bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxytocin receptor function regulates neural signatures of pair bonding and fidelity in the nucleus accumbens
Authors: Long Kimberly L. P. , Hoglen Nerissa E. G. , Keip Alex J. , Klinkel Robert M. , See DéJenaé L. , Maa Joseph , Wong Jenna C. , Sherman Michael , Manoli Devanand S.
Published: June 2024

The formation of enduring relationships dramatically influences future behavior, promoting affiliation between familiar individuals. How such attachments are encoded to elicit and reinforce specific social behaviors in distinct ethological contexts remains unknown. Signaling via the oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) facilitates social reward as well as pair bond formation between mates in socially monogamous prairie voles1–9. How Oxtr function influences activity in the NAc during pair bonding to promote affiliative behavior with partners and rejection of other potential mates has not been determined. Using longitudinalin vivofiber photometry in wild-type prairie voles and those lacking Oxtr, we demonstrate that Oxtr function sex-specifically regulates pair bonding behaviors and associated activity in the NAc. Oxtr function influences prosocial behavior in females in a state-dependent manner. Females lacking Oxtr demonstrate reduced prosocial behaviors and lower activity in the NAc during initial chemosensory investigation of novel males. Upon pair bonding, affiliative behavior with partners and neural activity in the NAc during these interactions increase, but these changes do not require Oxtr function. Conversely, males lacking Oxtr display increased prosocial investigation of novel females. Using the altered patterns of behavior and activity in the NAc of males lacking Oxtr during their first interactions with a female, we can predict their future preference for a partner or stranger days later. These results demonstrate that Oxtr function sex-specifically influences the early development of pair bonds by modulating prosociality and the neural processing of sensory cues and social interactions with novel individuals, unmasking underlying sex differences in the neural pathways regulating the formation of long-term relationships.
Doubly heavy hadron production in ultraperipheral collision
Authors: Yang Hao , Jiang Jun , Long Bingwei
Published: June 2024

We study the double heavy baryon ΞQQ′ and tetraquark TQQ production through photon-photon and photon-gluon fusion via ultraperipheral collisions at the LHC and Future Circular Collider (FCC) within the framework of nonrelativistic QCD factorization formalism. Various ion-ion collisions are taken into account, two cc(bb)-diquark configurations ([cc(bb),S31−3¯] and [cc(bb),S10−6]) and four bc-diquark configurations ([bc,S31−3¯], [bc,S31−6], [bc,S10−3¯], and [bc,S10−6]) are considered in the calculation. Numerical results indicate that the [cc,S31−3¯] diquark provides dominant contribution for Ξcc (Tcc) production, and a considerable number of Ξcc (Tcc) can be produced. Because the event topologies for ultraperipheral collision are very clear, the background from various QCD interactions can be suppressed, hence the experimental investigation for Ξcc and Tcc is feasible. The productions for Ξbc/bb are also discussed, leaving only a slight possibility for Ξbc through photon-gluon fusion with ultraperipheral collisions at the FCC.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Three-point energy correlators in hadronic Higgs boson decays
Authors: Yang Tong-Zhi , Zhang Xiaoyuan
Published: June 2024

We present the analytic calculation of the leading-order three-point energy correlator (EEEC) in hadronic Higgs decays, including both the gluon-initiated channel H→gg+X and quark-initiated channel H→qq¯+X. The phase-space integration is evaluated directly using Mandelstam variables sij=(pi+pj)2, and the appearing square roots can be rationalized by either conformal ratios or celestial coordinate variables. Throughout the calculation, we observe the same transcendental function space as in N=4 super–Yang-Mills theory and

e

+

e

−

→

hadrons

. Different infrared limits are also explored using the full analytic result, offering the fixed-order data for EEEC factorization and resummation. Given its nontrivial shape dependence, the EEEC presents an excellent opportunity to explore the dynamics of gluon jets originating from the H→gg decay channel at future lepton colliders.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Higgs to
bb¯
from vector boson fusion for high-scale physics
Authors: Han Tao , Leung Sze Ching Iris , Low Matthew
Published: June 2024

Vector boson fusion is arguably the most direct collider probe of electroweak symmetry breaking. Typically, the signature includes two forward/backward jets with low transverse momenta with a scale that is set by the mass of the vector boson. For this reason, an upper cut is used when searching for vector boson fusion processes in the Standard Model. Alternatively, the upper cut on the forward jets can be removed and the high-momentum exchange region of vector boson fusion can be studied. This phase space region has sensitivity to new physics via higher dimensional operators and form factors. In this work, we study the high-momentum region of the vector boson fusion channel where the Higgs decays to bb¯. We show that, depending on the form of new physics, the limits on the new physics scale range from 0.5 to 1.8 TeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Lie-algebraic Kähler sigma models with U(1) isotropy
Authors: Sheu Chao-Hsiang , Shifman Mikhail
Published: June 2024

