bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of low- or moderate-intensity statin and ezetimibe vs. high-intensity statin monotherapy on primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death: a propensity-matched nationwide cohort study
Authors: Jun Ji Eun , Jeong In-Kyung , Ahn Kyu Jeong , Chung Ho Yeon , Hwang You-Cheol
Published: February 2024

Aims

This study aims to compare the preventive effect of low- or moderate-statin with ezetimibe combination therapy and high-intensity statin monotherapy on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause death in a real-world setting.

Methods and results

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service datasets, two cohorts comparing high-intensity statin monotherapy with low- or moderate-intensity statin and ezetimibe combination were constructed by 1:1 propensity score matching procedure. Primary outcome was a composite of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and all-cause death. Secondary outcome was an individual event. The study population was followed from baseline until the date of events, or the last health check-ups, whichever came first. Compared to high-intensity statin monotherapy, moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe combination significantly reduced the risk of composite outcome [hazard ratio (HR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77–0.92, P < 0.001] as well as individual MI (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.71–0.94, P = 0.005) and stroke (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65–0.93, P = 0.005), but not all-cause death. Low-intensity statin with ezetimibe also significantly reduced the risk of the composite outcomes (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.97, P = 0.024) compared to high-intensity statin monotherapy, but the risk of individual outcome did not differ between two groups. Statin and ezetimibe combination demonstrated consistent effect across various subgroups.

Conclusion

Among people without pre-existing CVD, moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe combination was superior to high-intensity statin monotherapy in preventing composite outcomes as well as each of MI and stroke. In contrast, low-intensity statin with ezetimibe combination reduced the risk of composite but not individual outcomes.
Where do the antibiotic resistance genes come from? A modulated analysis of sources and loads of resistances in Lake Maggiore
Authors: Di Cesare Andrea , Mammola Stefano , Sabatino Raffaella , Fontaneto Diego , Eckert Ester M , Rogora Michela , Tonsi Tiziana , Corno Gianluca
Published: February 2024

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are abundant in aquatic ecosystems affected by human activities. Understanding the fate of ARGs across different ecosystems is essential because of the significant role aquatic environments play in the cycle of antibiotic resistance. We quantified selected ARGs in Lake Maggiore, its main tributaries, and the effluent of the main wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharging directly into the lake. We linked their dynamics to the different anthropogenic impacts in each tributary's watershed. The dynamics of tetA in the lake were influenced by those of the rivers and the WWTP effluent, and by the concentration of N-NH4, related to anthropogenic pollution, while sul2 abundance in the lake was not influenced by any water inflow. The dynamics of the different ARGs varied across the different rivers. Rivers with watersheds characterized by high population density, touristic activities, and secondary industries released more ARGs, while ermB correlated with higher numbers of primary industries. This study suggests a limited contribution of treated wastewater in the spread of ARGs, indicating as prevalent origin other sources of pollution, calling for a reconsideration on what are considered the major sources of ARGs into the environment.
Variable Responses of Plant Water Use to Soil Water Availability in Robinia Pseudoacacia under Prolonged Drought
Authors: Wu Xiaofei , Zhang Zhongdian , Huang Mingbin , Yang Fan , Yan Xiaoying , Guo Tianqi
Published: February 2024

Large-scale afforestation on the Loess Plateau has been subjected to more frequent and severe drought due to climate change. However, there is a lack of definite evidence elucidating the adjustments in water supply-demand relationships under prolonged drought. In this study, we investigated the responses of plant characteristics related to plant water supply and demand in 2-year-old Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings to soil water availability (SWA). We systemically analyzed the acclimation of plant water use to prolonged drought. A logistic function was used to fit relationships between normalized net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), soil-root hydraulic conductance (Ksr), root-leaf hydraulic conductance (Krl), and whole plant hydraulic conductance (Kplant) with SWA. The results revealed significant difference in responses of these parameters to SWA (p < .001). The sensitivities of Pn, Tr, and Gs to drought increased from 60-day to 120-day drought, contributing to reduce water consumption. Meanwhile, the relative stable sensitivities of hydraulic conductance (Ksr, Ksr, and Kplant) promoted a consistent water supply at different ecological levels. Additionally, coordination between Gs with hydraulic conductance helped maintain normal physiological activities under drought. These findings enhance our understanding of adjustments in plant water use in response to prolonged drought in Robinia pseudoacacia.

Study Implications: Our findings have implications for better understanding the acclimation of Robinia pseudoacacia to prolonged drought. First, our results suggest decreased water demand (water consumption) by Robinia pseudoacacia under prolonged drought because the sensitivities of net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conductance (Gs) to drought increased from 60-day to 120-day drought treatments. Second, our study indicates a relative stable water supply (soil-root, root-leaf, and whole plant hydraulic conductance; Ksr, Krl, and Kplant) of Robinia pseudoacacia at different ecological levels under prolonged drought. Finally, our research has implications for the coordination of stomatal and hydraulic regulation.
Can Retrospective Reports Provide Accurate Job History Information? A Comparison With Concurrent Reports in a National Prospective Study of Older Adults
Authors: Sonnega Amanda , Al-Hinai Maymona , Chen Qize , Helppie-McFall Brooke , Smith Jacqui
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

The growing interest in the impact of lifetime occupational exposures on later-life health underscores the need to expand and evaluate the quality of data resources. The present study took advantage of a retrospective life history survey fielded within the context of the Health and Retirement Study to assess the accuracy of retrospectively obtained information on job history. We evaluated hypotheses related to job history and respondent characteristics to understand more about factors associated with recall accuracy.

