bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muscleblind‐like 2 knockout shifts adducin 1 isoform expression and alters dendritic spine dynamics of cortical neurons during brain development
Authors: Huang Chia‐Wei , Lee Kuang‐Yung , Lin Peng‐Tzu , Nian Fang‐Shin , Cheng Haw‐Yuan , Chang Chien‐Hui , Liao Cheng‐Yen , Su Yen‐Lin , Seah Carol , Li Ching , Chen Yu‐Fu , Lee Mei‐Hsuan , Tsai Jin‐Wu
Published: February 2023

Aims

Muscleblind‐like 2 (MBNL2) plays a crucial role in regulating alternative splicing during development and mouse loss of MBNL2 recapitulates brain phenotypes in myotonic dystrophy (DM). However, the mechanisms underlying DM neuropathogenesis during brain development remain unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the impact of MBNL2 elimination on neuronal development by Mbnl2 conditional knockout (CKO) mouse models.

Methods

To create Mbnl2 knockout neurons, cDNA encoding Cre‐recombinase was delivered into neural progenitors of Mbnl2flox/flox mouse brains by in utero electroporation. The morphologies and dynamics of dendritic spines were monitored by confocal and two‐photon microscopy in brain slices and live animals from the neonatal period into adulthood. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism, we further detected the changes in the splicing and molecular interactions of proteins associated with spinogenesis.

Results

We found that Mbnl2 knockout in cortical neurons decreased dendritic spine density and dynamics in adolescent mice. Mbnl2 ablation caused the adducin 1 (ADD1) isoform to switch from adult to fetal with a frameshift, and the truncated ADD1 failed to interact with alpha‐II spectrin (SPTAN1), a critical protein for spinogenesis. In addition, expression of ADD1 adult isoform compensated for the reduced dendritic spine density in cortical neurons deprived of MBNL2.

Conclusion

MBNL2 plays a critical role in maintaining the dynamics and homeostasis of dendritic spines in the developing brain. Mis‐splicing of downstream ADD1 may account for the alterations and contribute to the DM brain pathogenesis.
An optimized hydroponic pipeline for large‐scale identification of wheat genotypes with resilient biological nitrification inhibition activity
Authors: Jáuregui Iván , Vega‐Mas Izargi , Delaplace Pierre , Vanderschuren Hervé , Thonar Cécile
Published: February 2023

Several plant species have been reported to inhibit nitrification via their root exudates, the so‐called biological nitrification inhibition (BNI). Given the potential of BNI‐producing plants to sustainably mitigate N losses in agrosystems, identification of BNI activity in existing germplasms is of paramount importance.

A hydroponic system was combined with an optimized Nitrosomonas europaea‐based bioassay to determine the BNI activity of root exudates. The pipeline allows collecting and processing hundreds of root exudates simultaneously. An additional assay was established to assess the potential bactericide effect of the root exudates.

The pipeline was used to unravel the impact of developmental stage, temperature and osmotic stress on the BNI trait in selected wheat genotypes. Biological nitrification inhibition activity appeared consistently higher in wheat at the pretillering stage as compared to the tillering stage. While low‐temperatures did not alter BNI activities in root exudates, osmotic stress appeared to change the BNI activity in a genotype‐dependent manner. Further analysis of Nitrosomonas culture after pre‐exposure to root exudates suggested that BNI activity has no or limited bactericide effects.

The present pipeline will be instrumental to further investigating the dynamics of BNI activity and to uncover the diversity of the BNI trait in plant species.
CRISPRi in Xanthomonas demonstrates functional convergence of transcription activator‐like effectors in two divergent pathogens
Authors: Zárate‐Chaves Carlos Andrés , Audran Corinne , Medina Culma César Augusto , Escalon Aline , Javegny Stéphanie , Gagnevin Lionel , Thomas Emilie , Pimparé Léa‐Lou , López Camilo E. , Jacobs Jonathan M. , Noël Laurent D. , Koebnik Ralf , Bernal Adriana Jimena , Szurek Boris
Published: February 2023

Functional analysis of large gene families in plant pathogens can be cumbersome using classical insertional mutagenesis. Additionally, Cas9 toxicity has limited the application of CRISPR–Cas9 for directed mutagenesis in bacteria.

Here, we successfully applied a CRISPR interference strategy to investigate the cryptic role of the transcription activator‐like effector (tale) multigene family in several plant‐pathogenic Xanthomonas bacterial species, owing to their contribution to pathogen virulence.

Single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) designed against Xanthomonas phaseoli pv manihotis tale conserved gene sequences efficiently silenced expression of all tales, with concomitant decrease in virulence and TALE‐induced host gene expression. The system is readily translatable to other Xanthomonas species infecting rice, citrus, Brassica, and cassava, silencing up to 16 tales in a given strain using a single sgRNA. Complementation with plasmid‐borne designer tales lacking the sgRNA‐targeted sequence restored molecular and virulence phenotypes in all pathosystems.