We discuss various questions that emerge in connection with the Lie-algebraic deformation of the CP1 sigma model in two dimensions. First, we supersymmetrize the original model endowing it with the minimal N=(0,2) and extended N=(2,2) supersymmetries. Then we derive the general hypercurrent anomaly in both cases. In the latter case this anomaly is one-loop but is somewhat different from the standard expressions one can find in the literature because the target manifold is nonsymmetric. We also show how to introduce the twisted masses and the θ term, and study the Bogomol’nyi–Prasad–Sommerfield equation for instantons, in particular the value of the topological charge. Then we demonstrate that the second loop in the

β

function of the Lie-algebraic sigma model is due to an infrared effect. To this end we use a regularization. We also conjecture that the above statement is valid for higher loops too, similar to the parallel phenomenon in four-dimensional N=1 super-Yang-Mills. In the second part of the paper we develop a special dimensional reduction—namely, starting from the two-dimensional Lie-algebraic model we arrive at a quasi-exactly solvable quantum-mechanical problem of the Lamé type.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Online academic group sentiment analyses informing workplace online group sentiment
Authors: Roberts Robin , Denney Valerie , Marion Jim W.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Researchers have investigated best practices for forming groups capable of completing projects cohesively for years. Online group formation has increased in recent years, peaking scientific interest in the sentiment that characterizes group cohesion from the point when the group is established to the stage where specific outcomes are produced. This research contributes to understanding online group dynamics by analyzing the sentiment of university students completing multiple nine-week group course projects with implications for workplaces.

Design/methodology/approach

Over eight nine-week terms, sentiment analyses were conducted on students' online reflection assignments, targeting their views on group interactions during group project completion. The assignment's context was to assess individual sentiment about the group experience that could build group sentiment implications for workplaces. Adult students from diverse academic and industry disciplines at a single university were participants. Four group models were considered possible drivers of student sentiment about their group experiences.

Findings

Punctuated Equilibrium, a classic group model, defined influences like remote distances and external obligations steering student sentiment outcomes. Instructors' active facilitation of group formation and development motivated students’ positive sentiments. Findings are akin to online organizational groups’ attempts to manage remote work and other responsibilities.

Originality/value

This study reinforced the importance of leveraging online students' collective sentiment to inform group dynamics in professional settings. Few studies have focused on the latter directly and exclusively. The results highlighted the sentiment kinship of online academic and organizational groups, validating the focused investigation of this study.
Mentoring students in higher education for reflection and development of employability competences: a pre-test post-test design
Authors: Nuis Wendy , van der Baan Niels Andreas , Beausaert Simon
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Given the dynamic and fast-evolving labour market, developing students’ employability competences has become of utmost importance for higher education institutions. The ability to reflect is essential to develop these competences, as it helps students to identify their learning needs and make plans for further development. However, reflective abilities are not easy to acquire and students need guidance to help them reflect. Therefore, mentoring is often used as an instructional approach to stimulate students to reflect. Empirical evidence on the relation between mentoring and employability competences is scarce, and the mediating role of reflection especially has rarely been researched. Consequently, the present study aims to investigate this mediating relationship, employing a pre-test post-test design.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire data were collected from students before and after participation in four similar 1-year mentoring programmes in higher education within the Netherlands and Belgium (n = 160).

Findings

The path analysis demonstrated that, first, trust and availability, autonomy support and empathy were significantly related to students’ employability competences. Secondly, autonomy support and similarity were significantly related to students’ critical reflection. Thirdly, critical reflection was significantly related to students’ employability competences. Last, reflection partially mediated the relationship between mentoring (autonomy support and similarity) and employability.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to demonstrate that mentoring programmes in higher education enable students to reflect and, in turn, develop their employability competences. Furthermore, it provides mentoring programme directors and mentors with concrete guidelines for developing students’ reflection and employability competences.
Secure data communication in WSN using Prairie Indica optimization
Authors: Amune Amruta Chandrakant , Pande Himangi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Security is the major issue that motivates multiple scholars to discover security solutions apart from the advantages of wireless sensor networks (WSN) such as strong compatibility, flexible communication and low cost. However, there exist a few challenges, such as the complexity of choosing the expected cluster, communication overhead, routing selection and the energy level that affects the entire communication. The ultimate aim of the research is to secure data communication in WSN using prairie indica optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the network simulator sets up clusters of sensor nodes. The simulator then selects the Cluster Head and optimizes routing using an advanced Prairie Indica Optimization algorithm to find the most efficient communication paths. Sensor nodes collect data, which is securely transmitted to the base station. By applying prairie indica optimization to WSNs, optimize key aspects of data communication, including secure routing and encryption, to protect sensitive information from potential threats.

Findings

The Prairie Indica Optimization, as proposed, achieves impressive results for networks comprising 50 nodes, with delay, energy and throughput values of 77.39 ms, 21.68 J and 22.59 bps. In the case of 100-node networks, the achieved values are 80.95 ms, 27.74 J and 22.03 bps, significantly surpassing the performance of current techniques. These outcomes underscore the substantial improvements brought about by the Prairie Indica Optimization in enhancing WSN data communication.

