bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of yield contributing traits and genotypes to drought tolerance in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.)
Authors: Nanja Reddy Y. A.
Published: March 2023

Screening of germplasm for specific traits is a continuous pre-breeding process in deriving the drought-tolerant donors required for crop improvement. The study evaluated 17 medium-late duration finger millet genotypes under drought stress (DS) for 28 days during the reproductive stage to identify the traits and genotypes for drought tolerance using different statistical analysis. The photosynthetic rate (by 26.3%), stomatal conductance (by 26.4%), transpiration rate (by 24.8%) and grain yield (by 13.2%) were decreased and found sensitive to DS, but the leaf temperature was increased (4.7%). From the path analysis and multiple linear regression analysis, the mean ear weight and productive tillers were found to contribute to the grain yield significantly under well-watered conditions. While under DS conditions, the mean ear weight, productive tillers and threshing percentage equally contributed to grain yield. Based on the ranking of traits significantly contributing to grain yield, the genotype GE-4683 with a higher mean ear weight (10.65 g) was found superior to the popular variety, GPU-28. The Multiple linear regression equation predicts the possibility to increase the yield of GPU-28 under DS from the existing 360.0 to 459.5 g per square metre (by 29.1%) by the incorporation of three productive tillers instead of the existing two tillers per plant in the MLR equation. An additional 1.0 g of mean ear weight will be able to predict an increased grain yield from 360.0 to 392.0 gm−2, equivalent to 3.60 to 3.92 t/ha (by 9.4%).
Design of dual-band Wilkinson power divider based on novel stubs using PSO algorithm
Authors: Zonouri Seyed Abed , Hayati Mohsen , Bahrambeigi Mehran
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a new dual-band Wilkinson power divider (WPD) is designed and fabricated using novel low and high impedance stubs instead of quarter-wavelength transmission lines. The proposed circuit was analyzed using odd and even mode analysis, and the optimal values of design parameters were obtained using the particle swarm optimization algorithm. The designed power divider has input reflection coefficients (S11) of −22.1 and −17 dB at the first operating frequency of 2.2 GHz and the second operating frequency of 14.2 GHz, respectively. It also improves stop-band and fractional bandwidth (FBW) while maintaining a simple topology. The proposed WPD suppresses undesired harmonics from the second to the fifth with an attenuation level of less than −20 dB in the first band and generates a broad stop-band (4.4–11.5 GHz). In the first band, the FBW is 54.5%, and in the second band, it is 20.1%.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Level: A Chinese Twin Study
Authors: Li Jingxian , Kang Xiao , Zhang Tianhao , Wang Weijing , Xu Chunsheng , Duan Haiping , Tian Xiaocao , Zhang Dongfeng
Published: March 2023

An abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level is predictive of disease and all-cause mortality and may indicate liver injury. Using twin modeling, the genetic and environmental factors that affect human serum ALT levels have been well studied for the populations in the different countries, and the results showed moderate-to-high heritability. However, the heritability of ALT level has not been explored in Chinese population. Thus, we recruited 369 pairs of twins (233 monozygotic and 136 dizygotic) from the Qingdao Twin Registry in China with a median age of 50 years (40−80 years). Correlation analysis and a structural equation model (SEM) were conducted to evaluate the heritability of ALT level. The data for age, gender, body mass index and alcohol consumption were set as covariates. Intrapair correlation in monozygotic twins was 0.64 (95%CI [.56, .71]) and 0.42 (95% CI [.28, .55]) in dizygotic twins. The SEM analysis indicated that 65% (95% CI [57%, 71%]) of the variation in ALT levels can be explained by additive genetics and 35% (95% CI [29%, 44%]) of the variation is attributed to unique environmental factors or residuals. Shared environmental influences were not significant. In conclusion, serum ALT variations exhibited strong genetic effects. The variation could also be explained by unique environmental factors. However, shared environmental factors have a minor impact on the serum ALT level.
Immunotherapy in Melanoma: Highlights for the General Practitioner
Authors: Ben Aïssa Assma
Published: March 2023

