bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote plasma enhanced cyclic etching of a cyclosiloxane polymer thin film
Authors: Wang Xianglin , Luo Xinyu , Du Weiwei , Shen Yuanhao , Huang Xiaocheng , Yang Zheng , Zhao Junjie
Published: June 2024

The continuous evolution of chip manufacturing demands the development of materials with ultra-low dielectric constants. With advantageous dielectric and mechanical properties, initiated chemical vapor deposited (iCVD) poly(1,3,5-trimethyl-1,3,5-trivinyl cyclotrisiloxane) (pV3D3) emerges as a promising candidate. However, previous works have not explored etching for this cyclosiloxane polymer thin film, which is indispensable for potential applications to the back-end-of-line fabrication. Here, we developed an etching process utilizing O2/Ar remote plasma for cyclic removal of iCVD pV3D3 thin film at sub-nanometer scale. We employed in-situ quartz crystal microbalance to investigate the process parameters including the plasma power, plasma duration and O2 flow rate. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cross-sectional microscopy reveal the formation of an oxidized skin layer during the etching process. This skin layer further substantiates an etching mechanism driven by surface oxidation and sputtering. Additionally, this oxidized skin layer leads to improved elastic modulus and hardness and acts as a barrier layer for protecting the bottom cyclosiloxane polymer from further oxidation.
Cross-condition bearing fault detection based on online drift detection and domain adaptation
Authors: Cao Shijing
Published: June 2024

Aiming at the problem that the data distribution of bearings across operating conditions generates offset resulting in insufficient diagnostic accuracy of the original model for new data, a cross-condition bearing fault detection method based on online drift detection and domain adaptation is proposed. First, the original one-dimensional vibration signals collected are transformed by a two-dimensional wavelet transform to convert the time-frequency image dataset. Second, the drift detection of the data across operating conditions is carried out using Random Forest (RF), and the 3σ criterion as well as the drift detection judgment criteria are set. Next, the source domain model based on Googlenet is used to extract features from the target domain data, and the Whale Optimization Algorithm to Improve Local Preserving Projection Algorithm (WOA-LPP) algorithm is combined to construct a brand-new projection space to align the features of the source and target domains. Then, the source and target domain features are reconstructed by combining the LPP optimal projection matrix to construct a fully connected network trained by the source domain features. Finally, probabilistic label-based decision fusion is proposed to integrate multiple classifiers to reduce the effects of model training randomness and strong noise interference. Validated by the publicly available Western Reserve University bearing data, the method proposed in this paper has good detection accuracy as well as robustness across operating conditions, which can effectively improve the defects of shifting data distribution and degradation of model accuracy under variable speed.
Linking local climate scenarios to global warming levels: applicability, prospects and uncertainties
Authors: Becsi Benedikt , Formayer Herbert
Published: June 2024

Global warming levels (GWLs) are increasingly becoming a central concept in climate change studies. In recent years, their integrative quality for climate change impact analysis has been demonstrated, and methodological advancements have helped to compensate for some inherent shortfalls of the concept. However, their applicability at the regional and local level is debatable, and no study to date has examined the possibility of linking local climate scenarios to GWLs. For the case of Austria, we evaluate the relation between global and regional warming patterns, and whether version changes of global climate models could be incorporated into local climate scenarios by means of the GWLs concept, without updating the actual data. We apply the time sampling approach, where GWLs are determined as periods when global mean temperature anomalies cross a certain threshold. GWL periods are sampled both from the global models in the background of the local climate scenarios (CMIP5), and from an equivalent ensemble of newer-generation climate models (CMIP6). Uncertainties resulting from sampling GWLs from different global climate model ensembles are examined, and prospects for local climate change impact assessments are discussed. Accounting for updated global climate model versions might be useful when the changes at certain GWLs are related to fixed reference periods, but temperature increments between GWLs remain relatively constant across model versions, even on the regional level. The study bridges a significant gap to link local climate projections to GWLs. Climate change impacts assessments that build on those datasets can benefit from the integrative character of GWLs, making studies comparable across multiple disciplines and model versions, and thus fostering a way to communicate local climate change impacts more comprehensible.
Different pathways toward net-zero emissions imply diverging health impacts: a health impact assessment study for France
Authors: Moutet Léo , Bigo Aurélien , Quirion Philippe , Temime Laura , Jean Kévin
Published: June 2024

