bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positioning of pyrimidine motifs around cassette exons defines their PTB‐dependent splicing in Arabidopsis
Authors: Burgardt Rica , Lambert Dorothee , Heuwieser Christina , Sack Maximilian , Wagner Gabriele , Weinberg Zasha , Wachter Andreas
Published: April 2024

Alternative splicing (AS) is a complex process that generates transcript variants from a single pre‐mRNA and is involved in numerous biological functions. Many RNA‐binding proteins are known to regulate AS; however, little is known about the underlying mechanisms, especially outside the mammalian clade. Here, we show that polypyrimidine tract binding proteins (PTBs) from Arabidopsis thaliana regulate AS of cassette exons via pyrimidine (Py)‐rich motifs close to the alternative splice sites. Mutational studies on three PTB‐dependent cassette exon events revealed that only some of the Py motifs in this region are critical for AS. Moreover, in vitro binding of PTBs did not reflect a motif's impact on AS in vivo. Our mutational studies and bioinformatic investigation of all known PTB‐regulated cassette exons from A. thaliana and human suggested that the binding position of PTBs relative to a cassette exon defines whether its inclusion or skipping is induced. Accordingly, exon skipping is associated with a higher frequency of Py stretches within the cassette exon, and in human also upstream of it, whereas exon inclusion is characterized by increased Py motif occurrence downstream of said exon. Enrichment of Py motifs downstream of PTB‐activated 5′ splice sites is also seen for PTB‐dependent intron removal and alternative 5′ splice site events from A. thaliana, suggesting this is a common step of exon definition. In conclusion, the position‐dependent AS regulatory mechanism by PTB homologs has been conserved during the separate evolution of plants and mammals, while other critical features, in particular intron length, have considerably changed.
The influence of farm resources and management decisions on the severity of Striga infestation and maize productivity in western Kenya
Authors: Rusinamhodzi Leonard , Nguyen Elodie , Marrou Helene , Uzamushaka Seraphine , Corbeels Marc
Published: April 2024

The control of Striga is of critical importance for smallholder farmers cultivating maize and other cereals in the western region of Kenya. Therefore, advanced knowledge and analysis is needed to understand farmers' resource endowment and decision making with regards to crop management, and the possible effect on Striga infestation and crop productivity. The overall objective of the study was to understand the role of resource endowment and allocation decisions on Striga infestation and maize productivity and offer effective and locally adapted options in western Kenya. The study used semi‐structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and resource flow mapping to identify farm resources and key management decisions that are critical in management of Striga on smallholder farms. Soil was sampled from fields of selected farms and taken to the laboratory for analysis including Striga seed counts. In the fields, Striga shoots counts, and maize yield were recorded. Socio‐economic variables such as land size, household income, labour availability, were used to construct a farm typology and assign farmers to different resource groups (RGs). Our results showed that household diversity leads to different land‐use patterns, resource‐use intensity and agricultural management practices which affect soil fertility and Striga infestation. Poor‐resourced farmers tend to be associated with poor crop and soil management which results in maize fields with low soil fertility and high level of Striga infestation. Soil organic carbon showed a strong negative association with Striga infestation. Improving soil fertility is, therefore, the central component of any integrated and sustainable Striga management approaches, and technological solutions to address Striga and soil fertility issues, and they must be tailored to the farm and field diversity. The inclusion of legumes is highly recommended either as rotation or intercropping depending on land availability. Where possible, farmers may use mulch from previous crop residues to suppress weed emergence and prevent flowering and seed setting. Hand weeding though tiresome, remains a low‐cost effective method to control Striga especially in areas where fields are small as in western Kenya.
A Network Interference Approach to Analyzing Change Propagation in Requirements
Authors: Hein Phyo Htet , Kames Elisabeth , Chen Cheng , Morkos Beshoy
Published: April 2024

Requirements are frequently revised due to the iterative nature of the design process. If not properly managed, these changes may result in financial and time losses due to undesired propagating effect. Currently, predictive models to assist designers in making well-informed decisions prior to change implementation do not exist. Current modeling methods for managing requirements do not offer formal reasoning necessary to manage requirement change and its propagation. The ability to predict change during the design process may lead to valuable insights in designing artifacts more efficiently by minimizing unanticipated changes due to mismanaged requirement changes. Two research questions are addressed in this paper: (1) How do complex network metrics of requirements, considering both node and edge interferences, influence the predictability of requirement change propagation across different case studies? (2) How does the performance of the complex network metrics approach compare to the refined automated requirement change propagation prediction (R-ARCPP) tool, developed from our prior study, in accurately predicting requirement change propagation? Requirement changes are simulated by applying the node interference and the edge interference methods. It is found that complex network metrics can be used to predict requirement change propagation. Based on the studied data, the performance ranking of metrics is characterized by edge interference across the changes. The results reveal that the R-ARCPP tool ranks higher than comparatively performing complex network metrics.
Development and Optimization of a Noncircular Pulley for Motion Decoupling in Cable-Driven Serial Robots
Authors: Cheng Jinsai , Shen Tao
Published: April 2024

