bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The TaGW2‐TaSPL14 module regulates the trade‐off between tiller number and grain weight in wheat
Authors: Jian Chao , Pan Yuxue , Liu Shujuan , Guo Mengjiao , Huang Yilin , Cao Lina , Zhang Weijun , Yan Liuling , Zhang Xueyong , Hou Jian , Hao Chenyang , Li Tian
Published: June 2024

IDEAL PLANT ARCHITECTURE1 (IPA1) is a pivotal gene controlling plant architecture and grain yield. However, little is known about the effects of Triticum aestivum SQUAMOSA PROMOTER‐BINDING‐LIKE 14 (TaSPL14), an IPA1 ortholog in wheat, on balancing yield traits and its regulatory mechanism in wheat (T. aestivum L.). Here, we determined that the T. aestivum GRAIN WIDTH2 (TaGW2)‐TaSPL14 module influences the balance between tiller number and grain weight in wheat. Overexpression of TaSPL14 resulted in a reduced tiller number and increased grain weight, whereas its knockout had the opposite effect, indicating that TaSPL14 negatively regulates tillering while positively regulating grain weight. We further identified TaGW2 as a novel interacting protein of TaSPL14 and confirmed its ability to mediate the ubiquitination and degradation of TaSPL14. Based on our genetic evidence, TaGW2 acts as a positive regulator of tiller number, in addition to its known role as a negative regulator of grain weight, which is opposite to TaSPL14. Moreover, combinations of TaSPL14‐7A and TaGW2‐6A haplotypes exhibit significantly additive effects on tiller number and grain weight in wheat breeding. Our findings provide insight into how the TaGW2‐TaSPL14 module regulates the trade‐off between tiller number and grain weight and its potential application in improving wheat yield.
An Integrated Approach to Address Perinatal Mental Health Within an Obstetrics Practice
Authors: Felten Christina L. , Smith Kayla S. , Aylesworth Melissa B.
Published: June 2024

Outpatient perinatal care providers (one certified nurse‐midwife, one nurse practitioner, and one physician assistant) at a high‐volume, suburban health system in southeastern Pennsylvania developed and implemented a care model to identify and care for patients at risk for perinatal and postpartum mental health conditions. The program, Women Adjusting to Various Emotional States (WAVES), was created to bring the most up‐to‐date, evidence‐based treatment recommendations to patients while addressing the increased demand placed on the health care system by pregnant and postpartum patients in need of psychiatric services. WAVES is a specialized program offered for anyone who is pregnant or up to one year postpartum who is struggling with mental health symptoms or concerns. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders have become one of the most prevalent pregnancy ailments, yet mental health is not always addressed during routine prenatal care visits. Common obstacles to patients obtaining mental health care during pregnancy include lack of access, clinician gaps in knowledge, and stigma surrounding diagnoses. WAVES offers a method to empower perinatal providers with the education and tools to address this need. The model outlines how to appropriately assess, diagnose, manage, or refer patients for mental health services. Patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and this novel care model shows great promise for the future of perinatal care. The development of integrated programs like WAVES may be a valuable resource to help combat the perinatal mental health epidemic.
GEOCHEMISTRY OF OILS AND GASES FROM THE VERKHNECHONSKOYE FIELD, EAST SIBERIAN BASIN: APPLICATION OF ANALYTICAL RESULTS TO RESERVOIR CHARACTERISATION
Authors: Oblasov N. V. , Goncharov I. V. , Eftor I. V. , van Graas G. W. , Veklich M. A. , Akhmadishin A. T. , Lokshin D. A.
Published: June 2024

A geochemical study was carried out on oil and gas samples from the Verkhnechonskoye field, located on the Nepa‐Botuoba Anteclise in the central‐southern part of the Siberian Platform. The goal of the study was to distinguish between fluids derived from the V10‐13 and B12 reservoir units in the Vendian (Neoproterozoic) Katanga and Nepa Formations and to identify the producing reservoir using geochemical data. The results of analyses of 12 oil and 13 associated gas samples from the two reservoirs showed that all the fluids have similar geochemical properties including: low Pr/Ph ratios (0.78‐1.00); a predominance of C29 over C27 and C28 steranes; a predominance of odd‐numbered C21‐C25 n‐alkylbenzenes over their even‐numbered homologues; the presence of 12‐ and 13‐methylalkanes; and a high relative abundance of tricyclic terpanes (cheilantanes). All these properties are consistent with those of the properties of petroleum from other fields on the Siberian Platform. The molecular and stable carbon isotope compositions of the oils and gases suggest that they were derived from marine organic matter with a high algal input deposited under reducing conditions. To date, specific source rocks which generated the oil and gas present at fields on the Nepa‐Botuaoba Anteclise have not conclusively been identified, but potential candidates include the Upper Riphean Iremeken and Ayan Formations and more probably the Vendian Zherbinskaya, Seralakh, Vanavara and Nepa Formations.