Our results evidenced that X. campestris pv campestris CN08 tales are relevant for symptom development in cauliflower. They also show that the MeSWEET10a sugar transporter is surprisingly targeted by the nonvascular cassava pathogen X. cassavae, highlighting a new example of TALE functional convergence between phylogenetically distant Xanthomonas. Overall, this novel technology provides a platform for discovery and rapid functional understanding of highly conserved gene families.
Two pathogen loci determine Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici virulence to wheat resistance gene Pm1a
Authors: Kloppe Tim , Whetten Rebecca B. , Kim Saet‐Byul , Powell Oliver R. , Lück Stefanie , Douchkov Dimitar , Whetten Ross W. , Hulse‐Kemp Amanda M. , Balint‐Kurti Peter , Cowger Christina
Published: February 2023

Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) is a globally important fungal pathogen of wheat that can rapidly evolve to defeat wheat powdery mildew (Pm) resistance genes. Despite periodic regional deployment of the Pm1a resistance gene in US wheat production, Bgt strains that overcome Pm1a have been notably nonpersistent in the United States, while on other continents, they are more widely established.

A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to map sequence variants associated with Pm1a virulence in 216 Bgt isolates from six countries, including the United States. A virulence variant apparently unique to Bgt isolates from the United States was detected in the previously mapped gene AvrPm1a (BgtE‐5612) on Bgt chromosome 6; an in vitro growth assay suggested no fitness reduction associated with this variant.

A gene on Bgt chromosome 8, Bgt‐51526, was shown to function as a second determinant of Pm1a virulence, and despite < 30% amino acid identity, BGT‐51526 and BGTE‐5612 were predicted to share > 85% of their secondary structure. A co‐expression study in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that BGTE‐5612 and BGT‐51526 each produce a PM1A‐dependent hypersensitive response.

More than one member of a B. graminis effector family can be recognized by a single wheat immune receptor, and a two‐gene model is necessary to explain virulence to Pm1a.
Magnaporthe oryzae endoplasmic reticulum membrane complex regulates the biogenesis of membrane proteins for pathogenicity
Authors: Liu Ning , Huang Manna , Liang Xinyuan , Cao Miao , Lun Zhiqin , Zhang Yan , Yang Jun , Bhadauria Vijai , Zhao Wensheng , Yan Jiye , Peng You‐Liang , Lu Xunli
Published: February 2023

In eukaryotes, the majority of newly synthesized integral membrane proteins are inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane before transferred to their functional sites. The conserved ER membrane complex (EMC) takes part in the insertion process for tail‐anchored membrane proteins. However, the function of EMC in phytopathogenic fungi has not been characterized.

Here, we report the identification and functional characterization of two EMC subunits MoEmc5 and MoEmc2 in Magnaporthe oryzae. The knockout mutants ΔMoemc5 and ΔMoemc2 exhibit substantial defect in autophagy, pathogenicity, cell wall integrity, and magnesium ion sensitivity.

We demonstrate that the autophagy process was severely impaired in the ΔMoemc5 and ΔMoemc2 mutants because of the low‐protein steady‐state level of Atg9, the sole membrane‐associated autophagy protein. Furthermore, the protein level of membrane proteins Chs4, Fks1, and MoMnr2 is also significantly reduced in the ΔMoemc5 and ΔMoemc2 strains, leading to their supersensitivity to Calcofluor white, Congo red, and magnesium. In addition, MoEmc5, but not MoEmc2, acts as a magnesium transporter independent of its EMC function.

Magnaporthe oryzae EMC regulates the biogenesis of membrane proteins for autophagy and virulence; therefore, EMC subunits could be potential targets for fungicide design in the future.
Detection of type III effector‐induced transcription factors that regulate phytohormone content during symbiosis establishment in soybean
Authors: Lu Wencheng , Zheng Zefeng , Kang Qinglin , Liu Hongji , Jia Hongchang , Yu Fenghao , Zhang Yuxin , Han Dezhi , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Yan Xiaofei , Huo Mingqi , Wang Jinhui , Chen Qingshan , Zhao Ying , Xin Dawei
Published: February 2023

Soybean is a pivotal protein and oil crop that utilizes atmospheric nitrogen via symbiosis with rhizobium soil bacteria. Rhizobial type III effectors (T3Es) are essential regulators during symbiosis establishment. However, how the transcription factors involved in the interaction between phytohormone synthesis and type III effectors are connected is unclear. To detect the responses of phytohormone and transcription factor genes to rhizobial type III effector NopAA and type III secretion system, the candidate genes underlying soybean symbiosis were identified using RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and phytohormone content analysis of soybean roots infected with wild‐type Rhizobium and its derived T3E mutant. Via RNA‐seq analysis the WRKY and ERF transcription factor families were identified as the most differentially expressed factors in the T3E mutant compared with the wild‐type. Next, qRT‐PCR was used to confirm the candidate genes Glyma.09g282900, Glyma.08g018300, Glyma.18g238200, Glyma.03g116300, Glyma.07g246600, Glyma.16g172400 induced by S. fredii HH103, S. fredii HH103ΩNopAA, and S. fredii HH103ΩRhcN. Since the WRKY and ERF families may regulate abscisic acid (ABA) content and underlying nodule formation, we performed phytohormone content analysis at 0.5 and 24 h post‐inoculation (hpi). A significant change in ABA content was found between wild Rhizobium and type III effector mutant. Our results support that NopAA can promote the establishment of symbiosis by affecting the ABA signaling pathways by regulating WRKY and ERF which regulate the phytohormone signaling pathway. Specifically, our work provides insights into a signaling interaction of prokaryotic effector‐induced phytohormone response involved in host signaling that regulates the establishment of symbiosis and increases nitrogen utilization efficiency in soybean plants.
Framework for facilitating mangrove recovery after hurricanes on Caribbean islands
Authors: Krauss Ken W. , Whelan Kevin R. T. , Kennedy John Paul , Friess Daniel A. , Rogers Caroline S. , Stewart Heather A. , Grimes Kristin Wilson , Trench Camilo A. , Ogurcak Danielle E. , Toline Catherine A. , Ball Lianne C. , From Andrew S.
Published: February 2023

