bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of maternal live yeast supplementation to sows on intestinal inflammatory cytokine expression and tight junction proteins in suckling and weanling piglets
Authors: Fu Yuechi , Li Enkai , Casey Theresa M , Johnson Timothy A , Adeola Olayiwola , Ajuwon Kolapo M
Published: January 2024

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of maternal nutrition during gestation and lactation in modulating the gastrointestinal development and health of offspring. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of live yeast (LY) supplementation to sows during late gestation and throughout lactation on markers of gut health of piglets prior to weaning and immediately postweaning. On day 77 of gestation, forty sows were allotted based on parity and expected farrowing dates to two dietary treatments: without (CON) or with (LY) supplementation at 0.05% and 0.1% of diet during gestation and lactation, respectively. On postnatal days (PND) 0, 10, 18, and postweaning days (PWD) 7 and 14, one piglet from each of 10 sows per treatment were selected for intestinal tissue collection (n = 10). Real-time PCR and western blotting analyses were used to determine the mucosal expression of immune and antioxidant-regulatory genes and tight junction markers of gut health in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Inflammatory and tight junction markers on PND 0 were not affected by maternal dietary treatment. On PND 18, maternal LY supplementation increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and tended (P = 0.08) to increase expression of IL-10 in the ileal muocsa. Maternal LY supplementation also increased (P < 0.05) expression of IL-1β in the ileal mucosa on PWD 14. Likewise, expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 was increased (P < 0.05) by LY on PND 10, 18, and PWD 14, with a tendency (P = 0.09) for a greater mRNA abundance of catalase on PND 14 in the ileal mucosa. Compared to CON piglets, LY piglets had a higher (P < 0.05) protein abundance of E-cadherin in the jejunal mucosa on PND 0, PWD 7, and PWD 14. Levels of occludin and claudin-4 were also higher (P < 0.05) in the jejunum of LY piglets on PWD 14. No differences were found in jejunal histomorphological measurements between treatments. In conclusion, this study shows that maternal LY supplementation affects key markers of gut health and development in the offspring that may impact the future growth potential and health of newborn piglets.
The Concentration of Personal Wealth in Italy 1995–2016
Authors: Acciari Paolo , Alvaredo Facundo , Morelli Salvatore
Published: January 2024

We estimate the distribution of wealth in Italy between 1995 and 2016 using a novel source of inheritance tax files, combined with surveys and national accounts. We find that the level of wealth concentration is in line with other European countries; however, its time trend appears more in line with the US, showing a significant increase over the period studied. The country exhibits one of the greatest declines in the wealth share of the bottom 50%. The paper also shows that age plays a marginal role in explaining wealth concentration. Changes in savings, instead, are the predominant force behind the increase in wealth inequality, even at the top. Equity prices also account for a large share of wealth growth above the 99th percentile, whereas changes in house prices play only a minor role. Finally, we document the growing concentration of life-time wealth transfers, and their increasingly favorable tax treatment.
A discussion and evaluation of statistical procedures used by JIMB authors when comparing means
Authors: Klasson K Thomas
Published: January 2024

Out of the 166 articles published in Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (JIMB) in 2019–2020 (not including special issues or review articles), 51 of them used a statistical test to compare two or more means. The most popular test was the (Standard) t-test, which often was used to compare several pairs of means. Other statistical procedures used included Fisher's least significant difference (LSD), Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD), and Welch's t-test; and to a lesser extent Bonferroni, Duncan's Multiple Range, Student–Newman–Keuls, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. This manuscript examines the performance of some of these tests with simulated experimental data, typical of those reported by JIMB authors. The results show that many of the most common procedures used by JIMB authors result in statistical conclusions that are prone to have large false positive (Type I) errors. These error-prone procedures included the multiple t-test, multiple Welch's t-test, and Fisher's LSD. These multiple comparisons procedures were compared with alternatives (Fisher–Hayter, Tukey's HSD, Bonferroni, and Dunnett's t-test) that were able to better control Type I errors.

Non-technical summary

The aim of this work was to review and recommend statistical procedures for Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology authors who often compare the effect of several treatments on microorganisms and their functions.
Biochemical changes to the inner ear contributing to diabetes-induced hearing loss: possible pharmacological targets for therapy
Authors: Gedawy Ahmed , Al-Salami Hani , Dass Crispin R
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Biochemical alterations due to diabetes development and progress are complex and diabetes-associated injury to various tissues has been well reported. Nevertheless, a close investigation of the literature demonstrates limited coverage regarding these biochemical and molecular alterations within the inner ear and their impact on the vestibulocochlear environment. A closer look at these may reveal pharmacological targets that could alleviate the severity of disease in patients.

Key findings

Tight control of glucose levels within the highly metabolic inner ear structures is crucial for their physiology and function. Impaired glucose homeostasis is well known to occur in vestibulocochlear malfunctioning. Moreover, the involvement of insulin signalling, and glucose transporters were recently confirmed in vestibulocochlear structures and are believed to play a crucial role in auditory and vestibular functions.