The second part of the study demonstrates the application to reservoir geochemistry of C3‐ and C4‐ alkylbenzene compounds together with more conventional biomarkers. Key parameters were selected using statistical processing and displayed in graphic profiles. These profiles allowed the oil and gas samples to be classified according to the reservoir from which they were derived based on their geochemical properties. Parameters based on C3‐ and C4‐ alkylbenzene compounds were most effective in discriminating between oils from the two reservoirs. In addition, a new parameter is proposed based on the contents of 1‐methyl‐3‐isopropylbenzene, 1‐methyl‐2‐isopropylbenzene and 1‐methyl‐2‐propylbenzene; this parameter correlates closely with the pristane/phytane ratio and can be used as an additional indicator of the level of oxicity in the source rock depositional environment.
Multiple resistance of Colletotrichum truncatum from soybean to QoI and MBC fungicides in Brazil
Authors: Rogério Flávia , de Castro Renata Rebellato Linhares , Massola Júnior Nelson Sidnei , Boufleur Thaís Regina , dos Santos Ricardo Feliciano
Published: June 2024

Colletotrichum truncatum, the predominant fungal species associated with soybean anthracnose, is responsible for significant losses in this crop. Chemical control via fungicide application is the most effective strategy for the control of soybean foliar diseases. However, the increasing incidence of anthracnose in some regions of Brazil indicates that current chemical control is not effective against anthracnose. In this study, we evaluated the fungicide sensitivity of C. truncatum genetic lineages to the fungicides azoxystrobin, thiophanate‐methyl, difenoconazole, and fludioxonil using isolates representing two important regions of soybean production in Brazil. We characterized the molecular resistance to the quinone‐outside inhibitors (QoI), methyl benzimidazole carbamates (MBC), and demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide groups based on amino acid sequences of the cytochrome b (cytb), β‐tubulin gene (β‐tub), and P450 sterol 14a‐demethylases (CYP51) genes. Multiple resistance of C. truncatum isolates to QoI and MBC was observed associated with mutation points in the β‐tub (E198A and F200Y) and cytb (G143A). Alternatively, low EC50 values were found for fludioxonil and difenoconazole indicating high efficacy. Analysis of C. truncatum genomes revealed two potential DMI targets, CYP51A and CYP51B, and higher genetic variability in the CYP51A gene. A positive correlation was found between genetic differentiation of C. truncatum populations and fungicide sensitivity (Student's t‐test <0.001). To our knowledge, this is the first report of multiple resistance to QoI and MBC fungicides in C. truncatum in Brazil.
Overexpression of MPV17/PMP22‐like protein 2 gene decreases production of radical oxygen species in Pyropia yezoensis (Bangiales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Li Yujie , Yang Jiali , Sun Zhenjie , Niu Jianfeng , Wang Guangce
Published: June 2024

The northward shift of Pyropia yezoensis aquaculture required the breeding of germplasms with tolerance to the oxidative stress due to the high light conditions of the North Yellow Sea area. The MPV17/PMP22 family proteins were identified as a molecule related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism. Here, one of the MPV17 homolog genes designated as PyM‐LP2 was selected for functional identification by introducing the encoding sequence region/reverse complementary fragment into the Py. yezoensis genome. Although the photosynthetic activity, the respiratory rate, and the ROS level in wild type (WT) and different gene‐transformed algal strains showed similar levels under normal conditions, the overexpression (OE) strain exhibited higher values of photosynthesis, respiration, and reducing equivalents pool size but lower intracellular ROS production under stress conditions compared with the WT. Conversely, all the above parameters showed opposite variation trends in RNAi strain as those in the OE strain. This implied that the PyM‐LP2 protein was involved in the mitigation of the oxidative stress. Sequence analysis revealed that this PyM‐LP2 protein was assorted to peroxisomes and might serve as a poring channel for transferring malate (Mal) to peroxisomes. By overexpressing PyM‐LP2, the transfer of Mal from chloroplasts to peroxisomes was enhanced under stress conditions, which promoted photorespiration and ultimately alleviated excessive reduction of the photosynthetic electron chain. This research lays the groundwork for the breeding of algae with enhanced resistance to oxidative stresses.
A phenomenological inquiry into the costs and consequences of insomnia for veterans with serious mental illness
Authors: Klingaman Elizabeth A. , Lucksted Alicia , Crosby Eric S. , Kacmarek Corinne N. , Peeples Amanda , Hack Samantha , Blank Yelena , Schwartz Elana
Published: June 2024

Many individuals with serious mental illness (i.e. schizophrenia spectrum, bipolar or major depressive disorders, with serious functional impairments) have insomnia symptoms. Insomnia is a common reason for mental health referrals in the Veterans Health Administration. The primary aim of this study was to explore the costs (what participants lose or what trade‐offs they make due to insomnia) and consequences (how insomnia impacts functioning) of insomnia for veterans with serious mental illness. Semi‐structured interviews of 20 veterans with insomnia and serious mental illness were collected as data using an inductive phenomenological approach. Two main themes were identified: Sleep Affects Mental Health and Functioning; and Compromising to Cope. Results illuminate pathways by which sleep effort destabilizes functional recovery, and illustrate how sleep has multiplicative positive impacts on functioning and mood. Researchers and clinicians alike must explore supporting people with serious mental illness in replacing sleep effort with the recovery of meaningful identity‐driven, values‐based experiences formerly conceded due to serious mental illness, insomnia or both.
Marchantia polymorphaGOLDEN2‐LIKE transcriptional factor; a central regulator of chloroplast and plant vegetative development
Authors: Hernández‐Muñoz Arihel , Agreda‐Laguna Kenny Alejandra , Ramírez‐Bernabé Ignacio E. , Oltehua‐López Omar , Arteaga‐Vázquez Mario A. , Leon Patricia
Published: June 2024

The GOLDEN2‐LIKE (GLK) transcription factors act as a central regulatory node involved in both developmental processes and environmental responses. Marchantia polymorpha, a basal terrestrial plant with strategic evolutionary position, contains a single GLK representative that possesses an additional domain compared to spermatophytes.

