Multi-fold fermionic and bosonic states in topologically non-trivial TiPd.

The topological properties of the A15-type compound TiPd reveal a complex landscape of multi-fold fermionic and bosonic states, as uncovered through calculations within the framework of density functional theory (DFT). The electronic band structure shows multi-fold degenerate crossings at the high-symmetry point R near the Fermi level, which evolves into 4-fold and 8-fold degenerate fermionic states upon the introduction of spin-orbit coupling (SOC). Likewise, the phononic band structure features multi-fold degenerate bosonic crossings at the same R point.

Healthcare Resource Utilization Among Patients in England with Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A Retrospective Database Analysis.

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) places a substantial burden on patients and healthcare systems. The objectives of this study were to describe clinical characteristics and assess healthcare resource utilization and costs of patients with SSc-ILD in England, compared with patients with non-pulmonary organ involvement related to SSc (SSc-OOI).

Methods: This population-based retrospective study used data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to Hospital Episode Statistics.

Specialized odorant receptors in social insects that detect cuticular hydrocarbon cues and candidate pheromones.

Eusocial insects use cuticular hydrocarbons as components of pheromones that mediate social behaviours, such as caste and nestmate recognition, and regulation of reproduction. In ants such as Harpegnathos saltator, the queen produces a pheromone which suppresses the development of workers' ovaries and if she is removed, workers can transition to a reproductive state known as gamergate. Here we functionally characterize a subfamily of odorant receptors (Ors) with a nine-exon gene structure that have undergone a massive expansion in ants and other eusocial insects.

Plant-associated odor perception and processing in two parasitoid species with different degrees of host specificity: Implications for host location strategies.

Microplitis croceipes and Cotesia marginiventris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae with different degrees of host specificity. Both parasitoid species rely on host-related plant volatiles as odor cues to locate their herbivore hosts. To better understand mechanisms of odor processing in parasitoids, we tested responses of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) in the antennal sensilla placodea of female parasitoids to select plant volatiles and mixtures.

Species and sexual differences in antennal lobe architecture and glomerular organization in two parasitoids with different degree of host specificity, Microplitis croceipes and Cotesia marginiventris.

The endoparasitic wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Microplitis croceipes (specialist) and Cotesia marginiventris (generalist), are parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae and differ in their degree of host specificity. Recent studies have reported key differences between the two species in the abundance of antennal olfactory sensilla and their response to host-related volatiles. Here, we have compared antennal lobe architecture and glomerular organization in the two parasitoid species by using a combination of axonal tract tracing techniques and confocal microscopy.

Abundance of antennal chemosensilla in two parasitoid wasps with different degree of host specificity may explain sexual and species differences in their response to host-related volatiles.

The endoparasitic wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Microplitis croceipes (specialist), and Cotesia marginiventris (generalist) are parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae that differ in their degree of host specificity. Previous studies by our group have reported key differences in the response of both parasitoids to host-related volatiles. To possibly understand the basis for our results, we compared the abundance of antennal sensilla in both sexes of both parasitoid species using scanning electron microscopy and silver-staining techniques.