bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole genome analysis of
Bacillus velezensis
160, biological control agent of corn head smut
Authors: González-León Yared , De la Vega-Camarillo Esaú , Ramírez-Vargas Rocío , Anducho-Reyes Miguel Angel , Mercado-Flores Yuridia 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Corn head smut is a disease caused by the fungus
Sporisorium reilianum
. This phytosanitary problem has existed for several decades in the Mezquital Valley, an important corn-producing area in central Mexico. To combat the problem, a strain identified as
Bacillus subtilis
160 was applied in the field, where it decreased disease incidence and increased crop productivity. In this study, the sequencing and analysis of the whole genome sequence of this strain were carried out to identify its genetic determinants for the production of antimicrobials. The
B. subtilis
160 strain was found to be
Bacillus velezensis
. Its genome has a size of 4,297,348 bp, a GC content of 45.8%, and 4,174 coding sequences. Comparative analysis with the genomes of four other
B. velezensis
strains showed that they share 2,804 genes and clusters for the production of difficidin, bacillibactin, bacilysin, macrolantin, bacillaene, fengycin, butirosin A, locillomycin, and surfactin. For the latter metabolite, unlike the other strains that have only one cluster,
B. velezensis
160 has three. A cluster for synthesizing laterocidine, an antimicrobial reported only in
Brevibacillus laterosporus
, was also identified.