We analyzed the role of MpGLK in chloroplast biogenesis and development by altering its levels, preforming transcriptomic profiling and conducting chromatin immunoprecipitation. Decreased MpGLK levels impair chloroplast differentiation and disrupt the expression of photosynthesis‐associated nuclear genes, while overexpressing MpGLK leads to ectopic chloroplast biogenesis. This demonstrates the MpGLK functions as a bona fide GLK protein, likely representing an ancestral GLK architecture.

Altering MpGLK levels directly regulates the expression of genes involved in Chl synthesis and degradation, similar to processes observed in eudicots, and causes various developmental defects in Marchantia, including the formation of dorsal structures such as air pores and gemma cups. MpGLK, also directly activates MpMAX2 gene expression, regulating the timing of gemma cup development.

Our study shows that MpGLK functions as a master regulator, potentially coupling chloroplast development with vegetative reproduction. This illustrates the complex regulatory networks governing chloroplast function and plant development communication and highlight the evolutionary conservation of GLK‐mediated regulatory processes across plant species.
Genetic analyses of embryo homology and ontogeny in the model grass Zea mays subsp. mays
Authors: Wu Hao , Zhang Ruqiang , Scanlon Michael J.
Published: June 2024

The homology of the single cotyledon of grasses and the ontogeny of the scutellum and coleoptile as the initial, highly modified structures of the grass embryo are investigated using leaf developmental genetics and targeted transcript analyses in the model grass Zea mays subsp. mays.

Transcripts of leaf developmental genes are identified in both the initiating scutellum and the coleoptile, while mutations disrupting mediolateral leaf development also disrupt scutellum and coleoptile morphology, suggesting that these grass‐specific organs are modified leaves.

Higher‐order mutations in WUSCHEL‐LIKE HOMEOBOX3 (WOX3) genes, involved in mediolateral patterning of plant lateral organs, inform a model for the fusion of coleoptilar margins during maize embryo development.

Genetic, RNA‐targeting, and morphological evidence supports models for cotyledon evolution where the scutellum and coleoptile, respectively, comprise the distal and proximal domains of the highly modified, single grass cotyledon.
Efficacy of topical agents in oral mucositis prevention: Systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Coppini Martina , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Mauceri Rodolfo , Bizzoca Maria Eleonora , Laino Luigi , Lorenzo‐Pouso Alejandro I. , Russo Diana , Troiano Giuseppe , Silva Fábio França Vieira E. , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Campisi Giuseppina
Published: June 2024

Background

Oral mucositis (OM) is considered one of the most common side effects of patients undergoing cancer therapy. OM prevention plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of cancer treatment and the patient's quality of life. Different preventive treatments have been proposed in clinical trials, however with inconclusive results.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database to answer the PICO question: in cancer patients, do specific topical agents compared to standard treatments or placebo reduce the onset and severity of oral mucositis? The risk of bias was assessed, and a network meta‐analysis was conducted.

Results

Of 2913 results, 30 randomized clinical trials were considered suitable for inclusion. A total of 2564 patients were analyzed, of which 1284 belonged to the test group and 1280 belonged to the control group. Natural products were the most used, followed mainly by antimicrobial agents, coating agents, and basic oral care measures. Topical sucralfate resulted in the most powerful intervention for the OM prevention (OR = 0.04, 95%C.I. = 0.01–0.25, p‐value = 0.001).

Conclusion

Due to its cytoprotective action, low cost, ease of administration, and safety, sucralfate could become a potential ally to prevent the onset of OM during cancer therapy.
Characteristics of refractive development in children aged 4 months to 8 years in urban China: A retrospective screening analysis
Authors: Yan Yarong , Xia Xuewen , Zhang Qinghui , Li Xuan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To conduct a large retrospective study of screening refractive error in young children.

Methods

This retrospective study included children aged from 4 months to 8 years in Daxing District, Beijing, who underwent refractive examinations without cycloplegia. It included a cross‐sectional assessment of refractive error screening for all children, and a longitudinal component for a subgroup with data available for two to five visits.

Results

A total of 14,987 children were included in the cross‐sectional study. In the group <1 year of age, the percentage of children with a spherical equivalent (SE) >+2.00 D or with cylinder <−1.50 D was 15.25% and 33.24%, respectively. These were significantly higher than for the 1‐ to 4‐year‐old group (SE 8.1% higher, cylinder 13.2% higher) (χ2 = 53.57, p < 0.001; χ2 = 790.39, p < 0.001). Furthermore, 34.83% of children in the 0‐year‐old group had amblyopia risk factors (ARFs). In the 4‐year‐old group, boys had a significantly longer axial length (AL) than girls (differences in the right and left eyes were 0.53 and 0.56 mm, respectively; z = 5.48 p < 0.001, z = 5.80, p < 0.001). AL increased with age, while the AL difference between boys and girls remained stable at 4–8 years of age. The percentage of children aged 5–8 years with myopia in 2020–2021 was significantly higher than that in 2018–2019 (H = 12.44, p = 0.006). In the longitudinal study of 4406 children (up to 12‐month follow‐up), annual changes in SE were −0.27, −0.06, 0.19 and 0.13 D between 0 and 3 years, and −0.38, −0.58, −0.70 and −0.75 D between 5 and 8 years.

