards developing a better therapeutic molecule in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Functional neuroimaging research on depression has traditionally targeted neural networks associated with the psychological aspects of depression. In this study, instead, we focus on alterations of sensorimotor function in depression. We used restingstate functional MRI data and dynamic causal modeling (DCM) to assess the hypothesis that depression is associated with aberrant effective connectivity within and between key regions in the sensorimotor hierarchy. Using hierarchical modeling of betweensubject effects in DCM with parametric empirical Bayes we first established the architecture of effective connectivity in sensorimotor cortices. We found that in (interoceptive and exteroceptive) sensory cortices across participants, the backward connections are predominantly inhibitory, whereas the forward connections are mainly excitatory in nature. In motor cortices these parities were reversed. With increasing depression severity, these patterns are depreciated in exteroceptive and motor cortices and augmented in the interoceptive cortex, an observation that speaks to depressive symptomatology. We established the robustness of these results in a leave-one-out cross-validation analysis and by reproducing the main results in a follow-up dataset. Interestingly, with (nonpharmacological) treatment, depression-associated changes in backward and forward effective connectivity partially reverted to group mean levels. Overall, altered effective connectivity in sensorimotor cortices emerges as a promising and quantifiable candidate marker of depression severity and treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earth experienced warm temperatures during the Pliocene followed by a substantial cooling that culminated in an ice age climate at the beginning of the Pleistocene. This warmth had a significant impact on global environments and ocean circulation. The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates further amplified this climatic pattern. The southern Indian Ocean was severely impacted by these changes in ocean circulation and climatic pattern during the Plio-Pleistocene. We reconstruct paleoceanographic turnovers in the southeastern Indian Ocean during the Plio-Pleistocene using benthic foraminiferal assemblages from ODP Sites 752 and 757, combined with relative abundances of selected planktic foraminiferal species and stable isotope ratios (δ18O and δ13C) of surface-dwelling and thermocline planktic foraminifera from Site 757. The influence of southern source Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) since 4.5 Ma is marked by fluctuations in productivity till the intensification of the Northern Hemisphere glaciation (NHG) at ~3 Ma. Our isotopic data provide no evidence for cooling during the 4–3 Ma interval either for upper (Gs. ruber) or lower (M. menardii) mixed-layer waters, at a time when a switch in the source of the Indonesian Throughflow may have occurred. The increased mixed-layer species abundances since 4 Ma suggest oligotrophic conditions at low-latitude Site 757 due to thick mixed-layer coinciding with the constriction of the Indonesian Gateway and intensification of the NHG. The intensification of the NHG and monsoon seasonality caused an enhanced inflow of AAIW in the southeastern Indian Ocean since ~2.5 Ma. • AAIW influenced the southeastern Indian Ocean since ~4.5 Ma onwards, which further enhanced after ~1.8 Ma. • No decrease in Sea surface temperature at Site 757 due to switch in the source of ITF between ~4 and 3 Ma. • The thick mixed-layer at Site 757 was coinciding with the constriction of ITF and intensification of the NHG. • Indian Winter Monsoon was strong during periods of global cooling since ~2.5 Ma onwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the cytoskeleton has a dynamic network of proteins, including actin, microtubules, and associated motor proteins, that enables essential cellular processes such as motility, division, and growth. Topics include a critical parameter that influences the large-scale activity of actomyosin networks has the connectivity of the network; and create an active composite network of co-entangled actin filaments and microtubules.

