bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Early Dodder Gets the Host: Decoding the Coiling Patterns ofCuscuta campestriswith Automated Image Processing
Authors: Bentelspacher Max , Amézquita Erik J. , Adhikari Supral , Barros Jaime , Park So-Yon
Published: March 2024

Cuscutaspp., commonly known as dodders, are rootless and leafless stem parasitic plants. Upon germination,Cuscutastarts rotating immediately in a counterclockwise direction (circumnutation) to locate a host plant, creating a seamless vascular connection to steal water and nutrients from its host. In this study, our aim was to elucidate the dynamics of the coiling patterns ofCuscuta, which is an essential step for successful parasitism. Using time-lapse photography, we recorded the circumnutation and coiling movements ofC. campestrisat different inoculation times on non- living hosts. Subsequent image analyses were facilitated through an in-house Python-based image processing pipeline to detect coiling locations, angles, initiation and completion times, and duration of coiling stages in between. The study revealed that the coiling efficacy ofC. campestrisvaried with the inoculation time of day, showing higher success and fastinitiation in morning than in evening. These observations suggest thatCuscuta, despite lacking leaves and a developed chloroplast, can discern photoperiod changes, significantly determining its parasitic efficiency. The automated image analysis results confirmed the reliability of our Python pipeline by aligning closely with manual annotations. This study provides significant insights into the parasitic strategies ofC. campestrisand demonstrates the potential of integrating computational image analysis in plant biology for exploring complex plant behaviors. Furthermore, this method provides an efficient tool for investigating plant movement dynamics, laying the foundation for future studies on mitigating the economic impacts of parasitic plants.
The Updated Mouse Universal Genotyping Array Bioinformatic Pipeline Improves Genetic QC in Laboratory Mice
Authors: Blanchard Matthew W , Sigmon John Sebastian , Brennan Jennifer , Ahulamibe Chidima , Allen Michelle E , Baric Ralph S , Bell Timothy A , Farrington Joeseph , Ciavatta Dominic , Cruz Cisneros Marta , Drushal Madison , Ferris Martin T , Fry Rebecca , Gaines Christiann , Gu Bin , Heise Mark T , Hodges Richard Austin , Kafri Tal , Lynch Rachel , Magnuson Terry , Miller Darla , Murphy Caroline E Y , Nguyen David Truong , Noll Kelsey E , Proulx Megan , Sassetti Chris , Shaw Ginger D , Simon Jeremy M , Smith Clare , Styblo Myrek , Tarantino Lisa , Woo Joyce , Pardo Manuel de Villena Fernando
Published: March 2024

The MiniMUGA genotyping array is a popular tool for genetic QC of laboratory mice and genotyping of samples from most types of experimental crosses involving laboratory strains, particularly for reduced complexity crosses. The content of the production version of the MiniMUGA array is fixed; however, there is the opportunity to improve array’s performance and the associated report’s usefulness by leveraging thousands of samples genotyped since the initial description of MiniMUGA in 2020. Here we report our efforts to update and improve marker annotation, increase the number and the reliability of the consensus genotypes for inbred strains and increase the number of constructs that can reliably be detected with MiniMUGA. In addition, we have implemented key changes in the informatics pipeline to identify and quantify the contribution of specific genetic backgrounds to the makeup of a given sample, remove arbitrary thresholds, include the Y Chromosome and mitochondrial genome in the ideogram, and improve robust detection of the presence of commercially available substrains based on diagnostic alleles. Finally, we have made changes to the layout of the report, to simplify the interpretation and completeness of the analysis and added a table summarizing the ideogram. We believe that these changes will be of general interest to the mouse research community and will be instrumental in our goal of improving the rigor and reproducibility of mouse-based biomedical research.
Redox regulation by the CDSP32 thioredoxin of ATP-synthase activity and enzymatic antioxidant network inSolanum tuberosum
Authors: Rey Pascal , Henri Patricia , Alric Jean , Blanchard Laurence , Viola Stefania
Published: March 2024

Plant thioredoxins (TRXs) form a complex family involved in numerous metabolic and signalling pathways, such as the regulation of photosynthetic metabolism in relation with light conditions. The atypical CDSP32, chloroplastic drought-induced stress protein of 32 kDa, TRX includes two TRX-fold domains, one of which has an atypical redox-active HCGPC motif, and has been initially reported to participate in responses to oxidative stress as an electron donor to peroxiredoxins and methionine sulfoxide reductases. Here, we further characterized potato lines modified forCDSP32expression to clarify the physiological roles of the TRX. Upon high salt treatments, modified lines displayed changes in the abundance and redox status of CDSP32 antioxidant partners, and exhibited sensitivity to NaHCO3, but not to NaCl. In non-stressed plants overexpressing CDSP32, a lower abundance of photosystem II PsbO and D1 subunits and ATP-synthase γ subunit was noticed. The CDSP32 co-suppressed line showed altered chlorophyllafluorescence induction and modified regulation of the plastidial ATP-synthase activity during dark/light and light/dark transitions, revealing the involvement of CDSP32 in the control of the photosynthetic machinery. In agreement with the previously reported interactionin plantabetween CDSP32 and the ATP-synthase γ subunit, our data show that CDSP32 participates in the regulation of the transthylakoid membrane potential. Consistently, modeling of protein complex 3-D structure indicates that the CDSP32 TRX constitutes a suitable partner of ATP-synthase γ subunit. We discuss the roles of CDSP32 in chloroplast redox homeostasis through the regulation of both photosynthetic activity and enzymatic antioxidant network.
Sexually dimorphic renal expression ofKlothois directed by a kidney-specific distal enhancer responsive to HNF1b
Authors: Jankowski Jakub , Lee Hye Kyung , Liu Chengyu , Wilflingseder Julia , Hennighausen Lothar
Published: March 2024