Conclusion

Oxidative overload, glucolipotoxicity, perturbed blood rheology, endothelial dysfunction, compromised microvascular supply, and neurotoxicity are reported in many diabetic complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy and are incriminated in the disruption of blood labyrinth barrier as well as vestibulocochlear neuritis. Dysfunctional insulin signalling was recently reported in the Organ of Corti. Insulin resistance in the inner ear niche warrants further studies to verify and uncover new pharmacological targets to manage this debilitating condition better.
Clinical rarity: simultaneous choroid plexus papilloma and extraventricular neurocytoma presenting as intraventricular hemorrhage in an adolescent
Authors: Derouen Kaleb , Shelvin Kierany , Shoap Wesley , Craver Randall , Volk Jerome , Roberts Oritsejolomi A
Published: January 2024

We present a patient with an intraventricular hemorrhage. Imaging identified a left atrial intraventricular mass and a vague adjacent second periventricular cystic lesion. A guided trans-sulcal approach via a left parietal craniotomy resulted in a gross total resection of both lesions. These represented two distinct lesions, the periventricular cystic lesion was an extraventricular neurocytoma (EVN) and a World Health Organization grade 1 choroid plexus papilloma (CPP). The neurocytoma required methylation studies for confirmatory diagnosis. The patient had an uneventful recovery with a normal neurological exam at 12-weeks. This documents the occurrence of two distinct central nervous system tumors, a CPP and an EVN presenting with an intraventricular hemorrhage.
Severe ischaemic colitis secondary to microvenular thrombosis in a hypercoagulable patient
Authors: Moran Emily R , Trivedi Anand
Published: January 2024

A young patient with multifactorial prothrombotic risk factors presented with signs and symptoms of ischaemic colitis, without evidence of bowel hypoperfusion on imaging. She deteriorated with trial of conservative management and required operative management. Intraoperative findings demonstrated severe, confluent large bowel necrosis, sparing the rectum. A total colectomy was performed, with return to intensive care unit due to intraoperative hemodynamic instability. A return to theatre the following day allowed for formation of ileostomy and definitive closure. Histopathological findings of microvenular thrombosis were confirmed. Venous causes of ischaemic colitis present diagnostic challenges due to variable presentation and imaging findings. Microvascular venous thrombosis is likely secondary to multifactorial prothrombotic risk factors including positive autoantibodies and variable compliance with warfarin therapy for aortic value replacement. We present this case of ischemic colitis secondary to an unusual aetiology to emphasize the need to remain clinically suspicious of severe abdominal pain despite relatively benign imaging findings.
Deep submillimetre and radio observations in the SSA22 field. II. Submillimetre source catalogue and number counts
Authors: Zeng Xin , Ao Yiping , Zhang Yuheng
Published: January 2024

We present the deepest 850 $\mu$m map of the SSA22 field to date, utilizing a combination of new and archival observations taken with SCUBA-2, mounted at the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT). The mapped area covers an effective region of approximately 0.34 deg2, achieving a boundary sensitivity of 2 mJy beam−1, with the deepest central coverage reaching a depth of σrms ∼ 0.79 mJy beam−1, the confusion noise is estimated to be ∼ 0.43 mJy beam−1. A catalogue of 850 $\mu$m sources in the SSA22 field is generated, identifying 390 sources with signal-to-noise ratios above 3.5, out of which 92 sources exceed 5σ. The derived intrinsic number counts at 850 $\mu$m are found to be in excellent agreement with published surveys. Interestingly, the SSA22 number counts also exhibit an upturn in the brighter flux region, likely attributed to local emitters or lensing objects within the field. On the scale of ∼ 0.3 deg2, the 850 $\mu$m number counts are unaffected by cosmic variance and align with the blank field. In the deep region (σrms ≤ 1 mJy), the counts for fluxes below 8 mJy are consistent with the blank field, and the excess in the brighter regime is not significant. Due to the limited number of very bright sources and the insubstantial cosmic variance in our field, we attribute the fluctuations in the number counts primarily to Poisson noise. The SCUBA-2 850 $\mu$m detection in the SSA22 field does not exhibit indications of overdensity.
The origin of the X-ray emission from the non-starburst gas-rich luminous infrared galaxies Arp 302
Authors: Jiang Jiachen , Baker William , Young Andrew , Gallo Luigi
Published: January 2024