Data accountability (i.e., data integrity and traceability) concerns existing construction cost management platforms due to the risk of data manipulation in a centralized paradigm. Blockchain is a promising technology that provides immutable and traceable data storage with a decentralized architecture. However, the transparency of blockchain conflicts with the confidentiality nature of cost information. Therefore, this paper presents a novel framework based on blockchain and encryption to preserve both data accountability and confidentiality in construction cost management. The proposed new framework involves the development of a cost data model containing the required confidential cost information to facilitate partially transparent recordings on the blockchain. An access control model based on symmetric and asymmetric encryption as well as proxy re-encryption mechanisms is developed to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive cost data on the blockchain and transfer data access in dynamic construction projects (i.e., construction projects involving new members continuously). Subsequently, encryption-integrated smart contracts are developed for automatic and secure cost activities on the blockchain. The framework is validated with a desirable latency (at the millisecond level), throughput (at the hundred level), and storage cost (at the MB level) in three illustrative cost management scenarios. The results indicate that project members can have accountable and confidential cost data for dispute resolution and cost analysis, respectively, as well as efficient cost data access transfer. • A framework based on blockchain and encryption for construction cost management. • Identification of confidential cost data models for partially transparent blockchain recording. • Proxy re-encryption mechanisms for cost information access transfer on blockchain. • Encryption-integrated smart contracts to automate and secure cost activities on blockchain. • Latency in msec, TPS in hundred and storage cost in MB in 3 illustrative scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell migration in morphogenesis and cancer metastasis typically involves interplay between different cell types. We construct and study a minimal, one-dimensional model composed of two different motile cells with each cell represented as an active elastic dimer. The interaction between the two cells via cadherins is modeled as a spring that can rupture beyond a threshold force as it undergoes dynamic loading from the interacting motile cells. We obtain a phase diagram consisting of chase-and-run dynamics and clumping dynamics as a function of the stiffness of the interaction spring and the threshold force and, therefore, posit that active rupture, or rupture via active forces, is a mechanosensitive means to regulate dynamics between cells. Since the parameters in the model differentiate between N- and E-cadherins, we make predictions for the interactions between a placodelike cell and a neural crestlike cell in a microchannel as well as discuss how our results inform chase-and-run dynamics found in a group of placode cells interacting with a group of neural crest cells. In particular, an argument was made in the latter case that the feedback between cadherins and cell-substrate interaction via integrins was necessary to obtain the chase-and-run behavior. Based on our two-cell results, we argue that this feedback accentuates, but is not necessary for, the chase-and-run behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-6 levels along with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); neutrophil count; and the levels of ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimer were significantly increased however, interferon (IFN)-γ levels were significantly reduced in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared with those in patients with mild and/or moderate COVID-19. • The white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, eosinophil, and platelet counts are significantly reduced in patients with severe COVID-19 in comparison with those in patients with mild and moderate COVID-19 symptoms. • The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), IL-6-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and ferritin-to-ESR ratio are also significantly higher in patients with severe COVID-19 than in those with mild and/or moderate COVID-19. • The reduced level of IFN-γ is attributed to a less fatality toll in Bangladesh. The manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity and mortality has been associated with dysregulation of the immune response, often influenced by racial disparities and conferred by changes in hematologic and immunologic parameters. These biological and hematologic parameters as well as cytokine profiles were investigated in a cohort of 61 COVID-19-positive patients (categorized into mild, moderate, and severe groups) from Bangladesh using standard analytical methods. The data reported that the interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-6 levels were significantly increased, whereas the levels of interferon (IFN)-γ were significantly reduced in patients with severe COVID-19 (p < 0.05) compared with those in patients with mild and/or moderate COVID-19. The extent of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); neutrophil count; and levels of ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimer (p < 0.05) were found to be significantly increased, whereas the white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, eosinophil, and platelet counts (p < 0.05) were observed to be significantly reduced in patients with severe COVID-19 compared with those in the patients in other 2 groups. Our study exhibited a significantly higher IL-6-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with severe COVID-19 than in those with mild and moderate COVID-19. The calculated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and ferritin-to-ESR ratio were significantly increased in patients with severe COVID-19. The increase in the IL-4 and IL-6 levels along with CRP and D-dimer levels may envisage a hyperinflammatory environment and immune dysregulation, which contribute to prolonged viral persistence, leading to severe disease. However, the reduced level of IFN-γ can be attributed to a less fatality toll in Bangladesh compared with that in the rest of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We construct and analyze a model for a disordered