In the transport sector, efforts to achieve carbon neutrality may generate public health co-benefits by promoting physical activity. This study aims to quantify the health impacts related to active transport based on four different scenarios leading France toward carbon neutrality in 2050. The French Agency for Ecological Transition developed four consistent and contrasting scenarios (S1 to S4) achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 as well as a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario that extends our current lifestyles until 2050, without reaching net-zero. For each of these Transitions2050 scenarios, we distributed the mobility demand for walking, cycling and e-cycling across age groups. Relying on the health impact assessment framework, we quantified the impacts of the corresponding physical activity on all-cause mortality. The impact of each of the carbon neutrality scenarios was determined by comparison with estimates from the BAU scenario. In S1 and S2 scenarios, volumes of active transport are projected to increase to fulfill the World Health Organizations (WHO) recommendations by 2050, while they increase slightly in S3 and decrease in S4. S2 scenario reaches the highest levels of health co-benefits, with 494 000 deaths prevented between 2021 and 2050. This would translate into a life expectancy gain of 3.0 months for the general population in 2050, mainly driven by e-bikes. S1 would provide smaller but important health benefits, while these benefits would be modest for S3. On the contrary, S4 implies 52 000 additional deaths as compared to the BAU scenario and a loss of 0.2 month in life expectancy. Different ways to decarbonize mobility in a net-zero perspective may achieve very contrasting public health co-benefits. This study illustrates how the public health dimension may provide a relevant insight in choices of collective transformation toward net-zero societies.
Caulobacter crescentus RNase E condensation contributes to autoregulation and fitness
Authors: Nandana Vidhyadhar , Al-Husini Nadra , Vaishnav Arti , Dilrangi Kulathungage H. , Schrader Jared M.
Published: June 2024

RNase E is the most common RNA decay nuclease in bacteria, setting the global mRNA decay rate and scaffolding formation of the RNA degradosome complex and BR-bodies. To properly set the global mRNA decay rate, RNase E from Escherichia coli and neighboring γ-proteobacteria were found to autoregulate RNase E levels via the decay of its mRNA’s 5′ untranslated region (UTR). While the 5′ UTR is absent from other groups of bacteria in the Rfam database, we identified that the α-proteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus RNase E contains a similar 5′ UTR structure that promotes RNase E autoregulation. In both bacteria, the C-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of RNase E is required for proper autoregulation to occur, and this IDR is also necessary and sufficient for RNase E to phase-separate, generating BR-bodies. Using in vitro purified RNase E, we find that the IDR’s ability to promote phase separation correlates with enhanced 5′ UTR cleavage, suggesting that phase separation of RNase E with the 5′ UTR enhances autoregulation. Finally, using growth competition experiments, we find that a strain capable of autoregulation rapidly outcompetes a strain with a 5′ UTR mutation that cannot autoregulate, suggesting autoregulation promotes optimal cellular fitness.
Transient PP2A SIP complex localization to mitotic SPBs for SIN inhibition is mediated solely by the Csc1 FHA domain
Authors: Willet Alaina H. , Ren Liping , Turner Lesley A. , Gould Kathleen L.
Published: June 2024

Many organisms utilize an actin- and myosin-based cytokinetic ring (CR) to help complete cytokinesis. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the Septation Initiation Network (SIN) promotes proper CR function and stability. The SIN is a conserved and essential signaling network consisting of a GTPase and a cascade of kinases assembled at the spindle pole body (SPB). The PP2A SIN inhibitory phosphatase (SIP) complex related to the STRIPAK phosphatase complex is one inhibitor of SIN signaling. The SIP consists of Csc1, Csc2, Csc3, Csc4, Paa1, and the phosphatase subunit Ppa3. Here, we determine that the SIP is anchored at the SPB via the Csc1 FHA domain and that constitutive SPB localization of the SIP is lethal due to persistent SIN inhibition. Disrupting SIP docking at the SPB with a point mutation within the FHA domain or eliminating phosphatase activity by introducing a point mutation within Ppa3 resulted in intact SIP complexes without SIN inhibitory function. Lastly, we defined the unique features of Ppa3 that allow it, but not two other PP2A catalytic subunits, to incorporate into the SIP. Overall, we provide insight into how the SIP complex assembles, localizes, and functions to counteract the SIN with spatiotemporal precision during cytokinesis.
AMLdb: a comprehensive multi-omics platform to identify biomarkers and drug targets for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Vinod Kumar Keerthana , Kumar Ambuj , Kundal Kavita , Sengupta Avik , R Kunjulakshmi , Singh Subashani , Korra Bhanu Teja , Sharma Simran , Suresh Vandana , Nishana Mayilaadumveettil , Kumar Rahul
Published: June 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the leading leukemic malignancies in adults. The heterogeneity of the disease makes the diagnosis and treatment extremely difficult. With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, exploration at the molecular level for the identification of biomarkers and drug targets has been the focus for the researchers to come up with novel therapies for better prognosis and survival outcomes of AML patients. However, the huge amount of data from NGS platforms requires a comprehensive AML platform to streamline literature mining efforts and save time. To facilitate this, we developed AMLdb, an interactive multi-omics platform that allows users to query, visualize, retrieve, and analyse AML related multi-omics data. AMLdb contains 86 datasets for gene expression profiles, 15 datasets for methylation profiles, CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens of 26 AML cell lines, sensitivity of 26 AML cell lines to 288 drugs, mutations in 41 unique genes in 23 AML cell lines, and information on 41 experimentally validated biomarkers. In this study, we have reported five genes, i.e. CBFB, ENO1, IMPDH2, SEPHS2, and MYH9 identified via our analysis using AMLdb. ENO1 is uniquely identified gene which requires further investigation as a novel potential target while other reported genes have been previously confirmed as targets through experimental studies. Top of form we believe that these findings utilizing AMLdb can make it an invaluable resource to accelerate the development of effective therapies for AML and assisting the research community in advancing their understanding of AML pathogenesis. AMLdb is freely available at https://project.iith.ac.in/cgntlab/amldb.
Far-Right Extremism, Elections and Hate Crime: A Temporal Evaluation of Bias-Motivated Violence in Slovakia
Authors: Whittington Whitney , Piatkowska Sylwia J
Published: June 2024