Transcription enhancers are genomic sequences regulating common and tissue-specific genes and their disruption can contribute to human disease development and progression.Klotho, a sexually dimorphic gene specifically expressed in kidney, is well-linked to kidney dysfunction and its deletion from the mouse genome leads to premature aging and death. However, the sexually dimorphic regulation ofKlothois not understood. Here, we characterize two candidateKlothoenhancers using H3K27ac epigenetic marks and transcription factor binding and investigate their functions, individually and combined, through CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering. We discovered that only the distal (E1), but not the proximal (E2) candidate region constitutes a functional enhancer, with the double deletion not causingKlothoexpression to further decrease. E1 activity is dependent on HNF1b transcription factor binding site within the enhancer. Further, E1 controls the sexual dimorphism ofKlothoas evidenced by qPCR and RNA- seq. Despite the sharp reduction ofKlothomRNA, unlike germlineKlothoknockouts, mutant mice presented normal phenotype, including weight, lifespan, and serum biochemistry. Lastly, only males lacking E1 display more prominent acute, but not chronic kidney injury responses, indicating a remarkable range of potential adaptation to isolatedKlotholoss, especially in female E1 knockouts, retaining renoprotection despite over 80%Klothoreduction.
Integrating Knowledge Graphs into Machine Learning Models for Survival Prediction and Biomarker Discovery in Patients with Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Fang Chao , Arango Argoty Gustavo Alonso , Kagiampakis Ioannis , Khalid Mohammad Hassan , Jacob Etai , Bulusu Krishna , Markuzon Natasha
Published: March 2024

Survival prediction is a critical aspect of clinical study design and biomarker discovery. It is a highly complex task, given the large number of “omics” and clinical features, as well as the high degrees of freedom that drive patient survival. Prior knowledge can play a critical role in uncovering the complexity of a disease and understanding the driving factors affecting a patient’s survival. We introduce a methodology for incorporating prior knowledge into machine learning–based models for prediction of patient survival through knowledge graphs, demonstrating the advantage of such an approach for patients with non–small-cell lung cancer. Using data from patients treated with immuno-oncologic therapies in the POPLAR (NCT01903993) and OAK (NCT02008227) clinical trials, we found that the use of knowledge graphs yielded significantly improved hazard ratios, including in the POPLAR cohort, for models based on biomarker tumor mutation burden compared with those based on knowledge graphs. Use of a model-defined mutational 10-gene signature led to significant overall survival differentiation for both trials. We provide parameterized code for incorporating knowledge graphs into survival analyses for use by the wider scientific community.
Impact of alternative splicing on Arabidopsis proteome
Authors: Reyes Andres V , Shrestha Ruben , Grismer TaraBryn S , Byun Danbi , Xu Shou-Ling
Published: March 2024

Alternative splicing is an important regulatory process in eukaryotes. In plants, the major form of alternative splicing is intron retention. Despite its importance, the global impact of AS on the Arabidopsis proteome has not been investigated. In this study, we address this gap by performing a comprehensive integrated analysis of how changes in AS can affect the Arabidopsis proteome using mutants that disrupt ACINUS and PININ, two evolutionarily conserved alternative splicing factors. We used tandem mass tagging (TMT) with real-time search MS3 (RTS-SPS-MS3) coupled with extensive sample fractionations to achieve very high coverage and accurate protein quantification. We then integrated our proteomic data with transcriptomic data to assess how transcript changes and increased intron retention (IIR) affect the proteome. For differentially expressed transcripts, we have observed a weak to moderate correlation between transcript changes and protein changes. Our studies revealed that some IIRs have no effect on either transcript or protein levels, while some IIRs can significantly affect protein levels. Surprisingly, we found that IIRs have a much smaller effect on increasing protein diversity. Notably, the increased intron retention events detected in the double mutant are also detected in the WT under various biotic or abiotic stresses. We further investigated the characteristics of the retained introns. Our extensive proteomic data help to guide the phenotypic analysis and reveal that collective protein changes contribute to the observed phenotypes of the increased anthocyanin, pale green, reduced growth, and short root observed in theacinus pnndouble mutant. Overall, our study provides insight into the intricate regulatory mechanism of intron retention and its impact on protein abundance in plants.
Dynamics of morphogen source formation in a growing tissue
Authors: Ho Richard D. J. G. , Kishi Kasumi , Majka Maciej , Kicheva Anna , Zagorski Marcin
Published: March 2024

