bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotype × Environment interaction and the evolution of sexual dimorphism: adult nutritional environment mediates selection and expression of sex-specific genetic variance in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: De Lisle Stephen P
Published: April 2024

Sexual conflict plays a key role in the dynamics of adaptive evolution in sexually reproducing populations, and theory suggests an important role for variance in resource acquisition in generating or masking sexual conflict over fitness and life history traits. Here, I used a quantitative genetic genotype × environment experiment in Drosophila melanogaster to test the theoretical prediction that variance in resource acquisition mediates variation in sex-specific component fitness. Holding larval conditions constant, I found that adult nutritional environments characterized by high protein content resulted in reduced survival of both sexes and lower male reproductive success compared to an environment of lower protein content. Despite reduced mean fitness of both sexes in high protein environments, I found a sex*treatment interaction for the relationship between resource acquisition and fitness; estimates of the adaptive landscape indicate males were furthest from their optimum resource acquisition level in high protein environments, and females were furthest in low protein environments. Expression of genetic variance in resource acquisition and survival was highest for each sex in the environment it was best adapted to, although the treatment effects on expression of genetic variance eroded in the path from resource acquisition to total fitness. Cross-sex genetic correlations were strongly positive for resource acquisition, survival, and total fitness and negative for mating success, although estimation error was high for all. These results demonstrate that environmental effects on resource acquisition can have predictable consequences for the expression of sex-specific genetic variance but also that these effects of resource acquisition can erode through life history.
Hungry bone syndrome following thyroid surgery
Authors: De Armas-Conde María , Camarasa-Pérez Ángel , García-Martínez Rubén , Hueso-Mor Alejandro , Caballero-Rodríguez Eugenia , Jordán-Balanzá Julio César
Published: April 2024

The diagnosis of hypocalcemia-induced tetany following a total thyroidectomy is not common. However, there is a higher risk in patients with a history of gastric bypass surgery due to their malabsorption condition. This case describes postoperative hungry bone syndrome resulting from chronic malabsorption in a patient with a history of bariatric surgery. It is important to consider alternative treatment options if the initial management proves ineffective. Typically, this is a temporary condition, but it’s crucial to prioritize prevention in high-risk patients by providing perioperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
From dawn ‘til dusk: daytime progression regulates primary and secondary metabolism in Cannabis glandular trichomes
Authors: Dimopoulos Nicolas , Guo Qi , Purdy Sarah Jane , Nolan Matthew , Halimi Razlin Azman , Mieog Jos Cornelis , Barkla Bronwyn J , Kretzschmar Tobias
Published: April 2024

Cannabis sativa L. glandular trichomes synthesize large amounts of secondary metabolites, predominantly cannabinoids and terpenoids. The associated demand for carbon and energy makes glandular trichomes strong sink tissues with indications that their secondary metabolism is coupled to the availability of photoassimilates. Many metabolites show diurnal patterns of flux, but it is unknown whether cannabinoids and terpenoids are regulated by time of day. We quantified cannabinoids, terpenoids, and the glandular trichome proteome over a 12 h light period in flowers of ‘Hindu Kush’, a high-tetrahydrocannabinol cultivar. Major cannabinoids changed significantly over the course of the day, resulting in an increase in total measured cannabinoids. Major terpenoids also changed, with sesquiterpenes generally decreasing with day progression. While monoterpenes generally did not decrease, the second most abundant, α-pinene, increased. The glandular trichome proteome changed the most within the first 6 h of the day, and analysis of differentially abundant proteins indicated up-regulation of primary metabolism. Surprisingly, key cannabinoid biosynthetic enzymes decreased with daytime progression despite increases in cannabinoid content, which indicates that daytime increases of photoassimilates are the main driver of cannabinoid regulation. This first reporting of variability of cannabinoid and terpenoid biosynthesis over the course of the day has implications for Cannabis research and production.
Molecular mechanisms regulating GROWTH-REGULATING FACTORS activity in plant growth, development, and environmental responses
Authors: Lazzara Franco E , Rodriguez Ramiro E , Palatnik Javier F
Published: April 2024

Plants rely on complex regulatory mechanisms to ensure proper growth and development. As plants are sessile organisms, these mechanisms must be flexible enough to adapt to changes in the environment. GROWTH-REGULATING FACTORS (GRFs) are plant-specific transcription factors that act as a central hub controlling plant growth and development, which offer promising biotechnological applications to enhance plant performance. Here, we analyze the complex molecular mechanisms that regulate GRFs activity, and how their natural and synthetic variants can impact on plant growth and development. We describe the biological roles of the GRFs and examine how they regulate gene expression and contribute to the control of organ growth and plant responses to a changing environment. This review focuses on the premise that unlocking the full biotechnological potential of GRFs requires a thorough understanding of the various regulatory layers governing GRF activity, the functional divergence among GRF family members, and the gene networks that they regulate.
Integration of single-cell transcriptome and chromatin accessibility and its application on tumor investigation
Authors: Yang Chunyuan , Jin Yan , Yin Yuxin
Published: April 2024