The present study provides an initial attempt to assess the impact of extremist right electoral support on racially motivated and extremist violent crime rates across Slovak regions. We transcend previous research by examining associations between national and regional elections, immigration rates, vote-shares, and violent hate crime rates utilizing temporal statistics on racially motivated and extremist violent crimes, which are linked with data on support for nationalist parties and on indicators of socio-economic development. Results illustrate that extreme right parties matter, such that the higher their electoral vote-shares, the higher the violent hate crime incidence and victimization rates. We, also, find that high immigration rates strengthen the effect of electoral vote-shares on bias crime in Slovakia.
Observing the suppression of individual aversive memories from conscious awareness
Authors: Lin Xuanyi , Chen Danni , Liu Jing , Yao Ziqing , Xie Hui , Anderson Michael C , Hu Xiaoqing
Published: June 2024

When reminded of an unpleasant experience, people often try to exclude the unwanted memory from awareness, a process known as retrieval suppression. Here we used multivariate decoding (MVPA) and representational similarity analyses on EEG data to track how suppression unfolds in time and to reveal its impact on item-specific cortical patterns. We presented reminders to aversive scenes and asked people to either suppress or to retrieve the scene. During suppression, mid-frontal theta power within the first 500 ms distinguished suppression from passive viewing of the reminder, indicating that suppression rapidly recruited control. During retrieval, we could discern EEG cortical patterns relating to individual memories—initially, based on theta-driven visual perception of the reminders (0 to 500 ms) and later, based on alpha-driven reinstatement of the aversive scene (500 to 3000 ms). Critically, suppressing retrieval weakened (during 360 to 600 ms) and eventually abolished item-specific cortical patterns, a robust effect that persisted until the reminder disappeared (780 to 3000 ms). Representational similarity analyses provided converging evidence that retrieval suppression weakened the representation of target scenes during the 500 to 3000 ms reinstatement window. Together, rapid top-down control during retrieval suppression abolished cortical patterns of individual memories, and precipitated later forgetting. These findings reveal a precise chronometry on the voluntary suppression of individual memories.
Beyond faces: the contribution of the amygdala to visual processing in the macaque brain
Authors: Taubert Jessica , Wardle Susan G , Patterson Amanda , Baker Chris I
Published: June 2024

The amygdala is present in a diverse range of vertebrate species, such as lizards, rodents, and primates; however, its structure and connectivity differs across species. The increased connections to visual sensory areas in primate species suggests that understanding the visual selectivity of the amygdala in detail is critical to revealing the principles underlying its function in primate cognition. Therefore, we designed a high-resolution, contrast-agent enhanced, event-related fMRI experiment, and scanned 3 adult rhesus macaques, while they viewed 96 naturalistic stimuli. Half of these stimuli were social (defined by the presence of a conspecific), the other half were nonsocial. We also nested manipulations of emotional valence (positive, neutral, and negative) and visual category (faces, nonfaces, animate, and inanimate) within the stimulus set. The results reveal widespread effects of emotional valence, with the amygdala responding more on average to inanimate objects and animals than faces, bodies, or social agents in this experimental context. These findings suggest that the amygdala makes a contribution to primate vision that goes beyond an auxiliary role in face or social perception. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of stimulus selection and experimental design when probing the function of the amygdala and other visually responsive brain regions.
Effect of heat treatment on positive electrode properties and crystal structures of Mo-modified MgMn2O4
Authors: Kitamura Naoto , Noritake Ryo , Ishibashi Chiaki , Idemoto Yasushi
Published: June 2024

MgMn2O4 (MMO) has attracted attention as a positive electrode material for magnesium rechargeable batteries. To improve the electrode properties, we performed modification of MMO with a Mo compound and investigated the effects of heat-treatment temperature (600 to 800 °C) of the modification process on the electrode properties and crystal structures. The Mo-modified MMO were successfully synthesized by immersing MMO in an aqueous solution containing Mo ion, followed by heat treatment. Discharge/charge cycle tests revealed that Mo-modified MMO heat-treated at 700 °C exhibited the highest discharge capacity and cycle characteristics. Crystal-structure analyses using synchrotron X-ray diffraction data showed that heat treatment at higher temperatures could relax the distortion of the crystal structure, although it increased the amount of Mg and Mn cation mixing. Crystal structure change and surface modification with a Mo compound are considered to be factors for improving positive electrode properties of MMO.
Synthesis and characterization of ligand-introduced [P2W12O44(C6H5PO3)2]10−
Authors: Take Shumpei , Minato Takuo , Sadakane Masahiro
Published: June 2024

Lacunary polyoxometalates represent a distinctive category of inorganic multidentate ligands that serve as precursors for building organic–inorganic hybrid materials and multinuclear metal oxo clusters. In this study, we successfully synthesized and characterized the organic–inorganic hybrid, [P2W12O44(C6H5PO3)2]10−. Two phenylphosphonato ligands were introduced at both ends of the vacant site to form the unique organic–inorganic–organic structure.
Quality of occlusal outcome in adult Class II patients treated with completely customized lingual appliances and Class II elastics compared to adult Class I patients
Authors: Janssens Yann , Foley Patrick F , Beyling Frauke , Stamm Thomas , Schwestka-Polly Rainer , Schmid Jonas Q
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate whether Class II malocclusion in adult patients can be successfully corrected using a completely customized lingual appliance (CCLA) in combination with Class II elastics.

