bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superconductivity nearby quantum critical region in hole-doped organic strange metal κ-(ET)4Hg3-δBr8, δ=11%
Authors: Sari D P , Kaito M , Someya Y , Widyaiswari U , Watanabe I , Taniguchi H , Ishii Y
Published: March 2023

The hole-doped organic superconductor κ-(ET)4Hg3-δBr8, (κ-HgBr), where δ=11% and ET=bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene, has been the key to bridge the knowledge gap between half-filled organics and doped cuprate systems. Nonetheless, the isotropic triangular lattice of ET dimers of κ-HgBr is responsible for the magnetic susceptibility and its superconductivity. We have measured zero-field (ZF) muon spin relaxation-rotation (µ+SR) in κ-HgBr showing the ZF-µ+SR relaxation rate from temperature around 10 K down to 0.3 K is temperature-independent. This is consistent with a superconducting state that preserved time-reversal symmetry. There was almost no change in the maximally 100 Oe of transverse-field-µ+SR time spectra, at 0.3 K and above superconducting temperature, T
c~4.6(3) K. This suggests that the in-plane London penetration depth, λbc, is longer than a μm order, while we estimate the lower limit of the lower critical field, H
c1, to be 30 Oe, although, however, the measurement using another geometric setup is necessary to determine the absolute value of λbc. These could be an indication of a strong-coupling superconductor. A possible mechanism of preserved time-reversal Cooper pairing formation from strong-coupling non-FL metal with geometrical frustration is discussed.
The results of a field experiment on the influence of corn seed soaking on the herbage grown for silage
Authors: Kipriyanov Fedor , Savinykh Petr
Published: March 2023

Background: The assuring of simultaneous and quick seedlings is one of the tasks by the cultivation of agricultural crops. Seed priming is a simple way of the influence on the germinating capacity and productivity of young crops. Methods: During the research process the influence of seed soaking in water and potassium humate on the productivity of corn herbage was evaluated. The seeding was carried out with a single-row seed-metering device by randomization of working plots. The received results were evaluated by a statistic method of data processing. Result: By the statistic data processing it was determined that with a probability of 95% soaking in the solution of potassium humate during 30 hours gave the 16.5 % increase of the average mass of all stalks (caules), and the soaking in water during 36 hours with a probability of 95% led to the 20.5% increase of the average mass of all stalks. The received results allowed drawing a conclusion that priming gives a positive effect for corn growing in unfavorable climate conditions.
The structure of oil deposits of the Bashkirian stage within low-amplitude uplifts of the eastern side of the Melekess depression
Authors: Korolev E A , Eskin A A , Korolev A E , Barieva E R , Nuriev I S
Published: March 2023

The Bashkirian deposits of low-amplitude uplifts of the eastern side of the Melekess depression are currently considered as potentially oil-bearing objects. Despite the high level of regional OWC, which covers 2/3 of the the Bashkirian age section, industrial oil inflows were obtained on several structures. An analysis of the structure of oil-productive uplifts showed that up to two oil-bearing reservoir layers with a thickness of 2.0 to 8.0 m can be localized in them. Oil-bearing formations are confined to the roof of the sections of the Bashkirian stage. The upper layer abuts against dense clayed limestones of the Vereian horizon of the Moscovian stage, the lower layer is supported by the bottom waters of the modern OWC. Between them there is a dense bridge of dense carbonate rocks. The reservoir rocks are leached foraminiferal and algal-lumpy limestones, packstones and grainstones, formed at the stage of transgressive development of the epicontinental marine sedimentation basin of the Bashkirian age. Pseudobrecciated and microgranular mudstone formed at the stage of regression of the Bashkirian epicontinental paleobasin are dense cap rock. Reservoir rocks are characterized by porosity at the level of 10-15%, permeability - from 0.062 to 0.195 µm2 rocks.
Flowering phenology and prospects for using representatives of the genus Hydrangea l. in the landscaping of cities in the Middle Urals
Authors: Kuzmina N M , Fedorov A V , Nikolaev N V
Published: March 2023

The objects of the study are 13 varieties and species of the genus Hydrangea L, which were planted in the collection of the Department of Plant Introduction and Acclimatization, UdmFRC, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Izhevsk, in 2017. Representatives of the genus Hydrangea are ornamental flowering shrubs. Due to insufficient knowledge of bioecological features, species and varieties of representatives of the genus Hydrangea in the Middle Cis-Urals are still rarely used. The aim of the research is to study the bioecological features of new for the region species and varieties of representatives of the genus Hydrangea for the prospects of introduction in the conditions of the Middle Urals. The paper presents the results of phenological observations in the period 2019-2021. according to the main phase for flowering shrubs - the beginning and end of flowering. During the years of research, anomalous periods for the development of plants were revealed during the growing season in the conditions of the Middle Urals and their influence on the flowering of the plants under study. Moisture deficiency during the growing season has a negative effect on the development of plants and on the quality of flowering. An important property for flowering shrubs is the duration of flowering. The longest total flowering over three years of observations is more than 300 days for H. paniculata “Weems Red”, H.petiolaris “Petiolaris”, H.arborescens “Anabel”. According to the results of studies (2019-2021), as promising (I, II group) for green building in the cities of the Middle Urals, 8 representatives of the genus Hydrangea were identified, who scored more than 75 points according to the integral assessment of the prospects for introduction and have good decorative effect: H paniculata “Lime Light”, “Pinky Winky”, “Diamond Runge”, “Weems Red”, “Vanilla Fries”; H. serrata “Bluebird”; H. arborescens; H.petiolaris “Petiolaris”.
Scientific rationale for reducing the negative impact on the environment of grain processing industries through the rational use of secondary raw materials
Authors: Shelepina N V , Gorina L N
Published: March 2023