IMPORTANCE

In this study, we performed sequencing and analysis of the complete genome of the strain initially identified as
Bacillus subtilis
160 as part of its characterization. This bacterium has shown its ability to control corn head smut in the field, a disease caused by the basidiomycete fungus
Sporisorium reilianum
. Analyzing the complete genome sequence not only provides a more precise taxonomic identification but also sheds light on the genetic potential of this bacterium, especially regarding mechanisms that allow it to exert biological control. Employing molecular and bioinformatics tools in studying the genomes of agriculturally significant microorganisms offers insights into the development of biofungicides and bioinoculants. These innovations aim to enhance plant growth and pave the way for strategies that boost crop productivity.
Can RESPiratory hospital Admissions in children with cerebral palsy be reduced? A feasibility randomised Controlled Trial pilot study protocol (RESP-ACT)
Authors: Marpole Rachael , Blackmore A Marie , Wilson Andrew C , Cooper Monica S , Depiazzi Julie , Langdon Katherine , Moshovis Lisa , Geelhoed Elizabeth , Bowen Asha , Gibson Noula 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe most common cause of morbidity and mortality in children with severe cerebral palsy (CP) is respiratory disease. BREATHE-CP (Better REspiratory and Airway Treatment and HEalth in Cerebral Palsy) is a multidisciplinary research team who have conducted research on the risk factors associated with CP respiratory disease, a systematic review on management and a Delphi study on the development of a consensus for the prevention and management of respiratory disease in CP. These strategies have not been investigated; therefore, it is not known if implementation is feasible, if they improve patient outcomes or if they are acceptable for families.Methods and analysisMixed-method feasibility pilot randomised controlled trial with economic analysis. Twenty children with CP aged 0–12 years who are at risk of respiratory disease will be followed up for 1 year. All children will receive baseline assessments for comparison. The control group will receive usual care from their treating teams. The intervention group will receive comprehensive assessments from physiotherapy, speech pathology and respiratory medicine. An individualised investigation and treatment plan will then be made. Participants in both groups will complete fortnightly patient-reported outcome surveys to assess symptoms and health service use. Analysis will include assessments of acceptability through qualitative interviews, implementation by ability to recruit, randomise and retain, practicality including costs of intervention and hospitalisation, and explore efficacy through quality-of-life surveys and decreased health service use for respiratory-related symptoms.Ethics and disseminationEthics and governance approvals have been obtained through Child and Adolescent Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee. At completion, this study will lead to the design of the definitive protocol to test intervention efficacy that maximises recruitment, retention and adherence to interventions.Trial registration numberAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000114943).
Women’s experiences of postpartum contraceptive services when elective caesarean section is the method of birth: a qualitative study
Authors: Lichtenstein Liljeblad Karin , Kopp Kallner Helena , Brynhildsen Jan , Kilander Helena 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe unmet need for postpartum contraception is a global challenge. Postpartum placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) within 48 hours of vaginal delivery is available in many settings worldwide, but is not routinely practised in Sweden. To improve contraceptive services and facilitate the informed choice of IUD placement at the time of a caesarean section (CS), we performed this study to identify and describe women’s experiences of contraceptive services before, during and after an elective CS.MethodsA qualitative design and methodology was used. We interviewed 20 women aged 28–42 years who underwent elective CS in Sweden. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe three main themes found were (1) receptivity to contraceptive counselling in the context of CS, (2) communication and decision-making about postpartum contraception before CS and (3) lack of support and guidance to receive contraceptive services before and after CS. The participants described readiness and interest regarding postpartum contraception. They prefered counselling from around 25 weeks of gestation. Despite this finding, antenatal communication and contraceptive decision-making seemed rare. Participants reported a lack of support and guidance which necessitated a need by women to navigate the contraceptive services themselves in order to receive information about contraception before CS and to receive postpartum support.ConclusionsAntenatal contraceptive counselling including information about IUD placement during CS was appreciated and welcomed by women with elective CS as their birth method. Most of the women whom we interviewed would prefer to receive contraception counselling on postpartum use during the second half of their pregnancy.
Computing tools for effective field theories
Authors: Aebischer Jason , Fael Matteo , Fuentes-Martìn Javier , Thomsen Anders Eller , Virto Javier , Allwicher Lukas , Bakshi Supratim Das , Bélusca-Maïto Hermès , de Blas Jorge , Chala Mikael , Criado Juan Carlos , Dedes Athanasios , Fonseca Renato M. , Goncalves Angelica , Ilakovac Amon , König Matthias , Patra Sunando Kumar , Kühler Paul , Mador-Božinović Marija , Misiak Mikołaj , Miralles Víctor , Nałȩcz Ignacy , Reboud Méril , Reina Laura , Rosiek Janusz , Ryczkowski Michal , Santiago José , Silvestrini Luca , Stangl Peter , Stöckinger Dominik , Stoffer Peter , Vicente Avelino , Weißwange Matthias 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn recent years, theoretical and phenomenological studies with effective field theories have become a trending and prolific line of research in the field of high-energy physics. In order to discuss present and future prospects concerning automated tools in this field, the SMEFT-Tools 2022 workshop was held at the University of Zurich from 14th–16th September 2022. The current document collects and summarizes the content of this workshop.
Theoretical priors and the dark energy equation of state
Authors: Ben-Dayan Ido , Kumar Utkarsh 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe revisit the theoretical priors used for inferring Dark Energy (DE) parameters. Any DE model must have some form of a tracker mechanism such that it behaved as matter or radiation in the past. Otherwise, the model is fine-tuned. We construct a model-independent parametrization that takes this prior into account and allows for a relatively sudden transition between radiation/matter to DE behavior. We match the parametrization with current data, and deduce that the adiabatic and effective sound speeds of DE play an important role in inferring the cosmological parameters. We find that there is a preferred transition redshift of $$1+z\simeq 29{-}30$$

1
+
z
≃
29
-
30

, and some reduction in the Hubble and Large Scale Structure tensions.
$$(g-2)_\mu $$ and stau coannihilation: dark matter and collider analysis
Authors: Chakraborti Manimala , Heinemeyer Sven , Saha Ipsita 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSlepton coannihilation is one of the most promising scenarios that can bring the predicted Dark Matter (DM) abundance in the the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) into agreement with the experimental observation. In this scenario, the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP), usually assumed to be the lightest neutralino, $$\tilde{\chi }_{1}^0$$

χ
~

1

0

can serve as a Dark Matter (DM) candidate while the sleptons as the next-to-LSPs (NLSPs) lie close in mass. In our previous studies analyzing the electroweak sector of MSSM, a degeneracy between the three generations of sleptons was assumed for the sake of simplicity. In case of slepton coannihilation this directly links the smuons involved in the explanation for $$(g-2)_\mu $$

(
g
-
2
)

μ

to the coannihilating NLSPs required to explain the DM content of the universe. On the other hand, in well-motivated top-down models such degeneracy do not hold, and often the lighter stau turns out to be the NLSP at the electroweak (EW) scale, with the smuons (and selectrons) somewhat heavier. In this paper we analyze such a scenario at the EW scale assuming non-universal slepton masses where the first two generations of sleptons are taken to be mass-degenerate and heavier than the staus, enforcing stau coannihilation. We analyze the parameter space of the electroweak MSSM in the light of a variety of experimental data namely, the DM relic density and direct detection limits, LHC data and especially, the discrepancy between the experimental result for the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, $$(g-2)_\mu $$