The advent of single-cell sequencing techniques has not only revolutionized the investigation of biological processes but also significantly contributed to unraveling cellular heterogeneity at unprecedented levels. Among the various methods, single-cell transcriptome sequencing stands out as the best established, and has been employed in exploring many physiological and pathological activities. The recently developed single-cell epigenetic sequencing techniques, especially chromatin accessibility sequencing, have further deepened our understanding of gene regulatory networks. In this review, we summarize the recent breakthroughs in single-cell transcriptome and chromatin accessibility sequencing methodologies. Additionally, we describe current bioinformatic strategies to integrate data obtained through these single-cell sequencing methods and highlight the application of this analysis strategy on a deeper understanding of tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Finally, we also discuss the challenges and anticipated developments in this field.
Modal algebra of multirelations
Authors: Furusawa Hitoshi , Guttmann Walter , Struth Georg
Published: April 2024

We formalize the modal operators from the concurrent dynamic logics of Peleg, Nerode and Wijesekera in a multirelational algebraic language based on relation algebras and power allegories, using relational approximation operators on multirelations developed in a companion article. We relate Nerode and Wijesekera’s box operator with a relational approximation operator for multirelations and two related operators that approximate multirelations by different kinds of deterministic multirelations. We provide an algebraic soundness proof of Goldblatt’s axioms for concurrent dynamic logic and one for a multirelational Hoare logic based on Nerode and Wijesekera’s box as applications.
Rearrangement of sunspot magnetic field caused by an X1.5 solar flare
Authors: Gong Liufan , Yan Xiaoli , Liang Hongfei , Xue Zhike , Wang Jincheng , Yang Liheng , Peng Yang , Yang Liping , Zhang Xinsheng
Published: April 2024

Solar flares will cause the change of the photospheric magnetic field and sunspot structure. However, the exact physical processes involved remain unclear. Here, we study the changes of photospheric magnetic field before and after an X1.5 flare caused by a circular filament eruption in the active region NOAA 13006. The magnetic field structure of this active region is a fan-spine structure with a circular polarity inversion line (PIL). We found that the sunspot structure contracted towards the PIL as a whole after the flare. The penumbra away from the PIL gradually disappears, and the umbra and penumbra near the PIL gradually enhances. By analysing the local magnetic field, the Lorentz force (LF), and the photospheric velocity field in these three regions, we find that the magnetic flux in the region of the disappearing penumbra converges and contracts towards the PIL, leading to an enhancement of the umbra, while the enhancement of the penumbra potentially indicates that this region may be the footpoint of a reconnected magnetic field system. We suggest that this contracting motion is driven by the horizontal LF.
Simultaneous Chandra and HST observations of the quiescent neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries in 47 Tucanae
Authors: van den Berg M , Rivera Sandoval L E , Heinke C O , Cohn H N , Lugger P M , Grindlay J E , Edmonds P D , Anderson J , Catuneanu A
Published: April 2024

We present simultaneous Chandra X-ray Observatory and Hubble Space Telescope observations of three certain (X5, X7, W37) and two likely (X4, W17) quiescent neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries (qLMXBs) in the globular cluster 47 Tuc. We study these systems in the X-ray, optical, and near-ultraviolet (NUV) using the simultaneous data and additional non-contemporaneous HST data. We have discovered a blue and variable NUV counterpart to W17. We have not securely identified the eclipsing qLMXB W37 in the optical or NUV. Deeper high-resolution imaging is needed to further investigate the faint NUV excess near the centre of the W37 error circle. We suggest that a previously identified optical astrometric match to X7 is likely the true counterpart. The H α emission and the location of the counterpart in the colour–magnitude diagram, indicate that the secondary is probably a non-degenerate, H-rich star. This is consistent with previous results from fitting X7’s X-ray spectrum. In X4, the simultaneous X-ray and optical behaviour supports the earlier suggestion that the X-ray variability is driven by changes in accretion rate. The X-ray eclipses in X5 coincide with minima in the optical/NUV light curves. Comparison of the 47 Tuc qLMXBs with the cataclysmic variables (CVs) in the cluster confirms that overall the qLMXBs have larger X-ray to optical flux ratios. Based on their optical/NUV colours, we conclude that the accretion discs in the qLMXBs are less prominent than in CVs. This makes the ratio of X-ray flux to excess blue-optical flux a powerful discriminator between CVs and qLMXBs.
The PEPSI Exoplanet Transit Survey (PETS) – V. New Na d transmission spectra indicate a quieter atmosphere on HD 189733b
Authors: Keles E , Czesla S , Poppenhaeger K , Hauschildt P , Carroll T A , Ilyin I , Baratella M , Steffen M , Strassmeier K G , Bonomo A S , Gaudi B S , Henning T , Johnson M C , Molaverdikhani K , Nascimbeni V , Patience J , Reiners A , Scandariato G , Schlawin E , Shkolnik E , Sicilia D , Sozzetti A , Mallonn M , Veillet C , Wang J , Yan F
Published: April 2024