Abstract. Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer, and surgery is the standard of care for localised disease. However, a risk of local and distant relapse exists despite tumour removal, particularly with thick or ulcerated tumours or lymph node involvement. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1, PD-L-1 or CTLA-4 demonstrated improved relapse-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival against placebo after surgery for stage-III and high-risk stage-II melanoma. In unresectable localised and metastatic tumours, the double immunotherapy with ICIs (anti-PD-1+ anti-CTLA-4) allows for long-term survival in more than 50% of the patients. Novel immunotherapies (anti-LAG-3 ICI, adoptive cell therapy, intra-tumoural immunotherapy, cancer vaccines) and new combinations are in development to overcome resistance and improve patients’ survival. Therapeutic decisions for each patient should be discussed in a specialised multidisciplinary team.
A Hydrochemical Study of Groundwater Salinization in Qinzhou Bay, Guangxi, Southern China
Authors: Hu Kaiyan , Huang Qinghua , Han Peng , Han Zhiwei , Yang Zhentao , Luo Qiang , Li Peng , Miao Miao , Zeng Zhiyi , Chen Hongyan , Wang Rui , Mo Chunyu
Published: March 2023

The salinity of groundwater in Qinzhou Bay has been increasing since 2013. This phenomenon affects livelihoods and the local agricultural economy, specifically in the Longmengang area. In this work, we investigate the causes of water salinization to provide evidence for effectively managing the local water resources and improving water quality. We collected 110 samples of water from spatially distributed local wells, rivers, reservoirs, and the sea, and conducted a hydrochemical study complemented by numerical modeling. We found that water pumping and mariculture practices are the principal contributors to seawater intrusion into the groundwater table, which leads to increased water salinization.
What Are the Dominant Synoptic Patterns Leading to the Summer Regional Hourly Extreme Precipitation Events Over Central‐Eastern Tibetan Plateau and Sichuan Basin?
Authors: Xu Xiaoke , Huang Anning , Huang Danqing , Zhang Yan , Gu Chunlei , Cai Shuxin , Tang Yong , Zhao Zhizhan , Zeng Jingwen
Published: March 2023

Revealing the synoptic patterns related to hourly extreme precipitation (EP) is very important to deepen our recognition and understanding of EP formation. The predominant synoptic patterns associated with the summer regional hourly EP events (RHEPE) over the central‐eastern Tibetan Plateau (CETP) and Sichuan Basin (SCB) have been systematically identified. Results show the summer RHEPE over CETP and SCB are dominated by the background large‐scale circulations featured by the configuration of eastward‐extended South Asia high (SAH) and westward‐extended Western North Pacific Subtropical High (WNPSH) and their northward advance, except for that an obvious low‐level vortex imbedded in the background large‐scale circulations is mainly responsible for the summer RHEPE over SCB. The frequency and intensity of the total summer RHEPE over CETP and SCB all show an obvious increasing trend during 2000–2020, which is largely contributed by the synoptic pattern characterized by the configuration of eastward extended SAH and westward extended WNPSH.
Modeling the Shape and Velocity of Magmatic Intrusions, a New Numerical Approach
Authors: Furst S. , Maccaferri F. , Pinel V.
Published: March 2023

Dykes are magma‐filled fractures propagating through the brittle crust. Understanding the physics of dyking process is essential to mitigate the volcanic hazard associated with the opening of new eruptive fissures at the surface. Often, physics‐based models view either fracturing of the host rock or viscous flow of the magma as the dominating energy sink during dyke propagation. Here, we provide a numerical model that captures the coupling of fracturing at the crack tip and the transport of a viscous fluid. Built with the boundary element technique, our model allows for computation of the shape and velocity of a growing fluid‐filled crack accounting for the viscosity of the fluid: the fluid flow induces a viscous pressure drop acting at the crack walls, and modifies the shape of the crack. The energy conservation equation provides the constraints to solve for the crack growth velocity, assuming that brittle fracturing and viscous flow are the main processes that dissipate energy. Using a parameter range that represents typical magmatic intrusions, we obtain crack shapes displaying some typical characteristics, including a tear‐drop head and an open tail that depend on rock rigidity, magma viscosity, and buoyancy. We show that viscous forces significantly contribute to the energy dissipated during the propagation of magmatic dykes. Applied to the 1998 intrusion at Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion Island), we provide ranges of dyke lengths and openings by adjusting the numerical velocity to the one deduced from the migration of volcano‐tectonic events.
The Seven-Ages of Earth as Seen Through the Continental Lens
Authors: Cawood Peter , Chowdhury Priyadarshi
Published: March 2023