(
g
-
2
)

μ

, and its Standard Model (SM) prediction. We find an upper limit on the lightest neutralino mass, the lighter stau mass and the mass of the tau sneutrino of about $$\sim 550 \,\, {\textrm{GeV}}$$

∼
550

GeV

. In contrast to the scenario with full degeneracy among the three families of sleptons, the upper limit on the light smuon/selectron mass moves up by $$\sim 200 \,\, {\textrm{GeV}}$$

∼
200

GeV

. We analyze the DD prospects as well as the physics potential of the HL-LHC and a future high-energy $$e^+e^-$$

e
+

e
-

collider to investigate this scenario further. We find that the combination DD experiments and $$e^+e^-$$

e
+

e
-

collider searches with center of mass energies up to $$\sqrt{s} \sim 1100 \,\, {\textrm{GeV}}$$

s

∼
1100

GeV

can fully cover this scenario.
Quark stars in massive gravity might be candidates for the mass gap objects
Authors: Sedaghat J. , Panah B. Eslam , Moradi R. , Zebarjad S. M. , Bordbar G. H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe have investigated the structural properties of strange quark stars (SQSs) in a modified theory of gravity known as massive gravity. In order to obtain the equation of state (EOS) of strange quark matter, we have employed a modified version of the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model (MNJL) which includes a combination of NJL Lagrangian and its Fierz transformation by using weighting factors $$(1-\alpha )$$

(
1
-
α
)

and $$\alpha .$$

α
.

Additionally, we have also calculated dimensionless tidal deformability $$(\Lambda )$$

(
Λ
)

in massive gravity. To constrain the allowed values of the parameters appearing in massive gravity, we have imposed the condition $$\Lambda _{1.4 {M}_{\odot }}\lesssim 580 .$$

Λ

1.4

M
⊙

≲
580
.

Notably, in the MNJL model, the value of $$\alpha $$
α
varies between zero and one. As $$\alpha $$
α
increases, the EOS becomes stiffer, and the value of $$\Lambda $$
Λ
increases accordingly. We have demonstrated that by softening the EOS with increasing the bag constant, one can obtain objects in massive gravity that not only satisfy the constraint $$\Lambda _{1.4 {M} _{\odot }}\lesssim 580,$$

Λ

1.4

M
⊙

≲
580
,

but they also fall within the unknown mass gap region $$(2.5{M}_{\odot }-5{M}_{\odot }).$$

(
2.5

M
⊙

-
5

M
⊙

)
.

To establish that the obtained objects in this region are not black holes, we have calculated Schwarzschild radius, compactness, and $$\Lambda _{{M_{TOV}}}$$

Λ

M

TOV

in massive gravity.
Searching for a leptophilic $$Z^\prime $$ and a 3-3-1 symmetry at CLIC
Authors: Alves A. , da Silveira G. Gil , Gonçalves V. P. , Queiroz F. S. , Oviedo-Torres Y. M. , Zamora-Saa J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe derive the discovery potential of a leptophilic $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

, and a $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

rising from a $$SU(3)_C \times SU(3)_L \times U(1)_N$$

S
U

(
3
)

C

×
S
U

(
3
)

L

×
U

(
1
)

N

symmetry at the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC), which is planned to host $$e^+e^-$$

e
+

e
-

collisions with 3 TeV center-of-mass energy. We perform an optimized selection cut strategy on the transverse momentum, pseudorapidity, and invariant mass of the dileptons in order to enhance the collider sensitivity. We find that CLIC can potentially reach a $$5\sigma $$

5
σ

signal of a $$1-5$$

1
-
5

TeV leptophilic $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

with less than 1 fb$$^{-1}$$

-
1

of integrated luminosity in the most favorable cases. As for the $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

belonging to a 3-3-1 symmetry, CLIC will offer a complementary probe with the potential to impose $$M_{Z^\prime } > 3$$