Mangrove ecosystems in the Caribbean are frequently exposed to hurricanes, leading to structural and regenerative change that elicit calls for recovery action. For those mangroves unaffected by human modifications, recovery can occur naturally. Indeed, observable natural recovery after hurricanes is the genesis of the “disturbance adaptation” classification for mangroves; while structural legacies exist, unaltered stands often regenerate and persist. However, among the >7,000 islands, islets, and cays that make up the Caribbean archipelago, coastal alterations to support development affect mechanisms for regeneration, sediment distribution, tidal water conveyance, and intertidal mangrove transgression, imposing sometimes insurmountable barriers to natural post‐hurricane recovery. We use a case study approach to suggest that actions to facilitate recovery of mangroves on Caribbean islands (and similar settings globally) may be more effective when focusing on ameliorating pre‐existing anthropogenic stressors. Actions to clean debris, collect mangrove propagules, and plant seedlings are noble endeavors, but can be costly and fall short of achieving recovery goals in isolation without careful consideration of pre‐hurricane stress. We update a procedural framework that considers six steps to implementing “Ecological Mangrove Restoration” (EMR), and we apply them specifically to hurricane recovery. If followed, EMR may expedite actions by suggesting immediate damage assessment focused on hydrogeomorphic mangrove type, hydrology, and previous anthropogenic (or natural) influence. Application of EMR may help to improve mangrove recovery success following catastrophic storms, and reduce guesswork, delays, and monetary inefficiencies.
Effects of a disability‐simulating learning unit on ableism of final‐year dental students – a pilot study
Authors: Hillebrecht Anna‐Lena , Steffens Simone , Roesner Anuschka Josephine , Kohal Ralf‐Joachim , Vach Kristin , Spies Benedikt C.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to describe a disability‐simulating learning unit (DSLU) to raise dental students’ awareness of the special needs of patients with disabilities as well as to measure the effect of the DSLU on ableism.

Methods

A DSLU among final‐year undergraduate dental students (n = 33), was developed and evaluated. The students were randomly divided into two groups (Group I, n = 17; Group II, n = 16). Group II only received conventional teaching (control group), whereas Group I was additionally exposed to the DSLU (intervention group). In the DSLU, typical physical restrictions and the associated difficulties in attending dental appointments were simulated with the help of simulation suits. Four different stations offered the opportunity to experience typical signs of disability in a dental context. About 2 months after the DSLU, both groups were asked to answer the Symbolic Ableism Scale (SAS). An analysis was conducted to examine the participants’ average total score and several subscores. The Mann–Whitney U Test was employed to control the differences between the study groups.

Results

Overall, the students in the intervention group had a significantly (p = .001) lower mean SAS summary score (median = .37; IQR .32–.42) than the students in the control group (median = .50; IQR .39–.53). For the components “individualism” (p < .0001) and “excessive demands” (p = .002) significant group differences could be observed.

Conclusion

The DSLU is a potentially feasible and effective method for influencing students’ ableism attitude.
Marketed tax avoidance: an economic analysis∗
Authors: Li Jiao , Gamannossi degl'Innocenti Duccio , Rablen Matthew D.
Published: February 2023

Recent years have witnessed the growth of mass‐marketed tax avoidance schemes aimed at the middle (not top) of the income distribution, with significant implications for tax revenue. We examine the consequences for the structure of income tax, and for tax authority anti‐avoidance efforts, of tax avoidance of this type. In a model that allows for both demand‐ and supply‐side considerations, we find that: there is an endogenous threshold income below which taxpayers do not avoid, and above which they avoid maximally; the per‐dollar price of tax avoidance is decreasing in income under progressive taxation; endogenous adjustments in the price of avoidance make supply less responsive to anti‐avoidance activity than thought previously; and avoidance may drive a non‐monotone relationship between tax rates and tax revenue. These findings suggest that new approaches to anti‐avoidance, beyond legal enforcement, might be needed.
Cognitive assessment of literacy learning difficulties in adult non‐ or low‐literate second language learners
Authors: Nielsen T. Rune , Vinnner Pernille
Published: February 2023