At various stages of grain processing, grain waste, husks, crushed grain, chaff, flour, etc. are formed, which account for up to 19% of all food losses and waste in the world. They are a source of possible pollution of both industrial premises and the environment. Most grain processing wastes are secondary raw materials with high nutritional and biological value. Currently, processing industry enterprises are introducing elements of low-waste and waste-free technologies that allow the complete extraction of valuable components of grain processing waste, thereby significantly reducing the damage caused to the environment as a result of their emissions. The most promising and environmentally friendly technologies for the Russian Federation are technologies for deep processing of grain, and, in particular, pea grain.
Agrotechnics of sorghum in grass-field crop rotation for the conditions of the West Kazakhstan region
Authors: Bulekov T A , Limanskaya V B , Bulekova A A , Davletova A M , Kasimova G V
Published: March 2023

Sorghum can be sown after any crop in a field rotation, but in fields that are free of weeds. Sorghum is easy to grow in a wide variety of soil and climate conditions. Most often, it is cultivated in arid conditions, which is its clear advantage over other crops. These studies were conducted from 2019-2021. at the station in LLP “Ural Agricultural Experimental Station”, deployed in time and space, grass-field crop rotation, where the predecessors for sorghum were a mixture of perennial grasses of the fifth year of life. Before sowing sorghum, a background agrochemical characterization of the soil was carried out at 20 and 40 cm. In the studies, appropriate agrotechnics for sorghum cultivation were applied. The use of crops of perennial grasses consisting of cereal-legume phytocenoses (wheat grass, sainfoin, alfalfa) in grass-field crop rotations is promising from the point of view of further application of chemical means of protection against weeds, but also increasing soil fertility due to the organic matter of crop rotation crops.
Development of technology for creating software in the electric power industry of Turkmenistan
Authors: Atayev M , Churiyev M , Atayev G , Agayev A , Abdiyev J
Published: March 2023

This scientific paper presents the results of using software to measure electric energy consumption in terms of brightness and time. Using this software, one can remotely measure the brightness and, based on the results, calculate the electric energy consumed by the electric power in the lighting system. This software enables quickly and reliably to calculate the consumed electric energy from the lighting installations, as well as the correspondence of their brightness to the rated power. A distinctive feature of this software is that it is the first of its kind developed in Turkmenistan and its interface is in the Turkmen language.
An experimental study of the woody vegetation reflectivity temporal dynamics
Authors: Ivanov S E , Fedotov Y V , Belov M L , Gorodnichev V A , Shkarupilo A A
Published: March 2023

An experimental study of reflectivity temporal dynamics of the deciduous and coniferous woody specimens was performed. The reflectivity measurements results of leaves and needles samples in the spectral range from 0.4 to 0.9 μm for several days after cutting the samples were presented. It is shown that storing samples in a refrigerator with a controlled temperature makes it possible to ensure the stability of the sample’s reflectivity for a significant period of time. The size of this time period depends significantly on the tree species. For coniferous trees, the reflectivity spectrum remains almost unchanged for several days. For deciduous trees, in most cases, the reflectivity spectrum remains almost constant over a period of several hours to one day.
On the need to optimize the main parameters of the pumping station of the water supply system
Authors: Kiseleva A V , Korchevskaya Yu V , Shelest S N , Trotsenko I A
Published: March 2023

The article considers the need to optimize the parameters of pumps on the example of the pumping station of the first rise in the rural settlement of Troitskoye, Omsk region. A desk and field survey was carried out, options for optimizing the parameters of the pumping station were proposed: complete replacement of pumping equipment and pipelines, replacement of pumping equipment. The comparative analysis carried out showed that the second option is the most economical option for optimizing the main parameters, but the first option is the most efficient in terms of operating conditions.
Plant diversity and useful plant species in Nam Dong Conservation Area, Thanh Hoa province, northern Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Cuong Huu , Averyanov L , Egorov A , Chu Quan Ngoc
Published: March 2023