Conclusions

Children's refractive error varied significantly from ages 4 months to 1 year, with a high proportion having ARFs. Children aged 5–8 years showed a trend towards myopia. The prevalence of myopia in the cross‐sectional analysis in 2020–2021 was greater than in 2018–2019. Screening refraction changed minimally over a 12‐month period for children aged 1–3 years, but became more myopic for children aged 5–8 years.
Effect of pattern fabrication methods on retentive strength in three‐unit implant‐supported frameworks: A comparative analysis
Authors: Giti Rashin , Bahrami Mohammad Reza , Akhlaghian Marzieh
Published: June 2024

Objective

Given the significant role of retention in the long‐term success of implant‐supported prostheses, this study aimed to compare the retentive strength of three‐unit implant‐supported frameworks manufactured using the conventional, subtractive milling, and 3D printing methods.

Materials and Methods

In this in vitro study, two fixture analogs were placed in the mandibular right first premolar and first molar region of a Dentiform model, and two prefabricated abutments were secured in the fixture analogs. A total of 27 three‐unit frameworks were fabricated utilizing wax patterns prepared through conventional, milling, and 3D printing techniques (n = 9 per group). The frameworks were cemented with zinc oxide eugenol and subjected to thermocycling. The retentive strength of each specimen was evaluated through a pull‐out test conducted with a universal testing machine. The data were analysed using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.05).

Results

The three groups were found to be significantly different (p = 0.01). While the 3D printing and milling groups were not significantly different (p = 0.99), they yielded significantly higher retentive strength compare to the conventional group (p = 0.02 for 3D printing and p = 0.03 for milling group).

Conclusion

The utilization of 3D printing and milling technique for wax pattern preparation significantly increased the retention of the implant‐supported framework, with no statistically significant difference between the two methods.
‘Emotions’ in Gopal Sreenivasan's Emotion and Virtue
Authors: Rossi Mauro
Published: June 2024

In his remarkable new book, Emotion and Virtue, Sreenivasan defends the view that, in the case of many virtues, in order for an exemplar of each of these virtues to be a reliable judge of what that virtue requires in specific circumstances, she must possess a particular, morally rectified, emotional trait. In this article, I raise two challenges to “the argument from salience” that Sreenivasan offers in favor of this view. First, I argue that, although Sreenivasan wishes to remain neutral about different philosophical theories of emotions, the success of his argument depends, in fact, on the outcome of the debate about the nature of emotions. Second, I challenge the central claim of Sreenivasan's argument from salience, namely, that the possession of a morally rectified emotional trait, cleverness, and supplementary moral knowledge is sufficient to explain an agent's ability to reliably judge what a given virtue requires in specific circumstances.
Proliferation and apoptosis dynamics of the normal canine mammary gland during the oestrous cycle evaluated by Ki‐67 and Caspase‐3 indexes
Authors: Pinheiro Breno Queiroz , Cavalcante Francisco Emanuel Pinheiro , Lopes Célia Cristina Carreiras , Marcos Ricardo Jorge Pereira Córdova , da Silva Lúcia Daniel Machado , dos Santos Marta Susana Amaro , Faustino Augusto Manuel Rodrigues
Published: June 2024

Understanding the normal physiology of the canine mammary gland (CMG) is crucial, as it provides a foundational reference for understanding canine mammary neoplasms. The relation between the Proliferation Index (PI) indicated by Ki‐67 expression, along with the Apoptotic Index (AI) determined through Caspase‐3 expression during the oestrous cycle, is inadequately documented in existing literature. This study seeks to offer insights into the interplay between PI and AI in the CMG across oestrous cycle phases. An extensive investigation was conducted on a diverse case series of bitches (n = 18). Oestrous cycle stages were determined through vaginal cytology, histological examination of the reproductive tract and serum progesterone and oestradiol concentrations. The entire mammary chain was histologically examined, and proliferation and apoptosis were assessed via double immunohistochemistry employing anti‐Ki‐67 and Caspase‐3 antibodies. PI and AI were evaluated through a systematic random sampling approach, counting a minimum of 200 cells for each cell type. There was a significantly higher PI during early dioestrus in all mammary gland components, with a greater proportion of positive cells observed in epithelial cells compared to stromal cells. The highest PI was detected in epithelial cells within the end buds. Significant differences were found in Ki‐67 labelling across the cranial mammary glands. A positive and strong correlation was noted between progesterone concentration and PI in epithelial cells. The AI remained consistently low throughout the oestrous cycle, with few differences observed across histological components. Caspase‐3 labelling displayed the highest positivity in caudal mammary pairs. A negative and moderate correlation was identified between progesterone concentration and AI in interlobular mesenchymal cells. This study highlights the influence of endocrine regulation on cell proliferation indices in mammary tissue, emphasizing the need to consider these hormonal variations in toxicopathological studies involving canine mammary gland.
Existence and nonexistence of Puiseux inverse integrating factors in analytic monodromic singularities
Authors: García Isaac A. , Giné Jaume , Rodero Ana Livia
Published: June 2024