The 4.5-billion-year record contained in Earth’s continental crust reveals a seven-phase evolution, from an initial magma ocean to the present-day environment in which we live.
Senescent cancer cell-derived nanovesicle as a personalized therapeutic cancer vaccine
Authors: Hong Jihye , Jung Mungyo , Kim Cheesue , Kang Mikyung , Go Seokhyeong , Sohn Heesu , Moon Sangjun , Kwon Sungpil , Song Seuk Young , Kim Byung-Soo
Published: March 2023

The development of therapeutic cancer vaccines (TCVs) that provide clinical benefits is challenging mainly due to difficulties in identifying immunogenic tumor antigens and effectively inducing antitumor immunity. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for personalized TCVs because only a limited number of tumor antigens are shared among cancer patients. Several autologous nanovaccines that do not require the identification of immunogenic tumor antigens have been proposed as personalized TCVs. However, these nanovaccines generally require exogenous adjuvants (e.g., Toll-like receptor agonists) to improve vaccine immunogenicity, which raises safety concerns. Here, we present senescent cancer cell-derived nanovesicle (SCCNV) as a personalized TCV that provides patient-specific tumor antigens and improved vaccine immunogenicity without the use of exogenous adjuvants. SCCNVs are prepared by inducing senescence in cancer cells ex vivo and subsequently extruding the senescent cancer cells through nanoporous membranes. In the clinical setting, SCCNVs can be prepared from autologous cancer cells from the blood of liquid tumor patients or from tumors surgically removed from solid cancer patients. SCCNVs also contain interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, which are expressed during senescence. These endogenous cytokines act as adjuvants and enhance vaccine immunogenicity, avoiding the need for exogenous adjuvants. Intradermally injected SCCNVs effectively activate dendritic cells and tumor-specific T cells and inhibit primary and metastatic tumor growth and tumor recurrence. SCCNV therapy showed an efficacy similar to that of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy and synergized with ICB. SCCNVs, which can be prepared using a simple and facile procedure, show potential as personalized TCVs.
Advance of large-area achromatic flat lenses
Authors: Fan Yubin , Yao Jin , Tsai Din Ping
Published: March 2023

A new framework of light coherence optimization is proposed to design non-ideal broadband achromatic lenses, enabling large-scale flat lenses’ implementation and high performance. The strategy paves the way for practical planar optical devices and full-color imaging systems.
How well does neonatal neuroimaging correlate with neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy?
Authors: Wu Yvonne W. , Monsell Sarah E. , Glass Hannah C. , Wisnowski Jessica L. , Mathur Amit M. , McKinstry Robert C. , Bluml Stefan , Gonzalez Fernando F. , Comstock Bryan A. , Heagerty Patrick J. , Juul Sandra E.
Published: March 2023

Background

In newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), the correlation between neonatal neuroimaging and the degree of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) is unclear.

Methods

Infants with HIE enrolled in a randomized controlled trial underwent neonatal MRI/MR spectroscopy (MRS) using a harmonized protocol at 4–6 days of age. The severity of brain injury was measured with a validated scoring system. Using proportional odds regression, we calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for the associations between MRI/MRS measures of injury and primary ordinal outcome (i.e., normal, mild NDI, moderate NDI, severe NDI, or death) at age 2 years.

Results

Of 451 infants with MRI/MRS at a median age of 5 days (IQR 4.5–5.8), outcomes were normal (51%); mild (12%), moderate (14%), severe NDI (13%); or death (9%). MRI injury score (aOR 1.06, 95% CI 1.05, 1.07), severe brain injury (aOR 39.6, 95% CI 16.4, 95.6), and MRS lactate/n-acetylaspartate (NAA) ratio (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4,1.8) were associated with worse primary outcomes. Infants with mild/moderate MRI brain injury had similar BSID-III cognitive, language, and motor scores as infants with no injury.

Conclusion

In the absence of severe injury, brain MRI/MRS does not accurately discriminate the degree of NDI. Given diagnostic uncertainty, families need to be counseled regarding a range of possible neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Impact

Half of all infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) enrolled in a large clinical trial either died or had neurodevelopmental impairment at age 2 years despite receiving therapeutic hypothermia.

Severe brain injury and a global pattern of brain injury on MRI were both strongly associated with death or neurodevelopmental impairment.

Infants with mild or moderate brain injury had similar mean BSID-III cognitive, language, and motor scores as infants with no brain injury on MRI.