The detailed floristic inventory of Nam Dong Conservation Area was undertaken during 2015-2021. For the survey, 11 plots were established and studied. Herbarium specimens for almost all observed plant species were collected in the studied area. They were used for identifications and documentation of plants cited in in this report. The study pays special attention to vascular plants notable for their high number of endemic and rare species in limestone karst ecosystems typical for Nam Dong Conservation Area. The results of our preliminary botanical survey, indicate that Nam Dong Conservation Area supports a rich and very diverse flora. The survey reports 1312 vascular plant species in 637 genera belonging to 180 families. May of recorded species are rare and narrowly endemic plants. Among them 2 taxa new for science, and 1 represents new record for the flora of Vietnam. Aside from the high plant diversity, the Nam Dong forests contain many economically important plants, widely used by local communities. Such species groups include numerous timber trees, medicinal, ornamental and edible plants.
Green way to identify the mineral composition of Borjomi water by conductometric method
Authors: Gonchar D S , Nikulina S N , Fateeva N Y , Cherikanova E A , Vasyukov A E , Smirnova E S
Published: March 2023

A conductometric method for quantitative determination of the volume fraction of added distilled water to mineral water is proposed based on the analysis of the dependence of the specific electrical conductivity of solutions prepared on the basis of Borjomi mineral water on the degree of its dilution with distilled water. The technique is fully consistent with the principles of “green” chemistry, since the “waste” is mineral water diluted with distilled water.
Preprint Highlight: Constriction forces imposed by basement membranes regulate developmental cell migration
Authors: Rios Daniel
Published: March 2023

Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness affects many processes of ECM-associated cells, such as migration and differentiation. Whether ECM mechanical properties also affect distant cell populations remains largely unexplored. This preprint studies migration of border cells within Drosophila ovarian follicles as a model system. Border cells migrate toward the center of the follicle by moving between nurse cells, which are surrounded by follicle cells that are themselves encased by the basement membrane ECM. Decreasing stiffness of the follicle ECM reduced cortical tension of follicle cells, and of nurse cells indirectly, accelerating border cell migration. Increasing follicle cell cortical tension slowed border cell migration. These results may inform how ECM stiffness affects cell migration within other complex tubular tissues, such as blood vessels.

This preprint has been assigned the following badges: New Hypothesis, New Materials, Cross-Validation

Read the preprint on bioRxiv ( Molina López et al., 2022 ): https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.12.19.520983 .
Examining the Long-term Association Between Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Obesity and Obesity-related Unhealthy Behaviors Among Children: Results From the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study
Authors: Kim Yeonwoo , Liao Yue , Colabianchi Natalie
Published: March 2023

Background

Literature has focused on neighborhood environments and their possible impacts on obesity and obesity-related behaviors. However, few longitudinal studies have examined the effect of neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) on childhood obesity.

Purpose

Investigate the longitudinal association between nSES and obesity and obesity-related unhealthy behaviors.

Methods

We obtained data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 2,072). The main exposure was nSES (measured using an index of five variables representing wealth, income, education, and occupation from the Decennial Census 2000) at ages 3, 5, and 9. The outcome was children’s body mass index z-score (BMIz) at ages 5, 9, and 15. Three measures of obesity-related behaviors (i.e., child- or caregiver-reported soda/snack food intake, fast-food intake, and sedentary behaviors) at ages 5, 9, and 15 were included as mediators and outcomes. Cross-lagged path analyses were conducted.

Results

Higher nSES at a previous wave was associated with consuming less soda/snack foods (βs = −0.15 to −0.11 [varying by ages], p < .05) and fast-food intake (βs = −0.21 to −0.14 [varying by ages], p < .01), and less frequent sedentary behaviors (βs = −0.14 to −0.06 [varying by ages], p < .01), but not with BMIz (βs = −0.08 to 0.05 [varying by ages], p > .05). Unhealthy behaviors did not mediate the nSES–BMIz association at alpha .05.

Conclusion

Health policies need to target low-socioeconomic neighborhoods to shape healthy lifestyles in children. To develop effective interventions, future research needs to examine comprehensive potential mediators like obesity-related parenting skills, home environments, and built and social environments on the risk of childhood obesity and obesity-related behaviors.
Bullshit questions
Authors: Whitcomb Dennis
Published: March 2023

This paper argues that questions can be bullshit. First it explores some shallowly interrogative ways in which that can happen. Then it shows how questions can also be bullshit in a way that is more deeply interrogative.
II—Forms of Agreement in Plato’sCrito
Authors: Warren James
Published: March 2023

Crito thinks Socrates should agree to leave the prison and escape from Athens. Socrates is also determined that he and Crito should have a ‘common plan of action’ (koinē boulē: 49d3), but he wants Crito to share his preferred plan of remaining and submitting to the court’s sentence. Much of the drama of the Crito is generated by the interplay of these two old friends, both determined that they should come to an agreement, but differing radically in what they think the two of them should agree to do. I show how agreements of various kinds—including agreements about how to agree—play important roles in the dialogue and how Socrates’ commitment to a certain method for determining what to do underpins his own integrity. What’s more, attention to that theme helps to explain one of the most pressing questions for any interpretation of the Crito: Why does Socrates choose, at the end of the dialogue, to present to Crito a speech in the voice of the personified laws of Athens?
Efficacy and safety of lebrikizumab in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: 52-week results of two randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled phase III trials
Authors: Blauvelt Andrew , Thyssen Jacob P , Guttman-Yassky Emma , Bieber Thomas , Serra-Baldrich Esther , Simpson Eric , Rosmarin David , Elmaraghy Hany , Meskimen Eric , Natalie Chitra R , Liu Zhuqing , Xu Chenjia , Pierce Evangeline , Morgan-Cox MaryAnn , Garcia Gil Esther , Silverberg Jonathan I
Published: March 2023

Background

Lebrikizumab is a novel, high-affinity monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to interleukin (IL)-13.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lebrikizumab monotherapy in adolescent and adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) over 52 weeks of treatment in ADvocate1 (NCT04146363) and ADvocate2 (NCT04178967).