We present an analysis of the XMM–Newton observation of luminous infrared merging galaxies Arp 302 and a joint re-analysis of its Chandra observation. In particular, we focus on the more significant X-ray emitter of the pair, Arp 302N. Chandra detects significant soft X-ray emission from the hot gas in the star-forming region of Arp 302N spreading up to 12 kpc. We estimate the star formation rate of Arp 302N to be around 1–2 M⊙ yr−1 based on the X-ray luminosity of the star-forming region, similar to previous measurements at longer wavelengths. Chandra and XMM–Newton observations show evidence of a Si xiii emission line with 86 per cent confidence. Our best-fitting model infers a super-solar silicon abundance in the star-forming region, likely related to the past core-collapse supernovae in this galaxy. Similar silicon overabundance was reported in the circumstellar medium of core-collapse supernova remnants in our Galaxy. We also detect narrow Fe Kα and Fe Kβ (98.6 per cent confidence) emission lines as part of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) emission. Our best-fitting spectral model using mytorus indicates the evidence of a heavily obscured power-law emission with NH > 3 × 1024 cm−2 in addition to a weak, unobscured power-law emission. The scattering fraction of the unobscured power-law emission from Compton-thin materials is 0.7 per cent. All these spectral features suggest evidence of a Seyfert 2-like AGN in Arp 302N. The X-ray measurement of its AGN activity is consistent with the previous Spitzer measurement of the same object.
Calibrating the metallicity of M dwarfs in wide physical binaries with F-, G-, and K-primaries – II: carbon, oxygen, and odd-Z iron-peak abundances of the primary stars
Authors: Duque-Arribas C , Tabernero H M , Montes D , Caballero J A
Published: January 2024

Detailed chemical composition of stars is of prime interest for a range of topics in modern stellar astrophysics, such as the chemical evolution of the Galaxy or the formation, composition, and structure of exoplanets. In this work, we derive the C and O abundances and update Sc, V, Mn, and Co abundances considering hyperfine structure effects and correcting for non-local thermodynamical equilibrium for a sample of 196 late-F, G-, and early-K stars with wide resolved M-dwarf companions. We accomplished this by employing the equivalent width method and high-resolution spectroscopic data. Furthermore, we investigated the distributions of [X/Fe] ratios and [C/O] as a function of metallicity ([Fe/H]) and kinematic population. The observed trends are consistent with previous findings reported in the literature. Additionally, we searched for confirmed exoplanets around our primary stars in the literature and found 24 exoplanets in 17 systems, while none of the M-dwarf companions in our sample presented confirmed exoplanets. In conclusion, our study provides homogeneous abundances from high-resolution spectra for a large sample of FGK primary stars, paving the way for further research on stellar abundances of the M secondaries and exoplanetary science.
Data-driven scale identification in oscillatory dynamos
Authors: Guseva Anna
Published: January 2024

Parker’s mean-field model includes two processes generating large-scale oscillatory dynamo waves: stretching of magnetic field lines by small-scale helical flows and by differential rotation. In this work, we investigate the capacity of data-driven modal analysis, dynamic mode decomposition (DMD), to identify coherent magnetic field structures of this model. In its canonical form, the only existing field scale corresponds to the dynamo instability. To take into account multiscale nature of the dynamo, the model was augmented with coherent in time flow field, forcing small-scale magnetic field with a faster temporal evolution. Two clusters of DMD modes were obtained: the ‘slow’ cluster, located near the dynamo wave frequency and associated with its non-linear self-interaction, and the ‘fast’ cluster, centred around the forcing frequency and resulting from the interaction between the wave and the flow. Compared to other widely used methods of data analysis, such as Fourier transform, DMD provides a natural spatiotemporal basis for the dynamo, related to its non-linear dynamics. We assess how the parameters of the DMD model, rank, and delay, influence its accuracy, and finally discuss the limitations of this approach when applied to randomly forced, more complex dynamo flows.
High-resolution spectroscopic study of extremely metal-poor stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Oh W S , Nordlander T , Da Costa G S , Bessell M S , Mackey A D
Published: January 2024

We present detailed abundance results based on Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph high-dispersion spectra for seven very and extremely metal-poor stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). We confirm that all seven stars, two of which have [Fe/H] ≤ −3.0, are the most metal-poor stars discovered so far in the Magellanic Clouds. The element abundance ratios are generally consistent with Milky Way halo stars of similar [Fe/H] values. We find that two of the more metal-rich stars in our sample are enhanced in r-process elements. This result contrasts with the literature, where all nine metal-poor LMC stars with higher [Fe/H] values than our sample were found to be rich in r-process elements. The absence of r-process enrichment in stars with lower [Fe/H] values is consistent with a minimum delay time-scale of ∼100 Myr for the neutron star binary merger process to generate substantial r-process enhancements in the LMC. We find that the occurrence rate of r-process enhancement (r-I or r-II) in our sample of very and extremely metal-poor stars is statistically indistinguishable from that found in the Milky Way’s halo, although including stars from the literature sample hints at a larger r-II frequency the LMC. Overall, our results shed light on the earliest epochs of star formation in the LMC that may be applicable to other galaxies of LMC-like mass.
X-ray properties of reverberation-mapped AGNs with super-Eddington accreting massive black holes
Authors: Maithil Jaya , Brotherton Michael S , Shemmer Ohad , Luo Bin , Du Pu , Wang Jian-Min , Hu Chen , Gallagher Sarah C , Li Yan-Rong , Nemmen Rodrigo S
Published: January 2024