Absorption lines from exoplanet atmospheres observed in transmission allow us to study atmospheric characteristics such as winds. We present a new high-resolution transit time-series of HD 189733b, acquired with the PEPSI instrument at the LBT and analyse the transmission spectrum around the Na d lines. We model the spectral signature of the RM-CLV-effect using synthetic PHOENIX spectra based on spherical LTE atmospheric models. We find an Na d absorption signature between the second and third contact but not during the ingress and egress phases, which casts doubt on the planetary origin of the signal. Presupposing a planetary origin of the signal, the results suggest a weak day-to-nightside streaming wind in the order of 0.7 km s−1 and a moderate super-rotational streaming wind in the order of 3–4 km s−1, challenging claims of prevailing strong winds on HD 189733b.
Cosmological constraints from density-split clustering in the BOSS CMASS galaxy sample
Authors: Paillas Enrique , Cuesta-Lazaro Carolina , Percival Will J , Nadathur Seshadri , Cai Yan-Chuan , Yuan Sihan , Beutler Florian , de Mattia Arnaud , Eisenstein Daniel J , Forero-Sanchez Daniel , Padilla Nelson , Pinon Mathilde , Ruhlmann-Kleider Vanina , Sánchez Ariel G , Valogiannis Georgios , Zarrouk Pauline
Published: April 2024

We present a clustering analysis of the BOSS DR12 CMASS galaxy sample, combining measurements of the galaxy two-point correlation function and density-split clustering down to a scale of $1 \, h^{-1}\, \text{Mpc}$. Our theoretical framework is based on emulators trained on high-fidelity mock galaxy catalogues that forward model the cosmological dependence of the clustering statistics within an extended-ΛCDM framework, including redshift-space and Alcock–Paczynski distortions. Our base-ΛCDM analysis finds ωcdm = 0.1201 ± 0.0022, σ8 = 0.792 ± 0.034, and ns = 0.970 ± 0.018, corresponding to fσ8 = 0.462 ± 0.020 at z ≈ 0.525, which is in agreement with Planck 2018 predictions and various clustering studies in the literature. We test single-parameter extensions to base-ΛCDM, varying the running of the spectral index, the dark energy equation of state, and the density of mass-less relic neutrinos, finding no compelling evidence for deviations from the base model. We model the galaxy–halo connection using a halo occupation distribution framework, finding signatures of environment-based assembly bias in the data. We validate our pipeline against mock catalogues that match the clustering and selection properties of CMASS, showing that we can recover unbiased cosmological constraints even with a volume 84 times larger than the one used in this study.
RABBITS – II. The impact of AGN feedback on coalescing supermassive black holes in disc and elliptical galaxy mergers
Authors: Liao Shihong , Irodotou Dimitrios , Johansson Peter H , Naab Thorsten , Rizzuto Francesco Paolo , Hislop Jessica M , Wright Ruby J , Rawlings Alexander
Published: April 2024

In this study of the ‘Resolving supermAssive Black hole Binaries In galacTic hydrodynamical Simulations’ (RABBITS) series, we investigate the orbital evolution of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) during galaxy mergers. We simulate both disc and elliptical galaxy mergers using the ketju code, which can simultaneously follow galaxy (hydro-)dynamics and small-scale SMBH dynamics with post-Newtonian corrections. With our SMBH binary subgrid model, we show how active galactic nuclei (AGNs) feedback affects galaxy properties and SMBH coalescence. We find that simulations without AGN feedback exhibit excessive star formation, resulting in merger remnants that deviate from observed properties. Kinetic AGN feedback proves more effective than thermal AGN feedback in expelling gas from the centre and quenching star formation. The different central galaxy properties, which are a result of distinct AGN feedback models, lead to varying rates of SMBH orbital decay. In the dynamical friction phase, galaxies with higher star formation and higher SMBH masses possess denser centres, become more resistant to tidal stripping, experience greater dynamical friction, and consequently form SMBH binaries earlier. As AGN feedback reduces gas densities in the centres, dynamical friction by stars dominates over gas. In the SMBH hardening phase, compared to elliptical mergers, disc mergers exhibit higher central densities of newly formed stars, resulting in accelerated SMBH hardening and shorter merger time-scales (i.e. $\lesssim 500$ Myr versus $\gtrsim 1$ Gyr). Our findings highlight the importance of AGN feedback and its numerical implementation in understanding the SMBH coalescing process, a key focus for low-frequency gravitational wave observatories.
Emergence of hot corona and truncated disc in simulations of accreting stellar mass black holes
Authors: Nemmen Rodrigo , Vemado Artur , Almeida Ivan , Garcia Javier , Motta Pedro N
Published: April 2024

Stellar mass black holes in X-ray binaries (XRBs) are known to display different states characterized by different spectral and timing properties, understood in the framework of a hot corona coexisting with a thin accretion disc whose inner edge is truncated. There are several open questions related to the nature and properties of the corona, the thin disc, and dynamics behind the hard state. This motivated us to perform 2D hydrodynamical simulations of accretion flows onto a $10 \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ black hole. We consider a two-temperature plasma, incorporate radiative cooling with bremmstrahlung, synchrotron, and Comptonization losses and approximate the Schwarzschild space–time via a pseudo-Newtonian potential. We varied the mass accretion rate in the range $0.02 \le \dot{M}/\dot{M}_{\rm Edd} \le 0.35$. Our simulations show the natural emergence of a colder truncated thin disc embedded in a hot corona, as required to explain the hard state of XRBs. We found that as $\dot{M}$ increases, the corona contracts and the inner edge of the thin disc gets closer to the event horizon. At a critical accretion rate $0.02 \le \dot{M}_{\text{crit }}/\dot{M}_{\rm Edd} \le 0.06$, the thin disc disappears entirely. We discuss how our simulations compare with XRB observations in the hard state.
Mercury and selenium distribution in human brain tissue using synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence
Authors: Webb Alexis N , Antipova Olga , Shughoury Serena , Farfel Jose M , Bennett David A , Du Yansheng , Zheng Wei , Nie Linda H
Published: April 2024