In this work, we present some criteria about the existence and nonexistence of both Puiseux inverse integrating factors and Puiseux first integrals for planar analytic vector fields having a monodromic singularity. These functions are a wide generalization of their formal or algebraic counterpart in Cartesian coordinates . We prove that none of the functions and can be used to characterize degenerate centers although the existence of is a sufficient center condition.
Should cows graze? A relational approach to understanding farmer perspectives on the ethics of grazing and indoor dairy systems
Authors: Shortall Orla
Published: June 2024

In the United Kingdom, around 20% of dairy farms house cows all year round. Research suggests that farmers value animal health and comfort over the expression of natural behaviour through grazing. The concept of natural behaviour is notoriously complex, however. The article reframes the topic of grazing through a relational approach to understand farmer views on the practice in Great Britain, using qualitative interviews. The article also considers critiques of the relational approach. In this study, participants were reluctant to see a distinction between farms that graze and those that do not in terms of animal welfare, but they also valued the positive affective experience of grazing their cows on their own farm. The article argues that the latter account is not adequately included in debates about grazing. What this account excludes is the situated nature and limitations of relationships on farm even when cows graze.
Soil amendment incorporation increases organic carbon by improving soil agglomerate and soil microbial biomass carbon in the alpine grassland
Authors: Wang Xinglong , Shuang Zonghong , Liu Xiaolin , Yin Pijiang , Liu Fan , Lan Tianqiaong , Feng Dongju , Yuan Jichao , Kong Fanlei
Published: June 2024

Soil amendments aiming to enhance soil quality and bolster carbon sequestration have been extensively investigated. However, the specific impacts of diverse soil amendment types on soil total organic carbon content (TOC), soil aggregate and the growth of ryegrass remain largely unexplored, particularly within the unique context of alpine grassland soils in northwest Sichuan. For this, four soil amendments (CK: no soil amendment, CM: cattle manure 2000 kg ha−1, CS: straw amendment 12,000 kg ha−1 and MS: mushroom substrate 18,000 kg ha−1) were applied to alpine grassland soils over a 2‐year duration, conducted in situ during 2017 and 2018, to investigate the influences of these soil amendments on 0–30 cm soil of TOC, total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil aggregation, the above‐ground biomass (DMA) and root traits of ryegrass. Compared to CK, the above‐ground biomass exhibited an average of 348.78% in MS, 287.18% in CS and 115.54% in CM, all reaching statistical significance (p < .05). In the topsoil (0–10 cm), the large soil aggregate rate (LSAR > 0.25 mm) showed a significant increase in CM, CS and MS, particularly in 2018, compared to CK. Our findings further indicated that the improvement in alpine grassland LSAR > 0.25 mm was correlated with a rise in TOC by over 69.89% and MBC by more than 27.14%. The MS treatment resulted in a significant increase in above‐ground biomass and TRL (total root length), while also increasing the levels of TN, MBC and soil aggregates (0.25 ~ 0.5 mm) within the 0–10 cm soil. A similar result of CS treatment was observed to increase the total chlorophyll content and RD (root diameter), as well as an increase in SWC and TOC levels. The TN, MBC, TOC and LSAR contributed 44.77%, 20.87%, 6.46% and 6.45% for ryegrass growth. The SEM indicated that soil amendments promote the growth of ryegrass by improving soil agglomerate and increasing MBC, TOC and TN. Our analysis revealed that ryegrass biomass production was limited by soil nutrients in the alpine grassland of northwest Sichuan. The study also highlights the potential impact of soil amendments on future management practices, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Use of GRF‐GIF chimeras and a ternary vector system to improve maize (Zea mays L.) transformation frequency
Authors: Vandeputte Wout , Coussens Griet , Aesaert Stijn , Haeghebaert Jari , Impens Lennert , Karimi Mansour , Debernardi Juan M. , Pauwels Laurens
Published: June 2024

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important crop that has been widely studied for its agronomic and industrial applications and is one of the main classical model organisms for genetic research. Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of immature maize embryos is a commonly used method to introduce transgenes, but a low transformation frequency remains a bottleneck for many gene‐editing applications. Previous approaches to enhance transformation included the improvement of tissue culture media and the use of morphogenic regulators such as BABY BOOM and WUSCHEL2. Here, we show that the frequency can be increased using a pVS1‐VIR2 virulence helper plasmid to improve T‐DNA delivery, and/or expressing a fusion protein between a GROWTH‐REGULATING FACTOR (GRF) and GRF‐INTERACTING FACTOR (GIF) protein to improve regeneration. Using hygromycin as a selection agent to avoid escapes, the transformation frequency in the maize inbred line B104 significantly improved from 2.3 to 8.1% when using the pVS1‐VIR2 helper vector with no effect on event quality regarding T‐DNA copy number. Combined with a novel fusion protein between ZmGRF1 and ZmGIF1, transformation frequencies further improved another 3.5‐ to 6.5‐fold with no obvious impact on plant growth, while simultaneously allowing efficient CRISPR‐/Cas9‐mediated gene editing. Our results demonstrate how a GRF‐GIF chimera in conjunction with a ternary vector system has the potential to further improve the efficiency of gene‐editing applications and molecular biology studies in maize.
Evaluation of pharmacokinetics of metoclopramide administered via subcutaneous bolus and intravenous constant rate infusion to adult horses
Authors: Brandon Amy M. , Williams Jarred M. , Davis Jen L. , Martin Emily G. , Capper Ava M. , Crabtree Naomi E.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To determine the pharmacokinetics (PK) of metoclopramide administered via intravenous continuous rate infusion (IV CRI) and subcutaneous (SC) bolus and evaluate for gastrointestinal motility and adverse side effects.