M

Z
′

>
3

TeV with $${\mathcal {L}}=2$$

L
=
2

fb$$^{-1}$$

-
1

.
Resonant entanglement of photon beams by a magnetic field
Authors: Breev Alexander I. , Gitman Dmitry M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn spite of the fact that photons do not interact with an external magnetic field unless nonlinearity of QED is taken into account, the latter field may indirectly affect photons in the presence of a charged environment. This opens up an interesting possibility to continuously control the entanglement of photon beams without using any crystalline devices. We study this possibility in the framework of an adequate QED model. In an approximation it was discovered that such entanglement has a resonant nature, namely, a peak behavior at certain magnetic field strengths, depending on characteristics of photon beams direction of the magnetic field and parameters of the charged medium. Numerical calculations illustrating the above-mentioned resonant behavior of the entanglement measure and some concluding remarks are presented.
Longevity studies of CSC prototypes operating with Ar+CO$$_{2}$$ gas mixture and different fractions of CF$$_{4}$$
Authors: Barberis Emanuela , Begovic Nebojsa , Haubrich Nicholas , Ignatenko Mikhail , Korytov Andrey , Kukral Ota , Kuznetsova Ekaterina , Lanaro Armando , MacCabe Andrew , Milenovic Predrag , Milovanovic Dubravka , Mitselmakher Guenakh , Radulovic Aleksandra , Rajcic Boris , Rosenzweig Jake , Wang Bingran , Wang Jian , Wisecarver Andrew , Wood Darien , Yeager Emma 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStudies of cathode strip chamber longevity, comparing Ar+CO$$_2$$

2

gas mixtures with fractions of 5%, 2%, and 0% CF$$_4$$

4

, were performed using several small cathode strip prototype chambers. In each trial, a localized source of radiation was used to irradiate up to an accumulated charge of about 300 mC/cm. Additionally, longevity of a uniformly irradiated prototype operating with 2% CF$$_4$$

4

was studied at the CERN Gamma Irradiation Facility GIF++. Post-hoc analysis of the chamber electrodes using spectroscopy techniques was also done.
How to Use Quasi-Experimental Methods in Cardiovascular Research: A Review of Current Practice
Authors: Carter Alexander W. , Jayawardana Sahan , Costa-Font Joan , Nasir Khurram , Krumholz Harlan M. , Mossialos Elias 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
Quasi-experimental methods (QEMs) are a family of techniques used to estimate causal relationships when randomized controlled trials are unfeasible or unethical. They offer a powerful alternative to observational studies by introducing random assignment of individuals or groups into their design, thereby offering stronger means of establishing causation. The use of QEMs in cardiovascular research has not been systematically examined to determine steps toward improving and expanding their use.

METHODS:
We identified 4 main techniques using a systematic search strategy from 2016 to 2021: instrumental variable analysis, interrupted time series analysis, difference-in-differences analysis, and regression discontinuity designs. QEMs are examined as alternatives to randomized controlled trials and traditional observational studies; as more observational data becomes available to researchers, there are more opportunities to apply these techniques. Eligible articles were selected based on publication in high-ranked journals. The quality of eligible articles was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for quasi-experimental studies.

RESULTS:
Data from 380 studies were extracted based on our inclusion criteria. Forty-two of these studies were published in the top 10 medical or top 20 cardiovascular disease journals, and 25 studies were included after quality appraisal. The review identifies the main features and limitations associated with each technique, providing readers with practical guidance on how to apply these to their research. A graphical decision aid was developed to facilitate the routine use of QEMs.

CONCLUSIONS:
The use of QEMs in cardiovascular research published in contemporary, high-impact articles was examined. Findings are biased toward this segment of literature, which represents the latest developments in this growing area of cardiovascular research. The decision aid is a novel schematic that researchers can adopt into practice.
T- and L-Type Calcium Channels Maintain Calcium Oscillations in the Murine Zona Glomerulosa
Authors: Dinh Hoang An , Volkert Marina , Secener Ali Kerim , Scholl Ute I. , Stölting Gabriel 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

The zona glomerulosa of the adrenal gland is responsible for the synthesis and release of the mineralocorticoid aldosterone. This steroid hormone regulates salt reabsorption in the kidney and blood pressure. The most important stimuli of aldosterone synthesis are the serum concentrations of angiotensin II and potassium. In response to these stimuli, voltage and intracellular calcium levels in the zona glomerulosa oscillate, providing the signal for aldosterone synthesis. It was proposed that the voltage-gated T-type calcium channel Ca
V
3.2 is necessary for the generation of these oscillations. However,
Cacna1h
knock-out mice have normal plasma aldosterone levels, suggesting additional calcium entry pathways.