Cable-driven serial robots have emerged with high potential for wide applications due to their compact size and low inertia properties. However, developing this type of robot encounters a motion coupling issue that the movement of one joint leads to the motion of other joints, resulting in complex control. In this paper, we proposed a novel approach for motion decoupling based on a noncircular pulley. The length change of the driving cable caused by the motion coupling problem is resolved by using the noncircular pulley. The calculation process of the profile for the noncircular pulley is illustrated in detail. An optimization process based on the brute force method is presented to identify the optimal parameters to minimize the compensation error. A cable-driven serial robot based on the decoupling method is prototyped for assessments. Experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed motion decoupling method. The results reveal that the proposed method can effectively resolve the motion coupling issue by maintaining almost constant cable length with a maximum accumulative error only as 0.086 mm, demonstrating the effectiveness of the method.
Entropy Generation of R513A Condensation Flow Inside the Horizontal Microfin Tubes
Authors: Zhang Suhan , Tao Leren , Huang Lihao , Jin Cheng
Published: April 2024

It is widely acknowledged that the pressure drop increases with enhanced heat transfer in heat exchanger tubes, and entropy generation analysis serves as an effective method to comprehensively evaluate heat transfer and pressure drops. This paper conducts experimental research on in-tube condensation heat transfer using refrigerants R513A and R134a in six test tubes, comprising both smooth and microfin tubes with outer diameters of 9.52 mm and 12.7 mm, respectively. The microfin tubes are available in two types, with 60 and 65 fins, respectively, and a helix angle of 18 deg. The experimental conditions included mass fluxes of 50–250 kg/m2 s and condensation temperatures of 35 °C, 38 °C, and 40 °C. The findings indicate that replacing R134a with R513A is feasible. The 9.52 mm tube exhibits superior overall heat transfer performance compared to the 12.7 mm tube, and the 60-fin microfin tube outperforms the 65-fin tube in terms of heat transfer efficiency. This suggests that microfin tubes with smaller diameters and an optimal number of fins are more effective in enhancing condensation heat transfer performance.
In Every End, There Is Also a Beginning: Experiences of Career Transitions Through Sport
Authors: Nash Christine , Thompson Melissa
Published: April 2024

In sport, as in life, people experience transitions on a regular basis. This exploratory research examined the experience of the transitional process within sport using a qualitative methodology. The seven participants had worked within their sport for over 30 years, first as an athlete, then a coach, and finally a coach developer. Semistructured interviews with each participant (x2) allowed for exploration of their experiences of changing roles within their organizations and revealed three themes: importance of timely support, ongoing professional conversations, and where am I going with this? These themes, exemplified by the use of direct quotes from the participants, were used to provide context and deeper understanding of the transition from athlete to coach to coach developer. The participants revealed a certain degree of serendipity, due to a lack of structure and process in their experiences. As a result, we suggest some practical steps that organizations could adopt to assist in this process.
Development of the Fit&Fab Exercise Intervention for Women With Obesity: A Community Advisory Board Informed Process
Authors: Leone Lucia A. , Vermont Leah N. , Tutasi-Lozada Angelica , Anderson Laura
Published: April 2024

Background: Women with higher body mass index report low rates of and face unique barriers to exercise. Increasing exercise participation can improve mental and physical health independent of weight loss; however, most exercise programs targeting this population focus predominately on losing weight. This paper aims to describe the development of Fit&Fab, a community-based exercise intervention focused on increasing exercise participation and enjoyment for women with obesity. Methods: In partnership with the YMCA, we recruited women ages 35–64 years (body mass index ≥ 30) to participate in 4 focus groups to understand exercise preferences. Formative work was used to identify theory constructs and associated intervention components. Women from the focus groups were recruited for a community advisory board that finalized the intervention design, recruitment, and evaluation plan. Results: Focus groups participants (N = 29) preferred to exercise without men and wanted a cohort-style class that included women of similar exercise levels and body types, incorporated social support, fun activities, and broke exercise into smaller bouts. They wanted a supportive instructor who was fit but understood weight-related challenges. The community advisory board and research team used focus group findings to inform design of the final intervention including group exercise classes, psychosocial support sessions, personalized training, exercise tracking, outcome monitoring, and rewards. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the need to focus on exercise enjoyment and benefits other than losing weight to improve exercise participation among women with higher body mass index. In addition to having outcomes other than weight loss, exercise interventions with this population should also consider group composition, instructor, and class format.
Preoperative Rehabilitation Enhances Mental and Physical Well-Being in Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Injured Individuals: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Frouin Antoine , Desfontaines Nina , Lacourpaille Lilian , Nordez Antoine , Le Sant Guillaume
Published: April 2024