linear spring network with anisotropy. The modeling is motivated by, for example, granular systems, nematic elastomers, and ultimately cytoskeletal networks exhibiting some underlying anisotropy. The model consists of a triangular lattice with two different bond occupation probabilities, px and py, for the linear springs. We develop an effective medium theory (EMT) to describe the network elasticity as a function of px and py. We find that the onset of rigidity in the EMT agrees with Maxwell constraint counting. We also find beyond linear behavior in the shear and bulk modulus as a function of occupation probability in the rigid phase for small strains, which differs from the isotropic case. We compare our EMT with numerical simulations to find rather good agreement. Finally, we discuss the implications of extending the reach of effective medium theory as well as draw connections with prior work on both anisotropic and isotropic spring networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is widely adopted for design collaboration in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, while its centralized paradigm suffers the risk of data manipulation. To this end, blockchain is an emerging distributive technology that guarantees data authenticity and integrity by providing decentralized, immutable, and traceable data storage. However, directly integrating BIM with blockchain risks leaking sensitive data, since a blockchain is a transparent network insofar as shared information (including sensitive data) can be disclosed to all members without access control. Therefore, this paper proposes a confidentiality-minded framework (CMF) for blockchain-based design collaboration. The major innovations are twofold. First, an access control model is developed in the CMF to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive BIM data in a blockchain ledger. Second, new design strategies are developed in CMF to facilitate design coordination within the access-controlled blockchain network. An illustrative design example validates the feasibility and performance of the proposed CMF, which has acceptable latency and storage cost. The results also show that the sensitive BIM data are effectively kept confidential when project members collaborate within the CMF. • Proposed an access control model to protect sensitive BIM data in the blockchain ledger. • Developed BIM component-based workflows for design coordination in an access-controlled blockchain network. • Developed a BIM Merkle tree (BMT) data model and BMT algorithms for efficient versioning of BIM components. • Validated the feasibility and performance of CMF through an illustrative example. • Results show that the CMF can protect BIM confidentiality in the blockchain-based design collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, the global proliferation of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) have presented a major risk to the public and wildlife, and ecosystem and economic services provided by inland water resources. As a consequence, water resources, environmental, and healthcare agencies are in need of early information about the development of these blooms to mitigate or minimize their impact. Results from various components of a novel multi-cloud cyber-infrastructure referred to as "CyanoTRACKER" for initial detection and continuous monitoring of spatio-temporal growth of CyanoHABs is highlighted in this study. The novelty of the CyanoTRACKER framework is the collection and integration of combined community reports (social cloud), remote sensing data (sensor cloud) and digital image analytics (computation cloud) to detect and differentiate between regular algal blooms and CyanoHABs. Individual components of CyanoTRACKER include a reporting website, mobile application (App), remotely deployable solar powered automated hyperspectral sensor (CyanoSense), and a cloud-based satellite data processing and integration tool. All components of CyanoTRACKER provided important data related to CyanoHABs assessments for regional and global water bodies. Reports and data received via social cloud including the mobile App, Twitter, Facebook, and CyanoTRACKER website, helped in identifying the geographic locations of CyanoHABs affected water bodies. A significant increase (124.92%) in tweet numbers related to CyanoHABs was observed between 2011 (total relevant tweets = 2925) and 2015 (total relevant tweets = 6579) that reflected an increasing trend of the harmful phenomena across the globe as well as an increased awareness about CyanoHABs among Twitter users. The CyanoHABs affected water bodies extracted via the social cloud were categorized, and smaller water bodies were selected for the deployment of CyanoSense, and satellite data analysis was performed for larger water bodies. CyanoSense was able to differentiate between ordinary algae and CyanoHABs through the use of their characteristic absorption feature at 620 nm. The results and products from this infrastructure can be rapidly disseminated via the CyanoTRACKER website, social media, and direct communication with appropriate management agencies for issuing warnings and alerting lake managers, stakeholders and ordinary citizens to the dangers posed by these environmentally harmful phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cytoskeleton precisely tunes its mechanics by altering interactions between semiflexible actin filaments, rigid microtubules, and crosslinking proteins. We use optical tweezers microrheology and confocal microscopy to characterize how varying crosslinking motifs impact the mesoscale mechanics and mobility of actin-microtubule composites. We show that, upon subtle changes in crosslinking patterns, composites can exhibit two distinct classes of force response – primarily elastic versus more viscous. For example, a composite in which actin and microtubules are crosslinked to each other but not to themselves is markedly more elastic than one in which both filaments are independently crosslinked. Notably, this distinction only emerges at mesoscopic scales in response to nonlinear forcing, whereas varying crosslinking motifs have little impact on the microscale mechanics and mobility. Our unexpected scale-dependent results not only inform the physics underlying key cytoskeleton processes and structures, but, more generally, provide valuable perspective to materials engineering endeavors focused on polymer composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]