A tight regulation of morphogen production is key for morphogen gradient formation and thereby for reproducible and organised organ development. Although many genetic interactions involved in the establishment of morphogen production domains are known, the biophysical mechanisms of morphogen source formation are poorly understood. Here we addressed this by focusing on the morphogen Shh in the vertebrate neural tube. Shh is produced by the adjacently located notochord and by the floor plate of the neural tube. Using a data-constrained computational screen, we identified different possible mechanisms by which floor plate formation can occur, only one of which is consistent with experimental data. In this mechanism, the floor plate is established rapidly in response to Shh from the notochord and the dynamics of regulatory interactions within the neural tube. In this process, uniform activators and Shh-dependent repressors are key for establishing the floor plate size. Subsequently, the floor plate becomes insensitive to Shh and increases in size due to tissue growth, leading to scaling of the floor plate with neural tube size. In turn, this results in scaling of the Shh amplitude with tissue growth. Thus, this mechanism ensures a separation of time scales in floor plate formation, so that the floor plate domain becomes growth dependent after an initial rapid establishment phase. Our study raises the possibility that the time scale separation between specification and growth might be common strategy for scaling the morphogen gradient amplitude in growing organs. The model that we developed provides a new opportunity for quantitative studies of morphogen source formation in growing tissues.
Non-linear transcriptional responses to gradual modulation of transcription factor dosage
Authors: Domingo Júlia , Minaeva Mariia , Morris John A , Ghatan Sam , Ziosi Marcello , Sanjana Neville E , Lappalainen Tuuli
Published: March 2024

Genomic loci associated with common traits and diseases are typically non-coding and likely impact gene expression, sometimes coinciding with rare loss-of-function variants in the target gene. However, our understanding of how gradual changes in gene dosage affect molecular, cellular, and organismal traits is currently limited. To address this gap, we induced gradual changes in gene expression of four genes using CRISPR activation and inactivation. Downstream transcriptional consequences of dosage modulation of three master trans-regulators associated with blood cell traits (GFI1B, NFE2, and MYB) were examined using targeted single-cell multimodal sequencing. We showed that guide tiling around the TSS is the most effective way to modulatecisgene expression across a wide range of fold-changes, with further effects from chromatin accessibility and histone marks that differ between the inhibition and activation systems. Our single-cell data allowed us to precisely detect subtle to large gene expression changes in dozens oftransgenes, revealing that many responses to dosage changes of these three TFs are non-linear, including non-monotonic behaviours, even when constraining the fold-changes of the master regulators to a copy number gain or loss. We found that the dosage properties are linked to gene constraint and that some of these non-linear responses are enriched for disease and GWAS genes. Overall, our study provides a straightforward and scalable method to precisely modulate gene expression and gain insights into its downstream consequences at high resolution.
ADP-dependent platelet activation is required for thrombus formation during a long-distance flight
Authors: Tourn Julie , Carminita Estelle , Crescence Lydie , Bruzzese Laurie , Adjriou Nabil , Guieu Regis , Dubois Christophe , Panicot-Dubois Laurence
Published: March 2024

The association between venous thromboembolism (VTE) and air travel is well documented. Prolonged exposure to reduced atmospheric pressure and low oxygen levels during flights triggers coagulation disorders, representing the primary risk factor for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), surpassing immobility. In our study, we investigated how long-distance flight conditions affect VTE development in mice exposed to 6h of hypobaric hypoxia or normobaric normoxia after inferior vena cava (IVC) ligation. We observed a pro-thrombotic profile under flight-simulated conditions, characterized by larger thrombi with higher neutrophil and fibrin densities. However, no difference was observed in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) or fibrin-positive neutrophils in thrombi between groups, indicating that neutrophils/NETs may not be involved in DVT development during flight. Considering the elevated ADP levels observed at high altitudes, we further assessed thrombus formation in wild-type andP2RY12-deficient mice. Remarkably, thrombus formation was no longer affected by aircraft conditions inP2RY12-deficient or wild type mice treated with clopidogrel. We conclude that ADP-induced platelet activation is involved in the development of DVT during flight, suggesting that the use of P2RY12inhibitors may be of interest to prevent DVT in susceptible patients.
Fabrication of elastomeric stencils for patterned stem cell differentiation
Authors: Lehr Stefanie , Merrin Jack , Kulig Monika , Minchington Thomas , Kicheva Anna
Published: March 2024