Context: Rehabilitation after an anterior cruciate ligament injury is recommended to be started soon after the injury. When surgery is required, research supports the delivery of physiotherapy before anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (prehabilitation) to optimize recovery and positive outcomes. Individuals attending prehabilitation have never been questioned regarding their adherence to prehabilitation, perception of utility in meeting needs, upcoming events, or anticipated recovery goals. Design: Mixed methods cross-sectional study: Methods: 25 individuals before anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (43% of eligible individuals from 12 clinics during the delivery period) were surveyed on their mindset and recovery expectancies. Semistructured interviews conducted in 9 of 25 participants assessed their lived experience of prehabilitation. Results: Participants reported that preventing a reinjury (96% of responses) and feeling confident during daily activities about their knee (92%) were the higher rating expectations at this stage of their treatment course. Three themes were developed from the interviews and analyses. (1) Participants reported that prehabilitation was a period full of challenges with memories of the injury and uncertainties. (2) They viewed prehabilitation as a step to move forward by finding support and self-motivating. (3) They believed that prehabilitation would have positive impacts on the treatment outcomes. Participants were confident that prehabilitation would accelerate the recovery of muscle volume (88%) and strength (84%). Conclusion: Participants had positive experiences of prehabilitation, aligning with the findings on functional outcomes in the existing literature on prehabilitation.
Electric field control of perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions with easy-cone magnetic anisotropic free layers
Authors: Sun Weideng , Zhang Yike , Cao Kaihua , Lu Shiyang , Du Ao , Huang Haoliang , Zhang Sen , Hu Chaoqun , Feng Ce , Liang Wenhui , Liu Quan , Mi Shu , Cai Jianwang , Lu Yalin , Zhao Weisheng , Zhao Yonggang
Published: April 2024

Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) are the core element of spintronic devices. Currently, the mainstream writing operation of MTJs is based on electric current with high energy dissipation, and it can be notably reduced if an electric field is used instead. In this regard, it is promising for electric field control of MTJ in the multiferroic heterostructure composed of MTJ and ferroelectrics via strain-mediated magnetoelectric coupling. However, there are only reports on MTJs with in-plane anisotropy so far. Here, we investigate electric field control of the resistance state of MgO-based perpendicular MTJs with easy-cone anisotropic free layers through strain-mediated magnetoelectric coupling in multiferroic heterostructures. A remarkable, nonvolatile, and reversible modulation of resistance at room temperature is demonstrated. Through local reciprocal space mapping under different electric fields for Pb(Mg
1/3
Nb
2/3
)
0.7
Ti
0.3
O
3
beneath the MTJ pillar, the modulation mechanism is deduced. Our work represents a crucial step toward electric field control of spintronic devices with non–in-plane magnetic anisotropy.
Tissue-specific nonheritable influences drive endometrial immune system variation
Authors: Bister Jonna , Filipovic Iva , Sun Dan , Crona-Guterstam Ylva , Cornillet Martin , Ponzetta Andrea , Michaëlsson Jakob , Gidlöf Sebastian , Ivarsson Martin A. , Strunz Benedikt , Björkström Niklas K.
Published: April 2024

Although human twin studies have revealed the combined contribution of heritable and environmental factors in shaping immune system variability in blood, the contribution of these factors to immune system variability in tissues remains unexplored. The human uterus undergoes constant regeneration and is exposed to distinct environmental factors. To assess uterine immune system variation, we performed a system-level analysis of endometrial and peripheral blood immune cells in monozygotic twins. Although most immune cell phenotypes in peripheral blood showed high genetic heritability, more variation was found in endometrial immune cells, indicating a stronger influence by environmental factors. Cytomegalovirus infection was identified to influence peripheral blood immune cell variability but had limited effect on endometrial immune cells. Instead, hormonal contraception shaped the local endometrial milieu and immune cell composition with minor influence on the systemic immune system. These results highlight that the magnitude of human immune system variation and factors influencing it can be tissue specific.
Rates of bedrock canyon incision by megafloods, Channeled Scabland, eastern Washington, USA
Authors: Lehnigk Karin E. , Larsen Isaac J. , Lamb Michael P. , David Scott R.
Published: April 2024

Pleistocene outburst floods from the drainage of glacial Lake Missoula carved bedrock canyons into the Columbia Plateau in eastern Washington, USA, forming the Channeled Scabland. However, rates of bedrock incision by outburst floods are largely unconstrained, which hinders the ability to link flood hydrology with landscape evolution in the Channeled Scabland and other flood-carved landscapes. We used long profiles of hanging tributaries to reconstruct the pre-flood topography of the two largest Channeled Scabland canyons, upper Grand Coulee and Moses Coulee, and a smaller flood-eroded channel, Wilson Creek. The topographic reconstruction indicates floods eroded 67.8 km3, 14.5 km3, and 1.6 km3 of rock from upper Grand Coulee, Moses Coulee, and Wilson Creek, respectively, which corresponds to an average incision depth of 169 m, 56 m, and 10 m in each flood route. We simulated flood discharge over the reconstructed, pre-flood topography and found that high-water evidence was emplaced in each of these channels by flow discharges of 3.1 × 106 m3 s−1, 0.65–0.9 × 106 m3 s−1, and 0.65–0.9 × 106 m3 s−1, respectively. These discharges are a fraction of those predicted under the assumption that post-flood topography was filled to high-water marks for Grand and Moses Coulees. However, both methods yield similar results for Wilson Creek, where there was less erosion. Sediment transport rates based on these discharges imply that the largest canyons could have formed in only about six or fewer floods, based on the time required to transport the eroded rock from each canyon, with associated rates of knickpoint propagation on the order of several km per day. Overall, our results indicate that a small number of outburst floods, with discharges much lower than commonly assumed, can cause extensive erosion and canyon formation in fractured bedrock.
Supplemental Material: The spatial and geological characteristics of fault- and paleokarst-controlled carbonate-hosted reservoirs in the Tabei Uplift, Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Sun Qingqing , Fan Tailiang , et al.
Published: April 2024