Methods

Patients who responded to lebrikizumab 250 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) at the end of the 16-week induction period were re-randomized 2 : 2 : 1 to receive lebrikizumab Q2W, lebrikizumab 250 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) or placebo Q2W (lebrikizumab withdrawal) for 36 additional weeks. Response at week 16 was defined as achieving a 75% reduction in Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI 75) or an Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) of 0 or 1, with a ≥ 2-point improvement and no rescue medication use. Multiple imputation was used to handle missing data. Intermittent use of topical therapy was permitted during the maintenance period.

Results

After 52 weeks, an IGA of 0 or 1 with a ≥ 2 point improvement was maintained by 71.2% of patients treated with lebrikizumab Q2W, 76.9% of patients treated with lebrikizumab Q4W and 47.9% of patients in the lebrikizumab withdrawal arm. EASI 75 was maintained by 78.4% of patients treated with lebrikizumab Q2W, 81.7% of patients treated with lebrikizumab Q4W and 66.4% of patients in the lebrikizumab withdrawal arm at week 52. Across treatment arms, proportions of patients using any rescue therapy were 14.0% (ADvocate1) and 16.4% (ADvocate2). During the combined induction and maintenance periods of ADvocate1 and ADvocate2, 63.0% of lebrikizumab-treated patients reported any treatment emergent adverse event, with most events (93.1%) being mild or moderate in severity.

Conclusions

After a 16-week induction period with lebrikizumab Q2W, lebrikizumab Q2W and Q4W maintained similar improvement of the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe AD, with a safety profile consistent with previously published data.
Efficacy and safety of baricitinib in combination with topical corticosteroids in paediatric patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis with an inadequate response to topical corticosteroids: results from a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (BREEZE-AD PEDS)
Authors: Torrelo Antonio , Rewerska Barbara , Galimberti Maria , Paller Amy , Yang Chin-Yi , Prakash Apurva , Zhu Danting , Pontes Filho Marco Antonio G , Wu Wen-Shuo , Eichenfield Lawrence F
Published: March 2023

Background

Baricitinib, an oral selective Janus kinase (JAK)1/JAK2 inhibitor, is approved in many countries for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of three doses of baricitinib in combination with low-to-moderate potency topical corticosteroids in paediatric patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

Methods

Patients (aged 2 to < 18 years) were randomized (1 : 1 : 1 : 1) to once-daily baricitinib low dose (1 mg equivalent), medium dose (2 mg equivalent), high dose (4 mg equivalent) or placebo for 16 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving a validated Investigator Global Assessment® (vIGA-AD) of 0/1 with a ≥ 2-point improvement at week 16. Key secondary endpoints included the proportions of patients achieving ≥ 75% and ≥ 90% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75 and EASI-90, respectively), ≥ 75% improvement in the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD 75), mean change from baseline in EASI score and proportion of patients achieving a 4-point improvement in the Itch Numeric Rating scale (NRS) for patients aged ≥ 10 years. Primary and key secondary efficacy analyses were conducted on the intent-to-treat population and adjusted for multiplicity. Safety analyses included all randomized patients who received ≥ 1 dose of study treatment.

Results

A total of 483 patients were randomized (mean age 12 years). The baricitinib 4 mg equivalent achieved a statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvement vs. placebo on all 16-week endpoints (vIGA 0/1 with ≥ 2-point improvement, EASI-75, EASI-90, SCORAD 75, mean change in EASI score and Itch NRS 4-point improvement for patients aged ≥ 10 years). Improvement (P < 0.05, non-multiplicity adjusted) was also observed for baricitinib 4 mg equivalent vs. placebo in the ability to fall asleep and in reduction of topical corticosteroid use. Few patients discontinued due to adverse events (1.6% for placebo and 0.6% for those treated with baricitinib). There were no deaths, venous thromboembolic events, arterial thrombotic events, major adverse cardiovascular events, malignancies, gastrointestinal perforations or opportunistic infections seen.

Conclusions

The results indicate that baricitinib offers a potential therapeutic option with a favourable benefit–risk profile for paediatric patients with moderate-to-severe AD who are candidates for systemic therapies.
Monitoring recovery after CNS demyelination, a novel tool to de-risk pro-remyelinating strategies
Authors: Henriet Esther , Martin Elodie M , Jubin Pauline , Langui Dominique , Mannioui Abdelkrim , Stankoff Bruno , Lubetzki Catherine , Khakhalin Arseny , Zalc Bernard
Published: March 2023

In multiple sclerosis, while remarkable progress has been accomplished to control the inflammatory component of the disease, repair of demyelinated lesions is still an unmet need. Despite encouraging results generated in experimental models, several candidates favouring or promoting remyelination have not reached the expected outcomes in clinical trials. One possible reason for these failures is that, in most cases, during preclinical testing, efficacy was evaluated on histology only, while functional recovery had not been assessed.