Stem cell differentiation with controlled geometry results in reproducible pattern formation. In contrast to constraining differentiating cells on micropatterned surfaces, we initialise colony formation using elastomeric stencils that adhere to culture dishes and create microwells with defined sizes and shapes. After colony formation, stencils are removed to allow colony growth and cell migration. Stencil fabrication involves mould production by photolithography followed by replica-moulding polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This approach produces reproducible two-dimensional organoids tailored for quantitative studies of growth control and pattern formation.
Exposure to HIV alters the composition of maternal microchimeric T cells in infants
Authors: Armistead Blair , Peters M. Quinn , Houck John , Carlson Marc , Balle Christina , Mulugeta Nolawit , Gray Clive M. , Jaspan Heather B. , Harrington Whitney E.
Published: March 2024

Infants exposed to HIV but uninfected (iHEU) display altered cellular immunity and are at increased risk of infection through poorly understood mechanisms. We previously reported that iHEU have lower levels of maternal microchimerism (MMc), maternal cells transferred to the offspring in utero/during breastfeeding. We evaluated MMc levels in T cell subsets in iHEU and HIV unexposed infants (iHU) to determine whether a selective deficiency in MMc may contribute to altered cellular immunity. Across all infants, MMc levels were highest in CD8+ T cells; however, the level of MMc in the CD8 T cell subset was significantly lower in iHEU compared to iHU.
Unlocking Herbal Potentials: Novel Shikimate Kinase Inhibitors in the Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Nirgudkar Siddharth , Chai Yurong
Published: March 2024

Against a backdrop of stagnant antibiotic innovation, the escalating prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens forecasts a challenging future [6]. Traditionally, antibiotics, predominantly derived from fungal sources, employ a limited set of mechanisms to inhibit bacterial growth [6, 16]. Shikimate Kinase has emerged as a promising antibacterial target due to its exclusivity to bacteria and the lethality of its inhibition [4, 13, 14, 15, 28, 29, 30]. Although synthetic inhibitors have been developed, the exploration of plant-derived alternatives remains untapped. Naturally derived plant-based compounds provide a more viable option because of the high cost of creating synthetic compounds. This study examines the Goldenrod plant, reputed in Native American Ethno-medicine for its antimicrobial properties [3, 12, 17]. Employing Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) models, the study evaluates the plant’s compounds for their potential as antibacterial agents. Antibacterial activity againstBacillus Subtiliswas assessed using the Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion assay, and genetic sequencing was performed on mutants that overcame the initial inhibition zone. By comparing the parent and mutant strains, the mode of inhibition by the plant antibiotic was determined by backtracking. The study identified Shikimate Kinase as the inhibitory target of the plant-derived compounds. Molecular docking revealed a binding affinity of -8.9 kcal/mol for the most effective compound, which is statistically significant compared to Shikimate Acid, the enzyme’s natural substrate. Through Pymol visualization, competitive inhibition was confirmed, with the compound’s binding pocket exhibiting a druggability score of 0.84, approaching the threshold of clinical drugs. This research suggests new antibiotic classes targeting the Shikimate Kinase pathway, offering an alternative approach to tackling ESKAPE pathogens and enhancing health outcomes.
Self-organization of modular activity in immature cortical networks
Authors: Mulholland Haleigh N. , Kaschube Matthias , Smith Gordon B.
Published: March 2024

During development, cortical activity is organized into distributed modular patterns that are a precursor of the mature columnar functional architecture. Theoretically, such structured neural activity can emerge dynamically from local synaptic interactions through a recurrent network with effective local excitation with lateral inhibition (LE/LI) connectivity. Utilizing simultaneous widefield calcium imaging and optogenetics in juvenile ferret cortex prior to eye opening, we directly test several critical predictions of an LE/LI mechanism. We show that cortical networks transform uniform stimulations into diverse modular patterns exhibiting a characteristic spatial wavelength. Moreover, patterned optogenetic stimulation matching this wavelength selectively biases evoked activity patterns, while stimulation with varying wavelengths transforms activity towards this characteristic wavelength, revealing a dynamic compromise between input drive and the network’s intrinsic tendency to organize activity. Furthermore, the structure of early spontaneous cortical activity – which is reflected in the developing representations of visual orientation – strongly overlaps that of uniform opto-evoked activity, suggesting a common underlying mechanism as a basis for the formation of orderly columnar maps underlying sensory representations in the brain.
Expanding the genetic toolbox for the obligate human pathogenStreptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Lautenschläger Nina , Schmidt Katja , Schiffer Carolin , Wulff Thomas F. , Hahnke Karin , Finstermeier Knut , Mansour Moïse , Elsholz Alexander K. W. , Charpentier Emmanuelle
Published: March 2024

Genetic tools form the basis for the study of molecular mechanisms. Despite many recent advances in the field of genetic engineering in bacteria, genetic toolsets remain scarce for non-model organisms, such as the obligatory human pathogenStreptococcus pyogenes.