Figure S1: Uninterpreted coherence maps of the 3D seismic survey. Figure S2: Surface analogue outcrop of deep coverage zone, Tarim Basin, China.
Characterization of accelerated approval status, trial endpoints and results, and recommendations in guidelines for oncology drug treatments from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network: cross sectional study
Authors: Mooghali Maryam , Mitchell Aaron P , Skydel Joshua J , Ross Joseph S , Wallach Joshua D , Ramachandran Reshma
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To evaluate National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline recommendations for oncology drug treatments that have been granted accelerated approval, and to determine whether recommendations are updated based on the results of confirmatory trials after approval and based on status updates from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Design

Cross sectional study.

Setting

US FDA and NCCN guidelines.

Population

Oncology therapeutic indications (ie, specific oncological conditions for which the drug is recommended) that have been granted accelerated approval in 2009-18.

Main outcome measures

NCCN guideline reporting of accelerated approval status and postapproval confirmatory trials, and guideline recommendation alignment with postapproval confirmatory trial results and FDA status updates.

Results

39 oncology drug treatments were granted accelerated approval for 62 oncological indications. Although all indications were recommended in NCCN guidelines, accelerated approval status was reported for 10 (16%) indications. At least one postapproval confirmatory trial was identified for all 62 indications, 33 (53%) of which confirmed benefit; among these indications, NCCN guidelines maintained the previous recommendation or strengthened the category of evidence for 27 (82%). Postapproval confirmatory trials failed to confirm benefit for 12 (19%) indications; among these indications, NCCN guidelines removed the previous recommendation or weakened the category of evidence for five (42%). NCCN guidelines reflected the FDA's decision to convert 30 (83%) of 36 indications from accelerated to traditional approval, of which 20 (67%) had guideline updates before the FDA's conversion decision. NCCN guidelines reflected the FDA's decision to withdraw seven (58%) of 12 indications from the market, of which four (57%) had guidelines updates before the FDA's withdrawal decision.

Conclusions

NCCN guidelines always recommend drug treatments that have been granted accelerated approval for oncological indications, but do not provide information about their accelerated approval status, including surrogate endpoint use and status of postapproval confirmatory trials. NCCN guidelines consistently provide information on postapproval trial results confirming clinical benefit, but not on postapproval trials failing to confirm clinical benefit. NCCN guidelines more frequently update recommendation for indications converted to traditional approval than for those approvals that were withdrawn.
Advancements in research on transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for alleviating pelvic pain in women
Authors: Wang Yi Ling , Lu Xin Lei , Wang Shang , Chang Xiao Hong , Zhang Rong , Zhu Hong Lan
Published: April 2024

Background

Pelvic pain is a common complaint of discomfort in women, with an increasing incidence and seriously affecting patients’ quality of life. Its etiology involves multiple systems and disciplines, and therefore treatment modalities are diverse. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) therapy is a classic analgesic means, and electrical stimulation of local acupoints can achieve obvious analgesic effects. This review aims to discuss the application of TEAS for the treatment of various types of pelvic pain, the selection of optimal parameters and the renewal of equipment.

Method

Result

TEAS for treatment of pelvic pain in women has been reported mainly for endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), intrauterine adhesion (IUA), pelvic stasis syndrome, interstitial cystitis, primary dysmenorrhoea and other diseases. And for parameter selection, the most used of frequency is dilatational wave, the most used stimulation intensity is 10–20 mA, and the acupoint selection should be based on the specific conditions of the patient.

Conclusions

The analgesic mechanism of TEAS has not been fully elucidated, but the efficacy of the treatment is remarkable and there are no significant adverse effects. The selection of the parameters for TEAS and the combination of acupoints for different pains are still the main directions of future research.
Cytokine landscapes of pregnancy: mapping gestational immune phases
Authors: Dutta Sulagna , Sengupta Pallav , Liew Fong Fong
Published: April 2024

Background

Synchronised physiological adaptations occur during pregnancy to achieve systemic, immune and neuroendocrine equilibrium in the mother’s body, allowing semiallogenic fetal growth.

Main text

Depending on the cytokine profile alterations occurring through pregnancy, the latter can be divided into three distinct phases. In the first immunological phase of pregnancy, proinflammatory cytokines promote inflammatory reactions needed for implantation. In the second phase, a possible change from proinflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokines creates a symbiosis between maternal and fetal components, ensuring fetal development. In the third phase, inflammatory and cytolytic cytokines operate again to reinforce an inflammatory environment for parturition. The article offers a detailed account of immune adaptations during pregnancy and highlights the distinctive cytokine profiles that mark each phase.

