bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outbreak regulation mechanisms play different roles at different stages of an Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) outbreak.
Authors: McNie Pierce , Filotas Élise , Kneeshaw Daniel 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Context: The stand level risk of defoliation and mortality due to the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana, SBW) is mainly linked to the host species content such that stands dominated by the primary host species, balsam fir (Abies balsamea), are considered the most vulnerable. At the landscape scale there is much less information but some work suggests that risk may decrease when landscapes are dominated by secondary hosts, such as black spruce(Picea mariana) or when landscapes are fragmented.
Objectives: We aim to determine risk of defoliation onset and of tree mortality due to SBW at a landscape scale due to factors that have been associated with SBW defoliation at the stand scale. We hypothesise that outbreak onset will occur earlier in landscapes dominated by host species and that fragmentation and black spruce content will not affect onset but will be associated with subsequent lower mortality.
Methods: We employed Cox hazard models to estimate the relative risk of different landscape configuration and species composition patterns on the onset and risk of mortality of a spruce budworm outbreak in Cote Nord, Quebec, Eastern Canada, using government data bases of forest tree species composition and of SBW defoliation across Québec. In particular, we measured the risks associated with primary host proportion, the relative amounts of secondary host and hardwood trees to fir trees, the structure of balsam fir in the landscape, and the structure of the forest overall.
Results: Our results show that defoliation onset is more related to the configuration of the landscape than to the species composition while mortality is ultimately influenced by the tree species present. Defoliation onset risk is increased the most by a more complex configuration of fir patches in the landscape. Mortality risk on the other hand is unaffected by fir configuration, with the greatest change being a decrease in risk due to increased black spruce presence in the landscape.
Conclusions: Maintaining black spruce abundance and forest connectivity across forested landscapes could reduce SBW related mortality and delay defoliation onset. Forestry management strategies should avoid clear cuts and the development of fir monocultures in the forest.
Heterologous Production of the D-Cycloserine Intermediate O-acetyl-L-serine in Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Robbins Laurel , Balaram Ariane , Dejneka Stefanie , McMahon Matthew , Pawlowicz Peter , Conrad William 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, Tuberculosis (TB) is the second leading cause of death by a single infectious disease behind COVID-19. Despite a century of effort, the current TB vaccine does not effectively prevent pulmonary TB, promote herd immunity, or prevent transmission. Therefore, we seek to develop a genetic prophylaxis for TB. We have determined D-cycloserine to be the optimal target for this approach due to its relatively short six-enzyme biosynthetic pathway. D-CS is a second-line antibiotic for TB that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. The first committed step towards D-CS synthesis is catalyzed by the L-serine-O-acetyltransferase (DcsE) which converts L-serine and acetyl-CoA to O-acetyl-L-serine (L-OAS). To test if the D-CS pathway could be an effective prophylaxis for TB in human cells, we endeavored to express DcsE in human cells and test its functionality. We overexpressed DcsE tagged with FLAG and GFP in A549 lung cancer cells as determined using fluorescence microscopy. We observed that purified DcsE catalyzed the synthesis of L-OAS as observed by HPLC-MS. Therefore, DcsE synthesized in human cells is a functional enzyme capable of converting L-serine and acetyl-CoA to L-OAS demonstrating the first step towards D-CS production in human cells.