X-ray properties of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) depend on their underlying physical parameters, particularly the accretion rate. We identified eight reverberation-mapped AGNs with some of the largest known accretion rates without high-quality X-ray data. We obtained new Chandra ACIS-S X-ray observations and nearly simultaneous optical spectrophotometry to investigate the properties of these AGNs with extreme super-Eddington accreting massive black holes (SEAMBHs). We combined our new X-ray measurements with those of other reverberation-mapped AGNs, which have the best-determined masses and accretion rates. The trend of the steepening of the spectral slope between X-ray and optical-UV, αox, with increasing optical-UV luminosity, $L_{\rm 2500{\mathring{\rm A}}}$, holds true for even the most extreme SEAMBHs. One of our new SEAMBHs appears X-ray-weak for its luminosity, perhaps due to absorption associated with orientation effects involving a slim disc thought to be present in highly accreting systems. The correlation of the $\rm 2\!-\!8~ keV$ X-ray photon index with the accretion rate also holds for the extreme SEAMBHs, which show some of the largest photon indices reported for AGNs.
New insights into the role of AGNs in forming the cluster red sequence
Authors: Shimakawa Rhythm , Pérez-Martínez Jose Manuel , Koyama Yusei , Tanaka Masayuki , Tanaka Ichi , Kodama Tadayuki , Hatch Nina A , Röttgering Huub J A , Dannerbauer Helmut , Kurk Jaron D
Published: January 2024

As a considerable investment of time from various telescope facilities was dedicated toward studying the Spiderweb protocluster at z = 2.2, it so far remains one of the most extensively studied protocluster. We report here the latest results in this field, adding a new dimension to previous research on cluster formation at high redshift. Previous studies have reported a significant overdensity (δ ∼ 10) of massive Hα (+ [N ii])-emitting galaxies in 3700 comoving Mpc3. Many of these were previously considered to be dusty, actively star-forming galaxies, given their rest-frame optical and infrared features. However, this study argues that a third of them are more likely to be ‘passively evolving’ galaxies with low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGNs) rather than star-forming galaxies, given the multiwavelength spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting including an AGN component. For their SED-based star formation rates to be valid, bulk of their Hα + [N ii] emission should come from the central AGNs. This difference in interpretation between this work and past studies, including ours, is particularly supported by the recent deep Chandra/X-ray observation. Furthermore, we have spectroscopically confirmed a quiescent nature for one of these AGNs, with its multiple stellar absorption lines but also low-ionization emission lines. This important update provides new insights into the role of AGNs in forming the cluster red sequence observed in the present-day universe.
Single-cell genomics analysis reveals complex genetic interactions in an in vivo model of acquired BRAF inhibitor resistance
Authors: Schillo Jacob L , Feddersen Charlotte R , Peplinski Rebekah M , Powell Lexy S , Varzavand Afshin , Stipp Christopher S , Riordan Jesse D , Dupuy Adam J
Published: January 2024

The evolution of therapeutic resistance is a major obstacle to the success of targeted oncology drugs. While both inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity limit our ability to detect resistant subpopulations that pre-exist or emerge during treatment, our ability to analyze tumors with single-cell resolution is limited. Here, we utilized a cell-based transposon mutagenesis method to identify mechanisms of BRAF inhibitor resistance in a model of cutaneous melanoma. This screen identified overexpression of NEDD4L and VGLL3 as significant drivers of BRAF inhibitor resistance in vivo. In addition, we describe a novel single-cell genomics profiling method to genotype thousands of individual cells within tumors driven by transposon mutagenesis. This approach revealed a surprising genetic diversity among xenograft tumors and identified recurrent co-occurring mutations that emerge within distinct tumor subclones. Taken together, these observations reveal an unappreciated genetic complexity that drives BRAF inhibitor resistance.
Pushing the boundaries: an interview with Dae-Hyun Kim on terahertz devices
Authors: Wang Defu
Published: January 2024

III–V compound semiconductors, such as InGaAs/InAlAs, exhibit exceptional carrier transport properties, establishing them as fundamental elements in terahertz (THz) applications crucial for the development of 6G networks. These materials present the potential for high-performance, energy-efficient THz devices. Furthermore, their compatibility with heterojunction integration, particularly in hetero-integration with silicon-germanium (SiGe) bipolar complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (BiCMOS), paves the way for cutting-edge THz devices. This advantage highlights the crucial role of III–V semiconductors in driving THz and 6G technology, meeting the evolving demands of future wireless communication and sensing systems.