In this study, we set out to develop a comprehensive set of plasmids, promoters and reporters forS. pyogenes. We present an expansion to the current genetic toolbox that comprises new replicative and site-specific integrative plasmids. Moreover, we established a collection of constitutive promoters with a wide variety of strengths as well as a set of novel inducible regulatory elements, including a zinc-inducible promoter, an erythromycin-inducible riboswitch and an IPTG-inducible promoter that outperform previously described inducible systems in terms of tightness and inducibility. In addition, we demonstrated the applicability of two codon-optimized fluorescent proteins, mNeongreen and mKate2, as reporters inS. pyogenes. For this, we adapted a novel chemically defined medium called RPMI4Spy. This medium showed a highly reduced autofluorescence compared to other growth media and allowed efficient signal detection in plate reader assays and fluorescence microscopy. Finally, we developed a plasmid-based system for genome engineering inS. pyogenesfeaturing the counterselection markerpheS*, which improved the generation of scarless gene deletions.

This new toolbox simplifies previously laborious genetic manipulation procedures and lays the foundation for new methodologies to study gene functions inS. pyogenes,leading to a better understanding of its virulence mechanisms and physiology.
Sex differences in early human fetal brain development
Authors: Buonocore Federica , Suntharalingham Jenifer P , Ogunbiyi Olumide K , Jones Aragorn , Moreno Nadjeda , Niola Paola , Brooks Tony , Solanky Nita , Dattani Mehul T. , del Valle Ignacio , Achermann John C.
Published: March 2024

The influence of sex chromosomes and sex hormones on early human brain development is poorly understood. We therefore undertook transcriptomic analysis of 46,XY and 46,XX human brain cortex samples (n=64) at four different time points between 7.5 and 17 weeks post conception (wpc), in two independent studies. This developmental period encompasses the onset of testicular testosterone secretion in the 46,XY fetus (8wpc). Differences in sex chromosome gene expression included X-inactivation genes (XIST,TSIX) in 46,XX samples; core Y chromosome genes (n=18) in 46,XY samples; and two Y chromosome brain specific genes,PCDH11YandRP11-424G14.1.PCDH11Y(protocadherin11 Y-linked)regulates excitatory neurons; this gene is unique to humans and is implicated in language development.RP11-424G14.1is a novel long non-coding RNA. Fewer differences in sex hormone pathway-related genes were seen. The androgen receptor (AR, NR4A2) showed cortex expression in both sexes, which decreased with age. Global cortical sex hormone effects were not seen, but more localized AR mechanisms may be important with time (e.g., hypothalamus). Taken together, our data suggest that limited but potentially important sex differences occur during early human fetal brain development.
Higher-order NLO radiative corrections to polarized muon decay spectrum
Authors: Arbuzov A. B. , Voznaya U. E.
Published: March 2024

Higher-order QED radiative corrections to the muon decay spectrum are evaluated within the QED structure function approach in the next-to-leading-order logarithmic approximation. New analytical results are given in the O(α3ln2(mμ2/me2)) order. Earlier results in the O(α2ln1(mμ2/me2)) and O(α3ln3(mμ2/me2)) orders are partially corrected. Numerical estimates of different contributions are presented.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Properties of doubly heavy spin-
12
baryons: The ground and excited states
Authors: Tousi M. Shekari , Azizi K.
Published: March 2024

We determine the masses and residues of the ground and excited spin-12 baryons consist of two heavy b or c quark utilizing the QCD sum rule formalism. In the calculations, we consider the nonperturbative operators up to ten mass dimensions in order to increase the accuracy compared to the previous calculations. We report the obtained results for both the symmetric and antisymmetric currents defining the doubly heavy baryons of the ground state (1S), first orbitally excited state (1P), and first radially excited state (2S). We compare our results with the predictions of other nonperturbative approaches as well as existing experimental data which is available only for the ground state of Ξcc channel. These predictions can help the experimental groups in their searches for all members of the doubly heavy baryons in their ground and exited states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Lepton universality in a model with three generations of sterile Majorana neutrinos
Authors: Dubinin M. N. , Kazarkin D. M.
Published: March 2024

The extension of the Standard Model lepton sector by three right-handed Majorana neutrinos [heavy neutral leptons (HNLs)] with masses up to GeV scale is considered. While the lightest heavy neutral lepton is the dark matter particle with mass of the order of 5 keV, the remaining two HNLs ensure standard (active) neutrino mass generation by means of the seesaw type I mechanism. Two heavy sterile neutrinos with quasidegenerate masses up to 5 GeV can induce the deviation of lepton universality violation parameter in the decays of π+ and K+ mesons from the Standard Model value. Contours are obtained for the permissible values of this parameter within the framework of two mixing scenarios, taking into account the lifetime boundary for heavy neutral lepton from big bang nucleosynthesis in the Universe. When calculating the HNL decay width in the framework of the model with six Majorana neutrinos, three active and three heavy, both two-particle and three-particle lepton decays, essential for masses below the mass of the pion, were taken into account. When calculating the decay widths, the limiting case known as the “Dirac limit” is not used. The results based on the explicit form of mixing matrices for three HNL generations and the diagram technique for Majorana neutrinos, which explicitly take into account the interference terms for diagrams with identical mass states, can lead to some differences in lifetime from the results using the Dirac limit and the displacement of the corresponding experimental exclusion contours of the “mass-mixing” type. For the second mixing scenario, a mass region of 460  MeV<M<485  MeV has been found that allows violation of lepton universality in charged kaon decays at the level observed in the experiment.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
95 GeV excess in a
CP
-violating
μ
-from-
ν
SSM
Authors: Liu Chang-Xin , Zhou Yang , Zheng Xiao-Yu , Ma Jiao , Feng Tai-Fu , Zhang Hai-Bin
Published: March 2024