Selenium Deficiency via the ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway Leads to Pyroptosis Injury in Pig Spleen
Authors: Song Lichao , Jiang Zhihui , Zhang Xingwang , Song Yuwei , Xing Yueteng , Wang Guodong 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of selenium (Se) deficiency on the relationship between the pyroptosis and MAPK signaling pathway in spleen injury. A total of 10 two-month-old Sus scrofa domesticus specimens were allocated to two groups. The control group was fed a basal diet (0.15-mg/kg Se), and the experimental group was fed a 0.03-mg/kg Se-deficient diet for two months. The pig-spleen histopathological changes were observed with hematoxylin-eosin staining. Frozen sections were prepared to detect the content of ROS in pig-spleen cells. The oxidation stress related indexes were determined using a spectrophotometer. The levels of pyroptosis- and MAPK signaling pathway- related factors were detected via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting (WB). The results of sections showed that the lymphocytes decreased in number, the spacing of cells widened, and some cells were necrotic in the spleen tissue of pigs fed a low-selenium diet. The content of ROS, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, H2O2 and catalase activity in the low-selenium group was significantly higher than that in the control group. and SOD activity was decreased. The protein-ratio-levels of p-Nrf2 to Nrf2 were decreased. The expression levels of nod-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), IL-1β, IL-18, ASC, gasdermin D, and caspase-1, the protein-ratio-levels of p-AKT serine/threonine kinase (p-AKT) to AKT, p-extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) to ERK, p-P38 MAPK to p-P38, and p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) to JNK were significantly increased in the Se-deficient group compared with the control group. These results suggested that Se deficiency can induce oxidant stress, which increases pyroptosis- and inflammation-related factors of pig-spleen injury.
Studies on Love Waves. Part 1. Nonlinear Modulation of Love Waves on a Heterogeneous Half-Space covered by a Homogeneous Layer
Authors: Demirkuş Dilek 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The aim of this paper is, analytically, to deal with the nonlinear modulation of Love waves in a single-layered half-space. In this study, the propagation of Love waves on a solid half-space covered by a solid layer is considered. Both mediums contain nonlinear, isotopic, hyper-elastic, and generalized neo-Hookean materials. Additionally, the layer consists of homogeneous materials and the half-space involves heterogeneous materials. Heterogeneity varies with the thickness and is uniform in any direction parallel to the boundaries. Furthermore, the upper surface to be free from traction, and displacements and stresses to be continuous at the interface are assumed, in addition to holding the radiation condition in the half-space. It is noted that this problem corresponds to the improved version of Love wave propagation. An improvement is from linear to nonlinearity and from homogeneity to heterogeneity. Therefore, in this work, the improved version of Love wave dispersion is obtained. In addition, the nonlinear modulation of Love waves is given by the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Moreover, the possibility of the existence of solitary waves, as a result of balancing between dispersion and nonlinearity, is investigated.
Effectiveness of Native Language for Conversational Bots
Authors: Dahal Ashim , Khadka Anuj , Kharal Bishal , Shah Aashish 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The global increase in mental health illness is rising at an alarming rate which has contributed to
an increase in suicide cases. Also, a pandemic like COVID-19 has prompted the utilization of
advanced technology, such as chatbots. Chatbots are artificial intelligence (AI) based systems
or programs that are able to interact with human users via a textual or visual medium. Many
therapeutic and economic benefits are associated with technology-enabled treatments for a
range of mental health disorders. Over the past 10 years, the use of chatbots to prevent some
level of mental health-related problems has increased dramatically. Industry Experts say that
chatbots will help to battle mental health-related issues. However, the problem still lies due to
the use of industry-standard language i.e, English. Since not every person can understand the
English language and prefers to speak in their own native language, which could put a linguistic
barrier between human and computer interaction. As a solution, we developed Jelly, a native
conversational bot that can interact with users in their native language i.e, Nepali. We surveyed
them to find out how they perceived the differences between the two. Jelly, which is powered by
Facebook’s blender; one of the most powerful text generation models, Jelly also can also
understand romanized Nepali with English Alphabet. The main purpose of Jelly is to transcend
language barriers and become a gossipy partner to those who find it difficult to communicate in
the standard language i.e, English.