Research Design and Methods

We used data from the Life History Mail Survey (LHMS), a self-administered survey conducted in 2015 and 2017. We compared the match rate of work status collected in the LHMS questionnaire with data collected concurrently during HRS core face-to-face or phone interviews from 1992 through 2016 with respect to jobs held at the time of the interview. We also conducted a limited set of comparisons of occupation and industry match.

Results

The sample was 61.79% women, 82.12% White, and 8.57% Hispanic with a mean age of 74.70 years. The overall work status match rate was 83%. Jobs held longer ago were recalled with less accuracy. Jobs held for longer durations and that were full-time rather than part-time were recalled with greater accuracy. More complex job histories that involved a larger number of jobs were also associated with a lower match rate. Higher levels of conscientiousness and cognitive functioning were both associated with a higher match between the two sources of work status information. The occupation match rate was 69%, and the industry match rate was 77%.

Discussion and Implications

A self-administered, paper-and-pencil questionnaire attempting to measure decades-long histories of autobiographically important dimensions of life can provide reasonably accurate historical employment information. Several factors are likely to influence the relative accuracy of recalled information.
Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of tetrasaccharide linker peptides to study the divergent step in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis
Authors: Bourgeais Marie , Fouladkar Farah , Weber Margot , Boeri-Erba Elisabetta , Wild Rebekka
Published: February 2024

Glycosaminoglycans are extended linear polysaccharides present on cell surfaces and within the extracellular matrix that play crucial roles in various biological processes. Two prominent glycosaminoglycans, heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, are covalently linked to proteoglycan core proteins through a common tetrasaccharide linker comprising glucuronic acid, galactose, galactose, and xylose moities. This tetrasaccharide linker is meticulously assembled step by step by four Golgi-localized glycosyltransferases. The addition of the fifth sugar moiety, either N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine, initiates further chain elongation, resulting in the formation of heparan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate, respectively. Despite the fundamental significance of this step in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, its regulatory mechanisms have remained elusive. In this study, we detail the expression and purification of the four linker-synthesizing glycosyltransferases and their utilization in the production of fluorescent peptides carrying the native tetrasaccharide linker. We generated five tetrasaccharide peptides, mimicking the core proteins of either heparan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. These peptides were readily accepted as substrates by the EXTL3 enzyme, which adds an N-acetylglucosamine moiety, thereby initiating heparan sulfate biosynthesis. Importantly, EXTL3 showed a preference towards peptides mimicking the core proteins of heparan sulfate proteoglycans over the ones from chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. This suggests that EXTL3 could play a role in the decision-making step during glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. The innovative strategy for chemo-enzymatic synthesis of fluorescent-labeled linker-peptides promises to be instrumental in advancing future investigations into the initial steps and the divergent step of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis.
Evaluating the persuasiveness of messages promoting mobile mammography among uninsured women
Authors: Kemp Deena , Jacobs Elizabeth A , Kvale Elizabeth , Shokar Navkiran K , Sebastian Katherine , Benzer Justin K , Woods Bennett Joy Melody
Published: February 2024

Mobile mammography units (MMUs) can enhance access to breast cancer screening by providing convenient, cost-effective service, particularly for uninsured and underinsured women. However, prior studies indicate that acceptability concerns about quality and privacy, among other issues, may prevent women from utilizing MMUs. The current study employs a within-participant experimental design exposing participants to messages about different MMU characteristics to determine which characteristics are most effective in persuading them to use an MMU. The study also examined how messaging interacts with participants’ ethnic identity to influence outcomes. Data were collected from a diverse sample of uninsured and underinsured women as part of a formative study to promote the utilization of a mobile mammography facility in Central Texas. Results of mixed-effect linear models show that messages about equity, appointment convenience, privacy and comfort, and quality of equipment and staff were rated as more persuasive than messages about convenience of location and language accessibility. However, Hispanic women rated language accessibility higher than other participants did. The results can guide MMU organizers and promotion managers as they determine the best approach to promote mobile mammography services in different communities.
The inadequacies of estimating silver eel escapement by studying yellow eels caught in the coastal sea far away from the river mouth. A comment on Rohtla et al. (2021)
Authors: Tuvikene Arvo , Bernotas Priit , Kärgenberg Einar , Tambets Meelis
Published: February 2024