Originality/value

In this research, the Prairie Indica Optimization is designed to enhance the security of data communication within WSN.
Value and quality investing strategy in Indian stock market
Authors: Kaur Satinder , Seth Sidharath , Singh Jaspal
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The objective of the study is to shed light on the notion of quality investing in the Indian stock market. The study also attempts to combine the value and quality metrics to test their ability to generate a higher risk-adjusted return.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs asset pricing models to examine the excess risk-adjusted returns and panel regression model (random estimates) to determine the price of quality in the cross-section of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) listed stocks from 2003 to 2020.

Findings

The results indicate that the quality-only strategy failed to produce substantial risk-adjusted returns in the Indian stock market. The returns to long/short hedging strategy quality-minus-junk (QMJ) are significantly positive with the majority of the returns attributable to the short leg of the stock portfolio. The findings further discovered that the explanatory effect of quality on prices is limited. In particular, a strategy that combines value and quality investing generated positive and significant alphas as well as a higher Sharpe ratio.

Practical implications

The study provides investors and portfolio managers with valuable insights for navigating undervalued high-quality equities in the Indian stock market.

Originality/value

This is the first research of its kind to examine the performance of quality (Q score indicator) combined with value investing in the Indian stock market. As majority of research have concentrated on developed economies, this study offers out-of-sample evidence to validate the strategy’s success in an emerging market.
Relationship between medication safety‐related processes and medication use in residential aged care facilities
Authors: Poudel Ramesh Sharma , Williams Kylie A. , Pont Lisa G.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore the association between the implementation of medication safety‐related processes measured with the Medication Safety Self‐Assessment for Long‐Term Care (MSSA‐LTC) tool and medication use in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted in Australian RACFs. Data on facility characteristics, aggregated medication use at the facility level for selected medications commonly associated with a high risk of harm and the MSSA‐LTC were completed by clinical pharmacists providing clinical pharmacy services. The Spearman's correlation test was used to evaluate the association between the MSSA‐LTC score and medication use. A scatter plot between the MSSA‐LTC score and medication use data was generated, and a linear trend line was plotted using the least squares method.

Results

Data were collected from 31 RACFs servicing 2986 residents. Most medication safety‐related processes were implemented in Australian RACFs. A higher facility MSSA‐LTC score was associated with a lower proportion of residents with polypharmacy (r = −.48, p = .01) and one or more benzodiazepines (r = −.41, p = .03). In addition, a negative linear trend was observed between the MSSA‐LTC score and the average number of medications per resident, the proportion of residents with one or more anticonvulsants and the proportion of residents using one or more opioid analgesics.

Conclusions

This study indicates that implementing medication safety‐related processes may improve medication use in RACFs.
Photovoltaic, wireless wide‐field epiretinal prosthesis to treat retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Schulz André , Knoll Thorsten , Jaeger Tino , Le Harzic Ronan , Stracke Frank , Wien Sascha L. , Olsommer Yves , Meiser Ina , Wagner Sylvia , Rammensee Michael , Kurz Oliver , Klesy Stephan , Sermeus Loic , Julich‐Haertel Henrike , Schweitzer Yanick , Januschowski Kai , Velten Thomas , Szurman Peter
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a photovoltaic, wireless wide‐field epiretinal prosthesis for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa.

Methods

A mosaic array of thinned silicon‐based photodiodes with integrated thin‐film stimulation electrodes was fabricated with a flexible polyimide substrate film to form a film‐based miniaturized electronic system with wireless optical power and signal transmission and integrated electrostimulation. Manufactured implants were characterized with respect to their optoelectronic performance and biocompatibility following DIN EN ISO 10993.

Results

A 14 mm diameter prosthesis containing 1276 pixels with a maximum sensitivity at a near infrared wavelength of 905 nm and maximized stimulation current density 30–50 μm below the electrodes was developed for direct activation of retinal ganglion cells during epiretinal stimulation. Fabricated prostheses demonstrated mucosal tolerance and the preservation of both metabolic activity, proliferation and membrane integrity of human fibroblasts as well as the retinal functions of bovine retinas. Illumination of the prosthesis, which was placed epiretinally on an isolated perfused bovine retina, with infrared light resulted in electrophysiological recordings reminiscent of an a‐wave (hyperpolarization) and b‐wave (depolarization).