NSR conducted an interview with Dr. Dae-Hyun Kim, a semiconductor expert with a distinguished academic and professional background. Dr. Kim embarked on his career at Teledyne Scientific Company in 2008, later joining SEMATECH in 2012, where he played a crucial role in propelling semiconductor technology forward. In 2015, he assumed the position of an Associate Professor at Kyungpook National University. Dr. Kim's journey embodies his long commitment to the field, underscored by his remarkable contributions. In this interview, Dr. Kim shared his insights on fostering collaboration within the semiconductor field. He particularly emphasized on effective approaches for advancing research and innovation in semiconductor technology.
Burden of Medically Attended Diarrhea and OutpatientClostridioides difficileInfection Among Persons in 2 Large Integrated Healthcare Settings, 2016–2021
Authors: Tartof Sara Y , Schmidt Mark A , Contreras Richard , Angulo Frederick J , Florea Ana , Barreras Joanna L , Donald Judy , Zamparo Joann , Grant Deborah Ling , Shuster Elizabeth , Gonzalez Elisa , Kuntz Jennifer L
Published: January 2024

Background

Identification of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in the community setting is increasing. We describe testing for CDI among patients with medically attended diarrhea (MAD) in the outpatient setting, and the incidence of outpatient CDI.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study among members ≥18 years of age from Kaiser Permanente Southern California and Kaiser Permanente Northwest from 1 January 2016 through 31 December 2021. MAD was identified by outpatient diarrheal International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision diagnosis codes, and CDI through positive laboratory results. Outpatient CDI was defined by no hospitalization ≤7 days after specimen collection. Incidence rates (IRs) of outpatient CDI were stratified by select demographic and clinical variables. Outpatient CDI burden 12 months following index date was measured by CDI-associated healthcare visits, and CDI testing and treatment.

Results

We identified 777 533 MAD episodes; 12.1% (93 964/777 533) were tested for CDI. Of those tested, 10.8% (10 110/93 964) were positive. Outpatient CDI IR was 51.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 49.8–52.2) per 100 000 person-years, decreasing from 58.2 (95% CI, 55.7–60.7) in 2016 to 45.7 (95% CI, 43.7–47.8) in 2021. Approximately 44% (n = 4200) received an antibiotic 30 days prior to index date and 84.1% (n = 8006) CDIs were “community-associated” (no hospitalizations 12 weeks prior to index date). Of outpatient CDIs, 6.7% (n = 526) had a CDI-associated hospitalization ≤12 months.

Conclusions

There was a high incidence of outpatient CDI despite infrequent CDI testing among patients with MAD. The majority of those with outpatient CDI had no recent antibiotic use and no recent hospitalization. Further studies are needed to understand the source and management of medically attended outpatient CDI.
Veiling and Head-Covering in Late Antiquity: Between Ideology, Aesthetics and Practicality
Authors: Stafford Grace
Published: January 2024

In Late Antiquity, as today, women’s veiling was a contentious topic. Early Christian churchmen wrote about it at length, exhorting women to cover and criticizing those they considered were not veiling appropriately. According to these writers, veils were an essential garment tied to Christian modesty and religious ideas about female submission to male authority. Modern scholarship has tended to side with these clergymen, often claiming that with the rise of Christianity came the social expectation that adult women cover their heads. However, veiling had been a part of life in the Mediterranean for centuries, and the frustration and frequency with which churchmen urged women to veil suggests that contemporary practices often diverged significantly from their expectations. This article examines veiling and head-covering as a complex social practice shaped by numerous intersectional and situational factors beyond religion, including status, practicality, fashion and social context. It explores a wide range of visual and material culture to illuminate the diversity of veiling beyond the diatribes of churchmen. Throughout, how we understand veiling in the past is brought into dialogue with scholarship on modern Islamic veiling to address biases towards veiled women and to find new ways of centring women’s experiences and everyday practices.
A Streptomyces species from the ginseng rhizosphere exhibits biocontrol potential
Authors: Huang Jiaquan , Li Xiaojie , Zhan Xuanlin , Pan Shiyu , Pan Chao , Li Jixiao , Fan Siting , Zhang Liner , Du Kehan , Du Zhiying , Zhang Jiayu , Huang Han , Li Jie , Zhang Heqian , Qin Zhiwei
Published: January 2024

Plants and their associated microbes live in complicated, changeable, and unpredictable environments. They usually interact with each other in many ways through multidimensional, multiscale, and multilevel coupling manners, leading to challenges in the coexistence of randomness and determinism or continuity and discreteness. Gaining a deeper understanding of these diverse interaction mechanisms can facilitate the development of data-mining theories and methods for complex systems, coupled modeling for systems with different spatiotemporal scales and functional properties, or even a universal theory of information and information interactions. In this study, we use a “closed-loop” model to present a plant–microbe interaction system and describe the probable functions of microbial natural products. Specifically, we report a rhizosphere species, Streptomyces ginsengnesis G7, which produces polyketide lydicamycins and other active metabolites. Interestingly, these distinct molecules have the potential to function both as antibiotics and as herbicides for crop protection. Detailed laboratory experiments conducted in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), combined with a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, allow us to rationalize a model for this specific plant–microbe interaction process. Our work reveals the benefits of exploring otherwise neglected resources for the identification of potential functional molecules and provides a reference to better understand the system biology of complex ecosystems.
Mitochondrial atp1 mRNA knockdown by a custom-designed pentatricopeptide repeat protein alters ATP synthase
Authors: Yang Fei , Vincis Pereira Sanglard Lilian , Lee Chun-Pong , Ströher Elke , Singh Swati , Oh Glenda Guec Khim , Millar A Harvey , Small Ian , Colas des Francs-Small Catherine
Published: January 2024