For the conservation and management of the critically endangered European eel, it is crucial to maintain an overview on the biomass of the eels moving from freshwater feeding areas to the sea for spawning. Rohtla et al. suggested an assessment of the escapement of eels from the Narva River to the Baltic Sea based on their study of origin of yellow eels from Estonian coastal areas and eels from Finnish coastal areas. Silver eels from the Estonian coast have not been included in the study. The number of descending eels in the Narva River has not been investigated. The sampling areas in the sea were located far from the river mouth, ranging from 100 to 500 km away. The article does not include an analysis of how to calculate the number of eels descending from the river based on the samples used. Thus, estimates can be significantly biased. We demonstrate that the approach used to estimate escapement is methodologically incorrect and needs further development before applying in eel management. This comment recommends methodological improvements for estimating eel escapement using the indirect method.
Cocycle Twisting of Semidirect Products and Transmutation
Authors: Habbestad Erik , Neshveyev Sergey
Published: February 2024

We apply Majid’s transmutation procedure to Hopf algebra maps $H \to {{\mathbb {C}}}[T]$, where $T$ is a compact abelian group, and explain how this construction gives rise to braided Hopf algebras over quotients of $T$ by subgroups that are cocentral in $H$. This allows us to unify and generalize a number of recent constructions of braided compact quantum groups, starting from the braided $SU_{q}(2)$ quantum group, and describe their bosonizations.
Winding Number, Density of States, and Acceleration
Authors: Wang Xueyin , Wang Zhenfu , You Jiangong , Zhou Qi
Published: February 2024

Winding number and density of states are two fundamental physical quantities for non-self-adjoint quasi-periodic Schrödinger operators, which reflect the asymptotic distribution of zeros of the characteristic determinants of the truncated operators under Dirichlet boundary condition, with respect to complexified phase and the energy, respectively. We will prove that the winding number is in fact Avila’s acceleration, it is also closely related to the density of states by a generalized Thouless formula for non-self-adjoint Schrödinger operators and Avila’s global theory.

Communicating Editor: Prof Svetlana Jitomirskaya
Anti–SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Levels Associated With COVID-19 Protection in Outpatients Tested for SARS-CoV-2, US Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Network, October 2021–June 2022
Authors: Sumner Kelsey M , Yadav Ruchi , Noble Emma K , Sandford Ryan , Joshi Devyani , Tartof Sara Y , Wernli Karen J , Martin Emily T , Gaglani Manjusha , Zimmerman Richard K , Talbot H Keipp , Grijalva Carlos G , Belongia Edward A , Chung Jessie R , Rogier Eric , Coughlin Melissa M , Flannery Brendan
Published: February 2024

Background

We assessed associations between binding antibody (bAb) concentration <5 days from symptom onset and testing positive for COVID-19 among patients in a test-negative study.

Methods

From October 2021 to June 2022, study sites in 7 states enrolled patients aged ≥6 months presenting with acute respiratory illness. Respiratory specimens were tested for SARS-CoV-2. In blood specimens, we measured concentrations of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against the spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid antigens from the ancestral strain in standardized bAb units (BAU). Percentage change in odds of COVID-19 by increasing anti-RBD bAb was estimated via logistic regression as (1 – adjusted odds ratio of COVID-19) × 100, adjusting for COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses, age, site, and high-risk exposure.

Results

Out of 2018 symptomatic patients, 662 (33%) tested positive for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Geometric mean RBD bAb levels were lower among COVID-19 cases than SARS-CoV-2 test-negative controls during the Delta-predominant period (112 vs 498 BAU/mL) and Omicron-predominant period (823 vs 1189 BAU/mL). Acute-phase ancestral spike RBD bAb levels associated with 50% lower odds of COVID-19 were 1968 BAU/mL against Delta and 3375 BAU/mL against Omicron; thresholds may differ in other laboratories.

Conclusions

During acute illness, antibody concentrations against ancestral spike RBD were associated with protection against COVID-19.
Interferon-γ Responses to Chlamydia trachomatis Vaccine Candidate Proteins in Women With Different Chlamydia Outcomes
Authors: Dziadula Jacob , Sabbaj Steffanie , Gupta Kanupriya , Cutter Gary , Yu Hong , Brunham Robert C , Geisler William M
Published: February 2024

Background

Chlamydia trachomatis testing and treatment strategies have not decreased infection rates, justifying need for a chlamydia vaccine. A murine study showed that a vaccine consisting of major outer membrane protein (MOMP) and polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps) E, F, G, and H elicited protective immunity; studies on human cellular immune responses to Pmps are sparse.

Methods

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) responses to these 5 proteins were measured by ELISPOT in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from women returning for treatment of a positive chlamydia test. Responses were compared in those with spontaneous chlamydia clearance versus persisting infection at baseline and no reinfection versus reinfection at a 3-month follow-up visit.

Results

IFN-γ response to 1 or more proteins was detected in 39% at baseline and 51.5% at follow-up, most often to PmpE and MOMP. IFN-γ responses to MOMP were detected less often at follow-up versus baseline in women with reinfection, but were maintained in those without reinfection. Women with spontaneous clearance had a higher magnitude of IFN-γ response to PmpE and MOMP.