We have generated a Xenopus laevis transgenic model Tg(mbp:GFP-NTR) of conditional demyelination in which spontaneous remyelination can be accelerated using candidate molecules. Xenopus laevis is a classic model for in vivo studies of myelination because tadpoles are translucent. We reasoned that demyelination should translate into loss of sensorimotor functions followed by behavioural recovery upon remyelination. To this end, we measured the swimming speed and distance travelled before and after demyelination and during the ongoing spontaneous remyelination and have developed a functional assay based on the visual avoidance of a virtual collision.

Here we show that alteration of these functional and clinical performances correlated well with the level of demyelination and that histological remyelination, assayed by counting in vivo the number of myelinating oligodendrocytes in the optic nerve, translated in clinical–functional recovery. This method was further validated in tadpoles treated with pro-remyelinating agents (clemastine, siponimod) showing that increased remyelination in the optic nerve was associated with functional improvement.

Our data illustrate the potential interest of correlating histopathological parameters and functional–clinical parameters to screen molecules promoting remyelination in a simple in vivo model of conditional demyelination.
A Broad Spectrum of Possibilities: Spectrum Scores as a Unifying Metric of Antibiotic Utilization
Authors: Ilges Dan , Tande Aaron J , Stevens Ryan W
Published: March 2023

Days of therapy (DOT) currently serve as the standard antimicrobial utilization metric. However, by assigning the same weight to each agent rather than accounting for differences in spectrum of activity, DOT ignore key differences between agents that are fundamental to infectious diseases and critical to antimicrobial stewardship. Spectrum scoring assigns numeric values to individual antibiotic agents to quantify their spectrum of activity, allowing for the normalization of antibiotic utilization data. When used in conjunction with traditional metrics, spectrum scores may offer further clarity to antibiotic utilization; however, issues related to development, application, and standardization of spectrum scores remain. Despite these challenges, the potential applications of spectrum scores are vast. Here, we summarize existing data and explore the future of spectrum scoring, including application to both data analysis and routine patient care, use in inpatient and outpatient settings, integration within the electronic medical record, and opportunities for future research.
Ochratoxin A degrading enzymes ofStenotrophomonassp. 043-1a
Authors: Gonaus Christoph , Wieland Laura , Thallinger Gerhard G , Prasad Shreenath
Published: March 2023

Ochratoxin A is a secondary metabolite that acts as a mycotoxin and is produced by Aspergillus, Penicillium, and other fungal species. It is a threat to animal and human health due to nephrotoxic, carcinogenic, and genotoxic properties and its widespread incidence in agricultural products. To reduce this threat, biological remediation processes are of growing interest. The aerobic gram-negative bacterium Stenotrophomonassp. 043-1a, isolated from soil, was previously shown to degrade ochratoxin A into the non-toxic ochratoxin α and l-phenylalanine (Schatzmayr et al. 2002). However, the enzyme or enzymes catalyzing this reaction in this strain remained elusive. Here, we report the targeted purification of Stenotrophomonassp. 043-1a lysate via ammonium sulfate precipitation, size-exclusion chromatography, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography to identify the ochratoxin A degrading enzymes by subsequent peptide fragment fingerprinting. The metallo-dependent hydrolase Chr1_3858681_3267 and a member of the peptidase S9 family, Chr1_3858681_771, were shown to degrade ochratoxin A. This was, to our knowledge, the first report of an ochratoxin A degrading enzyme from the peptidase S9 family.
Chemical Site Preparation Mixtures, Application Timing, and Herbaceous Weed Control Impacts on Loblolly Pine Development Through Six Years
Authors: Clabo David C , David Dickens E
Published: March 2023

Chemical site preparation is a critical management practice for southern pine plantation establishment. Imazapyr and ester triclopyr are frequently used for chemical site preparation in the Lower Coastal Plain to control waxy leaf shrub species, yet limited information is available on optimal imazapyr and triclopyr tank mixes and individual herbicide application timing(s) to achieve maximum loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) growth. The objectives of this study were to determine the survival, growth, and stem defect response of 6-year-old loblolly pine to four chemical site preparation treatments plus an untreated control, three application timings, and first year herbaceous weed control (hwc) on a poorly drained flatwoods site. Treatments included two imazapyr and triclopyr rates applied as tank mixes, triclopyr and imazapyr alone, and an untreated control with hwc applied to half of each treatment plot. Results showed no treatment had superior survival or growth, whereas September-applied imazapyr and triclopyr tank mixes tended to result in improved growth. Triclopyr alone along with first year, banded hwc resulted in similar growth to imazapyr and triclopyr tank mixes. First-year hwc significantly enhanced survival and growth. Stem defects were more common in the chemical site preparation treatments than the control.