Spontaneous mutations are rare in mitochondria and the lack of mitochondrial transformation methods has hindered genetic analyses. We show that a custom-designed RNA-binding pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein binds and specifically induces cleavage of ATP synthase subunit1 (atp1) mRNA in mitochondria, significantly decreasing the abundance of the Atp1 protein and the assembled F1Fo ATP synthase in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The transformed plants are characterized by delayed vegetative growth and reduced fertility. Five-fold depletion of Atp1 level was accompanied by a decrease in abundance of other ATP synthase subunits and lowered ATP synthesis rate of isolated mitochondria, but no change to mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes, adenylates, or energy charge in planta. Transcripts for amino acid transport and a variety of stress response processes were differentially expressed in lines containing the PPR protein, indicating changes to achieve cellular homeostasis when ATP synthase was highly depleted. Leaves of ATP synthase-depleted lines showed higher respiratory rates and elevated steady-state levels of numerous amino acids, most notably of the serine family. The results show the value of using custom-designed PPR proteins to influence the expression of specific mitochondrial transcripts to carry out reverse genetic studies on mitochondrial gene functions and the consequences of ATP synthase depletion on cellular functions in Arabidopsis.
Abscisic acid–induced transcription factor PsMYB306 negatively regulates tree peony bud dormancy release
Authors: Yuan Yanping , Zeng Lingling , Kong Derong , Mao Yanxiang , Xu Yingru , Wang Meiling , Zhao Yike , Jiang Cai-Zhong , Zhang Yanlong , Sun Daoyang
Published: January 2024

Bud dormancy is a crucial strategy for perennial plants to withstand adverse winter conditions. However, the regulatory mechanism of bud dormancy in tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) remains largely unknown. Here, we observed dramatically reduced and increased accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and bioactive gibberellins (GAs) GA1 and GA3, respectively, during bud endodormancy release of tree peony under prolonged chilling treatment. An Illumina RNA sequencing study was performed to identify potential genes involved in the bud endodormancy regulation in tree peony. Correlation matrix, principal component, and interaction network analyses identified a downregulated MYB transcription factor gene, PsMYB306, the expression of which positively correlated with 9-CIS-EPOXYCAROTENOID DIOXYGENASE 3 (PsNCED3) expression. Protein modeling analysis revealed 4 residues within the R2R3 domain of PsMYB306 to possess DNA binding capability. Transcription of PsMYB306 was increased by ABA treatment. Overexpression of PsMYB306 in petunia (Petunia hybrida) inhibited seed germination and plant growth, concomitant with elevated ABA and decreased GA contents. Silencing of PsMYB306 accelerated cold-triggered tree peony bud burst and influenced the production of ABA and GAs and the expression of their biosynthetic genes. ABA application reduced bud dormancy release and transcription of ENT-KAURENOIC ACID OXIDASE 1 (PsKAO1), GA20-OXIDASE 1 (PsGA20ox1), and GA3-OXIDASE 1 (PsGA3ox1) associated with GA biosynthesis in PsMYB306-silenced buds. In vivo and in vitro binding assays confirmed that PsMYB306 specifically transactivated the promoter of PsNCED3. Silencing of PsNCED3 also promoted bud break and growth. Altogether, our findings suggest that PsMYB306 negatively modulates cold-induced bud endodormancy release by regulating ABA production.
Reframing the police staffing challenge: A systems approach to workforce planning and managing workload demand
Authors: Wilson Jeremy M , Grammich Clifford A
Published: January 2024

Policing agencies in the United States and elsewhere continue to face staff shortages. Calls for greater diversity and different skills among police officers further complicate staffing efforts. Attempts to address these issues typically focus on recruitment and retention. This oversimplifies the problems and leads to piecemeal solutions. We draw on multiple threads of staffing research and field experience to highlight lessons for building effective police workforces. We illustrate the interconnected nature of staffing allocation, workload demand, performance objectives, staff supply and demand, workforce attributes, cohort management, demographic and generational shifts, and systemic circumstances. We suggest that agencies consider staffing from a systems perspective. We illustrate the elements of a police staffing system, discuss the broader ecosystem police staffing must consider, and present a six-step approach for managing police staffing and workload demand. Our lessons should be of interest to all who must address police staffing challenges and community expectations.
Blameworthiness is Terminable
Authors: Matheson Benjamin
Published: January 2024

A theory of blameworthiness must answer two fundamental questions. First, what makes a person blameworthy when they act? Secondly, what makes a person blameworthy after the time of action? Two main answers have been given to the second question. According to interminability theorists, blameworthiness necessarily doesn't even diminish over time. Terminability theorists deny this. In this paper, I argue against interminability and in favour of terminability. After clarifying the debate about whether blameworthiness is interminable or terminable, I argue there's no positive case for interminability. I then respond to three objections to terminability. In doing so, I clarify the nature of blame, self-blame, and posthumous blame. I also give theoretical reasons in favour of the view that a person's blameworthiness for a minor wrong can not only diminish but also cease completely.
Worker Beliefs About Outside Options
Authors: Jäger Simon , Roth Christopher , Roussille Nina , Schoefer Benjamin
Published: January 2024