Given the prognostic uncertainty of brain MRI among infants with less severe degrees of brain injury, families should be counseled regarding a range of possible neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Translatability of preclinical to early clinical tolerable and pharmacologically active dose ranges for central nervous system active drugs
Authors: Ferreira Guilherme S. , Dijkstra Francis M. , Veening-Griffioen Désirée H. , Boon Wouter P. C. , Schellekens Huub , Moors Ellen H. M. , van Meer Peter J. K. , Stuurman Frederik E. , van Gerven Joop M. A.
Published: March 2023

The primary purpose of this study was to assess the translatability of preclinical to early clinical tolerable and pharmacologically active dose ranges for central nervous system (CNS) active drugs. As a part of this, IBs were reviewed on reporting quality. Investigator’s Brochures (IBs) of studies performed at the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) reporting statistically significant results of CNS activity related to the drug’s mechanism of action were included. The quality of IBs was assessed based on the presence of a rationale for the chosen animal model, completeness of pharmacokinetic (PK) results in reporting and internal validity information of the preclinical evidence. The IB-derisk tool was used to generate preclinical and early clinical data overviews data. For each compound, the overlap between pharmacologically active dose ranges and well-tolerated levels was calculated for three pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters: human equivalent dose (HED), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC). Twenty-five IBs were included. In general, the quality of reporting in IBs was assessed as poor. About a third of studies did not explore the entire concentration-effect curve (pre)clinically. Single dose tolerability ranges were most accurately predicted by Cmax. Human equivalent dose and AUC were the best predictors of pharmacologically active ranges. Tolerable and pharmacologically active dose ranges in healthy volunteers can be reasonably well predicted from preclinical data with the IB-derisk tool. The translatability of preclinical studies can be improved by applying a higher reporting standard in IBs including comparable PK measurements across all preclinical and clinical studies.
Alcam-a and Pdgfr-α are essential for the development of sclerotome-derived stromal cells that support hematopoiesis
Authors: Murayama Emi , Vivier Catherine , Schmidt Anne , Herbomel Philippe
Published: March 2023

Mesenchymal stromal cells are essential components of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) niches, regulating HSPC proliferation and fates. Their developmental origins are largely unknown. In zebrafish, we previously found that the stromal cells of the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT), a niche functionally homologous to the mammalian fetal liver, arise from the ventral part of caudal somites. We have now found that this ventral domain is the sclerotome, and that two markers of mammalian mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, Alcam and Pdgfr-α, are distinctively expressed there and instrumental for the emergence and migration of stromal cell progenitors, which in turn conditions the proper assembly of the vascular component of the CHT niche. Furthermore, we find that trunk somites are similarly dependent on Alcam and Pdgfr-α to produce mesenchymal cells that foster HSPC emergence from the aorta. Thus the sclerotome contributes essential stromal cells for each of the key steps of developmental hematopoiesis.
Metal-coordinated polybenzimidazole membranes with preferential K+ transport
Authors: Wu Jine , Liao Chenyi , Li Tianyu , Zhou Jing , Zhang Linjuan , Wang Jian-Qiang , Li Guohui , Li Xianfeng
Published: March 2023

Membranes with fast and selective ion transport are essential for separations and electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices. Metal-coordinated polymers are promising for fabricating ion-conducting membranes with molecular channels, however, the structures and ion transport channels remain poorly understood. Here, we reported mechanistic insights into the structures of metal-ion coordinated polybenzimidazole membranes and the preferential K+ transport. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that coordination between metal ions and polybenzimidazole expanded the free volume, forming subnanometre molecular channels. The combined physical confinement in nanosized channels and electrostatic interactions of membranes resulted in a high K+ transference number up to 0.9 even in concentrated salt and alkaline solutions. The zinc-coordinated polybenzimidazole membrane enabled fast transport of charge carriers as well as suppressed water migration in an alkaline zinc-iron flow battery, enabling the battery to operate stably for over 340 hours. This study provided an alternative strategy to regulate the ion transport properties of polymer membranes by tuning polymer chain architectures via metal ion coordination.
Untrackable distal ejecta on planetary surfaces
Authors: Xu Rui , Xiao Zhiyong , Luo Fanglu , Wang Yichen , Cui Jun
Published: March 2023