Conclusions

IFN-γ responses to these 5 C. trachomatis vaccine candidate proteins were heterogenous and primarily directed against MOMP and PmpE. Spontaneous chlamydia clearance and absence of reinfection may be clinical correlates of protection.
Reducing Barriers and Strategies to Improve Appropriate Screening Mammogram Attendance in Women 75 Years and Older
Authors: Constantinou Niki , Marshall Colin , Marshall Holly
Published: February 2024

Although breast cancer death rates have persistently declined over the last 3 decades, older women have not experienced the same degree in mortality reduction as younger women despite having more favorable breast cancer phenotypes. This occurrence can be partially attributed to less robust mammographic screening in older women, the propensity to undertreat with advancing age, and the presence of underlying comorbidities. With recent revisions to breast cancer screening guidelines, there has been a constructive shift toward more agreement in the need for routine mammographic screening to commence at age 40. Unfortunately, this shift in agreement has not occurred for cutoff guidelines, wherein the recommendations are blurred and open to interpretation. With increasing life expectancy and an aging population who is healthier now than any other time in history, it is important to revisit mammographic screening with advanced age and understand why older women who should undergo screening are not being screened as well as offer suggestions on how to improve screening mammogram attendance in this population.
Second trimester broad ligament ectopic pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Lugata John , Mrosso Onesmo , Mwidibo Yusuph , Batchu Nasra , Mchome Bariki , Mbise Fredrick B
Published: February 2024

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg is implanted and develops outside the endometrium, i.e. in the fallopian tubes, cervix, ovary, or abdomen. It commonly presents with a history of amenorrhoea, lower abdominal pain, and slight vaginal bleeding. The fallopian tube is the most typical location for ectopic pregnancy. Two percent of reported pregnancies are ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy remains a public health threat for women in reproductive age, and a major cause of maternal mortalities in the first trimester. In East Africa, these reports are limited, despite a great need for documentation addressing key considerations for diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy in these resource limited settings. In this case study, we report on 26-years-old female Gravida 5 Para 4 Living 4, who reported history of amenorrhoea for 3 months complaining of slight per vagina bleeding and lower abdominal pain for 5 days more marked at left iliac region along with generalized weakness for 2 weeks. Her vitals were stable. Pelvic ultrasound revealed empty uterus and live fetus at the left adnexa corresponding to 14 weeks 6 days with minimal free fluid in the Douglas Cul-de-sac. The patient’s final diagnosis was live extra-uterine pregnancy at 14 weeks 6 days that was managed by emergency laparotomy with salpingectomy. The patient recovered completely after surgery and was discharged in a stable condition. Ectopic pregnancy still remains one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and referral in hemodynamically state along with use of minimal access surgery or management can change the scenario of ectopic pregnancy in the developing world. Late attendance to first visit clinics is still a major concern in low resource limited settings as this could have been picked early and intervened.

Key message: Management of broad ligament ectopic pregnancy in the second trimester is still challenging especially in low resource settings where the clients do not attend clinics and because of unavailability of ultrasound machines to diagnose it.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma relapse as Burkitt lymphoma leading to ileocecal intussusception in an adult patient—a case report
Authors: Murshid Mohsin Yahya , Nawawi Anfal , Jan Ahmad , Abu Shakra Rafat I
Published: February 2024

Burkitt Lymphoma, an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is a rare cause of ileocolic intussusception in adult patients. We present the case of a 17-year-old male patient, with a history of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in childhood, presenting with acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. CT and colonoscopy findings revealed ileocolic intussusception with a large ileocecal mass, leading to a diagnosis of Burkitt Lymphoma after histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. This case highlights the rarity of Burkitt Lymphoma causing intussusception in adults, a condition more commonly seen in children. The case also underscores the importance of considering Burkitt Lymphoma in patients with a history of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma presenting with acute abdominal symptoms. He was successfully treated with surgery without any complications. On follow-ups, he is doing well.
Root endophyte-mediated alteration in plant H2O2 homeostasis regulates symbiosis outcome and reshapes the rhizosphere microbiota
Authors: Sun Kai , Pan Yi-Tong , Jiang Hui-Jun , Xu Jia-Yan , Ma Chen-Yu , Zhou Jiayu , Liu Yunqi , Shabala Sergey , Zhang Wei , Dai Chuan-Chao
Published: February 2024

Endophytic symbioses between plants and fungi are a dominant feature of many terrestrial ecosystems, yet little is known about the signaling that defines these symbiotic associations. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is recognized as a key signal mediating the plant adaptive response to both biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the role of H2O2 in plant–fungal symbiosis remains elusive. Using a combination of physiological analysis, plant and fungal deletion mutants, and comparative transcriptomics, we reported that various environmental conditions differentially affect the interaction between Arabidopsis and the root endophyte Phomopsis liquidambaris, and link this process to alterations in H2O2 levels and H2O2 fluxes across root tips. We found that enhanced H2O2 efflux leading to a moderate increase in H2O2 levels at the plant–fungal interface is required for maintaining plant–fungal symbiosis. Disturbance of plant H2O2 homeostasis compromises the symbiotic ability of plant roots. Moreover, the fungus-regulated H2O2 dynamics modulate the rhizosphere microbiome by selectively enriching for the phylum Cyanobacteria, with strong antioxidant defenses. Our results demonstrated that the regulation of H2O2 dynamics at the plant–fungal interface affects the symbiotic outcome in response to external conditions and highlight the importance of the root endophyte in reshaping the rhizosphere microbiota.
Physical impediment to sodium houttuyfonate conversely reinforces β-glucan exposure stimulated innate immune response to Candida albicans
Authors: Wang Qirui , Wang Zixu , Xu Chen , Wu Daqiang , Wang Tianming , Wang Changzhong , Shao Jing
Published: February 2024