Conclusions

A photovoltaic, wireless wide‐field epiretinal prosthesis for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa using near infrared light for signal transmission was designed, manufactured and its biocompatibility and functionality demonstrated in vitro and ex vivo.
Exploring the profile of green consumers: Role of demographics and factors influencing green purchase behavior
Authors: Mehta Pooja , Chahal Harpreet Singh
Published: June 2024

In the past decades, the world has witnessed significant growth in environmental issues such as the generation of waste, climatic changes, and depletion of natural resources. Due to this, there has been a substantial upsurge in consumers who prefer green products. Hence, exploring the stable set of characteristics of green consumers becomes extremely important for organizations to develop customer‐oriented targeting and segmenting strategies. The present study attempts to explore key factors influencing green purchase behavior and the behavioral profile of green consumers in the Indian context. The study surveyed 400 respondents from Punjab. Multivariate analysis was performed to analyze the data. The results of the analysis revealed three distinctive consumer clusters based on green purchase behavior. “Pro‐environmentals” represent the segment of green consumers. Consumers of this cluster were found to be highly environmentally conscious. Besides this, the study confirmed noticeable differences in the three clusters in terms of gender, age, number of children, and marital status. Finally, the results indicated the behavioral profile of green and non‐green consumers and explained prominent differences between the three clusters. This knowledge shall enable marketers to design tailor‐made marketing strategies focusing on the specific needs of each consumer cluster.
Editorial: The case for more action and more research into healthcare provision and health inequalities for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Chapman Hazel M. , McMahon Martin , Kaley Alexandra , Mafuba Kay , O'Donovan Mary‐Ann
Published: June 2024

Accessible Summaries

Age, Sex, and Constitutional Factors

Whittle et al. identify how sex impacts mental health service use for women with intellectual disability.

Sheerin et al. highlight how age‐specific needs are unmet due to service gaps.

Burke et al. identify how age‐related healthcare risks for bone health are different for people with intellectual disability.

Living and Working Conditions

van den Bemd et al. reported the recording of management of long‐term conditions for patients with intellectual disabilities in long‐term care appears suboptimal.

Skoss et al. report on the infrastructure of group home settings in Australia and how after COVID‐19 people living in these settings receive fewer healthcare services.

Individual Lifestyle Factors

Lunsky et al. explored the use of a ‘check‐in tool’ to support people with intellectual disability proactively.

Community and Social Networks

Donaldson et al. and Karas et al. highlight systemic issues with eyecare and examine the impact of peer‐to‐peer support and community advocacy on improving access to eye care.

Schormans et al. examine the lack of social and community support for homeless youth with intellectual disability.

Sykes et al. highlight reasonable adjustments and influence of community and familial attitudes in influencing breast and cervical cancer screening access.

Earle et al. detail how broader societal and cultural norms affect menstrual health support.

Heslop and Lauer found limited evidence about preventing specific avoidable causes of death in people with intellectual disability and outline the need for ‘whole population’ policy changes.

Iffland et al. found that lung infections, choking, flu and heart problems were much more likely to be a contributing cause of deaths for people with intellectual disability.

Hatton et al. explore the impact of COVID‐19 on access to health services and highlight severe disruptions during the pandemic which persisted and worsened postpandemic.

Beeken et al. detail how stakeholder engagement in research and policymaking can improve health and address health inequalities.
Enhancing mechanical properties and damage tolerance of additive manufactured ceramic TPMS lattices by hybrid design
Authors: Lu Chenxi , Ding Jie , Jiang Xin , Wen Pin , Zhang Chi , Shen Qiang , Chen Fei
Published: June 2024

Many studies have reported that additive manufactured ceramic lattices with microarchitectures often exhibit low‐strain brittle fracture behavior. In this work, the fracture behavior of ceramic triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattices was optimized by introducing a hybrid design strategy that utilizes different microarchitectures. Hybrid ceramic TPMS structures incorporating Gyroid and Primitive unit cells were successfully fabricated using the Lithography‐based ceramics manufacturing (LCM) technique, and their mechanical properties were evaluated under both quasistatic and dynamic compression. The hybrid designs exhibited improved damage tolerance and fracture strength compared to their normal counterparts. Compared to normal Gyroid and Primitive structures, the G2P2 structure exhibits the best energy absorption capacity of 12.5 × 104 J/m3, demonstrating a 13% and 217% increase in energy absorption capacity under quasistatic loading, respectively. Additionally, compared with other normal and hybrid designs, the G2P2 structure exhibits the highest fracture strength of 13.03 MPa under quasistatic loading conditions. Moreover, the P2G hybrid structure displayed a distinct deformation pattern characterized by a smoother stress decrease under quasistatic loading, enhancing damage tolerance. The order of Young's modulus under quasistatic loading was Normal Gyroid ≈ G2P2 > G2P1 > Normal Primitive > P2G. Fracture strength follows the order of G2P2 ≈ Normal Gyroid > Normal Primitive > G2P1 > P2G. The mechanical properties of hybrid TPMS structures suggest that the hybrid design strategy can broaden the achievable range of mechanical properties among ceramic TPMS structures.
Reduction of cassava mosaic geminiviruses from infected stem cuttings using salicylic acid, hydrogen peroxide and hot water treatment
Authors: Kung'u Mercy W. , Nyaboga Evans N. , Rey Chrissie
Published: June 2024