Conclusion

By providing a simplified depiction of pregnancy phases based on cytokine profiles, the article aims to inspire more research in reproductive immunology and improve the management of pregnancy-related inflammation and infection.
Fluorescently labelled vedolizumab to visualise drug distribution and mucosal target cells in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Gabriëls Ruben Y , van der Waaij Anne M , Linssen Matthijs D , Dobosz Michael , Volkmer Pia , Jalal Sumreen , Robinson Dominic , Hermoso Marcela A , Lub-de Hooge Marjolijn N , Festen Eleonora A M , Kats-Ugurlu Gursah , Dijkstra Gerard , Nagengast Wouter B
Published: April 2024

Objective

Improving patient selection and development of biological therapies such as vedolizumab in IBD requires a thorough understanding of the mechanism of action and target binding, thereby providing individualised treatment strategies. We aimed to visualise the macroscopic and microscopic distribution of intravenous injected fluorescently labelled vedolizumab, vedo-800CW, and identify its target cells using fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI).

Design

Forty three FMI procedures were performed, which consisted of macroscopic in vivo assessment during endoscopy, followed by macroscopic and microscopic ex vivo imaging. In phase A, patients received an intravenous dose of 4.5 mg, 15 mg vedo-800CW or no tracer prior to endoscopy. In phase B, patients received 15 mg vedo-800CW preceded by an unlabelled (sub)therapeutic dose of vedolizumab.

Results

FMI quantification showed a dose-dependent increase in vedo-800CW fluorescence intensity in inflamed tissues, with 15 mg (153.7 au (132.3–163.7)) as the most suitable tracer dose compared with 4.5 mg (55.3 au (33.6–78.2)) (p=0.0002). Moreover, the fluorescence signal decreased by 61% when vedo-800CW was administered after a therapeutic dose of unlabelled vedolizumab, suggesting target saturation in the inflamed tissue. Fluorescence microscopy and immunostaining showed that vedolizumab penetrated the inflamed mucosa and was associated with several immune cell types, most prominently with plasma cells.

Conclusion

These results indicate the potential of FMI to determine the local distribution of drugs in the inflamed target tissue and identify drug target cells, providing new insights into targeted agents for their use in IBD.

Trial registration number

NCT04112212
.
Spontaneous delayed migration or shortening after pipeline embolization device treatment of intracranial aneurysm: incidence, management, and risk factors
Authors: Dong Linggen , Wang Chao , Wei Dachao , Peng Qichen , Wu Xinzhi , Chen Xiheng , Li Mingtao , Li Tong , Liu He , Zhao Yang , Duan Ran , Jin Weitao , Zhang Yukun , Wang Yang , Lv Ming
Published: April 2024

Background

Studies reporting spontaneous delayed migration or shortening (SDMS) after treatment with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of SDMS after PED treatment, propose management strategies, and identify the risk factors contributing to its occurrence.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with an intracranial aneurysm (IA) treated with PEDs at three institutions. SDMS was classified as type I or II based on whether the PED covered the aneurysm neck.

Results

The total cohort comprised 790 patients. SDMS was identified in 24 (3.04%) patients. Eighteen of the 24 patients had type I SDMS and did not require retreatment, while the remaining six patients had type II SDMS and all received retreatment. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the difference between the proximal and distal parent artery diameters (DPAD) (adjusted OR 2.977; 95% CI 1.054 to 8.405; P=0.039) and device tortuosity index (DTI) (adjusted OR 8.059; 95% CI 2.867 to 23.428; P<0.001) were independent predictors of SDMS after PED treatment, while the difference in length (DL) (adjusted OR 0.841; 95% CI 0.738 to 0.958; P=0.009) and PED plus coiling (adjusted OR 0.288; 95% CI 0.106 to 0.785; P=0.015) were protective factors.

Conclusion

The incidence of SDMS after PED treatment of IA was 3.04%. For patients with type I SDMS with incomplete aneurysm occlusion we recommend continuous imaging follow-up while, for patients with type II SDMS, we recommend aggressive retreatment. The DPAD and DTI were independent risk predictors of SDMS after PED treatment, while the DL and PED plus coiling were protective factors.
Comparative responses of Lohmann Select Leghorn-lite and Shaver Heritage White Leghorn hens when fed diets containing fine and coarse oat hulls
Authors: Mills Alisha , Maina Anderson N. , Kiarie Elijah G.
Published: April 2024