Candida albicans is a dimorphic opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. We have previously demonstrated that sodium houttuyfonate (SH), a derivative of medicinal herb Houttuynia cordata Thunb, was effective for antifungal purposes. However, the physical impediment of SH by C. albicans β-glucan may weaken the antifungal activity of SH. In this study, the interactions of SH with cell wall (CW), extracellular matrix (EM), CW β-glucan, and a commercial β-glucan zymosan A (ZY) were inspected by XTT assay and total plate count in a standard reference C. albicans SC5314 as well as two clinical fluconazole-resistant strains Z4935 and Z5172. After treatment with SH, the content and exposure of CW β-glucan, chitin, and mannan were detected, the fungal clearance by phagocytosis of RAW264.7 and THP-1 was examined, and the gene expressions and levels of cytokines TNF-ɑ and IL-10 were also monitored. The results showed that SH could be physically impeded by β-glucan in CW, EM, and ZY. This impediment subsequently triggered the exposure of CW β-glucan and chitin with mannan masked in a time-dependent manner. SH-induced β-glucan exposure could significantly enhance the phagocytosis and inhibit the growth of C. albicans. Meanwhile, the SH-pretreated fungal cells could greatly stimulate the cytokine gene expressions and levels of TNF-ɑ and IL-10 in the macrophages. In sum, the strategy that the instant physical impediment of C. albicans CW to SH, which can induce the exposure of CW β-glucan may be universal for C. albicans in response to physical deterrent by antifungal drugs.
Astronomaly at scale: searching for anomalies amongst 4 million galaxies
Authors: Etsebeth V , Lochner M , Walmsley M , Grespan M
Published: February 2024

Modern astronomical surveys are producing data sets of unprecedented size and richness, increasing the potential for high-impact scientific discovery. This possibility, coupled with the challenge of exploring a large number of sources, has led to the development of novel machine-learning-based anomaly detection approaches, such as astronomaly. For the first time, we test the scalability of astronomaly by applying it to almost 4 million images of galaxies from the Dark Energy Camera Legacy Survey. We use a trained deep learning algorithm to learn useful representations of the images and pass these to the anomaly detection algorithm isolation forest, coupled with astronomaly’s active learning method, to discover interesting sources. We find that data selection criteria have a significant impact on the trade-off between finding rare sources such as strong lenses and introducing artefacts into the data set. We demonstrate that active learning is required to identify the most interesting sources and reduce artefacts, while anomaly detection methods alone are insufficient. Using astronomaly, we find 1635 anomalies among the top 2000 sources in the data set after applying active learning, including eight strong gravitational lens candidates, 1609 galaxy merger candidates, and 18 previously unidentified sources exhibiting highly unusual morphology. Our results show that by leveraging the human–machine interface, astronomaly is able to rapidly identify sources of scientific interest even in large data sets.
Water vapour transit ambiguities for habitable M-Earths
Authors: Macdonald Evelyn , Menou Kristen , Lee Christopher , Paradise Adiv
Published: February 2024

We have shown in a recent study, using 3D climate simulations, that dayside land cover has a substantial impact on the climate of a synchronously rotating temperate rocky planet such as Proxima Centauri b. Building on that result, we generate synthetic transit spectra from our simulations to assess the impact of these land-induced climate uncertainties on water vapour transit signals. We find that distinct climate regimes will likely be very difficult to differentiate in transit spectra, even under the more favourable conditions of smaller planets orbiting ultracool dwarfs. Further, we show that additional climate ambiguities arise when both land cover and atmosphere mass are unknown, as is likely to be the case for transiting planets. While water vapour may be detectable under favourable conditions, it may be nearly impossible to infer a rocky planet’s surface conditions or climate state from its transit spectrum due to the interdependent effects of land cover and atmosphere mass on surface temperature, humidity, and terminator cloud cover.
Neutrino production in starburst galaxies
Authors: Carulli Agustín M , Reynoso Matías M
Published: February 2024

Understanding the origin of the diffuse flux of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos detected by IceCube has become a challenging issue within present High Energy Astrophysics. In this work, we present a model to explore the potential neutrino emission of starburst galaxies (SBG) by considering three different neutrino production zones that can be associated to a typical single SBG. The first zone is the starburst nucleus, where due to the high rate of supernova explosions, a significant amount of protons can be accelerated to high energies and undergo pp interactions with cold protons of the interstellar medium. The second zone we consider is the corresponding to the starburst wind, which is formed by the hot gas that emerges from the nucleus and interacts with the intergalactic medium generating shocks. Protons accelerated there can undergo pp interactions with the ambient matter. The third neutrino production zone we consider, is an external one, where we account for the possibility that protons escaping from the whole system interact with the cosmic microwave background. Finally, adding the neutrino contributions of the three zones, we calculate the diffuse neutrino flux and the diffuse photon flux by integration on the redshift range appropriate for SBG. We find that the model behaves well applied to nearby galaxies such as M82 and NGC 253. The contributions made to the diffuse neutrino flux are able to explain part of the data provided by IceCube if typical parameters are considered.
Constraining the stellar populations of ultra-diffuse galaxies in the MATLAS survey using spectral energy distribution fitting
Authors: Buzzo Maria Luisa , Forbes Duncan A , Jarrett Thomas H , Marleau Francine R , Duc Pierre-Alain , Brodie Jean P , Romanowsky Aaron J , Gannon Jonah S , Janssens Steven R , Pfeffer Joel , Ferré-Mateu Anna , Haacke Lydia , Couch Warrick J , Lim Sungsoon , Sánchez-Janssen Rubén
Published: February 2024