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) causes significant losses in cassava production in Africa. The disease is caused by several cassava mosaic geminiviruses (CMGs) and spread through the use of infected plant materials. The infected plants remain infected throughout their vegetative lifecycle as the disease cannot be controlled by standard plant protection measures. Therefore, it is important to develop inexpensive field‐based methods that can be easily adopted by small‐scale farmers to sanitize geminiviruses‐infected stem cuttings used as planting material. This study aimed at eliminating CMGs from infected cassava stem cuttings by use of salicylic acid (SA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hot water (HW) treatments. Eight varieties of CMD‐infected stem cuttings were pretreated with SA (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mM), H2O2 (0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%) or hot water (50 and 55°C) at different exposure times before establishment in the glasshouse for evaluation of subsequent plant growth and geminivirus detection. Based on the cassava varieties used for the different treatments, treatment with hot water at 50°C for 5 min and 1.0% H2O2 for 12 h were the most effective in eliminating CMGs with an efficiency of 81.7% and 77.8%, respectively. Salicylic acid at a concentration of 5 mM for 6 h eliminated the viruses in 65.1% of the cuttings. The methods tested herein have the potential for producing planting materials with significantly reduced CMD risk for smallholder farmers and the cassava industry to meet their increasing demand. It could also contribute to the global exchange of germplasm for conservation and breeding programs.
Fungicidal control of onion pink root caused by Setophoma terrestris and effects on soil enzyme activity
Authors: Sadeghi Somayeh , Nasr‐Esfahani Mehdi , Maleki Mojdeh , Molahoseini Hamid , Khankahdani Hamed Hassanzadeh , Mohammadi Mojtaba
Published: June 2024

Pink root disease (PRD) caused by Setophoma terrestris is a major disease in onion‐producing regions. The fungus primarily infects onion, but occasionally causes disease on other plant species such as cereals, corn, cucurbits, pepper, spinach, and soybean. In this study, we analysed the efficacy of three commercially available fungicides at low dose in two successive years (2020–2021) in the field. These included Priaxor Xemium Brand (fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin) at 1.0 or 1.5 L/ha, Lamardor 400 FS (propiconazole + tebuconazole) at 2.5 kg/ha, and Rovral TS (iprodione) at 5.0 kg/ha applied via soil surface irrigation, and also Priaxor as foliar application (1.0 L/ha) against PRD on three onion cultivars: white, red, and yellow. All fungicides were applied thrice within 3‐week intervals from the onset of PRD (mid‐February), and fungicidal efficacy was determined 2 weeks prior to harvest (mid‐May). The lowest PRD severity was recorded for Priaxor 1.5 L/ha at 9.5%, followed by Lamardo at 10.1%, and the remaining treatments compared with the untreated control at 47.7% severity. The highest production (per 100 bulbs) was recorded for Priaxor 1.5 L/ha with 7.36 kg, followed by Lamardo with 6.86 kg and the remaining treatments compared with untreated at 4.33 kg. When treatment effects on soil enzymes were examined prior to harvest, there was no substantial change in urease activity, whereas soil application of Priaxor increased alkaline phosphatase activity by 50% and decreased acidic phosphatase by 42% compared with the untreated control. Our data indicated that fungicides have subtle differences in efficacy profiles, which may translate to improved management against PRD.
Combining chronosequences and multi‐census approaches to understand patterns of succession in subtropical montane forests of NW Argentina
Authors: Ceballos Sergio Javier , Malizia Agustina , Carilla Julieta , Grau Ricardo , Osinaga Acosta Oriana , Blundo Cecilia
Published: June 2024

Question

How does the diversity of successional forests evolve with stand age, and to what extent do permanent plots validate the previously studied successional patterns of tree diversity and composition observed through chronosequences? To evaluate the role of successional forests as reservoirs for many species, it is essential to examine how biodiversity recovers with the age of the stand. We studied patterns of taxonomic and functional diversity, as well as species composition during forest succession, by combining chronosequences and permanent plot monitoring.

Location

Subtropical montane forests in NW Argentina.

Methods

We used data from two chronosequences of plots monitored for 30 years in lower and upper montane forests dominated by native trees (LMF‐Native and UMF‐Native), and one chronosequence of plots dominated by the exotic tree Ligustrum lucidum, monitored for 10 years in low montane forests (LMF‐Invaded). We analyzed changes in taxonomic (species richness, Shannon diversity, Simpson diversity) and functional diversity, as well as composition with forest age.

Results

Taxonomic and functional diversity increased between 30 and 70 years of succession in LMF‐Native and UMF‐Native. Successional LMF‐Native forests reached the diversity of mature forests earlier than UMF‐Native. In LMF‐Invaded, taxonomic and functional diversity decreased in the same period because of the increasing dominance of the exotic species Ligustrum lucidum. In non‐invaded chronosequences (LMF‐Native and UMF‐Native) we observed a convergence towards the composition of mature forests; however, each successional forest kept its identity for 30 years.