Methods

In order to detect differences in the final treatment outcome, two groups were matched for age and gender. Treatment results of 40 adult orthodontic patients with a Class I malocclusion (Group 1) were compared to 40 adults with a Class II malocclusion (Group 2). All patients had completed treatment with a CCLA (WIN, DW Lingual Systems, Bad Essen, Germany) without known centric occlusion—centric relation discrepancies, issues of compliance, or overcorrection in the individual treatment plan which was defined by a target set-up. In order to compare the treatment results of the two groups, 7 measurements using the American Board of Orthodontics Model Grading System (ABO MGS) and linear measurements for anterior-posterior (AP) and vertical dimensions were assessed at the start of lingual treatment (T1), after debonding (T2B) and compared to the individual target set-up (T2A).

Results

A statistically significant AP correction was achieved in Group 2 which represented 95% of the planned amount. The planned overbite correction was fully achieved in the Class I and Class II group. In both groups, there was a statistically significant improvement in the ABO scores, with no significant difference between the two groups at T2. 100% of the patients in Group 2 and 92.5% in Group 1 would meet the ABO standards after CCLA treatment.

Limitations

The main limitation of this study is that only patients who were wearing the elastics as prescribed were retrospectively included. Therefore, the results of this study may have limited generalizability.

Conclusions

Completely customized lingual appliances in combination with Class II elastics can correct a Class II malocclusion successfully in adult patients. The final treatment outcome can be of a similar high quality in Class I and Class II patients.
Non-coding RNA yREX3 from human extracellular vesicles exerts macrophage-mediated cardioprotection via a novel gene-methylating mechanism
Authors: Ciullo Alessandra , Li Liang , Li Chang , Tsi Kara , Farrell Colin , Pellegrini Matteo , Marbán Eduardo , Ibrahim Ahmed G E
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by cardiosphere-derived cells exert immunomodulatory effects through the transmission of small non-coding RNAs.

Methods

The mechanism and role of yREX3, a small Y RNA abundant in EVs in myocardial injury, was investigated.

Results

yREX3 attenuates cardiac ischaemic injury by selective DNA methylation. Synthetic yREX3 encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles triggers broad transcriptomic changes in macrophages, localizes to the nucleus, and mediates epigenetic silencing of protein interacting with C kinase-1 (Pick1) through methylation of upstream CpG sites. Moreover, yREX3 interacts with polypyrimidine tract binding protein 3 (PTBP3) to methylate the Pick1 gene locus in a DNA methyltransferase–dependent manner. Suppression of Pick1 in macrophages potentiates Smad3 signalling and enhances efferocytosis, minimizing heart necrosis in rats with myocardial infarction. Adoptive transfer of Pick1-deficient macrophages recapitulates the cardioprotective effects of yREX3 in vivo.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the role of a small Y RNA mined from EVs with a novel gene-methylating mechanism.
Effectiveness of a continuous handwashing education program with multiple activities at a Japanese kindergarten school
Authors: Ueno Marie , Miyake Kimihiro , Shimada Hideaki , Tomokawa Sachi
Published: June 2024

Formation of proper handwashing techniques and habits from childhood is important for disease prevention. However, there are few studies that comprehensively and longitudinally evaluate the effectiveness of handwashing education for kindergarteners. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous handwashing education using multiple activities to improve handwashing practices and skills among first- to third-grade students at a kindergarten in central Japan. A quasi-experimental one group pre- and post-test design was used. The education program consisted of three activities: (i) a 1-day teaching session by a researcher in January 2021, (ii) a 1-month follow-up activity led by kindergarten teachers and (iii) a 1-month follow-up activity led by parents at home, both occurring from late January to late February 2021. The study used questionnaires and handwashing skill experiments to investigate the kindergarteners’ handwashing practices and comprehensive handwashing skills (handwashing steps, handwashing time, rinsing time and areas of the hands left unwashed) before and after Activities 1, 2 and 3. Data were obtained from 56 kindergarteners (64.4%). Second and third graders showed a significant improvement in their handwashing practices after coughing or sneezing. With the exception of rinsing time, handwashing skills significantly improved in all grades after the 1-day teaching session. After 1-month follow-up activities, the number of areas left unwashed by first graders significantly decreased, and the score for handwashing steps significantly improved. This study indicated that continuous handwashing education is partially effective at improving and maintaining handwashing practices and skills, except for rinsing time, among kindergarteners of all grades.
CsMIKC1 regulates inflorescence development and grain production in Cannabis sativa plants
Authors: Xu Gencheng , Liu Yongbei , Yu Shuhao , Kong Dejing , Tang Kailei , Dai Zhigang , Sun Jian , Cheng Chaohua , Deng Canhui , Yang Zemao , Tang Qing , Li Chao , Su Jianguang , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: June 2024