The Azimuthal Projection Model of Universal Accelerated Expansion
Authors: pletcher arthur 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
A mathematical alternative to Dark matter. Universal accelerated expansion is modeled as a R4 (four spatial) dimensionalhypershere, azimuthally projected onto a R3 (three spatial) dimensional sphere, and is shown to match the Universal expansionrate, as established from supernova Cosmology survey points. Red-shifting is alternatively proposed as azimuthal angular pro-jections of wavelengths λ. Expansion is alternatively proposed, as azimuthal projections of meridians, asymptotical to a horizon,and Lambert’s cosine law of luminous intensity. The discrepancies between theoretical and observed galaxy rotation curves, aswell as apparent increased energy density are shown to be predicted from this model. This parsimonious model requires onlya few assumptions, excluding dark energy to satisfy the Cosmological Constant Λ. A radical implication of this model, is thatthe universe is much smaller than conventional methods have estimated, as azimuthal angular projections are positional de-pendent. A potential proof is described from the Hubble Tension; Discrepancies between visible spectra red-shifting of cepheidvariables (the most recent calculation is Ho = 74.03 ± 1.42km/sec/M pc), and from temperature fluctuations in the CosmicMicrowave Background (CMB) (which are calculated to be Ho = 68.7 ± 1.3km/sec/M pc), which resolves the discrepancy by re-calibrating redshift data from supernova Cosmology survey points.
GTS-21, a selective alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in Lepr db/db mice
Authors: Meng Qinghe , Tian Xinghan , Li Junwei , Pruekprasert Napat , Dhawan Ravi , Holz George , Cooney Robert 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complicating factor in human type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and it commonly results in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) that requires kidney dialysis. Here, we report that the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) agonist GTS-21 exerts a novel anti-inflammatory action to ameliorate DN, as studied using an inbred strain of Leprdb/db mice in which hyperglycemia and obesity co-exist owing to defective leptin receptor (Lepr) signaling.
Methods
For this analysis, GTS-21 was administered to 10–12 week-old male and female mice as a 4mg/kg intraperitoneal injection, twice-a-day, for 8 weeks. Kidney function and injury owing to DN were monitored by determination of plasma levels of BUN, creatinine, KIM-1 and NGAL. Histologic analysis of glomerular hypertrophy and mesangial matrix expansion were also used to assess DN in these mice. Concurrently, renal inflammation was assessed by measuring IL-6 and HMGB1, while also quantifying renal cell apoptosis, and apoptotic signaling pathways.
Results
We found that Leprdb/db mice exhibited increased markers of BUN, creatinine, NGAL, KIM-1, IL-6, cytochrome C, and HMGB-1. These abnormalities were also accompanied by histologic kidney injury (mesangial matrix expansion and apoptosis). Remarkably, all such pathologies were significantly reduced by GTS-21.
Conclusions
Collectively, our results provide new evidence that the α7nAChR agonist GTS-21 has the ability to attenuate diabetes-induced kidney injury. Potentially, GTS-21 engages the vagus nerve cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex pathway (CAP) to produce this beneficial effect.
A quantitative evaluation of flood damage methodology under a portfolio of adaptation scenarios
Authors: Boulange Julien , Hirabayashi Yukiko , Tanoue Masahiro , Yamada Toshinori 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Flood risk is anticipated to increase, driven by change in climate and socio-economic development. Flood impact assessments rely heavily on models, hence understanding the effect of uncertainties encompassed in the modelling chain is critical for the adequate interpretation of flood risk and for proposing effective flood adaptations. Previous researches focused on understanding the effect of processes embedded in models, or flood frequency analysis onto flood risk. However, there is yet no study evaluating the cascading uncertainty effects of flood damage methodology on estimating annual damage, optimal flood protection, and residual flood damage. Here, using an updated global river and inundation model forced by the latest climate data and employing a standard flood methodology we found that, during 2020–2100, expected annual damage (EAD) increase by US$16.2 and US$44.5 billion yr− 1 under a low and high emission scenario, respectively. During the same period and despite the adoption of optimal levels of flood protections, global total RFD remained high under both low and high emission scenarios, US$25.8 and US$36.2 billion yr− 1, respectively. Our results demonstrate that, under current levels of flood protection, EAD approximately double by switching methodologies. Aggregating data at the regional scale revealed conflicting trends between methodologies for developing and high-income countries driven by i) existing levels of flood protection and ii) the intensity, evolution, and distribution of GDP at the administrative level. Flood damage methodology is the dominant source of uncertainty, followed by unit construction cost and discount rates, respectively.