Standard labor market models assume that workers hold accurate beliefs about the external wage distribution, and hence their outside options with other employers. We test this assumption by comparing German workers’ beliefs about outside options with objective benchmarks. First, we find that workers wrongly anchor their beliefs about outside options on their current wage: workers that would experience a 10% wage change if switching to their outside option only expect a 1% change. Second, workers in low-paying firms underestimate wages elsewhere. Third, in response to information about the wages of similar workers, respondents correct their beliefs about their outside options and change their job search and wage negotiation intentions. Finally, we analyze the consequences of anchoring in a simple equilibrium model. In the model, anchored beliefs keep overly pessimistic workers stuck in low-wage jobs, which gives rise to monopsony power and labor market segmentation.
Characterization of Emerging Xanthomonas campestris Isolates on the Nonnative Weed Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
Authors: Tancos Matthew A. , Harney-Davila Gabriela , Cipollini Don
Published: January 2024

Nonnative plant infestations provide unique opportunities to investigate pathogen emergence with evolutionarily recent plant introduction events. The widespread distribution of invasive plants and their proximity to genetically related crops highlights the risks of nonnative plants acting as ancillary hosts and fostering microbial recombination and pathogen selection. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a widespread, nonnative cruciferous weed that grows throughout North America and along the forested edges of diverse agricultural fields. The recent identification of a novel Xanthomonas campestris pv. incanae strain isolated from a diseased A. petiolata population led to the current investigation of the distribution and diversity of X. campestris isolates from naturally infected A. petiolata. A total of 14 diseased A. petiolata sites were sampled across three states, leading to the identification of diverse X. campestris pathotypes and genotypes. Pathogenicity assays and multilocus sequence analyses identified pathogenic X. c. pv. incanae and X. c. pv. barbareae strains collected from disparate A. petiolata populations. Moreover, independently collected X. c. pv. incanae strains demonstrated a broad cruciferous host range by infecting cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), garden stock (Matthiola incana), and the cover crop yellow mustard (Guillenia flavescens). This study highlights the genetic variability and host potential of natural X. campestris populations and the potential risks to Brassica crops via widespread, dense garlic mustard reservoirs.
Expanding Medical Education to Include Substance Use Disorders During Pregnancy and Postpartum: Preliminary Effectiveness of a Pilot Curriculum for Medical Students
Authors: Martin Caitlin E. , Martinez Telleria Mariana , Hostetter Kara , Thumma Lillia , Edwards Cherie , Thakkar Bhushan
Published: January 2024

Objective

To effectively combat the simultaneous overdose and maternal mortality crises, a multimodal approach is needed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of a pilot, experiential learning, substance use disorder (SUD) curriculum embedded into a third-year medical student obstetrics and gynecology clerkship to improve self-reported confidence in SUD clinical skills.

Methods

This SUD curriculum was designed and implemented in an outpatient clinic, which provides integrated obstetric, gynecologic, and addiction medicine services for pregnant and parenting people with SUD. Third-year medical students on their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship rotated 1 full day through the OB MOTIVATE clinic between August 2020 and April 2022 and completed this curriculum. Students completed preclinic assignments and in-clinic tasks (eg, practicing SBIRT under supervision: screening, brief intervention, referral to treatment). Paired t tests assessed changes in outcomes, with increasing scores (range 1-5) demonstrating improvement.

Results

Sixty-three students rotated through the OB MOTIVATE clinic; 57 completed the curriculum and surveys. Results from the self-assessment tools demonstrated significant improvements in confidence in SUD clinical skills, including performing SBIRT (2.46 ± 0.80 vs 4.07 ± 0.59, P < 0.01), motivational interviewing (2.98 ± 0.86 vs 4.16 ± 0.65, P < 0.01), using evidence-based medicine (2.91 ± 1.09 vs 4.23 ± 0.66, P < 0.01), and collecting an SUD history (3.25 ± 1.04 vs 4.35 ± 0.55, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

The integration of interventional curriculums into medical school and residency programs could be an effective avenue to reinforce addiction knowledge and teach new skills. This practical 1-day pilot curriculum demonstrated preliminary effectiveness at introducing third-year medical students to the complexities of SUD in pregnancy and postpartum. Further investigations of feasible and acceptable SUD educational interventions are warranted.
Topographical Features of Pediatric Electroencephalography during High Initial Concentration Sevoflurane for Inhalational Induction of Anesthesia
Authors: Martin Jessica C. , Liley David T. J. , Beer Christopher F. L. A. , Davidson Andrew J.
Published: January 2024

Background

High-density electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring remains underutilized in clinical anesthesia, despite its obvious utility in unraveling the profound physiologic impact of these agents on central nervous system functioning. In school-aged children, the routine practice of rapid induction with high concentrations of inspiratory sevoflurane is commonplace, given its favorable efficacy and tolerance profile. However, few studies investigate topographic EEG during the critical timepoint coinciding with loss of responsiveness—a key moment for anesthesiologists in their everyday practice. The authors hypothesized that high initial sevoflurane inhalation would better precipitate changes in brain regions due to inhomogeneities in maturation across three different age groups compared with gradual stepwise paradigms utilized by other investigators. Knowledge of these changes may inform strategies for agent titration in everyday clinical settings.