Mercury is a well-recognized environmental contaminant and neurotoxin, having been associated with a number of deleterious neurological conditions including neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. To investigate how mercury and other metals behave in the brain, we used synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence to map the distribution pattern and quantify concentrations of metals in human brain. Brain tissue was provided by the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center and samples originated from individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and without cognitive impairment. Data were collected at the 2-ID-E beamline at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory with an incident beam energy of 13 keV. Course scans were performed at low resolution to determine gross tissue features, after which smaller regions were selected to image at higher resolution. The findings revealed (1) the existence of mercury particles in the brain samples of two subjects; (2) co-localization and linear correlation of mercury and selenium in all particles; (3) co-localization of these particles with zinc structures; and (4) association with sulfur in some of these particles. These results suggest that selenium and sulfur may play protective roles against mercury in the brain, potentially binding with the metal to reduce the induced toxicity, although at different affinities. Our findings call for further studies to investigate the relationship between mercury, selenium, and sulfur, as well as the potential implications in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Smoking and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Fang Min , He Bixiu , Xiao Jian
Published: April 2024

Introduction

In this study, we aimed to systematically explore the relationship between smoking and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Aims and Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched to systematically identify eligible studies. The Newcastle‒Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the selected studies. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and survival hazard ratio (HR) were calculated with a random effects model using Stata 16.0 software.

Results

Thirty studies were enrolled. All of the included studies were considered to have intermediate or high quality. Nine studies were suitable for meta-analysis of ORs, and 21 studies were suitable for meta-analysis of survival HR. The pooled analysis revealed a significant difference in the risk of IPF between the smoking group and the never-smoking group (OR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.27 to 2.30, p < .001), indicating that smoking is a risk factor for IPF. When analyzing pooled survival HRs, never smoking was compared to former smoking or current smoking. Former smoking was shown to be a poor prognostic factor for IPF (HR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.18 to 1.74, p < .001), but current smoking was not a significant factor.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that smoking is a risk factor for IPF patients.

Implications

In this study, we mainly concluded that smoking is a risk factor for IPF and that former smoking is a poor prognostic factor for IPF. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis report focusing on the association between smoking per se and IPF. Through our current study, we hope to further raise awareness of the relationship between smoking and IPF.
Opportunities for Making Every Contact Count approaches in workplaces
Authors: Descatha Alexis , Fadel Marc , Constant Aymery , Schnebelen Celine
Published: April 2024

There is now evidence that widespread adoption of the Making Every Contact Count (MECC) approach developed in the United Kingdom can have a significant impact on health. Even though there are important reasons explaining why such an approach is scarcely applied in workplaces, MECC might be of interest in some specific cases, such as healthcare settings or large companies. It could be considered, organized and evaluated in such workplaces.
Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome complicated with giant mucinous cystadenoma and inguinal herniation: case report
Authors: Susilo Artha Falentin Putri , Suryawan Alfonsus Zeus , Tjandraprawira Kevin Dominique , Rachmawati Anita
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Coexistence of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauster syndrome (MRKH) with other conditions is rare, especially when MRKH was found in a young woman presenting with ovarian malignancy. This case report wishes to highlight MRKH complicated with giant mucinous cystadenoma and bilateral inguinal hernia. Case report: A 22-year-old nulligravid woman was admitted with primary amenorrhea and abdominal mass. Abdominal examination revealed a cystic mass 25 × 25 × 20 cm in size and a vagina 1 cm in length. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a giant multiloculated left ovarian mass amidst the absence of uterus. During the surgery, the giant multiloculated cystic mass was identified as mucinous cystadenoma on frozen section. Bilateral medial inguinal hernia was also identified. Discussion: MRKH coexisting with other disease is rare but considering other structures arising from paramesonephric duct (PMD) may exist, allows the possibility of other structural anomalies. Conclusions: The present report illustrates a rare case of MRKH syndrome with giant ovarian cystadenoma and inguinal hernia.
Spider mite herbivory induces an ABA-driven stomatal defense
Authors: Rosa-Diaz Irene , Rowe James , Cayuela-Lopez Ana , Arbona Vicent , Díaz Isabel , Jones Alexander M
Published: April 2024