The population of non‐ or low‐literate adult immigrants studying a new language is large and growing in many countries. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a new instrument for the assessment of cognitive impairment that may hinder literacy learning in adult non‐ or low‐literate L2 learners, the Cognitive Assessment of Literacy Learning Difficulties (CALL), in a language center setting. This was a case–control study in which the CALL was validated in adult non‐ or low‐literate students, or students who were not literate in the Latin alphabet, in nine Danish language centers. Educator classification of students with very slow progression in learning basic Danish literacy was used as a benchmark for literacy learning difficulties. Classification was further based on the number of lessons participants had required to pass tests during Danish language program levels. An acceptable discriminative validity (AUC 0.76; specificity 0.94, sensitivity 0.64) for literacy learning difficulties (n = 32) versus schooling and sex matched control participants (n = 28) was found. In comparison, years of formal schooling had an AUC of 0.58. Age had a small effect on the ability of the CALL to predict literacy learning difficulties (OR = 1.097, p = 0.013), whereas sex and years of schooling did not. CALL was found to be a valid instrument for identification of cognitive impairment that may hinder literacy learning in adult non‐ or low‐literate L2 learners in a Danish language center setting.
“11 for Health” in the Faroe Islands: Popularity in schoolchildren aged 10–12 and the effect on well‐being and health knowledge
Authors: Skoradal May‐Britt , Olsen Maria Hammer , Madsen Mads , Larsen Malte Nejst , Mohr Magni , Krustrup Peter
Published: February 2023

Background

We aimed to investigate the popularity of the “11 for Health program for Europe” for 10–12‐year‐old Faroese children and the effects on well‐being and health knowledge.

Methods

We applied a cluster‐randomized controlled trial, including a total of 19 school clusters, randomized into intervention schools (IG, n = 12) and control schools (CG, n = 7). A total of 261 children (137 boys and 124 girls) participated. IG completed the 11‐week program, consisting of 2 × 45 min weekly sessions with football drills, small‐sided games, and health education. CG continued their regular education. Pre‐ and post‐intervention, the participants completed a shortened version of the multidimensional well‐being questionnaire KIDSCREEN‐27 and a 34‐item multiple‐choice health knowledge questionnaire.

Results

Between‐group differences (p < 0.05) were observed in change scores for physical well‐being and overall peers and social support in favor of IG compared with CG, as well as for physical well‐being in IG girls compared with CG girls. Between‐group differences in change score for overall health knowledge (11.8%, p < 0.001, ES: 0.82) were observed in favor of IG, as well as for playing football (8.9%, p = 0.039, ES: 0.24), be active (8.1%, p = 0.017, ES: 0.32), control your weight (18.5%, p < 0.001, ES: 0.52), wash your hands (19.5%, p < 0.001, ES: 0.59), eat a balanced diet (19.3%, p < 0.001, ES: 0.64), get fit (12.1%, p = 0.007, ES: 0.34), and think positive (5.5%, p = 0.039, ES: 0.22). The program was reported as enjoyable with equal moderate‐to‐high scores for girls (3.68 ± 1.23; ±SD) and boys (3.84 ± 1.17) on a 1–5 Likert Scale.

Conclusion

The “11 for Health program for Europe” improved physical well‐being, peers, and social support and broad‐spectrum health knowledge in 10–12‐year‐old Faroese schoolchildren and was rated popular.
Convergent Hahn series and tropical geometry of higher rank
Authors: Joswig Michael , Smith Ben
Published: February 2023

We propose to study the tropical geometry specifically arising from convergent Hahn series in multiple indeterminates. One application is a new view on stable intersections of tropical hypersurfaces. Another one is perturbations of rank one tropical polytopes, which is beneficial for algorithmic purposes.
Multiple recurrence and convergence without commutativity
Authors: Frantzikinakis Nikos , Host Bernard
Published: February 2023

We establish multiple recurrence and convergence results for pairs of zero entropy measure preserving transformations that do not satisfy any commutativity assumptions. Our results cover the case where the iterates of the two transformations are and , respectively, where , and the case remains an open problem. Our starting point is based on the observation that Furstenberg systems of sequences of the form have very special structural properties when . We use these properties and some disjointness arguments in order to get characteristic factors with nilpotent structure for the corresponding ergodic averages, and then finish the proof using some equidistribution results on nilmanifolds.
Extremal values of semi‐regular continuants and codings of interval exchange transformations
Authors: De Luca Alessandro , Edson Marcia , Zamboni Luca Q.
Published: February 2023

Given a set consisting of positive integers and a k‐term partition , find the extremal denominators of the regular and semi‐regular continued fraction with partial quotients and where each occurs precisely times in the sequence . In 1983, G. Ramharter gave an explicit description of the extremal arrangements of the regular continued fraction and the minimizing arrangement for the semi‐regular continued fraction and showed that in each case the arrangement is unique up to reversal and independent of the actual values of the positive integers . However, an explicit determination of a maximizing arrangement for the semi‐regular continuant turned out to be substantially more difficult. Ramharter conjectured that as in the other three cases, the maximizing arrangement is unique (up to reversal) and depends only on the partition P and not on the actual values of the . He further verified the conjecture in the special case of a binary alphabet. In this paper, we confirm Ramharter's conjecture for sets with and give an algorithmic procedure for constructing the unique maximizing arrangement. We also show that Ramharter's conjecture fails for sets with in that the maximizing arrangement is in general neither unique nor independent of the values of the digits in . The central idea is that the extremal arrangements satisfy a strong combinatorial condition. This combinatorial condition may also be stated more or less verbatum in the context of infinite sequences on an ordered set. We show that in the context of bi‐infinite binary words, this condition coincides with the Markoff property, discovered by A. A. Markoff in 1879 in his study of minima of binary quadratic forms. We further show that this same combinatorial condition is the fundamental property which describes the orbit structure of the natural codings of points under a symmetric k‐interval exchange transformation.
On Borsuk–Ulam theorems and convex sets
Authors: Crabb M. C.
Published: February 2023