A standard commercial mash (control), or a mixture of control and fine (FOH) or coarse oat hulls (COH) at a ratio of 80:20  w/ w were fed to 57-week old Lohmann Select Leghorn-lite (LSL) and 44-week old Shavers Heritage White Leghorns (SHW) for 28 days. There was no ( P > 0.05) strain and diet interaction or diet effects on egg production indices (EP) and feed intake (FI). However, LSL hens had similar ( P > 0.05) FI but higher ( P > 0.05) EP than SHW. There was no strain and diet interaction observed on apparent retention of gross energy (ARGE) and gizzard weight ( P > 0.05). However, the control hens had higher ARGE, and lighter gizzards compared to oat hull-fed hens ( P < 0.01). In addition, COH hens had higher ARGE and heavier gizzards compared to FOH hens. The SHW hens exhibited greater jejunal crypt depth ( P = 0.011) compared to LSL hens. An interaction ( P = 0.041) between strain and diets on ceca digesta short chain fatty acids (SCFA) was such that oat hulls reduced SCFA in LSL but not in SHW hens. In conclusion, despite differences in age, relative to predecessors the modern hen is adaptable to ingestion of structural material rich insoluble fiber without negative impact on egg production and feed intake.
The effects of plant growth-promoting bacteria on seed germination and seedling growth in Crassocephalum rubens
Authors: Ou Jr-Chi , Lin Yu-Heng , Rho Hyungmin
Published: April 2024

Crassocephalum rubens, a herb with potential anticancer properties, encounters challenges in production efficiency due to small seed size and elevated temperatures in cultivation areas. Our study investigates the effects of seed pelleting and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) on germination and seedling growth across temperature variations in Taiwan. Pelleted seeds demonstrate superior germination percentages linked to enhanced seed quality. Elevated temperature, particularly at 30/25 °C, enhanced germination performance, with the highest final germination percentage observed in pelleted seeds treated with water. Unexpectedly, PGPB strains— Klebsiella sp. KsGRB10 and Bacillus sp. BsGFB04—exhibited limited impact on germination rates, showing a marginal increase in seedling growth under 25/20 °C and 30/25 °C, respectively. Air temperature fluctuations influenced seedling vigor, leaf color, and physiological parameters. Remarkably, inoculation with BsGFB04 and KsGRB10 enhanced C. rubens’ tolerance to high-temperature stress conditions. Diurnal measurements in week 4, under 25/20 °C, reveal that PGPB inoculation decreased stomatal conductance and transpiration rate while maintaining the quantum yield of PSII, indicating potentially improved water-use efficiency. This study provides crucial insights into the interplay among PGPB, environmental stress, and the physiology of a wild species, paving the way for further research in the domestication of C. rubens for medicinal herb mass production.
Spring wheat agronomic and quality responses to a genotype × environment × N source and management systems approach
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Strydhorst Sheri , Hao Xiying , Hernandez Ramirez Guillermo , Semach Greg , Holzapfel Chris , Enns Jessica , Thompson Laurel , Beres Brian L.
Published: April 2024

Yield and quality improvements in Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) are increasingly difficult to attain, which behooves a systems approach to unlock genotype (G) × environment (E) × management (M) synergies. This 25 site-year study was designed to assess a G × E × M systems approach to improve CWRS agronomics, quality, and N use efficiency (NUE). The investigation consisted of genetics (AAC Viewfield vs. AC Stettler), N source (untreated urea; urea + urease inhibitor, N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT); urea + nitrification inhibitor, nitrapyrin; urea + dual-inhibitor (NBPT + dicyandiamide); and polymer-coated) and N timing/placement (all-banded at planting, two-split applications and three-split applications), deployed across diverse soil zones in western Canada. Differential yield responses were observed between cultivars as AAC Viewfield produced superior yield over AC Stettler (+4.3%) in black and grey soils, while yield attainment was similar in dark brown soils. Genetic improvement over AC Stettler seemed most apparent in water abundant environments; however, AC Stettler was often superior in drier conditions. All N sources produced comparable outcomes for yield, quality, NUE, and net returns. In black and grey soils, adopting either all-banded or two-splits improved grain yield due to augmented seedling vigor, heads per plant, and N recovery. The timing of split-applications introduces more risk to yield and is likely attributed to a poorly developed source:sink relationship in the critical growth period if applied late to optimize grain protein. This highlights the complexity of the system and balance needed to harness the potential synergy between G, E, and M components.
Hypergraph-Based Numerical Spiking Neural Membrane Systems with Novel Repartition Protocols
Authors: Yin Xiu , Liu Xiyu , Sun Minghe , Xue Jie
Published: April 2024

The classic spiking neural P (SN P) systems abstract the real biological neural network into a simple structure based on graphs, where neurons can only communicate on the plane. This study proposes the hypergraph-based numerical spiking neural membrane (HNSNM) systems with novel repartition protocols. Through the introduction of hypergraphs, the HNSNM systems can characterize the high-order relationships among neurons and extend the traditional neuron structure to high-dimensional nonlinear spaces. The HNSNM systems also abstract two biological mechanisms of synapse creation and pruning, and use plasticity rules with repartition protocols to achieve planar, hierarchical and spatial communications among neurons in hypergraph neuron structures. Through imitating register machines, the Turing universality of the HNSNM systems is proved by using them as number generating and accepting devices. A universal HNSNM system consisting of 41 neurons is constructed to compute arbitrary functions. By solving NP-complete problems using the subset sum problem as an example, the computational efficiency and effectiveness of HNSNM systems are verified.
Knot concordance invariants from Seiberg–Witten theory and slice genus bounds in 4-manifolds
Authors: Baraglia David
Published: April 2024