We use spectral energy distribution fitting to place constraints on the stellar populations of 59 ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) in the low-to-moderate density fields of the MATLAS survey. We use the routine prospector, coupled with archival data in the optical from the Dark Energy Camera Legacy Survey, and near- and mid-infrared imaging from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, to recover the stellar masses, ages, metallicities, and star formation time-scales of the UDGs. We find that a subsample of the UDGs lies within the scatter of the mass–metallicity relation (MZR) for local classical dwarfs. However, another subsample is more metal-poor, being consistent with the evolving MZR at high redshift. We investigate UDG positioning trends in the mass–metallicity plane as a function of surface brightness, effective radius, axis ratio, local volume density, mass-weighted age, star formation time-scale, globular cluster (GC) counts, and GC specific frequency. We find that our sample of UDGs can be separated into two main classes: Class A: comprised of UDGs with lower stellar masses, prolonged star formation histories (SFHs), more elongated, inhabiting less dense environments, hosting fewer GCs, younger, consistent with the classical dwarf MZR, and fainter. Class B: UDGs with higher stellar masses, rapid SFHs, rounder, inhabiting the densest of our probed environments, hosting on average the most numerous GC systems, older, consistent with the high-redshift MZR (i.e. consistent with early-quenching), and brighter. The combination of these properties suggests that UDGs of Class A are consistent with a ‘puffed-up dwarf’ formation scenario, while UDGs of Class B seem to be better explained by ‘failed galaxy’ scenarios.
Hungry or not: how stellar-mass black holes grow (or don't) in dark matter mini-haloes at high resolution
Authors: Gordon Simone T , Smith Britton D , Khochfar Sadegh , Regan John Anthony
Published: February 2024

We compare the performance of the popular Bondi–Hoyle–Lyttleton accretion scheme with a simple mass-flux scheme applied to stellar-mass black holes (BHs) across six levels of increasing spatial resolution. Simulating the formation of BHs within cosmological mini-haloes at z ∼ 20, we investigate scenarios both with and without supernova events, which result in BHs of initial mass $10.8$ and $270 \, {\rm M_\odot }$, respectively. Our explicit focus on the stellar-mass range pushes the maximum resolution down to sub-$10^{-3} \, {\rm pc}$ regimes, where more complicated gas dynamics are resolved. We observe efficient growth and rotationally supported, ${\sim }10^{-1} \, {\rm pc}$-scale discs around all $270 \, {\rm M_\odot }$ BHs independent of resolution and accretion scheme, though clumps, bars, and spiral arm structures impact stability at high resolution. We analyse the effect of these instabilities on the accretion cycle. In contrast, all bar one of the $10.8 \, {\rm M_\odot }$ BHs fail to attract a disc and experience modest growth, even when characteristic scales of accretion and dynamical friction are reasonably resolved. While the two accretion schemes somewhat converge in mass growth for the $270 \, {\rm M_\odot }$ case over $1 \, {\rm Myr}$, the greater degree of gas fragmentation induces more randomness in the evolution of the $10.8 \, {\rm M_\odot }$ BHs. We conclude that early universe BHs of $M_{\rm BH} \sim 10^1 \, {\rm M_\odot }$ struggle to grow even in gas-rich environments without feedback in comparison to seeds of $M_{\rm BH} \sim 10^2 \, {\rm M_\odot }$, and the latter exhibit convergent growth histories across accretion schemes below a resolution of $\mathrm{ d}x = 1 \times 10^{-3} \, {\rm pc}$.
Identifying galaxy cluster mergers with deep neural networks using idealized Compton-y and X-ray maps
Authors: Arendt Ashleigh R , Perrott Yvette C , Contreras-Santos Ana , de Andres Daniel , Cui Weiguang , Rennehan Douglas
Published: February 2024