Apigenin inhibits angiogenesis of retinal microvascular endothelial cells by regulating miR-140-5p/HDAC3- mediated PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Fu Chaojun , Peng Jun , Ling Yanjun , Zhao Hongqing , Cao Miao , Zhang Xiuli , Ai Min , Yuhui Qin , Peng Qinghua 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the main reason of visual impairment. Apigenin has anti-angiogenic effects in a variety of diseases. Our aim was to explore the role of apigenin in DR and the mechanism involved.
Methods: High glucose (HG) induced HRMEC to establish DR model. HRMECs were treated with apigenin. Then we knocked down or overexpressed miR-140-5p and HDAC3, and added PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002. miR-140-5p, HDAC3 and PTEN were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot measured HDAC3, PTEN and PI3K/AKT pathway related proteins expressions. Cell proliferation and migration were monitored by MTT, wound-healing assay and Transwell assay. Angiogenesis was detected by Tube formation assay.
Results: After HG treatment, miR-140-5p expression was repressed and miR-140-5p overexpression suppressed HG-induced HRMECs proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Apigenin treatment significantly reversed the reduction in miR-140-5p level caused by HG treatment and repressed HG-induced HRMECs proliferation, migration and angiogenesis by elevating miR-140-5p. miR-140-5p targeted HDAC3, and overexpression of miR-140-5p could reverse the up-regulation of HDAC3 expression induced by HG treatment. HDAC3 could bind to the promoter region of PTEN and inhibit its expression, and then knocking down HDAC3 suppressed PI3K/AKT pathway via elevating PTEN level. In addition, apigenin inhibited angiogenesis in DR cell models by regulating miR-140-5p/HDAC3-mediated PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.
Conclusions: Apigenin inhibited angiogenesis of HG induced HRMECs by regulating miR-140-5p/HDAC3-mediated PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. Our study might provide new drugs and new targets for treating DR.
Remineralization of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) with a Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: an in-situ study
Authors: Amaechi Bennett , Farah Rayane , Liu Jungyi , Phillips Thais , Perozo Betty , Kataoka Yuko , Meyer Frederic , Enax Joachim 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAim:This randomized, double-blind, crossover,in-situstudy, compared the efficacy of toothpastes based on hydroxyapatite (HAP; fluoride-free) or fluoride, in remineralizing molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH).Methods:Two lesion-bearing enamel blocks were produced from each of thirty extracted permanent molars diagnosed with MIH. Sixty produced blocks were randomly assigned to two groups (30/group): 20% HAP or 1450 ppm fluoride toothpaste. Each group was subdivided into, etched (n=20), with lesion surface treated with 32% phosphoric acid-etchant for 5 seconds, and unetched (n=10). Blocks were cemented into intra-oral appliances (2 blocks/appliance) worn full-time by 15 subjects. Subjects used the toothpastes in a two-phase crossover manner, lasting 14 days per phase, after one-week washout period. Baseline and post-treatment mineral density (MD) was quantified using microcomputed tomography.Results:Overall, both groups showed statistically significant (paired t-test; p<.001) net-gain when MD was compared pre-treatment and post-treatment. HAP: pre-treatment (1.716±0.315) and post-treatment (1.901±0.354), Fluoride: pre-treatment (1.962±0.363) and post-treatment (2.072±0.353). Independentt-test demonstrated a practically significantly (≥10%) higher percentage remineralization with HAP toothpaste (26.02±20.68) compared with fluoride toothpaste (14.64±9.60). Higher percentage remineralization was observed in etched than unetched samples.Conclusion:The tested toothpaste based on hydroxyapatite can remineralize MIH lesions. Pre-treating the tooth surface with acid-etchant enhanced remineralization.