Study design

Experimental study; randomized, crossover design.

Animals

Six healthy adult horses.

Methods

Each horse received metoclopramide via IV CRI (0.04 mg/kg/h for 24 h) and SC bolus (0.08 mg/kg once), with ≥1 week washout period between. Plasma was analyzed by UPLC‐MS/MS. Compartmental modeling was used to determine PK parameters for each treatment; nonparametric superposition was used to simulate multiple SC bolus regimens. Gastrointestinal motility and evidence of adverse effects were monitored.

Results

Tmax (h) for SC bolus was 0.583 ± 0.204 versus 17.3 ± 6.41 for IV CRI, while Cmax (ng/mL) was 27.7 ± 6.38 versus 43.6 ± 9.97, respectively. AUC (h × ng/mL) was calculated as 902 ± 189 for 24 h IV CRI versus 244 ± 37.4 simulated for 0.08 mg/kg SC bolus every 8 h. Simulations revealed similar exposure between groups with administration of 0.96 mg/kg/day SC bolus, divided into three, four, or six doses. SC bolus bioavailability was estimated as 110 ± 11.5%. No clear trends in motility alteration were identified. No adverse effects were noted.

Conclusion

Repeated SC boluses of metoclopramide at 0.08 mg/kg would result in lower total drug exposure and Tmax than IV CRI administration but would be highly bioavailable.

Clinical significance

Higher and/or more frequent SC bolus doses are needed to achieve a similar AUC to IV CRI. No adverse effects were noted; however, evaluation of alternative dosing strategies is warranted.
Uniqueness of lump solution to the KP‐I equation
Authors: Liu Yong , Wei Juncheng , Yang Wen
Published: June 2024

The KP‐I equation has family of solutions which decay to zero at space infinity. One of these solutions is the classical lump solution, which is a traveling wave, and the KP‐I equation in this case reduces to the Boussinesq equation. In this paper we classify all the ‘lump‐type’ solutions of the Boussinesq equation. Using a robust inverse scattering transform developed by Bilman–Miller for the Schrödinger equation, we show that the lump‐type solutions are rational and their functions have to be polynomials of degree for some integer . In particular, this implies that the lump solution is the unique ground state of the KP‐I equation (as conjectured by Klein–Saut). The problem studied in this paper was mentioned in Airault–McKean–Moser, our result can be regarded as a two‐dimensional analogy of their theorem on the classification of rational solutions for the KdV equation.
Aquaporin‐4 deletion leads to reduced infarct volume and increased peri‐infarct astrocyte reactivity in a mouse model of cortical stroke
Authors: Skauli Nadia , Zohoorian Negar , Banitalebi Shervin , Geiseler Samuel , Salameh Maher , Rao Shreyas B. , Morland Cecilie , Ottersen Ole P. , Amiry‐Moghaddam Mahmood
Published: June 2024

Aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) is the main water channel in brain and is enriched in perivascular astrocyte processes abutting brain microvessels. There is a rich literature on the role of AQP4 in experimental stroke. While its role in oedema formation following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) has been studied extensively, its specific impact on infarct volume remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of total and partial AQP4 deletion on infarct volume in mice subjected to distal medial cerebral artery (dMCAO) occlusion. Compared to MCAO, this model induces smaller infarcts confined to neocortex, and less oedema. We show that AQP4 deletion significantly reduced infarct volume as assessed 1 week after dMCAO, suggesting that the role of AQP4 in stroke goes beyond its effect on oedema formation and dissolution. The reduction in infarct volume was associated with increased astrocyte reactivity in the peri‐infarct areas. No significant differences were observed in the number of microglia among the genotypes. These findings provide new insights in the role of AQP4 in ischaemic injury indicating that AQP4 affects both infarct volume and astrocyte reactivity in the peri‐infarct zone.

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Key points

Aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) is the main water channel in brain and is enriched in perivascular astrocyte processes abutting microvessels.

A rich literature exists on the role of AQP4 in oedema formation following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).

We investigated the effects of total and partial AQP4 deletion on infarct volume in mice subjected to distal medial cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO), a model inducing smaller infarcts confined to neocortex and less oedema compared to MCAO.

AQP4 deletion significantly reduced infarct volume 1 week after dMCAO, suggesting a broader role for AQP4 in stroke beyond oedema formation.

The reduction in infarct volume was associated with increased astrocyte reactivity in the peri‐infarct areas, while no significant differences were observed in the number of microglia among the genotypes.