Impact ejecta are important references to establish regional and global stratigraphy of planetary bodies. Canonical views advocate radial distributions of distal ejecta with respect to the source crater, and their trajectories are significantly deflected on fast-rotating bodies. The Hokusai crater on Mercury formed a peculiar ray that features a hyperbola shape, and the sharp swerve of orientation was interpreted as a sign of a faster planetary rotation in the near past. Here, we show that this ray was not caused by a hypothesized larger Coriolis force, but due to abruptly-steepened ejection angles. Heterogeneous shock impedances of pre-impact impactor and/or target, such as topographic undulations, affect local propagation paths of shock and rarefaction waves, causing sudden changes of ejection angles. Distal ejecta with non-radial distributions are an inherent product of planetary impacts, and their unobvious provenances could mislead stratigraphic interpretations and hamper age estimations based on spatial densities of impact craters.
Microwave-to-optical transduction with erbium ions coupled to planar photonic and superconducting resonators
Authors: Rochman Jake , Xie Tian , Bartholomew John G. , Schwab K. C. , Faraon Andrei
Published: March 2023

Optical quantum networks can connect distant quantum processors to enable secure quantum communication and distributed quantum computing. Superconducting qubits are a leading technology for quantum information processing but cannot couple to long-distance optical networks without an efficient, coherent, and low noise interface between microwave and optical photons. Here, we demonstrate a microwave-to-optical transducer using an ensemble of erbium ions that is simultaneously coupled to a superconducting microwave resonator and a nanophotonic optical resonator. The coherent atomic transitions of the ions mediate the frequency conversion from microwave photons to optical photons and using photon counting we observed device conversion efficiency approaching 10−7. With pulsed operation at a low duty cycle, the device maintained a spin temperature below 100 mK and microwave resonator heating of less than 0.15 quanta.
Non-monotonic changes in Asian Water Towers’ streamflow at increasing warming levels
Authors: Cui Tong , Li Yukun , Yang Long , Nan Yi , Li Kunbiao , Tudaji Mahmut , Hu Hongchang , Long Di , Shahid Muhammad , Mubeen Ammara , He Zhihua , Yong Bin , Lu Hui , Li Chao , Ni Guangheng , Hu Chunhong , Tian Fuqiang
Published: March 2023

Previous projections show consistent increases in river flows of Asian Water Towers under future climate change. Here we find non-monotonic changes in river flows for seven major rivers originating from the Tibetan Plateau at the warming levels of 1.5 °C, 2.0 °C, and 3.0 °C based on an observation-constrained hydrological model. The annual mean streamflow for seven rivers at 1.5 °C warming level decreases by 0.1–3.2% relative to the present-day climate condition, and increases by 1.5–12% at 3.0 °C warming level. The shifting river flows for the Yellow, Yangtze, Brahmaputra, and Ganges are mostly influenced by projected increases in rainfall, but those for the Mekong, Salween, and Indus are dictated by the relative changes in rainfall, snowmelt and glacier melt. Reduced river flows in a moderately warmed climate threaten water security in riparian countries, while elevated flood risks are expected with further temperature increases over the Tibetan Plateau.
Extracting particle size distribution from laser speckle with a physics-enhanced autocorrelation-based estimator (PEACE)
Authors: Zhang Qihang , Gamekkanda Janaka C. , Pandit Ajinkya , Tang Wenlong , Papageorgiou Charles , Mitchell Chris , Yang Yihui , Schwaerzler Michael , Oyetunde Tolutola , Braatz Richard D. , Myerson Allan S. , Barbastathis George
Published: March 2023

Extracting quantitative information about highly scattering surfaces from an imaging system is challenging because the phase of the scattered light undergoes multiple folds upon propagation, resulting in complex speckle patterns. One specific application is the drying of wet powders in the pharmaceutical industry, where quantifying the particle size distribution (PSD) is of particular interest. A non-invasive and real-time monitoring probe in the drying process is required, but there is no suitable candidate for this purpose. In this report, we develop a theoretical relationship from the PSD to the speckle image and describe a physics-enhanced autocorrelation-based estimator (PEACE) machine learning algorithm for speckle analysis to measure the PSD of a powder surface. This method solves both the forward and inverse problems together and enjoys increased interpretability, since the machine learning approximator is regularized by the physical law.
Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of cannabinoids and menthol from neral
Authors: Grimm Joyce A. A. , Zhou Hui , Properzi Roberta , Leutzsch Markus , Bistoni Giovanni , Nienhaus Johanna , List Benjamin
Published: March 2023