The Intermediate Value Theorem is used to give an elementary proof of a Borsuk–Ulam theorem of Adams, Bush and Frick [1] that if is a continuous function on the unit circle S1 in such that for all , then there is a finite subset X of S1 of diameter at most (in the standard metric in which the circle has circumference of length 2π) such the convex hull of contains .
The distribution of geodesics on the cube surface
Authors: Yang Yuxuan
Published: February 2023

We establish a Kronecker–Weyl type result, on time‐quantitative equidistribution for a natural non‐integrable system, geodesic flow on the cube surface. Our tool is the shortline‐ancestor method developed in Beck, Donders, and Yang [Acta Math. Hungar. 161 (2020), 66–184] and Beck, Donders, and Yang [Acta Math. Hungar. 162 (2020), 220–324], modified in an appropriate way to embrace all slopes. The method is further enhanced by the symmetry of the cube through the use of the irreducible representations of the symmetric group S4 which makes the determination of the irregularity exponent substantially simpler.
A Reduced-Order Wiener Path Integral Formalism for Determining the Stochastic Response of Nonlinear Systems With Fractional Derivative Elements
Authors: Mavromatis Ilias G. , Kougioumtzoglou Ioannis A.
Published: February 2023

A technique based on the Wiener path integral (WPI) is developed for determining the stochastic response of diverse nonlinear systems with fractional derivative elements. Specifically, a reduced-order WPI formulation is proposed, which can be construed as an approximation-free dimension reduction approach that renders the associated computational cost independent of the total number of stochastic dimensions of the problem. In fact, the herein developed technique can determine, directly, any lower-dimensional joint response probability density function corresponding to a subset only of the response vector components. This is done by utilizing an appropriate combination of fixed and free boundary conditions in the related variational, functional minimization, problem. Notably, the reduced-order WPI formulation is particularly advantageous for problems where the interest lies in few only specific degrees-of-freedom whose stochastic response is critical for the design and optimization of the overall system. An indicative numerical example is considered pertaining to a stochastically excited tuned mass-damper-inerter nonlinear system with a fractional derivative element. Comparisons with relevant Monte Carlo simulation data demonstrate the accuracy and computational efficiency of the technique.
1,3-Dimethyl-imidazolium dimethyl phosphate ([MMIM]+[DMP]−) analyzed by XPS and HAXPES
Authors: Knigge Xenia , Radnik Jörg
Published: February 2023

The ionic liquid 1,3-dimethyl-imidazolium-dimethylphosphate ([MMIM]+[DMP]−) was analyzed using (hard) x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Here, XPS and HAXPES spectra are shown in comparison. For the acquisition of the XPS spectra, monochromatic Al Kα radiation at 1486.6 eV was used, while for the acquisition of the HAXPES spectra, monochromatic Cr Kα radiation at 5414.8 eV was applied. Here, survey scans and high-resolution spectra of P 2p, P 2s, C 1s, O 1s, and N 1s for both methods and P 1s, P KL2,3L2,3, and P KL1L2,3 for HAXPES are shown.
Neutrino mixing and leptogenesis in a $$L_e-L_\mu -L_\tau $$ model
Authors: Arcadi Giorgio , Marciano Simone , Meloni Davide
Published: February 2023

We present a simple extension of the Standard Model with three right-handed neutrinos in a SUSY framework, with an additional $$\hbox {U}(1)_\text {F}$$

U

(
1
)

F

abelian flavor symmetry with a non standard leptonic charge $$L_e-L_\mu -L_\tau $$

L
e

-

L
μ

-

L
τ

for lepton doublets and arbitrary right-handed charges. Our model predicts an inverted neutrino mass hierarchy and it is able to reproduce the experimental values of the mixing angles of the PMNS matrix and of the $$r=\Delta m_\text {sun}^2/\Delta m_\text {atm}^2$$

r
=
Δ

m
sun
2

/
Δ

m
atm
2

ratio, with only a moderate fine tuning of the Lagrangian free parameters. The baryon asymmetry of the Universe is generated via thermal leptogenesis through CP-violating decays of the heavy right-handed neutrinos. We present a detailed numerical solution of the relevant Boltzmann equation, accounting for the impact of the distribution of the asymmetry in the various lepton flavors.
Cosmological model-independent constraints on the baryon fraction in the IGM from fast radio bursts and supernovae data
Authors: Lemos Thais , Gonçalves Rodrigo S. , Carvalho Joel C. , Alcaniz Jailson S.
Published: February 2023

Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) are millisecond-duration radio transients with an observed dispersion measure (DM) greater than the expected Milky Way contribution, which suggests that such events are of extragalactic origin. Although some models have been proposed to explain the physics of the pulse, the mechanism behind the FRBs emission is still unknown. From FRBs data with known host galaxies, the redshift is directly measured and can be combined with estimates of the DM to constrain the cosmological parameters, such as the baryon number density and the Hubble constant. However, the poor knowledge of the fraction of baryonic mass in the intergalactic medium ($$f_{IGM}$$

f

IGM

) and its degeneracy with the cosmological parameters impose limits on the cosmological application of FRBs. In this work we present a cosmological model-independent method to determine the evolution of $$f_{IGM}$$

f

IGM

combining the latest FRBs observations with localized host galaxy and current supernovae data. We consider constant and time-dependent $$f_{IGM}$$

f

IGM

parameterizations and show, through a Bayesian model selection analysis, that a conclusive answer about the time-evolution of $$f_{IGM}$$

f

IGM

depend strongly on the DM fluctuations due to the spatial variation in cosmic electron density ($$\delta $$
δ
). In particular, our analysis show that the evidence varies from strong (in favor of a growing evolution of $$f_{IGM}$$

f

IGM

with redshift) to inconclusive, as larger values of $$\delta $$
δ
are considered.
Traxoprodil Produces Antidepressant-Like Behaviors in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Mice through BDNF/ERK/CREB and AKT/FOXO/Bim Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Yahui , Liang Zehuai , Song Wenyue , Qin Yu , Todd Noah , Gao Mingqi
Published: February 2023

Traxoprodil is a selective N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunit 2B (NR2B) receptor inhibitor with rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects. However, the appropriate dosage, duration of administration, and underlying mechanism of traxoprodil’s antidepressant effects remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to compare the antidepressant effects of traxoprodil in different doses and different durations of administration and to explore whether traxoprodil exerts antidepressant effects via the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/cAMP-response element binding protein (BDNF/ERK/CREB) and protein kinase B/Forkhead box O/building information modelling (AKT/FOXO/Bim) signaling pathway. Mice were randomly divided into control group, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) + vehicle group, CUMS + traxoprodil (10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 40 mg/kg) groups, and CUMS + fluoxetine (5 mg/kg) group, followed by a forced swimming test, tail suspension test, and sucrose preference test. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the protein expression of BDNF, p-ERK1/2, p-CREB, NR2B, AKT, FOXO1, FOXO3a, and Bim. Compared with the control group, CUMS treatment increased immobility time; decreased sucrose preference; reduced expression of BDNF, p-ERK1/2, and p-CREB; and increased expression of AKT, FOXO, and Bim in the hippocampus. These alterations were ameliorated by administration of 20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg of traxoprodil after 7 or 14 days of administration and with 10 mg/kg of traxoprodil or 5 mg/kg of fluoxetine after 21 days of administration. At the 7-day and 14-day timepoints, traxoprodil displayed dose-dependent antidepressant effects, with 20 and 40 mg/kg doses of traxoprodil producing rapid and strong antidepressant effects. However, at 21 days of administration, 10 and 20 mg/kg doses of traxoprodil exerted more pronounced antidepressant effects. The mechanism of traxoprodil’s antidepressant effects may be closely related to the BDNF/ERK/CREB and AKT/FOXO/Bim signaling pathway.
Orthogonal Wavelet Transform-Based Gaussian Mixture Model for Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Li Weipeng , Cao Yan , Li Lijuan , Hou Siyu
Published: February 2023

The Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is an unsupervised clustering machine learning algorithm. This procedure involves the combination of multiple probability distributions to describe different sample spaces. Principally, the probability density function (PDF) plays a paramount role by being transformed into local linear regression to learn from unknown f failure samples, revealing the inherent properties and regularity of the data, and enhancing the subsequent identification of the operating status of the machine. The wavelet transform is a multiresolution transformation that can observe the signal gradually from coarse to fine, highlighting the localization analysis of nonstationary signals. Orthogonal wavelet transform selects the appropriate orthogonal wavelet function to transform so that the local characteristics of the signal in the time domain and frequency domain can be specifically described and the feature information of the original data can be mastered more effectively. In this study, a diagnostic method based on the Gaussian mixture model (OWTGMM) of orthogonal wavelet transform is proposed, in which orthogonal wavelet transform (OWT) is used to extract each detailed fault signal, the signal peak-to-peak value eigenvector is used as the construction model, and the GMM is used for fault classification. Based on the classification result from the rolling bearings’ test data, the use of detail signals extracted through OWT as the training data of the Gaussian mixture model promotes fast classification of bearing faults. Compared with the GMM without the extraction of the characteristic values, this method can reliably distinguish the categories of bearing faults about 100% of the time, which is consistent with the service life test chart. Furthermore, the unknown fault data is subject to classification with the orthogonal wavelet Gaussian model, and the bearing fault data is well distinguished, with an overall recognition rate of over 95%.
The Relationship between Nurses’ Perceptions of Spirituality and Spiritual Care and Perceived Professional Benefits: A Correlation Study
Authors: Zeng Xiaoying , Yang Jianhua , Li Yanjia , Chen Min , Wu Jue , Hu Yanli , Lu Weinan , Liu Jing , Yang Qian , Guo Wenqiong , Zhang Limei
Published: February 2023

Purpose. This study aimed to investigate nurses’ perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care and perceived professional benefits in China and reveal the relationship between them. Design and Methods. In this study, 372 nurses (response rate: 93.47%) from a number of hospitals across China were surveyed using convenience sampling. The data were collected through online questionnaires, including a sociodemographic characteristics form, the Chinese version of the Spiritual Care‐Giving Scale (C‐SCGS), and the Nurses’ Perceived Professional Benefits Questionnaire (NPPBQ). Findings. The total score of the NPPBQ was 136.88 ± 20.13. A statistically significant relationship was found between the total score and subscale score of the C‐SCGS and the total score and subscale score of the NPPBQ (R = 0.217–0.475, P < 0.01). Practice Implications. Nursing managers and educators should pay attention to improving nurses’ perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care in order to help nurses gain more perceived professional benefits.
Identification of Ultrasound-Sensitive Prognostic Markers of LAML and Construction of Prognostic Risk Model Based on WGCNA
Authors: Tian Chuan , Guo Hui , Wei Wei
Published: February 2023