METHODS:
We used a combination of calcium imaging, patch clamp, and RNA sequencing to investigate calcium influx pathways in the murine zona glomerulosa.

RESULTS:

Cacna1h
−/−
glomerulosa cells still showed calcium oscillations with similar concentrations as wild-type mice. No calcium channels or transporters were upregulated to compensate for the loss of Ca
V
3.2. The calcium oscillations observed were instead dependent on L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Furthermore, we found that L-type channels can also partially compensate for an acute inhibition of Ca
V
3.2 in wild-type mice. Only inhibition of both T- and L-type calcium channels abolished the increase of intracellular calcium caused by angiotensin II in wild-type.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our study demonstrates that T-type calcium channels are not strictly required to maintain glomerulosa calcium oscillations and aldosterone production. Pharmacological inhibition of T-type channels alone will likely not significantly impact aldosterone production in the long term.
Reactive Inhibitory Control Precedes Overt Stuttering Events
Authors: Orpella Joan , Flick Graham , Assaneo M. Florencia , Shroff Ravi , Pylkkänen Liina , Poeppel David , Jackson Eric S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Research points to neurofunctional differences underlying fluent speech between stutterers and non-stutterers. Considerably less work has focused on processes that underlie stuttered vs. fluent speech. Additionally, most of this research has focused on speech motor processes despite contributions from cognitive processes prior to the onset of stuttered speech. We used MEG to test the hypothesis that reactive inhibitory control is triggered prior to stuttered speech. Twenty-nine stutterers completed a delayed-response task that featured a cue (prior to a go cue) signaling the imminent requirement to produce a word that was either stuttered or fluent. Consistent with our hypothesis, we observed increased beta power likely emanating from the right pre-supplementary motor area (R-preSMA)—an area implicated in reactive inhibitory control—in response to the cue preceding stuttered vs. fluent productions. Beta power differences between stuttered and fluent trials correlated with stuttering severity and participants’ percentage of trials stuttered increased exponentially with beta power in the R-preSMA. Trial-by-trial beta power modulations in the R-preSMA following the cue predicted whether a trial would be stuttered or fluent. Stuttered trials were also associated with delayed speech onset suggesting an overall slowing or freezing of the speech motor system that may be a consequence of inhibitory control. Post-hoc analyses revealed that independently generated anticipated words were associated with greater beta power and more stuttering than researcher-assisted anticipated words, pointing to a relationship between self-perceived likelihood of stuttering (i.e., anticipation) and inhibitory control. This work offers a neurocognitive account of stuttering by characterizing cognitive processes that precede overt stuttering events.
Pars Opercularis Underlies Efferent Predictions and Successful Auditory Feedback Processing in Speech: Evidence From Left-Hemisphere Stroke
Authors: Beach Sara D. , Tang Ding-lan , Kiran Swathi , Niziolek Caroline A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Hearing one’s own speech allows for acoustic self-monitoring in real time. Left-hemisphere motor planning regions are thought to give rise to efferent predictions that can be compared to true feedback in sensory cortices, resulting in neural suppression commensurate with the degree of overlap between predicted and actual sensations. Sensory prediction errors thus serve as a possible mechanism of detection of deviant speech sounds, which can then feed back into corrective action, allowing for online control of speech acoustics. The goal of this study was to assess the integrity of this detection–correction circuit in persons with aphasia (PWA) whose left-hemisphere lesions may limit their ability to control variability in speech output. We recorded magnetoencephalography (MEG) while 15 PWA and age-matched controls spoke monosyllabic words and listened to playback of their utterances. From this, we measured speaking-induced suppression of the M100 neural response and related it to lesion profiles and speech behavior. Both speaking-induced suppression and cortical sensitivity to deviance were preserved at the group level in PWA. PWA with more spared tissue in pars opercularis had greater left-hemisphere neural suppression and greater behavioral correction of acoustically deviant pronunciations, whereas sparing of superior temporal gyrus was not related to neural suppression or acoustic behavior. In turn, PWA who made greater corrections had fewer overt speech errors in the MEG task. Thus, the motor planning regions that generate the efferent prediction are integral to performing corrections when that prediction is violated.