The CMS and ATLAS Collaborations have recently reported their results searching for a light Higgs boson with mass around 95 GeV, based on the full run 2 dataset. In the framework of the CP-violating (CPV) μ-from-ν supersymmetric standard model (SSM), we discuss an ∼2.9σ (local) excess at 95 GeV in the light Higgs boson search in the diphoton decay mode as reported by ATLAS and CMS, together with an ∼2σ excess (local) in the bb¯ final state at LEP in the same mass range. By introducing CPV phases as well as by mixing CP-even Higgs and CP-odd Higgs, a lighter Higgs boson in the μ-from-ν SSM can be produced, which can account for the “diphoton excess.”

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Role of sea quarks in the nucleon transverse spin
Authors: Zeng Chunhua , Dong Hongxin , Liu Tianbo , Sun Peng , Zhao Yuxiang
Published: March 2024

We present a phenomenological extraction of transversity distribution functions and Collins fragmentation functions by simultaneously fitting to semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering and electron-positron annihilation data. The analysis is performed within the transverse-momentum-dependent factorization formalism, and sea quark transversity distributions are taken into account for the first time. We find the u¯ quark favors a negative transversity distribution, while that of the d¯ quark is consistent with zero according to the current accuracy. In addition, based on a combined analysis of world data and simulated data, we quantitatively demonstrate the impact of the proposed Electron-Ion Collider in China on precise determinations of the transversity distributions, especially for sea quarks, and the Collins fragmentation functions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Casimir effect in axion electrodynamics with lattice regularizations
Authors: Nakayama Katsumasa , Suzuki Kei
Published: March 2024

The Casimir effect is induced by the interplay between photon fields and boundary conditions, and in particular, photon fields modified in axion electrodynamics may lead to the sign-flipping of the Casimir energy. We propose a theoretical approach to derive the Casimir effect in axion electrodynamics. This approach is based on a lattice regularization and enables us to discuss the dependence on the lattice spacing for the Casimir energy. With this approach, the sign-flipping behavior of the Casimir energy is correctly reproduced. By taking the continuum limit of physical quantity calculated on the lattice, we can obtain the results consistent with the continuum theory. This approach can also be applied to the Casimir effect at nonzero temperature.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Toward a theory of Yangians
Authors: Galakhov Dmitry , Morozov Alexei , Tselousov Nikita
Published: March 2024

We review the main ideas underlying the emerging theory of Yangians—the new type of hidden symmetry in string-inspired models. Their classification by quivers is a far-going generalization of simple Lie algebras classification by Dynkin diagrams. However, this is still a kind of project, while a more constructive approach goes through toric Calabi-Yau spaces, related supersymmetric systems, and the Duistermaat-Heckman or equivariant integrals between the fixed points in the Atiyah-Drinfeld-Hitchin-Manin (ADHM)-like moduli spaces. These fixed points are classified by crystals (Young-type diagrams), and Yangian generators describe “instanton” transitions between them. Detailed examples will be presented elsewhere.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
W(0,b)
algebra and the dual theory of 3D asymptotically flat higher spin gravity
Authors: Banerjee Nabamita , Bhattacharjee Arindam , Biswas Surajit , Mitra Arpita , Mukherjee Debangshu
Published: March 2024

Bondi-Metzner-Sachs (BMS) algebra in three spacetime dimensions can be deformed into a two parameter family of algebra known as W(a,b) algebra. For a=0, we show that other than W(0,−1), no other W(0,b) algebra admits a nondegenerate bilinear and thus one cannot have a Chern-Simons gauge theory formulation with them. However, they may appear in a three-dimensional gravity description, where we also need to have a spin 2 generator, that comes from the (a=0,b=−1) sector. In the present work, we have demonstrated that the asymptotic symmetry algebra of a spin-3 gravity theory on flat spacetime has both the W(0,−1) and W(0,−2) algebras as subalgebras. We have also constructed a dual boundary field theory for this higher spin gravity theory by using the Chern-Simons/Wess-Zumino-Witten correspondence.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonconservation of the Valley Density and Its Implications for the Observation of the Valley Hall Effect
Authors: Kazantsev Alexander , Mills Amelia , O’Neill Eoin , Sun Hao , Vignale Giovanni , Principi Alessandro
Published: March 2024