Background. Acute myeloid leukemia (LAML) is the most widely known acute leukemia in adults. Chemotherapy is the main treatment method, but eventually many individuals who have achieved remission relapse, the disease will ultimately transform into refractory leukemia. Therefore, for the improvement of the clinical outcome of patients, it is crucial to identify novel prognostic markers. Methods. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were utilized to retrieve RNA-Seq information and clinical follow-up details for patients with acute myeloid leukemia, respectively, whereas samples that received or did not receive ultrasound treatment were analyzed using differential expression analysis. For consistent clustering analysis, the ConsensusClusterPlus package was utilized, while by utilizing weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), important modules were found and the generation of the coexpression network of hub gene was generated using Cytoscape. CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE, and xCell algorithms of the “IOBR” R package were employed for the calculation of the relative quantity of immune infiltrating cells, whereas the mutation frequency of cells was estimated by means of the “maftools” R package. The pathway enrichment score was calculated using the single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm of the “Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA)” R package. The IC50 value of the drug was predicted by utilizing the “pRRophetic.” The indications linked with prognosis were selected by means of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) Cox analysis. Results. Two categories of samples were created as follows: Cluster 1 and Cluster 2 depending on the differential gene consistent clustering of ultrasound treatment. The prognosis of patients in Cluster 2 was better than that in Cluster 1, and a considerable variation was observed in the immune microenvironment of Cluster 1 and Cluster 2. Lasso analysis finally obtained an 8-gene risk model (GASK1A, LPO, LTK, PRRT4, UGT3A2, BLOCK1S1, G6PD, and UNC93B1). The model acted as an independent risk factor for the patients’ prognosis, and it showed good robustness in different datasets. Considerable variations were observed in the abundance of immune cell infiltration, genome mutation, pathway enrichment score, and chemotherapeutic drug resistance between the low and high-risk groups in accordance with the risk score (RS). Additionally, model-based RSs in the immunotherapy cohort were significantly different between complete remission (CR) and other response groups. Conclusion. The prognosis of people with LAML can be predicted using the 8-gene signature.
Bayesian Network Structure Learning by Ensemble Learning and Frequent Item Mining
Authors: Cao Guoxin , Zhang Haomin
Published: February 2023

Aiming at the common problem of low learning effect in single structure learning of a Bayesian network, a new algorithm EF‐BNSL integrating ensemble learning and frequent item mining is proposed. Firstly, the sample set is obtained by sampling the original dataset using Bootstrap, which is mined using the Apriori algorithm to derive the maximum frequent items and association rules so that the black and white list can be determined. Secondly, considering that there may be wrong edges in the black and white list, the black and white list is used as the penalty term of the BDeu score and the initial network is obtained from the hill climbing algorithm. Finally, repeat the above steps 10 times to obtain 10 initial networks. The 10 initial networks were integrated and learned by the integrated strategy function to obtain the final Bayesian network. Experiments were carried out on six standard networks to calculate F1 score and HD. The results show that the EF‐BNSL algorithm can effectively improve F1 score, reduce HD, and learn the network structure that is closer to the real network.
Comparative Study of the Flavonoid Content in Radix Scutellaria from Different Cultivation Areas in China
Authors: Zheng Yiying , Zhou Shengnan , Zhang Haokang , Lu Zongyuan , Deng Ruixue , Feng Yihao , Liu Pu
Published: February 2023

Scutellariabaicalensis Georgi, an important perennial herb, is widely distributed and used all over the world. The root of S. baicalensis (Radix Scutellaria) is rich in flavonoids with a variety of bioactive effects and is widely used in clinic. The different geographical and climatic conditions of different cultivated areas of S. baicalensis lead to the differences of the main components in Radix Scutellaria. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the difference of flavonoid content in Radix Scutellaria from different cultivated areas in China. The mobile phase system, elution gradient, detection wavelength, and other chromatographic conditions for high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) determination of 8 flavonoids in Radix Scutellaria were optimized. The contents of flavonoids in 38 samples of Radix Scutellaria collected from seven main genuine cultivated areas were determined, and the correlation between the content, cultivated area, and the biological activities of Radix Scutellaria was compared. The results implied that baicalin, wogonoside, and baicalein were the three main flavonoids with the highest contents in Radix Scutellaria. The content of flavonoids in different cultivated areas was very different, which had significant regionality and was closely related to the natural conditions of various places. The antioxidant and antitumor activities of the extract of Radix Scutellaria were closely related to the content of flavonoids, and high contents of baicalin, wogonoside, and baicalein positively improved biological activities.
DOF Calculation Method of Planar Mechanisms Based on Constraint Normal Line
Authors: Luo Guojun , Wang Xiaohui , Yan Xianguo
Published: February 2023