Female inflorescence is the primary output of medical Cannabis. It contains hundreds of cannabinoids that accumulate in the glandular trichomes. However, little is known about the genetic mechanisms governing Cannabis inflorescence development. In this study, we reported the map-based cloning of a gene determining the number of inflorescences per branch. We named this gene CsMIKC1 since it encodes a transcription factor that belongs to the MIKC-type MADS subfamily. Constitutive overexpression of CsMIKC1 increases inflorescence number per branch, thereby promoting flower production as well as grain yield in transgenic Cannabis plants. We further identified a plant-specific transcription factor, CsBPC2, promoting the expression of CsMIKC1. CsBPC2 mutants and CsMIKC1 mutants were successfully created using the CRISPR-Cas9 system; they exhibited similar inflorescence degeneration and grain reduction. We also validated the interaction of CsMIKC1 with CsVIP3, which suppressed expression of four inflorescence development-related genes in Cannabis. Our findings establish important roles for CsMIKC1 in Cannabis, which could represent a previously unrecognized mechanism of inflorescence development regulated by ethylene.
Isoliquiritigenin: a potential drug candidate for the management of erectile dysfunction
Authors: Saikia Queen , Adhikari Kamal , Sanjeev Airy , Hazarika Ajit , Sarma Kishore
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aimed to assess the erectogenic properties of isoliquiritigenin taking sildenafil (SDF) as the standard.

Methods

The binding affinity of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) with the erectile marker proteins (endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS] and enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 [PDE5]) was investigated using Autodock Vina, which was validated using molecular dynamics simulation. Furthermore, the effect of ISL on the eNOS and PDE5 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression and the sexual behavior of mice was investigated, along with the assessment of the pharmacokinetics of ISL.

Key findings

The results revealed that the binding affinity of ISL-eNOS/PDE5 and SDF-eNOS/PDE5 was in the range of −7.5 to −8.6 kcal/mol. The ISL-eNOS/PDE5 complexes remained stable throughout the 100 ns simulation period. Root mean square deviation, Rg, SASA, hydrogen, and hydrophobic interactions were similar between ISL-eNOS/PDE5 and SDF-eNOS/PDE5. Analysis of mRNA expressions in paroxetine (PRX)-induced ED mice showed that the co-administration of PRX with ISL reduced PDE5 and increased eNOS mRNA expression, similar to the co-administered group (PRX+SDF). The sexual behavior study revealed that the results of PRX+ISL were better than those of the PRX+SDF group. Pharmacokinetic evaluation further demonstrated that ISL possesses drug-like properties.

Conclusions

The results showed that ISL is equally potent as SDF in terms of binding affinity, specific pharmacological properties, and modulating sexual behavior.
Arsenic stress triggers active exudation of arsenic–phytochelatin complexes from Lupinus albus roots
Authors: Frémont Adrien , Sas Eszter , Sarrazin Mathieu , Brisson Jacques , Pitre Frédéric Emmanuel , Brereton Nicholas James Beresford
Published: June 2024

Arsenic (As) contamination of soils threatens the health of millions globally through accumulation in crops. While plants detoxify As via phytochelatin (PC) complexation and efflux of arsenite from roots, arsenite efflux mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, white lupin (Lupinus albus) was grown in semi-hydroponics, and exudation of glutathione (GSH) derivatives and PCs in response to As was measured using LC-MS/MS. Inhibiting synthesis of the PC precursor GSH with l-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) or ABC transporters with vanadate drastically reduced (>22%) GSH derivative and PC2 exudation, but not PC3 exudation. This was accompanied by As hypersensitivity in plants treated with BSO and moderate sensitivity with vanadate treatment. Investigating As–PC complexation revealed two distinct As–PC complexes, As bound to GSH and PC2 (GS–As–PC2) and As bound to PC3 (As–PC3), in exudates of As-treated lupin plants. Vanadate inhibited As–PC exudation, while BSO inhibited both the synthesis and exudation of As–PC complexes. These results demonstrate a role for GSH derivatives and PC exudation in lupin As tolerance and reveal As–PC exudation as a new potential mechanism contributing to active As efflux in plants. Overall, this study uncovers insights into rhizosphere As detoxification with potential to help mitigate pollution and reduce As accumulation in crops.
Trinity IV: predictions for supermassive black holes at z ≳ 6
Authors: Zhang Haowen , Behroozi Peter , Volonteri Marta , Silk Joseph , Fan Xiaohui , Aird James , Yang Jinyi , Wang Feige , Tee Wei Leong , Hopkins Philip F
Published: June 2024