Study Implications: Age-6-year results from this study indicate that loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) growth following application of chemical site preparation tank mixes containing imazapyr and triclopyr applied during September or October tended to be superior to July applications. Triclopyr applied alone with first growing season herbaceous weed control (hwc) may offer satisfactory near- and long-term loblolly pine growth as imazapyr and triclopyr tank mixtures on sites with similar competing vegetation. These findings may allow for less herbicide use on sites previously managed for pine production and show the importance of first year hwc for Coastal Plain flatwoods sites.
Recombination hotspots in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
Authors: McConaughy Samantha , Amundsen Keenan , Song Qijian , Pantalone Vince , Hyten David
Published: March 2023

Recombination allows for the exchange of genetic material between two parents, which plant breeders exploit to make improved cultivars. This recombination is not distributed evenly across the chromosome. Recombination mostly occurs in euchromatic regions of the genome and even then, recombination is focused into clusters of crossovers termed recombination hotspots. Understanding the distribution of these hotspots along with the sequence motifs associated with them may lead to methods that enable breeders to better exploit recombination in breeding. To map recombination hotspots and identify sequence motifs associated with hotspots in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], two biparental recombinant inbred lines populations were genotyped with the SoySNP50k Illumina Infinium assay. A total of 451 recombination hotspots were identified in the two populations. Despite being half-sib populations, only 18 hotspots were in common between the two populations. While pericentromeric regions did exhibit extreme suppression of recombination, 27% of the detected hotspots were located in the pericentromeric regions of the chromosomes. Two genomic motifs associated with hotspots are similar to human, dog, rice, wheat, drosophila, and arabidopsis. These motifs were a CCN repeat motif and a poly-A motif. Genomic regions spanning other hotspots were significantly enriched with the tourist family of mini-inverted-repeat transposable elements that resides in <0.34% of the soybean genome. The characterization of recombination hotspots in these two large soybean biparental populations demonstrates that hotspots do occur throughout the soybean genome and are enriched for specific motifs, but their locations may not be conserved between different populations.
Contamination detection and microbiome exploration with GRIMER
Authors: Piro Vitor C , Renard Bernhard Y
Published: March 2023

Background

Contamination detection is a important step that should be carefully considered in early stages when designing and performing microbiome studies to avoid biased outcomes. Detecting and removing true contaminants is challenging, especially in low-biomass samples or in studies lacking proper controls. Interactive visualizations and analysis platforms are crucial to better guide this step, to help to identify and detect noisy patterns that could potentially be contamination. Additionally, external evidence, like aggregation of several contamination detection methods and the use of common contaminants reported in the literature, could help to discover and mitigate contamination.

Results

We propose GRIMER, a tool that performs automated analyses and generates a portable and interactive dashboard integrating annotation, taxonomy, and metadata. It unifies several sources of evidence to help detect contamination. GRIMER is independent of quantification methods and directly analyzes contingency tables to create an interactive and offline report. Reports can be created in seconds and are accessible for nonspecialists, providing an intuitive set of charts to explore data distribution among observations and samples and its connections with external sources. Further, we compiled and used an extensive list of possible external contaminant taxa and common contaminants with 210 genera and 627 species reported in 22 published articles.

Conclusion

GRIMER enables visual data exploration and analysis, supporting contamination detection in microbiome studies. The tool and data presented are open source and available at https://gitlab.com/dacs-hpi/grimer.
Sut-6/NIPP1 modulates tau toxicity
Authors: Kow R L , Black A H , Henderson B P , Kraemer B C
Published: March 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases exhibiting the pathological accumulation of tau such as Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders still have no disease-modifying treatments and the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration remain unclear. To discover additional suppressor of tauopathy (sut) genes that mediate or modulate the toxicity of pathological tau, we performed a classical genetic screen using a tau transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model. From this screen, we identified the suppressing mutation W292X in sut-6, the C. elegans homolog of human NIPP1, which truncates the C-terminal RNA-binding domain. Using CRISPR-based genome editing approaches, we generated null and additional C-terminally truncated alleles in sut-6 and found that loss of sut-6 or sut-6(W292X) suppresses tau-induced behavioral locomotor deficits, tau protein accumulation and neuron loss. The sut-6(W292X) mutation showed stronger and semi-dominant suppression of tau toxicity while sut-6 deletion acted recessively. Neuronal overexpression of SUT-6 protein did not significantly alter tau toxicity, but neuronal overexpression of SUT-6 W292X mutant protein reduced tau-mediated deficits. Epistasis studies showed tauopathy suppression by sut-6 occurs independent of other known nuclear speckle-localized suppressors of tau such as sut-2, aly-1/aly-3 and spop-1. In summary, we have shown that sut-6/NIPP1 modulates tau toxicity and found a dominant mutation in the RNA-binding domain of sut-6 which strongly suppresses tau toxicity. This suggests that altering RNA-related functions of SUT-6/NIPP1 instead of complete loss of SUT-6/NIPP1 will provide the strongest suppression of tau.
Terrestrial fatty acids from feed oil in feed for farmed salmonids are transferred to the liver, gonads, and muscle of wild Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Meier Sonnich , van der Meeren Terje , Skjæraasen Jon Egil , Bannister Raymond J , Rasinger Josef Daniel , Karlsen Ørjan
Published: March 2023