We show that the conservation of the valley density in multivalley insulators is broken in an unexpected way by the electric field that drives the valley Hall effect. This implies that time-reversal-invariant fully gapped insulators, in which no bulk or edge state crosses the Fermi level, can support a valley Hall current in the bulk and yet show no valley density accumulation at the edges. Thus, the valley Hall effect cannot be observed in such systems. If the system is not fully gapped then valley density accumulation at the edges is possible. The accumulation has no contribution from undergap states and can be expressed as a Fermi surface average, for which we derive an explicit formula. We demonstrate the theory by calculating the valley density accumulations in an archetypical valley-Hall insulator: a gapped graphene nanoribbon. Surprisingly, we discover that a net valley density polarization is dynamically generated for certain edge terminations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Do my accents matter? Examining the relationship between English language teachers’ linguistic profiling and career development
Authors: Chen Ning , Ironsi Chinaza Solomon
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the relationship between linguistic profiling and English language teachers’ career development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper collected data from 20 participants using a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interview guides were used to collect qualitative data on this topic.

Findings

After collecting and analyzing the data, the results showed that linguistic profiling results in demotivation and low self-esteem and can spur career development among non-native English teachers.

Originality/value

This paper advances scientific knowledge by providing empirical evidence showing that while linguistic profiling has some negative influences, it can spur career development among non-native English teachers.
Turning commitment into performance through buyer dependence: a dual pathway approach
Authors: Padgett Daniel , Hopkins Christopher D. , Gabler Colin B.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the interrelated role of relational commitment and dependence as drivers of key performance outcomes. Specifically, the authors provide a conceptual model of the impact of commitment on relationship value dependence and switching cost dependence. The authors further investigate how these dimensions of dependence offer differing noneconomic and economic paths to strategic and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data was collected from 296 purchasing agents across multiple industries located in the USA. The conceptual model and accompanying hypotheses were tested via partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that the relational path is driven by affective and normative commitment, which are related to relationship value dependence. Conversely, calculative commitment is related to switching cost dependence. This economic path is related to both strategic and financial performance, whereas the relational path is more closely related to strategic as opposed to financial performance outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends research on Business-To-Business (B2B) relationships by leveraging social exchange theory to examine the interrelated roles played by two forms of dependence on performance outcomes. Thus, the authors answer Scheer et al.’s (2015) call for research into the two distinct types of dependence – relationship value and switching cost dependence – and their roles in determining B2B relationship outcomes. The findings contribute to the literature by integrating social exchange and relationship marketing concepts to develop a dual pathway approach to B2B partnerships.

Practical implications

The results suggest that dependence is not necessarily negative for firms. Specifically, buyers can and do still exhibit positive performance, both strategic and financial, in relationships with suppliers even when dependent on the relationship. Regardless of whether buyers are dependent due to a relationship or economic factors, both can, in different ways, lead to positive strategic and financial outcomes. Together, the authors contribute to the understanding of B2B partnerships by offering guidelines for both buyers and suppliers in the dyad.

Originality/value

The authors derive a comprehensive model depicting primarily relational and economic paths to performance through different types of commitment and dependence. The authors contribute to the literature by demonstrating that relational and economic paths to success are not the same, highlighting how firms could influence performance even when the relationship is not necessarily characterized by generally positive relational benefits and behaviors.
HVAC maintainability risks in healthcare facilities: a design optimization perspective
Authors: Alassafi Hassan Th. , Al-Gahtani Khalid S. , Almohsen Abdulmohsen S. , Alsugair Abdullah M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and cooling (HVAC) systems are crucial in daily health-care facility services. Design-related defects can lead to maintenance issues, causing service disruptions and cost overruns. These defects can be avoided if a link between the early design stages and maintenance feedback is established. This study aims to use experts’ experience in HVAC maintenance in health-care facilities to list and evaluate the risk of each maintenance issue caused by a design defect, supported by the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Following semistructured interviews with experts, 41 maintenance issues were identified as the most encountered issues. Subsequently, a survey was conducted in which 44 participants evaluated the probability and impact of each design-caused issue.

Findings

Chillers were identified as the HVAC components most prone to design defects and cost impact. However, air distribution ducts and air handling units are the most critical HVAC components for maintaining healthy conditions inside health-care facilities.

Research limitations/implications

The unavailability of comprehensive data on the cost impacts of all design-related defects from multiple health-care facilities limits the ability of HVAC designers to furnish case studies and quantitative approaches.