Methods

A total of 37 healthy children aged 5 to 10 yr underwent induction with 4% or greater sevoflurane in high-flow oxygen. Perturbations in anesthetic state were investigated in 23 of these children using 64-channel EEG with the Hjorth Laplacian referencing scheme. Topographical maps illustrated absolute, relative, and total band power across three age groups: 5 to 6 yr (n = 7), 7 to 8 yr (n = 8), and 9 to 10 yr (n = 8).

Results

Spectral analysis revealed a large shift in total power driven by increased delta oscillations. Well-described topographic patterns of anesthesia, e.g., frontal predominance, paradoxical beta excitation, and increased slow activity, were evident in the topographic maps. However, there were no statistically significant age-related changes in spectral power observed in a midline electrode subset between the groups when responsiveness was lost compared to the resting state.

Conclusions

High initial concentration sevoflurane induction causes large-scale topographic effects on the pediatric EEG. Within the minute after unresponsiveness, this dosage may perturb EEG activity in children to an extent where age-related differences are not discernible.

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Electroencephalographic Features of Elderly Patients during Anesthesia Induction with Remimazolam: A Substudy of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Hyoungkyu , Min Byoung-Kyong , Lee UnCheol , Sim Ji-Hoon , Noh Gyu-Jeong , Lee Eun-Kyung , Choi Byung-Moon
Published: January 2024

Background

Although remimazolam is used as a general anesthetic in elderly patients due to its hemodynamic stability, the electroencephalogram characteristics of remimazolam are not well known. The purpose of this study was to identify the electroencephalographic features of remimazolam-induced unconsciousness in elderly patients and compare them with propofol.

Methods

Remimazolam (n = 26) or propofol (n = 26) were randomly administered for anesthesia induction in surgical patients. The hypnotic agent was blinded only to the patients. During the induction of anesthesia, remimazolam was administered at a rate of 6 mg · kg−1 · h−1, and propofol was administered at a target effect-site concentration of 3.5 μg/ml. The electroencephalogram signals from eight channels (Fp1, Fp2, Fz, F3, F4, Pz, P3, and P4, referenced to A2, using the 10 to 20 system) were acquired during the induction of anesthesia and in the postoperative care unit. Power spectrum analysis was performed, and directed functional connectivity between frontal and parietal regions was evaluated using normalized symbolic transfer entropy. Functional connectivity in unconscious processes induced by remimazolam or propofol was compared with baseline. To compare each power of frequency over time of the two hypnotic agents, a permutation test with t statistic was conducted.

Results

Compared to the baseline in the alpha band, the feedback connectivity decreased by averages of 46% and 43%, respectively, after the loss of consciousness induced by remimazolam and propofol (95% CI for the mean difference: −0.073 to −0.044 for remimazolam [P < 0.001] and −0.068 to −0.042 for propofol [P < 0.001]). Asymmetry in the feedback and feedforward connectivity in the alpha band was suppressed after the loss of consciousness induced by remimazolam and propofol. There were no significant differences in the power of each frequency over time between the two hypnotic agents (minimum q value = 0.4235).

Conclusions

Both regimens showed a greater decrease in feedback connectivity compared to a decrease in feedforward connectivity after loss of consciousness, leading to a disruption of asymmetry between the frontoparietal connectivity.

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Effect of Uterine Leiomyomas on Noninvasive Prenatal Testing Parameters in the First Trimester
Authors: Kolarova Teodora R. , Alderson Ali , MacKinnon Hayley , Chen Leah , Buchan Jillian G. , Lockwood Christina , Shree Raj
Published: January 2024

Uterine leiomyomas may affect the performance of cell-free DNA (cfDNA)–based noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pregnant individuals with and without leiomyomas undergoing first-trimester cfDNA-based NIPT. Characteristics of NIPT in patients with leiomyomas (n=122) were compared with those in patients without leiomyomas (n=937). Mean fetal fraction was lower in patients with leiomyomas compared with patients without (10.0% vs 11.5%; P=.001); however, the rate of indeterminate results was different only in patients without obesity (body mass index [BMI] lower than 30) (5.3% vs 1.5%; P=0.03). Total cfDNA concentration was higher in patients with leiomyomas (P=.002), suggesting possible dilution of the fetal fraction. Leiomyoma size did not affect NIPT metrics. In conclusion, uterine leiomyomas are associated with lower fetal fraction and, in patients without obesity, with a higher rate of indeterminate results independent of leiomyoma size.