Conclusions

Diversity and composition followed different successional trajectories depending on the type of forest. We found that successional patterns, such as changes in taxonomic and functional diversity, predicted with the chronosequence approach, were confirmed with data from plot monitoring. The effects of pre‐abandonment conditions persist in the diversity and composition of successional forests monitored between 10 and 30 years.
Effects of ketogenic diets on cancer‐related variables: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Salido‐Bueno Belinda , Gil‐Hernandez Esther , Rueda‐Ruzafa Lola , Gomez‐Chica Pablo , Roman Pablo , Cardona Diana
Published: June 2024

Cancer is a global health concern influenced by genetics, environment and lifestyle choices. Recent research shows that a ketogenic diet (KD) might ease cancer symptoms and reduce tumour size. We hypothesised that the KD could result in improvements in cancer‐related variables. Therefore, this study aims to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the KD's efficacy for patients with cancer. The databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, CINAHL and Open Grey were utilised for conducting a systematic review and meta‐analysis. The analysis was limited to randomised controlled trials with adult participants aged 18 years and above. Levels of glucose, cholesterol, insulin‐like growth factor 1, weight and quality of life were evaluated following the KD. After identifying 596 articles in the initial search, eight studies, lasting between 4 and 16 weeks, were included in the systematic review and seven in the meta‐analysis. The KD led to decreased glucose levels in patients with cancer but did not show significant improvements in cholesterol, insulin‐like growth factor 1, weight or quality of life. Based on the results of this systematic review and meta‐analysis, there is insufficient evidence to establish a definitive link between the KD and cancer‐related parameters. While some studies suggest potential benefits in terms of some outcomes and tumour size reduction, further research is required to fully comprehend the effects of this diet.
Photosynthesis regulates tillering bud elongation and nitrogen‐use efficiency via sugar‐induced NGR5 in rice
Authors: Wen Rui , Zhu Maodi , Yu Junming , Kou Liquan , Ahmad Shakeel , Wei Xiangjin , Jiao Guiai , Hu Shikai , Sheng Zhonghua , Zhao Fengli , Tang Shaoqing , Shao Gaoneng , Yu Hong , Hu Peisong
Published: June 2024

Rice tillering is one of the most important agronomical traits largely determining grain yield. Photosynthesis and nitrogen availability are two important factors affecting rice tiller bud elongation; however, underlying mechanism and their cross‐talk is poorly understood.

Here, we used map‐based cloning, transcriptome profiling, phenotypic analysis, and molecular genetics to understand the roles of the Decreased Tiller Number 1 (DTN1) gene that encodes the fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase and involves in photosynthesis required for light‐induced axillary bud elongation in rice.

Deficiency of DTN1 results in the reduced photosynthetic rate and decreased contents of sucrose and other sugars in both leaves and axillary buds, and the reduced tiller number in dtn1 mutant could be partially rescued by exogenous sucrose treatment. Furthermore, we found that the expression of nitrogen‐mediated tiller growth response 5 (NGR5) was remarkably decreased in shoot base of dtn1‐2, which can be activated by sucrose treatment. Overexpression of NGR5 in the dtn1‐2 could partially rescue the reduced tiller number, and the tiller number of dtn1‐2 was insensitive to nitrogen supply.

This work demonstrated that the sugar level regulated by photosynthesis and DTN1 could positively regulate NGR5 expression, which coordinates the cross‐talk between carbon and nitrate to control tiller bud outgrowth in rice.
Enhanced decreases in rice evapotranspiration in response to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide under warmer environments
Authors: Ikawa Hiroki , Hasegawa Toshihiro , Kumagai Etsushi , Wakatsuki Hitomi , Sekiyama Yasuyo , Nagano Atsushi J. , Kuwagata Tsuneo
Published: June 2024

A short period of exposure to elevated CO2 is known to decrease evapotranspiration via stomatal closure. Based on theoretical evaluation of a canopy transpiration model, we hypothesized that this decrease in the evapotranspiration of rice under elevated CO2 was greater under higher temperature conditions due to an increased sensitivity of transpiration to changes in CO2 induced by the greater vapour pressure deficit. In a temperature gradient chamber‐based experiment, a 200 ppm increase in CO2 concentration led to 0.4 mm (−7%) and 1.5 mm (−15%) decreases in 12 h evapotranspiration under ambient temperature and high temperature (+3.7°C) conditions, respectively. Model simulations revealed that the greater vapour pressure deficit under higher temperature conditions explained the variations in the reduction of evapotranspiration observed under elevated CO2 levels between the temperature treatments. Our study suggests the utility of a simple modelling framework for mechanistic understanding of evapotranspiration and crop energy balance system under changing environmental conditions.
The different response of Brassica napus genotypes to microspore embryogenesis induced by heat shock and trichostatin A is not determined by changes in cell wall structure and composition but by different stress tolerance
Authors: Camacho‐Fernández Carolina , Corral‐Martínez Patricia , Calabuig‐Serna Antonio , Arjona‐Mudarra Paloma , Sancho‐Oviedo Daniel , Boutilier Kim , Seguí‐Simarro Jose M.
Published: June 2024