In the analysis and calculation of the degree of freedom (DOF) of mechanisms, it is generally a complicated problem to judge the virtual constraint correctly. Under what conditions do virtual constraints exist, and how many virtual constraints are there? Understanding these problems can contribute to effectively tackling the difficulty of calculating the DOF. With planar mechanisms as a research object, the constraints among various components are simplified into point constraints, and the common normal at a constraint point is referred to as normal. According to whether a constraint point can move relative to the frame in its normal direction, normals are divided into different categories. Based on the geometric theorem for judging the DOF of a workpiece, a set of geometric theorems for judging the DOF of components and their nature, over‐constraint, and quantity are established. After the correlation between virtual constraints and over‐constraints is clarified, the total number of virtual constraints in a mechanism is calculated. The analysis and calculation of the DOF of several typical planar mechanisms demonstrate that the new method is logically rigorous, simple, and intuitive, and the DOF of a mechanism can be accurately calculated.
Transcriptomic Network Regulation of Rat Tooth Germ from Bell Differentiation Stage to Secretory Stage: MAPK Signaling Pathway Is Crucial to Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Authors: Li Huiru , Hu Xiaoyan , Zen Ailin , Chen Yujiong , Yang Minzhi , Zhang Jian , Tang Jing , Fan Qin , Feng Shanshan , Liu Jianguo , Wu Mingsong
Published: February 2023

Hard tissues make up the vast majority of teeth and are mineralized from the surrounding matrix. If the development of tooth germ is affected during mineralization, hypoplasia of the tooth tissue can occur. To better understand the mechanisms mediating hypoplasia, we need to first study normal development. Using a rodent model, we highlight the transcriptomic changes that occur from the differentiation to secretion stages of mandibular molar germs. The tooth germ was dissected from rats at postnatal day 1.5 or 3.5 for high‐throughput sequencing. Combining transcriptome analysis and DNA methylation, we identified 590 differentially expressed genes (436 upregulated and 154 downregulated) and 551 differentially expressed lncRNAs (long noncoding RNA; 369 upregulated and 182 downregulated) which were linked to the biological processes of odontogenesis, amelogenesis, tooth mineralization, and the alteration of extracellular matrix (ECM), especially matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and elastin. We found DNA methylation changes in 32 selected fragments involved in 5 chromosomes, 26 targets, and 2 haplotypes. Finally, three novel genes were identified: MMP20, Tgfb3, and Dusp1. Further analysis revealed that MMP20 has a role in odontogenesis and amelogenesis by influencing Slc24a4 and DSPP; Tgfb3 is involved in epithelial cell proliferation, cellular component disassembly process, ECM cellular component, and decomposition of cell components. But lncRNA expression could affect DNA methylation and mRNA expression. Moreover, the degree of DNA methylation could also affect the transcriptome level. Thus, Tgfb3 had no difference in DNA methylation, and Dusp1 conferred no difference at the transcriptome level. These three genes were all enriched in the MAPK pathway and played an important role in ECM remodeling. These data suggest that during the period of the bell differentiation stage to the secretory stage, along with enamel/dentin matrix secretion and hard tissue occurrence, the ECM is remodeled via MAPK signaling.
In Vitro Antiplasmodial, Cytotoxicity, and Antioxidant Activities of Lophira lanceolata (Ochnaceae): A Cameroonian Plant Commonly Used to Treat Malaria
Authors: Abdel Azizi Mounvera , Christelle Nadia Noumedem Anangmo , Cedric Yamssi , Guy-Armand Gamago Nkadeu , Aboubakar Sidiki Ngouyamsa Nsapkain , Jemimah Sandra Tientcheu Noutong , Alex Kevin Tako Djimefo , Payne Vincent Khan
Published: February 2023

Background. Malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in African countries. We aimed this study at evaluating the in vitro antiplasmodial, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity activity of Lophira lanceolata extracts. Method. The aqueous and ethanol extracts were obtained by maceration. It tested in vitro the extracts against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 and multiresistance Dd2. Macrophage cell lines (RAW 264.7 cells) and red blood cells were used for cytotoxicity tests. The antioxidant activity was assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO) reduction, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) scavenging. Results. The in vitro antiplasmodial results showed that the ethanol extract was the most active, with IC50 of 24.51 ± 4.77 µg/mL and 31.86 ± 3.10 µg/mL, respectively, on the resistant Dd2 and sensitive 3D7 strains unlike the aqueous which indicated moderate activity with an IC50 of 51.36 ± 4.86 μg/mL and 56.36 ± 4.27 μg/mL, respectively, on the resistant Dd2 and sensitive (3D7) strains. However, the ethanol extract had the highest activity, with an IC50 of 8.153 g/mL, 1915 g/mL, 30.81 g/mL, and 54.66 g/mL, respectively, for DPPH, H2O2, NO, and FRAP, while the aqueous extract had an IC50 of 6.724, 2387681, 185.7, and 152.0 g/mL, respectively, for DPPH, H2O2, NO, and FRAP. The cytotoxicity test reveals that both extracts do not promote red blood cell haemolysis. They presented weak activity against RAW 264.7 cells and red blood cells. Conclusion. According to these findings, the aqueous and ethanol extracts have antiplasmodial and antioxidant activity but with no cytotoxic effects on red blood cells or RAW cells. However, it will be important to investigate the in vivo antiplasmodial and antioxidant activity of these extracts.