We present predictions for the high-redshift halo–galaxy–supermassive black hole (SMBH) connection from the Trinity model. Matching a comprehensive compilation of galaxy (0 ≤ z ≤ 13) and SMBH data sets (0 ≤ z ≤ 6.5), Trinity finds: (1) The number of SMBHs with M• > 109 M⊙ in the observable Universe increases by five orders of magnitude from z ∼ 10 to z ∼ 2, and by another factor of ∼3 from z ∼ 2 to z = 0; (2) The M• > 109 and 1010 M⊙ SMBHs at z ∼ 6 live in haloes with ∼(2 − 3) and (3 − 5) × 1012 M⊙; (3) the newly discovered JWST AGN candidates at 7 ≲ z ≲ 11 are overmassive compared to the intrinsic SMBH mass–galaxy mass relation from Trinity, but they are still broadly consistent with Trinity predictions for flux limited AGN samples with Lauer bias. This bias favours the detection for overmassive SMBHs due to higher luminosities at a fixed Eddington ratio. However UHZ1’s M•/M* ratio is still some 1 dex higher than Trinity AGNs, indicating a discrepancy; (4) Trinity underpredicts the number densities of GN-z11 and CEERS_1019 analogues. But given the strong constraints from existing data in Trinity, the extra constraint from GN-z11 and CEERS_1019 does not significantly change trinity model results. (5) z = 6–10 quasar luminosity functions will reduce uncertainties in the trinity prediction of the z = 6–10 SMBH mass–galaxy mass relation by up to ∼0.5 dex. These luminosity functions will be available with future telescopes, such as Roman and Euclid.
Identification of multicomponent LOFAR sources with multimodal deep learning
Authors: Alegre Lara , Best Philip , Sabater Jose , Röttgering Huub , Hardcastle Martin J , Williams Wendy L
Published: June 2024

Modern high-sensitivity radio telescopes are discovering an increased number of resolved sources with intricate radio structures and fainter radio emissions. These sources often present a challenge because source detectors might identify them as separate radio sources rather than components belonging to the same physically connected radio source. Currently, there are no reliable automatic methods to determine which radio components are single radio sources or part of multicomponent sources. We propose a deep-learning classifier to identify those sources that are part of a multicomponent system and require component association on data from the LOFAR Two-Metre Sky Survey. We combine different types of input data using multimodal deep learning to extract spatial and local information about the radio source components: a convolutional neural network component that processes radio images is combined with a neural network component that uses parameters measured from the radio sources and their nearest neighbours. Our model retrieves 94 per cent of the sources with multiple components on a balanced test set with 2683 sources and achieves almost 97 per cent accuracy in the real imbalanced data (323 103 sources). The approach holds potential for integration into pipelines for automatic radio component association and cross-identification. Our work demonstrates how deep learning can be used to integrate different types of data and create an effective solution for managing modern radio surveys.
Updated picture of the active galactic nuclei with dusty/dust-free gas structures and effects of the radiation pressure
Authors: Mizukoshi Shoichiro , Minezaki Takeo , Sameshima Hiroaki , Kokubo Mitsuru , Noda Hirofumi , Kawamuro Taiki , Yamada Satoshi , Horiuchi Takashi
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the properties of two gas structures of X-ray selected active galactic nuclei (AGNs), that is, dusty and dust-free gas components, by separating them with the line-of-sight dust extinction ($A_V$) and the neutral gas column density ($N_{\mathrm{H}}$). The typical column density of the dusty and dust-free gas differs depending on the Seyfert type, indicating that both structures have anisotropic column density distributions. The number of targets with the dusty gas column density ($N_{\mathrm{H,d}}$) of $\log N_{\mathrm{H,d}}\ [\mathrm{cm^{-2}}]\gt 23$ is much smaller than that with the same column density of the dust-free gas. This result indicates that the optically thick part of the dusty gas structure is very thin. There are very few targets with a larger Eddington ratio ($f_{\mathrm{Edd}}$) than the effective Eddington limit of the dusty gas and the covering factor of the dusty gas with $22\le \log N_{\mathrm{H,d}}\ [\mathrm{cm^{-2}}]\lt 24$ exhibits a clear drop at the effective Eddington limit. These results support the scenario wherein the covering factor of the dusty torus decreases in a high Eddington ratio owing to the radiation-driven dusty gas outflow. The covering factor of the dust-free gas with the column density ($N_{\mathrm{H,df}}$) of $22\le \log N_{\mathrm{H,df}}\ [\mathrm{cm^{-2}}]\lt 24$ similarly exhibits the decrease in high Eddington ratio, although it may be owing to the dust-free gas outflow driven by certain other mechanisms than the radiation pressure. Finally, we propose an updated picture of the AGN gas structure based on our results and the literature.
GTDrift: a resource for exploring the interplay between genetic drift, genomic and transcriptomic characteristics in eukaryotes
Authors: Bénitière Florian , Duret Laurent , Necsulea Anamaria
Published: June 2024