Arthropod herbivory poses a serious threat to crop yield, prompting plants to employ intricate defense mechanisms against pest feeding. The generalist pest 2-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) inflicts rapid damage and remains challenging due to its broad target range. In this study, we explored the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) response to T. urticae infestation, revealing the induction of abscisic acid (ABA), a hormone typically associated with abiotic stress adaptation, and stomatal closure during water stress. Leveraging a Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based ABA biosensor (nlsABACUS2-400n), we observed elevated ABA levels in various leaf cell types postmite feeding. While ABA's role in pest resistance or susceptibility has been debated, an ABA-deficient mutant exhibited increased mite infestation alongside intact canonical biotic stress signaling, indicating an independent function of ABA in mite defense. We established that ABA-triggered stomatal closure effectively hinders mite feeding and minimizes leaf cell damage through genetic and pharmacological interventions targeting ABA levels, ABA signaling, stomatal aperture, and density. This study underscores the critical interplay between biotic and abiotic stresses in plants, highlighting how the vulnerability to mite infestation arising from open stomata, crucial for transpiration and photosynthesis, reinforces the intricate relationship between these stress types.
Histone H3K27 demethylase SlJMJ3 modulates fruit ripening in tomato
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Zeng Jing , Zhou Yijie , Ding Xiaochun , Jiang Guoxiang , Wu Keqiang , Jiang Yueming , Duan Xuewu
Published: April 2024

The histone lysine (K) demethylase 4 (KDM4/JHDM3) subfamily of jumonji domain–containing demethylases (JMJs) has been implicated in various aspects of plant development. However, their involvement in regulating the ripening of fleshy fruits remains unclear. In this study, we identified SlJMJ3, a member of the KDM4/JHDM3 family, as an H3K27me3 demethylase in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) that plays an important role in fruit ripening regulation. Overexpression of SlJMJ3 leads to accelerated fruit ripening, whereas loss of function of SlJMJ3 delays this process. Furthermore, we determined that SlJMJ3 exerts its regulatory function by modulating the expression of multiple ripening-related genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis and response, carotenoid metabolism, cell wall modification, transcriptional control, and DNA methylation modification. SlJMJ3 binds directly to the promoters of ripening-related genes harboring the CTCTGYTY motif and activates their expression. Additionally, SlJMJ3 reduces the levels of H3K27me3 at its target genes, thereby upregulating their expression. In summary, our findings highlight the role of SlJMJ3 in the regulation of fruit ripening in tomato. By removing the methyl group from trimethylated histone H3 lysine 27 at ripening-related genes, SlJMJ3 acts as an epigenetic regulator that orchestrates the complex molecular processes underlying fruit ripening.
Transcription factors HB21/40/53 trigger inflorescence arrest through abscisic acid accumulation at the end of flowering
Authors: Sánchez-Gerschon Verónica , Martínez-Fernández Irene , González-Bermúdez María R , de la Hoz-Rodríguez Sergio , González Florenci V , Lozano-Juste Jorge , Ferrándiz Cristina , Balanzà Vicente
Published: April 2024

Flowers, and hence, fruits and seeds, are produced by the activity of the inflorescence meristem after the floral transition. In plants with indeterminate inflorescences, the final number of flowers produced by the inflorescence meristem is determined by the length of the flowering period, which ends with inflorescence arrest. Inflorescence arrest depends on many different factors, such as the presence of seeds, the influence of the environment, or endogenous factors such as phytohormone levels and age, which modulate inflorescence meristem activity. The FRUITFULL-APETALA2 (FUL-AP2) pathway plays a major role in regulating the end of flowering, likely integrating both endogenous cues and those related to seed formation. Among AP2 targets, HOMEOBOX PROTEIN21 (HB21) has been identified as a putative mediator of AP2 function in the control of inflorescence arrest. HB21 is a homeodomain leucine zipper transcription factor involved in establishing axillary bud dormancy. Here, we characterized the role of HB21 in the control of the inflorescence arrest at the end of flowering in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). HB21, together with HB40 and HB53, are upregulated in the inflorescence apex at the end of flowering, promoting floral bud arrest. We also show that abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation occurs in the inflorescence apex in an HB-dependent manner. Our work suggests a physiological role of ABA in floral bud arrest at the end of flowering, pointing to ABA as a regulator of inflorescence arrest downstream of the HB21/40/53 genes.
Transcription factor CmHSFA4–CmMYBS3 complex enhances salt tolerance in chrysanthemum by repressing CmMYB121 expression
Authors: Wang Xinhui , Wang Yue , Jiang Yuhan , Wang Han , Zhou Lijie , Li Fei , Wang Likai , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Fadi , Chen Sumei
Published: April 2024

Excessive soil salinity not only hampers plant growth and development but can also lead to plant death. Previously, we found that heat-shock factor A4 (CmHSFA4) enhances the tolerance of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) to salt. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we identified a candidate MYB transcription factor, CmMYB121, which responded to salt stress. We observed that the CmMYB121 transcription is suppressed by CmHSFA4. Moreover, overexpression of CmMYB121 exacerbated chrysanthemum sensitivity to salt stress. CmHSFA4 directly bound to the promoter of CmMYB121 at the heat-shock element. Protein–protein interaction assays identified an interaction between CmHSFA4 and CmMYBS3, a transcriptional repressor, and recruited the corepressor TOPLESS (CmTPL) to inhibit CmMYB121 transcription by impairing the H3 and H4 histone acetylation levels of CmMYB121. Our study demonstrated that a CmHSFA4–CmMYBS3–CmTPL complex modulates CmMYB121 expression, consequently regulating the tolerance of chrysanthemum to salt. The findings shed light on the responses of plants to salt stress.
Reconstructing robust background integral field unit spectra using machine learning
Authors: Rhea Carter Lee , Hlavacek-Larrondo Julie , Giroux Justine , Thilloy Auriane , Choi Hyunseop , Rousseau-Nepton Laurie , Gendron-Marsolais Marie-Lou , Pasquato Mario , Prunet Simon
Published: April 2024