These findings provide new insights into the role of AQP4 in stroke, indicating that AQP4 affects both infarct volume and astrocyte reactivity in the peri‐infarct zone.
Torsion-Rotational Transitions in Methanol as a Probe of Fundamental Physical Constants—Electron and Proton Masses
Authors: Vorotyntseva J. S. , Levshakov S. A.
Published: June 2024

We report on the using of torsion-rotational transitions in the CH3OH and 13CH3OH molecules to evaluate possible variations of the electron-to-proton mass ratio μ = me/mp from spectral observations of emission lines detected in the microwave range towards the dense molecular cloud Orion-KL. An estimate of the upper limit on the relative changes in μ is obtained by two independent ways with 13CH3OH lines and with the combination of 13CH3OH and CH3OH lines. The calculated upper limit Δμ/μ < 1.1 × 10–8(1σ) is in line with the most stringent constraints on the variability of fundamental physical constants established by other astrophysical methods.
Cree-driven community-partnered research on coastal ecosystem change in subarctic Canada: a multiple knowledge approach
Authors: Fink-Mercier Caroline , Leblanc Melanie L. , Noisette Fanny , O'Connor Mary , Idrobo Julián , Bélanger Simon , del Giorgio Paul A. , de Melo Michaela , Ehn Jens K. , Giroux Jean-François , Gosselin Michel , Leblon Brigitte , Neumeier Urs , Sorais Manon , Humphries Murray M. , Peck Christopher , Davis Kaleigh E. , Guzzi Alessia , Galindo Virginie , LaRocque Armand , Dunn Marc , Courcelles Réal , Durocher Carine , Gilbert Jean-Philippe , Tapiatic Robbie , Rabbitskin Ernie , Kuzyk Zou Zou A.
Published: June 2024

Indigenous-driven and community-partnered research projects seeking to develop salient, legitimate, and credible knowledge bases for environmental decision-making require a multiple knowledge systems approach. When involving partners in addition to communities, diverging perspectives and priorities may arise, making the pathways to engaging in principled research while generating actionable knowledge unclear to disciplinarily-trained natural science researchers. Here, we share insights from the Eeyou Coastal Habitat Comprehensive Research Project (CHCRP), an interdisciplinary, Cree-driven community-academic partnership. This project brought together Cree community members, regional organizations, industry (Hydro-Québec), and academics from seven universities across Canada to address the unprecedented loss of seagrass Zostera marina (eelgrass), the concurrent decline in migratory Canada geese and its impact on fall goose harvest activities in Eeyou Istchee. After describing the history and context of the project, we discuss the challenges, complexities, and benefits of the collaborative approach balancing saliency, legitimacy, and credibility of the knowledge produced. We suggest the paper may be of use to researchers and partners seeking to engage in principled and actionable research related to environmental change including impacts of past development.
Trace formula and Levinson’s theorem as an index pairing in the presence of resonances
Authors: Alexander Angus
Published: June 2024

We realize the number of bound states of a Schrödinger operator on [Formula: see text] as an index pairing in all dimensions. Expanding on ideas of Guillopé and others, we use high-energy corrections to find representatives of the [Formula: see text]-theory class of the scattering operator. These representatives allow us to compute the number of bound states using an integral formula involving heat kernel coefficients.
Modeling self-aggregation of stochastic particles: A Γ-convergence approach
Authors: Lussardi Luca , Hernandez Anderson Melchor , Morandotti Marco
Published: June 2024

In this work, we demonstrate that a functional modeling the self-aggregation of stochastically distributed lipid molecules can be obtained as the [Formula: see text]-limit of a family of discrete energies driven by a sequence of independent and identically distributed random variables. These random variables are intended to describe the asymptotic behavior of lipid molecules that satisfy an incompressibility condition. The discrete energy keeps into account the interactions between particles. We resort to transportation maps to compare functionals defined on discrete and continuous domains, and we prove that, under suitable conditions on the scaling of these maps as the number of random variables increases, the limit functional features an interfacial term with a Wasserstein-type penalization.
Ultrafast reverse saturable absorption and all-optical computing with boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) chromophore derivatives
Authors: Saifi Anam , Roy Sukhdev
Published: June 2024

Ultrafast reverse saturable absorption (RSA) in chromophore-based borondipyrro- methenes (BODIPYs) derivatives, 1,7-Diphenyl-3,5-bis(9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)- boron-diuoride-azadipyrromethene (ZL-61) and 1,7-Diphenyl-3,5-bis(4-(1,2,2-triphenyl- vinyl)phenyl)-boron-diuoride azadipyrromethene (ZL-22), has been theoretically analyzed with femtosecond (fs) laser pulses at 800 nm and 850 nm. The results are in good agreement with the reported experimental results. The effect of input pulse intensity, pulse width, nonlinear absorption (NLA) coefficients, sample thickness and laser pulse shaping on transmittance has been studied and optimized for high contrast and low-power operation. All-optical fs NOT and the universal NOR and NAND Boolean logic gates have been designed with ZL-61 and ZL-22. The logic gates with top-hat input pulse profile have a sharp switch ON/OFF time compared to the Gaussian input laser profile. Ultrafast operation at relatively low pump intensities opens up exciting prospects for the applicability of BODIPY derivatives for ultrafast low-power all-optical computing and information processing.
Optical soliton solutions in optical metamaterials with full nonlinearity
Authors: Alosaimi Moataz , Al-Malki Mushrifah A. S. , Gepreel Khaled A.
Published: June 2024