During microspore embryogenesis, microspores are induced to develop into haploid embryos. In Brassica napus, microspore embryogenesis is induced by a heat shock (HS), which initially produces embryogenic structures with different cell wall architectures and compositions, and with different potentials to develop into embryos. The B. napus DH4079 and DH12075 genotypes have high and very low embryo yields, respectively. In DH12075, embryo yield is greatly increased by combining HS and the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA). However, we show that HS + TSA inhibits embryogenesis in the highly embryogenic DH4079 line. To ascertain why TSA has such different effects in these lines, we treated DH4079 and DH12075 microspore cultures with TSA and compared the cell wall structure and composition of the different embryogenic structures in both lines, specifically the in situ levels and distribution of callose, cellulose, arabinogalactan proteins and high and low methyl‐esterified pectin. For both lines, HS + TSA led to the formation of cell walls unfavorable for embryogenesis progression, with reduced levels of arabinogalactan proteins, reduced cell adhesion of inner walls and altered pectin composition. Thus, TSA effects on cell walls cannot explain their different embryogenic response to TSA. We also applied TSA to DH4079 cultures at different times and concentrations before HS application, with no negative effects on embryogenic induction. These results indicate that DH4079 microspores are hypersensitive to combined TSA and HS treatments, and open up new hypotheses about the causes of such hypersensitivity.
Evolution, diversity, and function of the disease susceptibility gene Snn1 in wheat
Authors: Seneviratne Sudeshi , Shi Gongjun , Szabo‐Hever Agnes , Zhang Zengcui , Peters Haugrud Amanda R. , Running Katherine L. D. , Singh Gurminder , Nandety Raja Sekhar , Fiedler Jason D. , McClean Phillip E. , Xu Steven S. , Friesen Timothy L. , Faris Justin D.
Published: June 2024

Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB), caused by Parastagonospora nodorum, is a disease of durum and common wheat initiated by the recognition of pathogen‐produced necrotrophic effectors (NEs) by specific wheat genes. The wheat gene Snn1 was previously cloned, and it encodes a wall‐associated kinase that directly interacts with the NE SnTox1 leading to programmed cell death and ultimately the development of SNB. Here, sequence analysis of Snn1 from 114 accessions including diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid wheat species revealed that some wheat lines possess two copies of Snn1 (designated Snn1‐B1 and Snn1‐B2) approximately 120 kb apart. Snn1‐B2 evolved relatively recently as a paralog of Snn1‐B1, and both genes have undergone diversifying selection. Three point mutations associated with the formation of the first SnTox1‐sensitive Snn1‐B1 allele from a primitive wild wheat were identified. Four subsequent and independent SNPs, three in Snn1‐B1 and one in Snn1‐B2, converted the sensitive alleles to insensitive forms. Protein modeling indicated these four mutations could abolish Snn1–SnTox1 compatibility either through destabilization of the Snn1 protein or direct disruption of the protein–protein interaction. A high‐throughput marker was developed for the absent allele of Snn1, and it was 100% accurate at predicting SnTox1‐insensitive lines in both durum and spring wheat. Results of this study increase our understanding of the evolution, diversity, and function of Snn1‐B1 and Snn1‐B2 genes and will be useful for marker‐assisted elimination of these genes for better host resistance.
Non‐Classical Swine Leukocyte Antigens SLA‐6, ‐7, and ‐8, Are Xenoantigens for Some Waitlisted Patients
Authors: Reyes Luz , Wang Zheng‐Yu , Estrada Jose , Burlak Christopher , Gennuso Victor Novara , Ho Sam , Tector Matt , Tector Alfred Joseph
Published: June 2024

Attack of donor tissues by pre‐formed anti‐pig antibodies is well known to cause graft failure in xenotransplantation. Genetic engineering of porcine donors to eliminate targets of these pre‐formed antibodies coupled with advances in immunosuppressive medicines have now made it possible to achieve extended survival in the pre‐clinical pig‐to‐non‐human primate model. Despite these improvements, antibodies remain a risk over the lifetime of the transplant, and many patients continue to have pre‐formed donor‐specific antibodies even to highly engineered pigs. While therapeutics exist that can help mitigate the detrimental effects of antibodies, they act broadly potentially dampening beneficial immunity. Identifying additional xenoantigens may enable more targeted approaches, such as gene editing, to overcome these challenges by further eliminating antibody targets on donor tissue. Because we have found that classical class I swine leukocyte antigens are targets of human antibodies, we now examine whether related pig proteins may also be targeted by human antibodies. We show here that non‐classical class I swine leukocyte proteins (SLA‐6, ‐7, ‐8) can be expressed at the surface of mammalian cells and act as antibody targets.
Detectability of Breast Cancer Through Inverse Heat Transfer Modeling Using Patient-Specific Surface Temperatures
Authors: Gutierrez Carlos , Kandlikar Satish G.
Published: June 2024