In astronomy, spectroscopy consists of observing an astrophysical source and extracting its spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. Once extracted, a model is fit to the spectra to measure the observables, leading to an understanding of the underlying physics of the emission mechanism. One crucial, and often overlooked, aspect of this model is the background emission, which contains foreground and background astrophysical sources, intervening atmospheric emission, and artefacts related to the instrument such as noise. This paper proposes an algorithmic approach to constructing a background model for SITELLE observations using statistical tools and supervised machine learning algorithms. SITELLE is an imaging Fourier transform spectrometer located at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, which produces a three-dimensional data cube containing the position of the emission (two dimensions) and the spectrum of the emission. SITELLE has a wide field of view (11 arcmin × 11 arcmin), which makes the background emission particularly challenging to model. We apply a segmentation algorithm implemented in photutils to divide the data cube into background and source spaxels. After applying a principal component analysis (PCA) on the background spaxels, we train an artificial neural network to interpolate from the background to the source spaxels in the PCA coefficient space, which allows us to generate a local background model over the entire data cube. We highlight the performance of this methodology by applying it to SITELLE observations obtained of a Star-formation, Ionized Gas and Nebular Abundances Legacy Survey galaxy, NGC 4449, and the Perseus galaxy cluster of galaxies, NGC 1275. We discuss the physical interpretation of the principal components and noise reduction in the resulting PCA-based reconstructions. Additionally, we compare the fit results using our new background modelling approach with standard methods used in the literature and find that our method better captures the emission from H ii regions in NGC 4449 and the faint emission regions in NGC 1275. These methods also demonstrate that the background does change as a function of the position of the data cube. While the approach is applied explicitly to SITELLE data in this study, we argue that it can be readily adapted to any integral field unit style data, enabling the user to obtain more robust measurements on the flux of the emission lines.
Topological Perturbations in the Functional Connectome Support the Deficit/Non-deficit Distinction in Antipsychotic Medication-Naïve First Episode Psychosis Patients
Authors: Teles Matheus , Maximo Jose Omar , Lahti Adrienne Carol , Kraguljac Nina Vanessa
Published: April 2024

Background

Heterogeneity in the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical features of schizophrenia challenges clinicians and researchers. A helpful approach could be stratifying patients according to the presence or absence of clinical features of the deficit syndrome (DS). DS is characterized by enduring and primary negative symptoms, a clinically less heterogeneous subtype of the illness, and patients with features of DS are thought to present abnormal brain network characteristics, however, this idea has received limited attention. We investigated functional brain network topology in patients displaying deficit features and those who do not.

Design

We applied graph theory analytics to resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 61 antipsychotic medication-naïve first episode psychosis patients, 18 DS and 43 non-deficit schizophrenia (NDS), and 72 healthy controls (HC). We quantified small-worldness, global and nodal efficiency measures, shortest path length, nodal local efficiency, and synchronization and contrasted them among the 3 groups.

Results

DS presented decreased network integration and segregation compared to HC and NDS. DS showed lower global efficiency, longer global path lengths, and lower global local efficiency. Nodal efficiency was lower and the shortest path length was longer in DS in default mode, ventral attention, dorsal attention, frontoparietal, limbic, somatomotor, and visual networks compared to HC. Compared to NDS, DS showed lower efficiency and longer shortest path length in default mode, limbic, somatomotor, and visual networks.

Conclusions

Our data supports increasing evidence, based on topological perturbations of the functional connectome, that deficit syndrome may be a distinct form of the illness.
Parkinsonism, Psychomotor Slowing, Negative and Depressive Symptoms in Schizophrenia Spectrum and Mood Disorders: Exploring Their Intricate Nexus Using a Network Analytic Approach
Authors: Fritze Stefan , Brandt Geva A , Benedyk Anastasia , Moldavski Alexander , Volkmer Sebastian , Daub Jonas , Krayem Maria , Kukovic Jacqueline , Schwarz Emanuel , Braun Urs , Wolf Robert Christian , Kubera Katharina M , Northoff Georg , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Tost Heike , Hirjak Dusan
Published: April 2024

Background and Hypothesis

Parkinsonism, psychomotor slowing, negative and depressive symptoms show evident phenomenological similarities across different mental disorders. However, the extent to which they interact with each other is currently unclear. Here, we hypothesized that parkinsonism is an independent motor abnormality showing limited associations with psychomotor slowing, negative and depressive symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum (SSD), and mood disorders (MOD).

Study Design

We applied network analysis and community detection methods to examine the interplay and centrality (expected influence [EI] and strength) between parkinsonism, psychomotor slowing, negative and depressive symptoms in 245 SSD and 99 MOD patients. Parkinsonism was assessed with the Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS). We used the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) to examine psychomotor slowing (item #G7), negative symptoms (PANSS-N), and depressive symptoms (item #G6).