This paper derives optical soliton solutions for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in optical metamaterials. A thorough examination of various nonlinearities is conducted, spanning those governed by the Kerr law, power law, parabolic law, dual power law, quadratic–cubic law, non-local law, and polynomial law. The optical soliton solutions are derived utilizing the addendum to Kudryashov’s method. Through the selection of specific parameter values, the analysis demonstrates the presence of straddled solutions, bright solitons, and singular solitons. Furthermore, the paper outlines the necessary conditions for the existence of soliton pulses. Additionally, the stability of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with Kerr law nonlinearity is analyzed. Our results are compared with the related findings in the literature, underscoring the novelty and importance of our work.
DAFNet: A Dual Attention Fusion-Based Face Super-Resolution Network
Authors: Yang Yue , Huang Bin , Chen Zhenxue , Liu Chengyun , Zhang Xinyue
Published: June 2024

With the development of convolutional neural networks (CNNs), deep learning-based face super-resolution (FSR) approaches have achieved remarkable results in recent years. However, existing FSR methods often rely on face prior knowledge, which greatly increases network complexity and computation. In this paper, we propose DAFNet, a dual attention fusion-based FSR network comprising numerous face attention fusion modules (FAFMs). FAFM is a residual structure containing attention mechanism, which is divided into feature branches and attention branches. The feature branch introduces an hourglass block to extract multi-scale information, while the attention branch incorporates channel attention and spatial attention in series. This design ensures that the network prioritizes important information and effectively recovers detailed facial features. Luminance-chrominance error loss and gradient loss are introduced to guide the training process. Additionally, adversarial loss and perceptual loss are incorporated to enhance the recovery of visually realistic face images. Notably, our method can produce clear faces at a high-scale factor of eight times without relying on any facial prior information, effectively reducing network complexity. Quantitative and qualitative experiments conducted on the CelebA and Helen datasets underscore the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Corotational Penalty Element Formulation for Geometrically Nonlinear Analysis of Couple Stress Elasticity
Authors: Liu Shi-Xuan , Shang Yan , Cen Song
Published: June 2024

The corotational (CR) method is effective for extending linear elements to geometrically nonlinear analysis, but faces challenges with penalty elements based on modified couple stress theory due to C1 continuity requirements. This paper presents an alternative CR formulation for geometrically nonlinear analysis of couple stress elasticity, approximating rigid body rotation incrementally. Then, a 4-node, 12-DOF plane element US-Q4[Formula: see text]-CS for size-dependent materials is extended for geometrically nonlinear analysis. Numerical examples demonstrate the new nonlinear element’s excellent performance in simulating size effects for the case of geometric nonlinearity.
A Novel Sleep Mechanism Inspired Continual Learning Algorithm
Authors: Han Yuyang , Li Xiuxing , Jia Tianyuan , Wang Qixin , Fan Chaoqiong , Wu Xia
Published: June 2024

Bayesian-based methods have emerged as an effective approach in continual learning (CL) to solve catastrophic forgetting. One prominent example is Variational Continual Learning (VCL), which demonstrates remarkable performance in task-incremental learning (task-IL). However, class-incremental learning (class-IL) is still challenging for VCL, and the reasons behind this limitation remain unclear. Relying on the sophisticated neural mechanisms, particularly the mechanism of memory consolidation during sleep, the human brain possesses inherent advantages for both task-IL and class-IL scenarios, which provides insight for a brain-inspired VCL. To identify the reasons for the inadequacy of VCL in class-IL, we first conduct a comprehensive theoretical analysis of VCL. On this basis, we propose a novel Bayesian framework named as Learning within Sleeping (LwS) by leveraging the memory consolidation. By simulating the distribution integration and generalization observed during memory consolidation in sleep, LwS achieves the idea of prior knowledge guiding posterior knowledge learning as in VCL. In addition, with emulating the process of memory reactivation of the brain, LwS imposes a constraint on feature invariance to mitigate forgetting learned knowledge. Experimental results demonstrate that LwS outperforms both Bayesian and non-Bayesian methods in task-IL and class-IL scenarios, which further indicates the effectiveness of incorporating brain mechanisms on designing novel approaches for CL.
Investigations on the relationship between surface roughness and process variables of die sinking electro-discharge machining
Authors: Bhongade Ajay S , Nikam Manoj , Teli Shivagond , Kale Rajesh V
Published: June 2024

Achieving a high-quality surface finish in electro-discharge machining (EDM) poses challenges compared to other machining methods. It necessitates separate finishing operations following one or more roughing stages. The precise connection between surface roughness and the influencing factors remains unclear. Existing literature tends to prioritize material removal rates and relative electrode wear over surface roughness. Additionally, previous investigations into evaluating surface roughness performance in die sinking EDM have typically examined only a limited number of variables at a time, despite the involvement of multiple parameters in the process. In the present work, a deeper understanding of how process variables impact surface finish quality were studied. Experiments were conducted on die steel workpieces, varying seven key parameters: pulse current, pulse width, gap voltage, dielectric flow rate, tool material, duty cycle, and servo feed, with the goal of achieving a superior surface finish. To assess the significance of these controlling variables and their interactions, the experimental results were analyzed using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). Subsequently, a generalized equation is developed that elucidates the relationship between surface roughness and process variables. Furthermore, confirmatory tests were conducted to validate our chosen methodology.