Wild fish attracted to salmon farms feed on waste feed that presently contain high levels of fatty acids of terrestrial origin. This study examines whether mature Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) caught at spawning grounds has eaten salmon waste feed. Cod were caught at four spawning grounds around Smøla (Norway), an area with multiple salmon farms, during the spawning season in 2018 (n = 327) and 2019 (n = 488). The fatty acid (FA) profile of their livers, gonads (ovary and testis), and muscles (2019) were determined. Multivariate k-mean cluster analysis of liver FA profiles revealed three main clusters, which could be allocated to trophic niches using known fatty acid trophic markers (FATMs). Of the sampled cod in 2018 and 2019, 13 % and 20 % respectively had high liver concentrations of terrestrial FATMs (18:1n-9, 18:2n-6, and 18:3n-3), indicating waste feed feeding. The remaining cod could be assigned to either the pelagic or benthic food chain. The cod identified as feeding on waste feed had large, fatty livers. The terrestrial FAs were also transferred to the muscle and gonad lipids. It is postulated that the latter may result in gametes with sub-optimal lipid composition, potentially impacting fitness, which warrants further investigation.
Torsion Motives
Authors: Vishik Alexander
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we study Chow motives whose identity map is killed by a natural number. Examples of such objects were constructed by Gorchinskiy and Orlov [ 10]. We introduce various invariants of torsion motives, in particular, the $p$-level. We show that this invariant bounds from below the dimension of the variety a torsion motive $M$ is a direct summand of and imposes restrictions on motivic and singular cohomology of $M$. We study in more details the $p$-torsion motives of surfaces, in particular, the Godeaux torsion motive. We show that such motives are in $1$-to-$1$ correspondence with certain Rost cycle submodules of free modules over $H^*_{et}$. This description is parallel to that of mod-$p$ reduced motives of curves.
The Continuity Equation on Hopf and Inoue Surfaces
Authors: Shen Xi Sisi , Smith Kevin
Published: March 2023

We study the continuity equation of La Nave–Tian, extended to the Hermitian setting by Sherman–Weinkove, on Hopf and Inoue surfaces. We prove a priori estimates for solutions in both cases and Gromov–Hausdorff convergence of Inoue surfaces to a circle.
Programmatic Implications of National Recent HIV Infection Surveillance in Cambodia
Authors: Suthar Amitabh Bipin , Ouk Vichea , Samreth Sovannarith , Ngauv Bora , Bain Rommel , Eng Bunthoeun , Hy Chhaily , Ernst Alexandra , Rutherford George W , Yang Chunfu , Ly Vanthy , Albalak Rachel
Published: March 2023

We compared characteristics of HIV diagnosis and recent HIV infection (ie, likely acquired within the last year) in Cambodia. We included individuals ≥ 15 years old accessing HIV testing. From August 2020 to August 2022, 53 031 people were tested for HIV, 6868 were newly diagnosed, and 192 were recently infected. We found differences in geographical burden and risk behaviors with diagnosis and recency (eg, men who have sex with men, transgender women, and entertainment workers had a nearly 2-fold increased odds of testing positive for recent infection compared to being diagnosed with HIV). Recent infection surveillance may provide unique insights into ongoing HIV acquisition to inform programs.
Forum: Making Peace with Un-Certainty: Reflections on the Role of Digital Technology in Peace Processes beyond the Data Hype
Authors: Hirblinger Andreas T , Wählisch Martin , Keator Kate , McNaboe Chris , Duursma Allard , Karlsrud John , Sticher Valerie , Verjee Aly , Kyselova Tetiana , Kwaja Chris M A , Perera Suda
Published: March 2023

Recent years have seen the acceleration of data- and evidence-based approaches in support of peace processes, creating a renewed confidence that conflicts can be predicted, known, and resolved, based on objective information about the world. However, new technologies employed by conflict parties, stakeholders, and those who aim to make or build peace have also made peace processes less ascertainable, intelligible, and predictable. Technology can thus create both more certainty and uncertainty in (and about) peace processes. This forum article presents a first collaborative attempt to explore how the use of technology by conflict parties and peacebuilding actors influences these dynamics. We examine various fields of engagement, ranging from conflict prevention to peace mediation, peacekeeping, and longer-term peacebuilding. Our discussion engages with a variety of related activities, including predictive analysis and foresight, conflict analysis, cease-fire monitoring, early warning and early action, and problem-solving and trust-building dialogues. We suggest approaching un-certainty as a spectrum between uncertainty and certainty that can be studied across epistemic, ontological, and normative dimensions, thus inviting further academic research and policy reflection. The article is coauthored by scholars and current or former practitioners and underlines the necessity, benefits, and feasibility of research–practice exchanges on this topic.
Emergence of KPC-3- and OXA-181-producing ST13 and ST17 Klebsiella pneumoniae in Portugal: genomic insights on national and international dissemination
Authors: Elias Rita , Spadar Anton , Hendrickx Antoni P A , Bonnin Remy A , Dortet Laurent , Pinto Margarida , Phelan Jody E , Portugal Isabel , Campino Susana , da Silva Gabriela Jorge , Clark Taane G , Duarte Aida , Perdigão João
Published: March 2023

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains are of particular concern, especially strains with mobilizable carbapenemase genes such as blaKPC, blaNDM or blaOXA-48, given that carbapenems are usually the last line drugs in the β-lactam class and, resistance to this sub-class is associated with increased mortality and frequently co-occurs with resistance to other antimicrobial classes.