We present GTDrift, a comprehensive data resource that enables explorations of genomic and transcriptomic characteristics alongside proxies of the intensity of genetic drift in individual species. This resource encompasses data for 1506 eukaryotic species, including 1413 animals and 93 green plants, and is organized in three components. The first two components contain approximations of the effective population size, which serve as indicators of the extent of random genetic drift within each species. In the first component, we meticulously investigated public databases to assemble data on life history traits such as longevity, adult body length and body mass for a set of 979 species. The second component includes estimations of the ratio between the rate of non-synonymous substitutions and the rate of synonymous substitutions (dN/dS) in protein-coding sequences for 1324 species. This ratio provides an estimate of the efficiency of natural selection in purging deleterious substitutions. Additionally, we present polymorphism-derived Ne estimates for 66 species. The third component encompasses various genomic and transcriptomic characteristics. With this component, we aim to facilitate comparative transcriptomics analyses across species, by providing easy-to-use processed data for more than 16 000 RNA-seq samples across 491 species. These data include intron-centered alternative splicing frequencies, gene expression levels and sequencing depth statistics for each species, obtained with a homogeneous analysis protocol. To enable cross-species comparisons, we provide orthology predictions for conserved single-copy genes based on BUSCO gene sets. To illustrate the possible uses of this database, we identify the most frequently used introns for each gene and we assess how the sequencing depth available for each species affects our power to identify major and minor splice variants.
Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection and Outcome of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Use: A Population-Based Assessment
Authors: Mehta Nirja , Goodenough Dana , Gupta Nitin K , Thomas Stepy , Mehta Christina , Prakash Radhika , Woodworth Michael H , Kraft Colleen S , Fridkin Scott K
Published: June 2024

Background

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is recommended for the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI). In the current study, we evaluated rates of rCDI and subsequent FMT in a large metropolitan area. We compared demographic and clinical differences in FMT recipients and nonrecipients and quantified differences in outcomes based on treatment modality.

Methods

A retrospective community-wide cohort study was conducted using surveillance data from the Georgia Emerging Infections Program, the Georgia Discharge Data System, and locally maintained lists of FMTs completed across multiple institutions to evaluate all episodes of C. difficile infection (CDI) in this region between 2016 and 2019. Cases were limited to patients with rCDI and ≥1 documented hospitalization. A propensity-matched cohort was created to compare rates of recurrence and mortality among matched patients based on FMT receipt.

Results

A total of 3038 (22%) of 13 852 patients with CDI had rCDI during this period. In a propensity-matched cohort, patients who received an FMT had lower rates of rCDI (odds ratio, 0.6 [95% confidence interval, .38–.96) and a lower mortality rate (0.26 [.08–.82]). Of patients with rCDI, only 6% had received FMT. Recipients were more likely to be young, white, and female and less likely to have renal disease, diabetes, or liver disease, though these chronic illnesses were associated with higher rates of rCDI.

Conclusions

These data suggest FMT has been underused in a population-based assessment and that FMT substantially reduced risk of recurrence and death.
Economic multilateralism 80 years after Bretton Woods
Authors: Obstfeld Maurice
Published: June 2024

The global economic institutions that grew from the Bretton Woods conference of 1944 aimed to create a cooperative policy environment conducive to recovery, development, continuing prosperity, social stability, and democracy. Prominent in the minds of the architects were the macroeconomic and trade policy coordination failures of the 1930s, which accompanied a world depression and the march towards the Second World War. The assumption of ‘embedded liberalism’ underlying Bretton Woods gave way to a much more market-oriented system by the early 1990s, fuelling strong growth in several large emerging markets and a period of hyperglobalization—but also social tensions in advanced economies. The result has been a changed geopolitical balance in the world as well as a backlash against aspects of globalization in many richer countries, notably the main sponsor of post-war international cooperation, the United States. At the same time, global cooperation is threatened despite the emergence of a broader range of shared global threats requiring joint action. The rich industrial countries that dominate the existing multilateral institutions should recognize them as being instrumental for channelling superpower competition into positive-sum outcomes that can also attract broad-based international support. However, leveraging those institutions will require buy-in from middle- and low-income countries, as well as from domestic political constituencies in advanced economies. The future of multilateralism depends on reconciling these potentially conflicting imperatives.
Liberal statecraft and the problems of world order
Authors: Ikenberry G John
Published: June 2024

What is the future of the Western-led liberal international order? This paper makes four arguments. First, over the last two centuries, liberal democracies have pioneered a tradition of international order building, the essential impulse of which has been to create an environment—a sort of cooperative ecosystem—in which liberal states can manage interdependence, protect their values and interests, and aggregate capabilities to defend against threats and challenges to their global position and way of life. Second, liberal democracies have used institutions as tools and mechanisms to respond to dangers and opportunities in the global system, focused on the problems of anarchy, hierarchy, interdependence, liberal openness, and geopolitical vulnerability. Third, the most dramatic forms of liberal order building have occurred after major wars, when liberal democracies found themselves in war and geopolitical competition with rival and threatening illiberal great powers. Finally, liberal internationalism and the liberal project still have a future in that they offer cooperative solutions the core problems of twenty-first century world order.
A comprehensive study of an oscillating eclipsing Algol: Y Camelopardalis
Authors: Çelik Eda , Kahraman Aliçavuş Filiz
Published: June 2024