We present a novel approach to identify galaxy clusters that are undergoing a merger using a deep learning approach. This paper uses massive galaxy clusters spanning 0 ≤ z ≤ 2 from The Three Hundred project, a suite of hydrodynamic resimulations of 324 large galaxy clusters. Mock, idealized Compton-y and X-ray maps were constructed for the sample, capturing them out to a radius of 2R200. The idealized nature of these maps mean they do not consider observational effects such as foreground or background astrophysical objects, any spatial resolution limits or restriction on X-ray energy bands. Half of the maps belong to a merging population as defined by a mass increase ΔM/M ≥ 0.75, and the other half serves as a controlled, relaxed population. We employ a convolutional neural network architecture and train the model to classify clusters into one of the groups. A best-performing model was able to correctly distinguish between the two populations with a balanced accuracy (BA) and recall of 0.77, ROC-AUC of 0.85, PR-AUC of 0.55, and F1 score of 0.53. Using a multichannel model relative to a single-channel model, we obtain a 3 per cent improvement in BA score, and a 6 per cent improvement in F1 score. We use a saliency interpretation approach to discern the regions most important to each classification decision. By analysing radially binned saliency values we find a preference to utilize regions out to larger distances for mergers with respect to non-mergers, greater than ∼1.2R200 and ∼0.7R200 for SZ and X-ray, respectively.
Towards inferring the geometry of kilonovae
Authors: Collins Christine E , Shingles Luke J , Bauswein Andreas , Sim Stuart A , Soultanis Theodoros , Vijayan Vimal , Flörs Andreas , Just Oliver , Leck Gerrit , Lioutas Georgios , Martínez-Pinedo Gabriel , Sneppen Albert , Watson Darach , Xiong Zewei
Published: February 2024

Recent analysis of the kilonova, AT2017gfo, has indicated that this event was highly spherical. This may challenge hydrodynamics simulations of binary neutron star mergers, which usually predict a range of asymmetries, and radiative transfer simulations show a strong direction dependence. Here we investigate whether the synthetic spectra from a 3D kilonova simulation of asymmetric ejecta from a hydrodynamical merger simulation can be compatible with the observational constraints, suggesting a high degree of sphericity in AT2017gfo. Specifically, we determine whether fitting a simple P-Cygni line profile model leads to a value for the photospheric velocity that is consistent with the value obtained from the expanding photosphere method. We would infer that our kilonova simulation is highly spherical at early times, when the spectra resemble a blackbody distribution. The two independently inferred photospheric velocities can be very similar, implying a high degree of sphericity, which can be as spherical as inferred for AT2017gfo, demonstrating that the photosphere can appear spherical even for asymmetrical ejecta. The last-interaction velocities of radiation escaping the simulation show a high degree of sphericity, supporting the inferred symmetry of the photosphere. We find that when the synthetic spectra resemble a blackbody, the expanding photosphere method can be used to obtain an accurate luminosity distance (within 4–7 per cent).
The peculiar bursting nature of CP Pup
Authors: Veresvarska M , Scaringi S , Hagen S , De Martino D , Done C , Ilkiewicz K , Knigge C , Littlefield C
Published: February 2024

The classical nova CP Puppis has been observed to have particularly puzzling and peculiar properties. In particular, this classical nova displays occasional bursts in its long-term ASAS-SN light curve. Here, we report on five sectors of TESS data displaying two of these rapid bursts, lasting ∼1 d. Based on the estimated lower energy limits of the bursts, we discuss whether the bursts may be examples of micronovae resulting from localized thermonuclear explosion. Furthermore, its orbital period remains uncertain, with several inconsistent periodic signals appearing in spectroscopic and photometric observations at various wavelengths. Although we cannot unambiguously unravel the physical origin of the signals, the previously suggested nature of CP Puppis as a long orbital period system may be a viable explanation. The recurrence time of the bursts in CP Puppis, together with the unexplained variable modulations make it a prime candidate for intense monitoring.
Mush Architecture and Processes in the Reservoirs of a Supereruption-Scale Magma System, Permian Ora Ignimbrite (Northern Italy)
Authors: Chiaro Genna R , Gualda Guilherme A R , Miller Calvin , Giordano Guido , Morelli Corrado
Published: February 2024

The Ora Ignimbrite (~275 Ma) is a crystal-rich (~40%), heterogeneous, supereruption-sized (~1300 km3) rhyolite in northern Italy and the final eruptive product of the Athesian Volcanic Group (289–274 Ma), the largest Permian volcanic district in Europe. Two key outcrops, an intracaldera vitrophyre and an outflow vitrophyre, contain well-preserved, glass-bearing juvenile material. We investigate at what scale heterogeneities existed in the Ora magmatic system by studying the geochemical and petrological characteristics of crystal-rich (20–50%) and crystal-poor (<20%) fiamme from the Ora vitrophyres, allowing us to reconstruct critical aspects of Ora's magmatic architecture and pre-eruptive history and granting us further insight into the storage and dynamic processes that occur in large, crystal-rich, silicic systems. Textural analysis of fiamme reveals four types: the intracaldera vitrophyre has very coarse-grained crystal-rich (VCCR) and fine-grained crystal-poor (I-FCP) fiamme, while the outflow vitrophyre has coarse-grained crystal-rich (CCR) and fine-grained crystal-poor (O-FCP) fiamme. The diversity of crystal-poor (I-FCP & O-FCP) fiamme glass trace-element compositions suggests that multiple small crystal-poor magma bodies were dispersed throughout the Ora magmatic system. Compositionally and texturally distinct glass types in single O-FCP fiamme preserve evidence of variable degrees of magma mixing and record different mingling to eruption timescales, revealing that the Ora magmatic system experienced multiple silicic recharge events. In the crystal-rich (VCCR & CCR) fiamme, high crystal contents (VCCR: 40–50%; CCR: 20–40%), large crystals (max grain size: VCCR: 4–10 mm; CCR: 3–4 mm), and interlocking growth textures suggest that these fiamme contain parcels of disaggregated magma mush. High-silica rhyolite glass compositions (77.2–78.3 wt.% SiO2) and extremely depleted Sr (VCCR: <20; CCR: <5 ppm) and Ba (VCCR: <70; CCR: <20 ppm) glass trace-element concentrations indicate that the crystal-rich fiamme glasses represent highly fractionated melts. Crystal-rich fiamme glass trace-element compositions also form discrete, tightly clustered populations, suggesting that multiple crystal-rich, melt-dominated magma bodies existed prior to eruption. We propose that the coexistence of large-scale heterogeneity (e.g. deposit-scale and outcrop-scale) with small-scale homogeneity observed in crystal-rich fiamme is resolved by a model in which at least two separate magma reservoirs, each containing multiple melt-dominant magma bodies, erupted to form the Ora Ignimbrite.
Transcription factor CrWRKY42 coregulates chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis in citrus
Authors: Chen Hongyan , Ji Huiyu , Huang Wenkai , Zhang Zhehui , Zhu Kaijie , Zhu Shiping , Chai Lijun , Ye Junli , Deng Xiuxin
Published: February 2024

Chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis, which occur almost simultaneously during fruit ripening, are essential for the coloration and nutritional value of fruits. However, the synergistic regulation of these 2 processes at the transcriptional level remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified a WRKY transcription factor, CrWRKY42, from the transcriptome data of the yellowish bud mutant “Jinlegan” ([Citrus unshiu × C. sinensis] × C. reticulata) tangor and its wild-type “Shiranui” tangor, which was involved in the transcriptional regulation of both chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis pathways. CrWRKY42 directly bound to the promoter of β-carotene hydroxylase 1 (CrBCH1) and activated its expression. The overexpression and interference of CrWRKY42 in citrus calli demonstrated that CrWRKY42 promoted carotenoid accumulation by inducing the expression of multiple carotenoid biosynthetic genes. Further assays confirmed that CrWRKY42 also directly bound to and activated the promoters of the genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, including phytoene desaturase (CrPDS) and lycopene β-cyclase 2 (CrLCYB2). In addition, CrWRKY42 could bind to the promoters of NONYELLOW COLORING (CrNYC) and STAY-GREEN (CrSGR) and activate their expression, thus promoting chlorophyll degradation. The overexpression and silencing of CrWRKY42 in citrus fruits indicated that CrWRKY42 positively regulated chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis by synergistically activating the expression of genes involved in both pathways. Our data revealed that CrWRKY42 acts as a positive regulator of chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis to alter the conversion of citrus fruit color. Our findings provide insight into the complex transcriptional regulation of chlorophyll and carotenoid metabolism during fruit ripening.
Function and mechanism of lysine crotonylation in health and disease
Authors: Hou L , Chen Y -J , Zhong Q , Pei J , Liu L , Pi H , Xie M , Zhao G
Published: February 2024

Lysine crotonylation is a newly identified posttranslational modification that is different from the widely studied lysine acetylation in structure and function. In the last dozen years, great progress has been made in lysine crotonylation-related studies, and lysine crotonylation is involved in reproduction, development and disease. In this review, we highlight the similarities and differences between lysine crotonylation and lysine acetylation. We also summarize the methods and tools for the detection and prediction of lysine crotonylation. At the same time, we outline the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of enzymatic and metabolic regulation of lysine crotonylation, as well as the regulating factors that selectively recognize this modification. Particularly, we discussed how dynamic changes in crotonylation status maintain physiological health and result in the development of disease. This review not only points out the new functions of lysine crotonylation but also provides new insights and exciting opportunities for managing various diseases.
Inefficient Automation
Authors: Beraja Martin , Zorzi Nathan
Published: February 2024

How should the government respond to automation? We study this question in a heterogeneous agent model that takes worker displacement seriously. We recognize that displaced workers face two frictions in practice: reallocation is slow and borrowing is limited. We analyze a second best problem where the government can tax automation but lacks redistributive tools to fully alleviate borrowing frictions. The equilibrium is (constrained) inefficient and automation is excessive. Firms do not internalize that automation depresses the income of automated workers early on during the transition, precisely when they become borrowing constrained. The government finds it optimal to slow down automation on efficiency grounds, even when it does not value equity. Quantitatively, the optimal speed of automation is considerably lower than at the laissez-faire. The optimal policy improves efficiency and delivers meaningful welfare gains.
Recent Progress in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell-Based Therapy for Retinal Disease
Authors: Klymenko Valeriia , González Martínez Orlando G , Zarbin Marco
Published: February 2024

Age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa are degenerative retinal diseases that cause severe vision loss. Early clinical trials involving transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial cells and/or photoreceptors as a treatment for these conditions are underway. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the field of retinal pigment epithelium transplantation, including some pertinent clinical trial results as well as preclinical studies that address issues of transplant immunology, cell delivery, and cell manufacturing.