Objectives

To characterize the genomic diversity and international dissemination of CRKP strains from tertiary care hospitals in Lisbon, Portugal.

Methods

Twenty CRKP isolates obtained from different patients were subjected to WGS for species confirmation, typing, drug resistance gene detection and phylogenetic reconstruction. Two additional genomic datasets were included for comparative purposes: 26 isolates (ST13, ST17 and ST231) from our collection and 64 internationally available genomic assemblies (ST13).

Results

By imposing a 21 SNP cut-off on pairwise comparisons we identified two genomic clusters (GCs): ST13/GC1 (n = 11), all bearing blaKPC-3, and ST17/GC2 (n = 4) harbouring blaOXA-181 and blaCTX-M-15 genes. The inclusion of the additional datasets allowed the expansion of GC1/ST13/KPC-3 to 23 isolates, all exclusively from Portugal, France and the Netherlands. The phylogenetic tree reinforced the importance of the GC1/KPC-3-producing clones along with their rapid emergence and expansion across these countries. The data obtained suggest that the ST13 branch emerged over a decade ago and only more recently did it underpin a stronger pulse of transmission in the studied population.

Conclusions

This study identifies an emerging OXA-181/ST17-producing strain in Portugal and highlights the ongoing international dissemination of a KPC-3/ST13-producing clone from Portugal.
The ketone body acetoacetate activates human neutrophils through FFAR2
Authors: Mårtensson Jonas , Björkman Lena , Lind Simon , Viklund Moa Bjerhem , Zhang Linjie , Gutierrez Saray , Dahlgren Claes , Sundqvist Martina , Xie Xin , Forsman Huamei
Published: March 2023

Neutrophils express many surface receptors that sense environmental changes. One such sensor is FFAR2 (free fatty acid receptor 2), a receptor that detects gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids. As such, FFAR2 has been regarded as a molecular link between metabolism and inflammation. Our recent studies on FFAR2, using its endogenous agonist propionate in combination with allosteric modulators, have identified several novel aspects of FFAR2 regulation. A recent study has also identified the ketone body acetoacetate as an endogenous ligand for mouse FFAR2. Whether human FFAR2 also recognizes acetoacetate and how this recognition modulates human neutrophil functions has not been investigated. In this study, we found that acetoacetate can induce a decrease of cAMP and translocation of β-arrestin in cells overexpressing FFAR2. In addition, we show that similar to propionate, FFAR2-specific allosteric modulators enhance acetoacetate-induced transient rise in cytosolic calcium, production of reactive oxygen species, and cell migration in human neutrophils. In summary, we demonstrate that human neutrophils recognize the ketone body acetoacetate through FFAR2. Thus, our data further highlight the key role of FFAR2 in inflammation and metabolism.
The beauty of binomial coverage curves
Authors: Stapleton Matt
Published: March 2023

Matt Stapleton sheds light on the baffling behaviour of binomial interval coverage and demonstrates how to find your way through the chaos
Product reliability: How statistics fits in
Authors: Doganaksoy Necip , Meeker William Q , Hahn Gerald J
Published: March 2023

Customers demand and manufacturers strive for increasingly higher product reliability. Statistics plays a key role in achieving this. Necip Doganaksoy, William Q. Meeker and Gerald J. Hahn explain how
Numbers game: How I fell in love with statistics
Authors: Rogers Nick
Published: March 2023

As a child, Nick Rogers discovered an accidental passion for statistics, on theoack of baseball trading cards
Psilocybin
Authors: Rucker James J. , Erritzoe David
Published: March 2023

Psilocybin is a psychoactive drug found in a variety of mushroom species around the world. It induces an altered state of consciousness that has been used in ceremonial settings since antiquity. It is now known beyond doubt that the psychoactive effect of psilocybin (more particularly, its active metabolite psilocin) is due to a functionally selective effect on type 2A serotonin receptors found in the brain. Users of psilocybin reliably report visual misperceptions, mystical experiences, and heightened emotions that can range from elation and euphoria to (less frequently) panic and paranoia. Psilocybin is often legally designated as a drug with high potential for abuse, dependence, and harm. This is not supported by scientific evidence. Early phase clinical trials with psilocybin given in a comfortable, medically controlled setting suggest that, in combination with psychological support from trained therapists, it may have a clinically useful therapeutic effect in a variety of mental health problems, ranging from addictions to depression, with the best evidence thus far in treatment resistant depression. Meanwhile, societal narratives of hype and hyperbole around psilocybin are reminiscent of events in the 1960s that ultimately led to criminalization of nonmedical use. The results of later phase clinical trials of psilocybin therapy are awaited. Until then, we remain in a position of equipoise.