Study Results

In SSD and MOD, PANSS item #G7 and PANSS-N showed the largest EI and strength as measures of centrality. Parkinsonism had small or no influence on psychomotor slowing, negative and depressive symptoms in SSD and MOD. In SSD and MOD, exploratory graph analysis identified one community, but parkinsonism showed a small influence on its occurrence. Network Comparison Test yielded no significant differences between the SSD and MOD networks (global strength p value: .396 and omnibus tests p value: .574).

Conclusions

The relationships between the individual domains followed a similar pattern in both SSD and MOD highlighting their transdiagnostic relevance. Despite evident phenomenological similarities, our results suggested that parkinsonism is more independent of negative and depressive symptoms than psychomotor slowing in both SSD and MOD.
Go Ask Mom: The Gendered Dynamics of Color-Conscious Racial Socialization among White Parents
Authors: Kincaid Reilly , Underhill Megan R
Published: April 2024

While most white parents avoid discussing race and racism with their children or tell them to be color-blind, recent research suggests that a growing number of color-conscious white parents intentionally talk with their children about racism as an ongoing, systemic issue. However, this research gives little attention to parents’ gender. Using interviews with 28 color-conscious white heterosexual parents, we examine how and why gender influences parents’ race-related conversations with their children. We show that, in theory, mothers and fathers share similar beliefs about race/racism and the need to discuss it with their children. In practice, however, mothers overwhelmingly shoulder these conversations. We trace this paradox back to mothers’ distinctively color-conscious refashioning of intensive mothering practices—which involves both personal and community-level work at the race-parenting intersection—that fathers do not undertake. This gender gap in parents’ personal/community work around race influences contrasting approaches to race-related conversations with their children, with mothers being more proactive and fathers being more passive. This dynamic ultimately casts race as a “Mom topic” within color-conscious white families. We argue that this can inhibit more egalitarian realizations of color-conscious white racial socialization and carries important implications for the sustainability and outcomes of these efforts.
Supplementing narasin or monensin to control coccidiosis in naturally infected calves
Authors: Leiva Tiago , Cooke Reinaldo F , Lasmar Pedro V F , Valarelli Rodrigo L , De Simas José M C , Zapa Dina Maria B , Couto Luiz Felipe M , Heller Luciana M , Lopes Welber D Z
Published: April 2024

This experiment compared narasin and monensin as anticoccidials for calves naturally infected with Eimeria spp. Twenty-four weaned, non-castrated male calves (Bos indicus × B. taurus cross) were assigned to this experiment (days −8 to 42). All calves were infected by Eimeria spp. according to oocyst count per gram (OPG) from fecal samples collected on days −8 and −7 (average 1,059 ± 101 oocysts/g). Calves were housed in individual pens, received corn silage, mineral mix, and water for ad libitum consumption, in addition to a grain-based supplement at 200 g/head daily. Fecal samples were collected on days −2 and −1 for OPG, and results averaged as initial OPG value. Calves were blocked according to initial OPG into eight blocks of three calves each, ranked within each block according to body weight (BW) recorded on day −1, and assigned to receive narasin (NAR; 0.8 mg/kg of BW), monensin (MON; 1 mg/kg of BW), or no ionophore (CON; negative control). Ionophores were added to the grain-based supplement, and offered from days 0 to 42 of the experiment. Calf BW was recorded on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42. Fecal samples were collected on days 6 and 7, 13 and 14, 20 and 21, 26 and 27, 34 and 35, and 41 and 42 for OPG analysis, and results from samples collected on consecutive days were averaged. Aliquoted fecal samples were also pooled across calves from the same treatment and collection days, and used to determine the prevalence of individual species of Eimeria. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.51) for calf BW or growth rate. A treatment × day interaction was detected (P < 0.01) for OPG, as NAR and MON calves had less (P < 0.01) OPG compared with CON calves beginning on day 7. The OPG was also less (P ≤ 0.03) in MON compared with NAR calves on days 7, 14, and 28, but did not differ (P ≥ 0.48) on days 21, 35, and 42. The anticoccidial efficacy of NAR and MON did not differ (P ≥ 0.16) when calculated across all Eimeria spp., or according to prevalence of E. bovis and E. alabamensins. A treatment × day interaction was detected (P = 0.04) for anticoccidial efficacy to E. alabamensis, which was greater (P < 0.01) in MON calves on days 7 and 14 and did not differ (P ≥ 0.40) afterward. Collectively, both ionophores were similarly effective in controlling coccidiosis upon completion of the 42-d study, although the anticoccidial effects of monensin were noted earlier in the experiment. Nonetheless, these results corroborate narasin as an efficient anticoccidial ionophore for naturally infected calves.
Breeder age and hatching egg storage duration: effects on post-hatch performance of FUNAAB- α broiler chickens
Authors: Oke Oyegunle Emmanuel , Alo Ezekiel Taiwo , Oni Aderanti Ifeoluwa , Nwosu Emmanuela Uchenna , Wheto Mathew , Akinjute Obafemi Foluso , Imran-Oloko Galbat Oyindamola , Osisanwo Adeleke
Published: April 2024