Originality/value

This study helps HVAC designers acquire prior knowledge of decisions that may have led to unnecessary and avoidable maintenance. These design-related maintenance issues may cause unfavorable health and cost consequences.
Feedback seeking abilities of L2 writers using ChatGPT: a mixed method multiple case study
Authors: Yan Da
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The study investigated the feedback seeking abilities of learners in L2 writing classrooms using ChatGPT as an automated written corrective feedback (AWCF) provider. Specifically, the research embarked on the exploration of L2 writers’ feedback seeking abilities in interacting with ChatGPT for feedback and their perceptions thereof in the new learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Three EFL learners of distinct language proficiencies and technological competences were recruited to participate in the mixed method multiple case study. The researcher used observation and in-depth interview to collect the ChatGPT prompts written by the participants and their reflections of feedback seeking in the project.

Findings

The study revealed that: (1) students with different academic profiles display varied abilities to utilize the feedback seeking strategies; (2) the significance of feedback seeking agency was agreed upon and (3) the promoting factors for the development of students’ feedback seeking abilities are the proactivity of involvement and the command of metacognitive regulatory skills.

Research limitations/implications

Additionally, a conceptual model of feedback seeking in an AI-mediated learning environment was postulated. The research has its conceptual and practical implications for researchers and educators expecting to incorporate ChatGPT in teaching and learning. The research unveiled the significance and potential of using state-of-the-art technologies in education. However, since we are still in an early phase applying such tools in authentic pedagogical environments, many instructional redevelopment and rearrangement should be considered and implemented.

Originality/value

The work is a pioneering effort to explore learners' feedback seeking abilities in a ChatGPT-enhanced learning environment. It pointed out new directions for process-, and student-oriented research in the era of changes.
Perceived overqualification and leisure crafting of immigrants: the moderating role of acculturation
Authors: Sesen Harun , Ertan Senay Sahil , Inal Cavlan Gözde
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of this research is to investigate the association between perceived overqualification and leisure crafting in the context of immigrants. Drawing on the cross-cultural adaptation theory, the study tests the moderating role that acculturation plays in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a total of 226 immigrants living in Northern Cyprus. In the initial survey, data were collected on perceived overqualification and acculturation, which was followed by the measurement of leisure crafting. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Perceived overqualification asserts a significantly positive impact on leisure crafting. Assuming that acculturation plays a moderating role, the research shows that the positive effect that perceived overqualification has on leisure crafting is increased in cases where positive acculturation is elevated as opposed to reduced.

Research limitations/implications

The study results were based on self-reported surveys and data were limited to overqualified immigrant groups in Northern Cyprus.

Practical implications

The study provides significant practical implications for management teams. They can design managerial interventions to increase the acculturation of immigrants, which may in turn reduce the perceived overqualification and increase the positive impact of leisure crafting. Also, the government needs to implement policies targeted at immigrants in order to help them rapidly adapt to the host society.

Originality/value

This research will be a pioneering attempt to explore the positive relationship between perceived overqualification and leisure crafting. The results suggest actions that can be taken to promote leisure crafting behaviors through the use of acculturation to enhance organizational commitment, belongingness to the host society, and well-being in overqualified immigrants.
Two host‐plant strains in the fall armyworm
Authors: Nam Kiwoong , Nègre Nicolas , Saldamando Benjumea Clara Ines
Published: March 2024

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is one of the major pest insects damaging diverse crops including cotton, corn, rice, and sorghum. Fall armyworms have been identified as two morphologically indistinguishable strains, the corn strain, and the rice strain, named after their preferred host‐plants. Although initially recognized as host‐plant strains, there has been an ongoing debate regarding whether the corn and rice strains should be considered as such. In this article, we present arguments based on recent population genomics studies supporting that these two strains should be considered to be host‐plant strains. Furthermore, host‐plant adaptation appears to be a driving evolutionary force responsible for incipient speciation in the fall armyworm.
Meta‐analysis of FOXP3 polymorphisms and recurrent spontaneous abortion susceptibility
Authors: Shuai Ruzhen , Li Dandan , Xu Xincong , Yang Xiaojuan , Liu Dan
Published: March 2024

Background

The polymorphisms of the FOXP3 gene may mediate abnormalities in Tregs, leading to an imbalance in maternal‐fetal immune tolerance and ultimately resulting in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). This meta‐analysis aims to assess the potential association between FOXP3 polymorphisms and susceptibility to RSA using five specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Materials and methods

By conducting a comprehensive search across databases such as EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and CBM, we identified suitable studies for inclusion in the meta‐analysis. The data extracted from these studies were subjected to analysis using Stata SE 15. To assess the degree of association, we utilized the odds ratio (OR) along with its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Five specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were employed in assessing the connection between FOXP3 gene polymorphisms and RSA.

Results

The meta‐analysis demonstrated a significant association between several polymorphisms (rs3761548, rs2232365, rs2232368, rs2280883, and rs2294021) and susceptibility to RSA. Conversely, the FOXP3 rs5902434 polymorphism was not associated with susceptibility to RSA.

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis suggests that these genetic variations within the FOXP3 gene might play a role in the progression of RSA disease. Meanwhile, large‐scale studies that consider multiple factors are needed to validate this finding.