We construct a new family of knot concordance invariants [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a prime number. Our invariants are obtained from the equivariant Seiberg–Witten–Floer cohomology, constructed by the author and Hekmati, applied to the degree [Formula: see text] cyclic cover of [Formula: see text] branched over [Formula: see text]. In the case [Formula: see text], our invariant [Formula: see text] shares many similarities with the knot Floer homology invariant [Formula: see text] defined by Hom and Wu. Our invariants [Formula: see text] give lower bounds on the genus of any smooth, properly embedded, homologically trivial surface bounding [Formula: see text] in a definite [Formula: see text]-manifold with boundary [Formula: see text].
Ginsenoside Rd Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation and Apoptosis through PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Yuanping , Zheng Jiading , Xiao Xieyang , Feng Cailing , Li Yinghong , Su Hui , Yuan Ding , Wang Qinghai , Huang Peihong , Jin Lili
Published: April 2024

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the leading cause of death worldwide. Ginsenoside Rd (GRd) has cardioprotective properties but its efficacy and mechanism of action in myocardial I/R injury have not been clarified. This study investigated GRd as a potent therapeutic agent for myocardial I/R injury. Oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) and left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation were used to establish a myocardial I/R injury model in vitro and in vivo. In vivo, GRd significantly reduced the myocardial infarct size and markers of myocardial injury and improved the cardiac function in myocardial I/R injury mice. In vitro, GRd enhanced cell viability and protected the H9c2 rat cardiomyoblast cell line from OGD-induced injury GRd. The network pharmacology analysis predicted 48 potential targets of GRd for the treatment of myocardial I/R injury. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the cardioprotective effects of GRd were closely related to inflammation and apoptosis mediated by the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore, GRd alleviated inflammation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vivo and inhibited OGD/R-induced apoptosis and inflammation in cardiomyocytes. GRd also increased PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, suggesting activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, whereas LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, blocked the GRd-induced inhibition of OGD/R-induced apoptosis and inflammation in H9c2 cells. The therapeutic effect of GRd in vivo and in vitro against myocardial I/R injury was primarily dependent on PI3K/Akt pathway activation to inhibit inflammation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. This study provides new evidence for the use of GRd as a cardiovascular drug.
Black hole quantum pressure
Authors: Calmet Xavier
Published: April 2024

This article is a brief review of the work on black hole quantum pressure published in 2021 in Physical Review D with Folkert Kuipers. We highlight how to define the volume of a black hole making the link to previous works where such a definition had appeared in the context of black holes with a cosmological constant.
Foldy–Wouthuysen transformation of Dirac equation in the context of Magueijo–Smolin model of the doubly special relativity
Authors: Haouam Ilyas
Published: April 2024

In this paper, in the context of the Magueijo–Smolin (MS) model and using the Foldy–Wouthuysen transformation for relativistic spin-1/2 particles, we study the nonrelativistic limit (NRL) of the Dirac equation within the doubly special relativity. This leads to obtaining a deformed Schrödinger–Pauli equation; there, we test the influence of the MS model on the NRL of the Dirac equation. However, we also examine the efficacy and behavior of the Foldy–Wouthuysen transformation in deriving the NRL in the presence of MS model. Besides, we compute that the energies shift in the context of MS model and check if the deformed Schrödinger–Pauli equation form still shows explicitly the g-factor 2.
Optical solitons for 2D-NLSE in multimode fiber with Kerr nonlinearity and its modulation instability
Authors: Baber Muhammad Zafarullah , Abbas Gohar , Saeed Iqra , Sulaiman Tukur Abdulkadir , Ahmed Nauman , Ahmad Hijaz , Yusuf Abdullahi , Ozsahin Dilber Uzun
Published: April 2024

This paper deals with the soliton solutions for beam movement within a multimode optical fiber featuring a parabolic index shape. It is considered that a Two-Dimensional Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation (2D-NLSE) with an instantaneous Kerr nonlinearity of the kind can represent the beam dynamics. Nonlinear Multimode Optical Fibers (MMFs) of this kind are gaining popularity because they provide novel approaches to control the spectral, temporal, and spatial characteristics of ultrashort light pulses. We gain the optical soliton solutions for the nonlinear evolution beam dynamics using the Jacobi Elliptic Function Expansion (JEFE) method. The exact analytical solution of Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations (NLPDEs) can be achieved with wide application using the effective JEFE approach. These solutions are obtained in the form of dark, bright, combined dark–bright, complex combo, periodic, and plane wave solutions. Additional solutions for Jacobi elliptic functions, encompassing both single and dual function solutions, have been acquired. This approach is based on Jacobi elliptic functions, which will provide us the exact soliton solutions to nonlinear problems. Additionally, we will analyze the Modulation Instability (MI) for the underlying model. Moreover, we show the physical behavior of the beam propagation in a multimode optical fiber the three-dimensional, two-dimensional, and their corresponding contour plots are dispatched using the different values of parameters.
Exploring optical soliton solutions in highly dispersive couplers with parabolic law nonlinear refractive index using the extended auxiliary equation method
Authors: Alngar Mohamed E. M. , Alamri Atif M. , AlQahtani Salman A. , Shohib Reham M. A. , Pathak Pranavkumar
Published: April 2024