Breast cancer in women is a prevalent disease that takes over 680,000 lives each year worldwide. Early detection of breast cancer through screening has played a significant role in reducing the mortality rates. The current screening paradigm has shown the difficulties in detecting cancers for patients with dense breasts, small and deep tumors, and cancer types that are difficult to visualize. Infrared imaging (IRI) aided by advanced thermal analysis of the breast has shown great promise in detecting cancer using surface temperatures effected by a metabolically active and highly perfused tumor region. We previously developed an inverse heat transfer approach to detect the presence and absence of breast cancer using IRI, called the IRI-Numerical Engine. It was validated with 23 biopsy-proven breast cancer patients irrespective of breast density and cancer type at various tumor depths (0.95 cm–5.45 cm from the breast surface). The current work is aimed to obtain the detectability limit of the IRI-Numerical Engine by testing the capability of detecting 10–20 mm tumors at various depths in patient-specific digital breast models (DBMs). In addition, a study on the effect of tumor size, tumor location, breast shape, and breast size on the surface temperatures of patient-specific models was conducted to verify that an IR camera could capture these surface temperature distributions. The algorithm was able to detect the presence of a tumor at various depths, and deep tumors are detectable given the appropriate thermal sensitive IR camera.
Benchmarking the Performance of the Actuator-Disk Method for Low-Pressure Axial Flow Fan Simulation
Authors: Venter Adam J. , Owen Michael T. F. , Muiyser Jacques
Published: June 2024

The actuator-disk method is a cost-effective simulation tool that implicitly represents the rotor of a turbomachine using a blade-element approach combined with two-dimensional (2D) airfoil coefficient input data. Actuator-disk models further rely upon empirical coefficient corrections to modify the 2D input data to better mimic physical blade aerodynamic characteristics. However, the fabrication of high-fidelity, general-purpose corrections remains a formidable challenge, so the limits of actuator-disk model accuracy have never been rigorously tested and remain uncertain. This is especially the case for low-pressure axial flow fan models, given the relative lack of empirical corrections conceived specifically for fan rotor simulation. In this study, benchmark performance limits of the actuator-disk method for axial flow fan analysis are explored. The limits of the modeling approach are interrogated by simulating actuator-disk fan models embedded with accurate physical blade data derived from explicit three-dimensional (3D) fan model computations. It is subsequently shown that even with a near-precise coefficient description, the method remains unreliable. However, using an unconventional actuator-disk model formulation that is based directly on 3D blade force inputs, it is demonstrated that the accuracy of conventional models can be noticeably enhanced if the input coefficient data is artificially manipulated. This nonphysical tuning of the input coefficient data is required to compensate for the simplified flow fields produced by the reduced-order modeling approach. The needed coefficient adjustments, referred to as modeling corrections, are subsequently defined and explained alongside the presentation of new realistic performance targets for future actuator-disk fan model variants.
Vaginal fungi are associated with treatment-induced shifts in the vaginal microbiota and with a distinct genital immune profile
Authors: Armstrong Eric , Hemmerling Anke , Miller Steve , Huibner Sanja , Kulikova Maria , Liu Rachel , Crawford Emily , Castañeda Gloria R. , Coburn Bryan , Cohen Craig R. , Kaul Rupert
Published: June 2024

Vaginal colonization by fungi may elicit genital inflammation and enhance the risk of adverse reproductive health outcomes, such as HIV acquisition. Cross-sectional studies have linked fungi with an absence of bacterial vaginosis (BV), but it is unclear whether shifts in vaginal bacteria alter the abundance of vaginal fungi. Vaginal swabs collected following topical metronidazole treatment for BV during the phase 2b, placebo-controlled trial of LACTIN-V, a
Lactobacillus crispatus
-based live biotherapeutic, were assayed with semi-quantitative PCR for the relative quantitation of fungi and key bacterial species and multiplex immunoassay for immune factors. Vaginal fungi increased immediately following metronidazole treatment for BV (adjusted
P
= 0.0006), with most of this increase attributable to
Candida albicans
. Vaginal fungi were independently linked to elevated levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL) 17A, although this association did not remain significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. Fungal relative abundance by semi-quantitative PCR returned to baseline levels within 1 month of metronidazole treatment and was not affected by LACTIN-V or placebo administration. Fungal abundance was positively associated with
Lactobacillus
species, negatively associated with BV-associated bacteria, and positively associated with a variety of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-17A, during and after study product administration. Antibiotic treatment for BV resulted in a transient expanded abundance of vaginal fungi in a subset of women which was unaffected by subsequent administration of LACTIN-V. Vaginal fungi were positively associated with
Lactobacillus
species and IL-17A and negatively associated with BV-associated bacteria; these associations were most pronounced in the longer-term outcomes.

IMPORTANCE

Vaginal colonization by fungi can enhance the risk of adverse reproductive health outcomes and HIV acquisition, potentially by eliciting genital mucosal inflammation. We show that standard antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) results in a transient increase in the absolute abundance of vaginal fungi, most of which was identified as
Candida albicans
. Vaginal fungi were positively associated with proinflammatory immune factors and negatively associated with BV-associated bacteria. These findings improve our understanding of how shifts in the bacterial composition of the vaginal microbiota may enhance proliferation by proinflammatory vaginal fungi, which may have important implications for risk of adverse reproductive health outcomes among women.