This trial was designed to evaluate the influence of hatching egg storage length and broiler breeder hens’ age on post-hatch growth performance and physiological responses of FUNAAB-α chickens. Five hundred fertile eggs from each of 60 and 32-wk-old FUNAAB-α breeder hens were collected and assigned to five storage durations (0, 3, 7, 11, and 15 d). The hatching eggs were incubated using the conventional protocol. Data were collected on the growth performance and physiological responses. A 2 × 5 factorial design was used for the experiment. The results revealed that there was a decline in the final body weight in chickens from eggs of 15 and 11 d storage compared to the chickens from 7, 3, and 0 egg storage days. Chickens of 32-week-old breeder hens had higher (P < 0.05) mean corpuscular volume, white blood cell, heterophil, and pack cell volume values compared to 60-week-old breeder hens. Hatchlings from 60-week-old breeders had a higher liver percentage (3.0% yolk-free body weight [YFBW]) than those from 32-week-old breeders (2.8% YFBW). It was concluded that an extended storage duration of 15 d adversely affected the carcass traits and growth performance of chickens from egg storage above seven days.
Effect of Quantitative Wheat Resistance on the Aggressiveness of Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Krone Mara J. , Dong Yanhong , Mideros Santiago X.
Published: April 2024

Little is known about the selection pressures acting on plant pathogen populations, especially those applied by quantitative forms of resistance. Fusarium graminearum causes Fusarium head blight in wheat, producing significant yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. Quantitative host resistance is the best method to control Fusarium head blight. However, there needs to be more understanding of how disease resistance affects the evolution of plant pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine if the presence or absence of wheat resistance influenced the fitness components and genomic regions of F. graminearum. Thirty-one isolates from highly susceptible and 25 isolates from moderately resistant wheat lines were used. Isolate aggressiveness was measured by the area under the disease progress curve, visually damaged kernels, and deoxynivalenol contamination. The in vitro growth rate and spore production were also measured. Two whole-genome scans for selection were conducted with 333,297 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. One scan looked for signatures of selection in the entire sample, and the other scan was for divergent selection between the isolates from moderately resistant wheat and highly susceptible wheat. The subsample of isolates from highly susceptible wheat was primarily aggressive. Several regions of the F. graminearum genome with signatures for selection were identified. The moderately resistant wheat varieties used in this study did not select more aggressive isolates, suggesting that quantitative resistance is a durable method to control Fusarium head blight.
Drosophila hydei as a Potential Vector of Ceratocystis fimbriata, the Causal Agent of Sweetpotato Black Rot, in Storage Facilities
Authors: Stahr Madison , Lytle Amanda , Avila Kelly , Huseth Anders S. , Bertone Mathew , Quesada-Ocampo Lina M.
Published: April 2024

Ceratocystis fimbriata, the causal agent of sweetpotato black rot, is a pathogen capable of developing and spreading within postharvest settings. A survey of North Carolina sweetpotato storage facilities was conducted to determine the arthropods present and identify potential vectors of C. fimbriata. Sixteen taxonomic categories were recovered, and the genus Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) accounted for 79% of individuals sampled, with Drosophila hydei being the most abundant species. Behavioral assays were conducted to determine if D. hydei is attracted to C. fimbriata-inoculated roots and if the pathogen could be recovered from external or internal surfaces of the insect. Flies were released in insect-trapping pitchers containing either C. fimbriata-inoculated or noninoculated roots or Petri dishes. No significant differences in fly number were detected in sweetpotato-baited pitchers; however, significant differences were found in the pitcher baited with a mature C. fimbriata culture. Flies were subjected to washes to determine if viable C. fimbriata was present (internally or externally); washes were plated onto carrot agar plates and observed for the presence of C. fimbriata colonies. Both external and internal washes had viable C. fimbriata inocula with no significant differences, and inoculated sweetpotatoes had a significantly higher number of flies carrying C. fimbriata. This study suggests that D. hydei can carry C. fimbriata from infected sweetpotatoes and move viable C. fimbriata inocula both externally and internally, making this the first report of any Drosophila sp. serving as a potential vector for the Ceratocystis genus.
Percutaneous Tricuspid Valve Repair: The Triclip
Authors: Drogy Madison S. , Whiteson Harris Z. , Frishman William H.
Published: April 2024

Tricuspid regurgitation is an often overlooked, but severe cardiac valvular disease associated with significant morbidity and poor quality of life. Tricuspid valve surgery is the only treatment that prevents progression of the disease but is often complicated or made impossible by perioperative risk factors. Due to the high-risk nature, tricuspid valve surgery is typically only done for severe tricuspid regurgitation at the time of left heart surgery, leaving many patients untreated. Medical therapy is limited primarily to diuretic agents, which are often unsuccessful in alleviating symptoms. Treatment of tricuspid regurgitation with transcatheter edge-to-edge repair has emerged after the success of this technique in mitral valve pathologies. This percutaneous procedure parallels surgical principles previously used for valve repair but eliminates the need for cardiac surgery, thus having the potential to serve as an alternative treatment in high-risk patients. The TriClip (Abbott Labs) device is an example of this therapy and the subject of this review.