Y Camelopardalis (Y Cam) is classified as one of the oscillating eclipsing Algol (oEA) systems, which feature a $\delta$ Scuti-type pulsating component alongside mass transfer phenomena. oEA systems are invaluable for probing the evolutionary processes and internal structures of binary components, offering insights through their binary variations and oscillations. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of Y Cam utilizing high-quality photometric TESS data and high-resolution ELODIE spectra. Through our analysis, we examined the radial velocity variation, performed binary modeling, and calculated the effective temperature values of binary components. The fundamental stellar parameters, such as mass and radius, were determined with an accuracy of $\sim$2%–6%. Furthermore, we examined the orbital period variation to assess the amount of mass transfer using the available minima times of the system and three new minima times obtained from TESS light curves. Analyzing the pulsation structure of the system with the TESS data revealed the dominant pulsation period and amplitude of the pulsating component to be 0.066 d and 4.65 mmag, respectively. Notably, we observed frequency modulations with the orbital period’s frequency, along with variations in the amplitude of the highest amplitude frequency across different orbital phases. Remarkably, the amplitude reaches its peak at phases 0.5 and 1. These findings indicate a candidate for a tidally tilted pulsator. Consequently, we investigated the evolutionary status of the binary components using MESA binary evolution models, determining the age of the system to be 3.28 ± 0.09 Gyr.
Serpentinization as a Tape Recorder of (Dis)Continuous Mantle Exhumation along the Alpine Tethys Ocean-Continent-Transition
Authors: Hochscheid Flora , Ulrich Marc , Muñoz Manuel , Boulvais Philippe , Manatschal Gianreto
Published: June 2024

Serpentinization has been widely documented and investigated at mid-ocean ridges (MOR) and subduction zones. In contrast, at magma-poor rifted margins serpentinization has received much less attention, despite its importance in controlling rheology and mass fluxes during breakup and establishing of a steady-state MOR. In this study, we present new petrological and geochemical data on subcontinental exhumed serpentinized peridotites from the spectacularly exposed Platta, Tasna and Totalp nappes in the Eastern Central Alps in SE Switzerland, belonging to the Alpine Tethys Ocean Continent Transition (OCT). The results testify of a complex history of fluid–rock interactions recorded by several serpentinization events starting with lizardite mesh and bastite textures (S1), subsequently followed by a succession of serpentine-filling veins with distinct textures and serpentine polysomes that include spherical polyhedral serpentine (S2); chrysotile ± polygonal ± lizardite banded veins (S3); lamellar antigorite veins and patches (S4) and chrysotile crack-seal (S5). The serpentinization sequence differs at proximal (i.e. continentwards) and distal (i.e. oceanwards) domains of the OCT. At proximal domains of the OCT (Upper Platta, Tasna) serpentinites record the complete serpentinization sequence (S1 to S5), whereas at distal domains (Lower Platta) serpentinization is restricted to pseudomorphic mesh and bastite (S1) and chrysotile crack-seal (S5). We attribute this discrepancy to contrasted mechanisms of mantle exhumation along the OCT. While at proximal domains mantle is unroofed along continuous and single large offset detachment faults allowing for the formation of all serpentine generations, mantle exhumation at distal domains is a more discontinuous process, controlled by sequential out-of-sequence detachment and flip-flop faults preventing the full development of all serpentine generations. In this frame, the nature and order of formation of the serpentine polysomes are directly controlled by the conditions of serpentinization (i.e. temperature, mantle composition and fluid/rock ratio). We propose that this new conceptual model can be extrapolated to serpentinization at slow to ultra-slow MORs, where close similarities in the serpentinization sequences have been recently reported.
Evaluation of maize varieties via multivariate analysis: Roles of ionome, antioxidants, and autophagy in salt tolerance
Authors: Khan Rayyan , Gao Fei , Khan Kashif , Shah Muhammad Ali , Ahmad Haseeb , Fan Zhu Peng , Zhou Xun Bo
Published: June 2024

Salt stress presents a major obstacle to maize (Zea mays L.) production globally, impeding its growth and development. In this study, we aimed to identify salt-tolerant maize varieties through evaluation using multivariate analysis and shed light on the role of ionome, antioxidant capacity, and autophagy in salt tolerance. We investigated multiple growth indices, including shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, plant height, chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage, potassium and sodium contents, and potassium-to-sodium ratio, in 20 maize varieties at the V3 stage under salt stress (200 mm NaCl). The results showed significant differences in the growth indices, accompanied by a wide range in their coefficient of variation, suggesting their suitability for screening salt tolerance. Based on D values, clustering analysis categorized the 20 varieties into 4 distinct groups. TG88, KN20, and LR888 (group I) emerged as the most salt-tolerant varieties, while YD9, XD903, and LH151 (group IV) were identified as the most sensitive. TG88 showcased nutrient preservation and redistribution under salt stress, surpassing YD9. It maintained nitrogen and iron levels in roots, while YD9 experienced decreases. TG88 redistributed more nitrogen, zinc, and potassium to its leaves, outperforming YD9. TG88 preserved sulfur levels in both roots and leaves, unlike YD9. Additionally, TG88 demonstrated higher enzymatic antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) at both the enzyme and gene expression levels, upregulation of autophagy-related (ATG) genes (ZmATG6, ZmATG8a, and ZmATG10), and increased autophagic activity. Overall, this study offers insights into accurate maize varieties evaluation methods and the physiological mechanisms underlying salt tolerance and identifies promising materials for further research.
Deciphering an expanding array of clinical and research frailty measures
Authors: Thuluvath Avesh J. , Verna Elizabeth C.
Published: June 2024

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