This study delves into the realm of optical soliton solutions within the intricate framework of highly dispersive couplers integrated with optical metamaterials featuring a parabolic law nonlinear refractive index. Employing the extended auxiliary equation method, the investigation systematically unveils various soliton solutions, including dark solitons, bright solitons, singular solitons, and a distinctive amalgamation of bright and singular solitons. The results illuminate the diverse dynamics of solitons in these complex systems, offering crucial insights into the interplay among dispersion, nonlinearity, and metamaterial characteristics. Beyond enhancing the theoretical understanding of soliton behavior in optical metamaterial couplers, the findings hold practical significance by potentially influencing the design and optimization of optical communication devices and systems.
p-Singular characters and normal Sylow p-subgroups
Authors: Liu Weijun , Guo Qinghong , Feng Lihua , Huang Zheng
Published: April 2024

Let G be a finite group and p a prime. We denote by [Formula: see text] the set of irreducible complex characters of G whose degrees are linear or divisible by p, and we write [Formula: see text] to denote the ratio of the sum of squares of irreducible character degrees in [Formula: see text] to the sum of irreducible character degrees in [Formula: see text]. The Itô–Michler Theorem on character degrees states that [Formula: see text] if and only if G has a normal abelian Sylow p-subgroup. We generalize this theorem as follows: if [Formula: see text], then G has a normal Sylow p-subgroup.
Study on Ill-Conditioned Total Least Squares Load Identification Method Based on the IGG Weight Function
Authors: Xin Dakuan , Qian Jin , He Congshuai , Hua Hongxing , Zhu Junchao
Published: April 2024

To address the ill-conditioned problem and unknown noise interference in ship load identification, this study proposes the ill-conditioned Total Least Squares (TLS) load identification method using the anti-error principle of the IGG weight function (IGG-TLS). First, the weight factor is iteratively updated through the IGG weight function. The weight matrix is constructed adaptively by multiplying the weight factor with the initial unit weight matrix. Then, the regularization criterion for the ill-conditioned IGG-TLS model is established based on the Tikhonov regularization principle. And the Lagrange multiplier is employed to solve the IGG-TLS method. Finally, the load identification accuracies of the IGG-TLS method are investigated through the simulation analysis and experimental verification of the rectangular plate under different noise and SNR conditions. The results demonstrate that the IGG-TLS method can achieve high accuracy in load identification without the need to pre-construct the weight matrix, even when the SNR is unknown. Additionally, the IGG-TLS method can effectively correct the identification errors in the TLS method, demonstrating high accuracy and noise immunity under conditions of equal-weight and unequal-weight noise.
Homogenization of supremal functionals in the vectorial case (via Lp-approximation)
Authors: D’Elia Lorenza , Eleuteri Michela , Zappale Elvira
Published: April 2024

We propose a homogenized supremal functional rigorously derived via [Formula: see text]-approximation by functionals of the type [Formula: see text], when [Formula: see text] is a bounded open set of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The homogenized functional is also deduced directly in the case where the sublevel sets of [Formula: see text] satisfy suitable convexity properties, as a corollary of homogenization results dealing with pointwise gradient constrained integral functionals.
Statistical modeling and denoising of microseismic signal for dropping ambient noise in wavelet domain
Authors: Kim Kyong-Il , Pak Myong-Il
Published: April 2024

Dropping the ambient noise from microseismic signals is very important for disaster monitoring such as a rockburst and early warning system using microseismic monitoring techniques in the mine and coal mines. Currently, it is still a challenge to remove high and low-frequency noise simultaneously without losing the useful information of microseismic signal. The aim of this paper is to remove the low-frequency noise contained in microseismic signal effectively, while preserving the useful signal information by using a stochastic approach. We first statistically model the wavelet coefficients in the approximation subband of noisy microseismic signal. In addition, we evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively the fitness of Gauss–Laplace mixture distribution and the statistical modeling of data. Then, we propose a novel denoising algorithm to remove the ambient noise effectively from the noisy microseismic signals in wavelet domain. This algorithm removes the low-frequency noise by using a stochastic approach and the high-frequency noise by using a traditional wavelet thresholding method. The low-frequency noise is removed by using a closed-form shrinkage function based on Gauss–Laplace mixture distribution, while the high-frequency noise is removed by using a threshold function combined with Garrote and hyperbolic threshold functions. Next, we evaluated the ambient denoising performance of our novel denoising algorithm by comparing it with various denoising methods with different test signals. Experimental results show that the ambient denoising performance of the proposed method is better than the other seven existing methods.