Artesunate Mitigates Cognitive Deficits by Promoting Hippocampal Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells Proliferation and Neurogenesis in Cadmium-Exposed Mice
Authors: Zhong Jun , Yang Wenqin , Mao Jianchao , Ge Hongfei , Zhang Chao , Zhang Xuyang , Zhou Tengyuan , Li Huanhuan , Hu Rong , Feng Hua 
Published: October 2022

AbstractCadmium is a toxic heavy metal which could cause central nervous system damage and cognitive dysfunction. However, the effective therapy strategy for cadmium-caused cognitive dysfunction had not been established. In present study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of artesunate on cadmium induced cognitive deficits and neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) proliferation as well as neurogenesis inhibition. Male mice were injected with cadmium chloride (1mg/Kg) for 4weeks, followed with 4 weeks of artesunate (50mg/Kg). Cadmium chloride and artesunate were used to treat NSPCs in vitro. Subsequently, the learning and memory function of mice were detected by Y-maze and Morris water maze tests and NSPCs proliferation and neurogenesis were examined by western blots and immunofluorescence. The results showed cadmium impaired mice cognitive severity. And cadmium significantly inhibited the proliferation and neurogenesis of NSPCs in hippocampi and in vitro. Moreover, cadmium reduced the expression of phosphorylated AKT. However, artesunate reversed the cadmium-induced cognitive deficits as well as the inhibition of NSPCs proliferation and neurogenesis. Additionally, artesunate increased the phosphorylation of AKT in hippocampi and NSPCs. Our data manifested artesunate could reverse cadmium-induced mice cognitive deficits and reduce the inhibition of cadmium on NSPCs proliferation and neurogenesis via PI3K-AKT pathway.
An analysis of the factors determining profitability using a classical-Marxian model
Authors: Kosmas Petros , Ioakimoglou Elia , Theocharous Antonis 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This paper uses a methodological framework based on Marxian theory of the profit rate for analyzing factors affecting profitability. By testing a classical-Marxian methodology, we examined the factors that determine profitability in the business sector of Cyprus for the years 2006–2022, including: a period of severe structural crisis and change (2013–2014), a period of recovery (2015–2022) based on the outcomes of the crisis, and a period that we take as a reference (2006–2012) against which changes may be compared. Thus, we demonstrate that the massive decline in labor power value during the crisis years of 2013–2014 and after the pandemic (2021–2022) has been a major factor determining the increase in profitability since 2015, which is still ongoing at present (autumn 2022). In value terms, labor power devaluation is the single most important contributor to the rise in Cyprus' profit rate over the past several years.
JEL Classification: B40, B51, E11, E30
Balancing the Imbalances in Africa’s Root to Economic Development: Does the Business Environment Matter
Authors: Mwimba Thomas , Mumuni Sulemana 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis study employed the Newey West and Quantile Regression estimators on data spanning the period 2004 to 2019 for 35 selected African countries to determine the role of the business environment in achieving sustainable economic growth and development in Africa. The study uses three variables to denote the business environment, including but not limited to the business extent disclosure index, the cost of business start, and the time required to start a business. Additionally, the study included three macroeconomic indicators, such as the lending interest rate, the inflation rate, and the official exchange rate together with net inflows of foreign direct investment. The results reveal that the business extent disclosure index and the inflation rate stimulate economic growth in Africa. In contrast, the higher cost associated with starting a business, the longer time required to start a business, higher lending interest rates, exchange rate volatility, and net foreign direct investment inflows have growth-limiting effects on African economies. The findings provide practical implications for policy change toward addressing the loopholes in Africa's quest for sustainable economic growth and development.