The selective conversion of natural or synthetic neral to (1R,6S)-trans-isopiperitenol would enable and expedite sustainable routes to menthol1,2 and cannabinoids3–5. However, this reaction has been considered impossible because its product is more reactive to the required acid catalysts than its starting material, resulting in several side products6–9. We now show that an unsymmetric, strong and confined chiral acid, a highly fluorinated imino-imidodiphosphate, catalyses this process with excellent efficiency and selectivity. Expanding the method to other α,β-unsaturated aldehydes could enable access to new cannabinoids and menthol derivatives not readily accessible previously. Mechanistic studies suggest that the confined catalyst accomplishes this reaction by binding the product in an unreactive conformation, thereby preventing its decomposition. We also show how (1R,6S)-trans-isopiperitenol can be readily converted to pharmaceutically useful cannabinoids and menthol, each in the shortest and most atom-economic routes so far.
Coordination of bacterial cell wall and outer membrane biosynthesis
Authors: Hummels Katherine R. , Berry Samuel P. , Li Zhaoqi , Taguchi Atsushi , Min Joseph K. , Walker Suzanne , Marks Debora S. , Bernhardt Thomas G.
Published: March 2023

Gram-negative bacteria surround their cytoplasmic membrane with a peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall and an outer membrane (OM) with an outer leaflet composed of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)1. This complex envelope presents a formidable barrier to drug entry and is a major determinant of the intrinsic antibiotic resistance of these organisms2. The biogenesis pathways that build the surface are also targets of many of our most effective antibacterial therapies3. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the assembly of the Gram-negative envelope therefore promises to aid the development of new treatments effective against the growing problem of drug-resistant infections. Although the individual pathways for PG and OM synthesis and assembly are well characterized, almost nothing is known about how the biogenesis of these essential surface layers is coordinated. Here we report the discovery of a regulatory interaction between the committed enzymes for the PG and LPS synthesis pathways in the Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We show that the PG synthesis enzyme MurA interacts directly and specifically with the LPS synthesis enzyme LpxC. Moreover, MurA was shown to stimulate LpxC activity in cells and in a purified system. Our results support a model in which the assembly of the PG and OM layers in many proteobacterial species is coordinated by linking the activities of the committed enzymes in their respective synthesis pathways.
Evolution of the germline mutation rate across vertebrates
Authors: Bergeron Lucie A. , Besenbacher Søren , Zheng Jiao , Li Panyi , Bertelsen Mads Frost , Quintard Benoit , Hoffman Joseph I. , Li Zhipeng , St. Leger Judy , Shao Changwei , Stiller Josefin , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Schierup Mikkel H. , Zhang Guojie
Published: March 2023

The germline mutation rate determines the pace of genome evolution and is an evolving parameter itself1. However, little is known about what determines its evolution, as most studies of mutation rates have focused on single species with different methodologies2. Here we quantify germline mutation rates across vertebrates by sequencing and comparing the high-coverage genomes of 151 parent–offspring trios from 68 species of mammals, fishes, birds and reptiles. We show that the per-generation mutation rate varies among species by a factor of 40, with mutation rates being higher for males than for females in mammals and birds, but not in reptiles and fishes. The generation time, age at maturity and species-level fecundity are the key life-history traits affecting this variation among species. Furthermore, species with higher long-term effective population sizes tend to have lower mutation rates per generation, providing support for the drift barrier hypothesis3. The exceptionally high yearly mutation rates of domesticated animals, which have been continually selected on fecundity traits including shorter generation times, further support the importance of generation time in the evolution of mutation rates. Overall, our comparative analysis of pedigree-based mutation rates provides ecological insights on the mutation rate evolution in vertebrates.
Ejecta from the DART-produced active asteroid Dimorphos
Authors: Li Jian-Yang , Hirabayashi Masatoshi , Farnham Tony L. , Sunshine Jessica M. , Knight Matthew M. , Tancredi Gonzalo , Moreno Fernando , Murphy Brian , Opitom Cyrielle , Chesley Steve , Scheeres Daniel J. , Thomas Cristina A. , Fahnestock Eugene G. , Cheng Andrew F. , Dressel Linda , Ernst Carolyn M. , Ferrari Fabio , Fitzsimmons Alan , Ieva Simone , Ivanovski Stavro L. , Kareta Theodore , Kolokolova Ludmilla , Lister Tim , Raducan Sabina D. , Rivkin Andrew S. , Rossi Alessandro , Soldini Stefania , Stickle Angela M. , Vick Alison , Vincent Jean-Baptiste , Weaver Harold A. , Bagnulo Stefano , Bannister Michele T. , Cambioni Saverio , Campo Bagatin Adriano , Chabot Nancy L. , Cremonese Gabriele , Daly R. Terik , Dotto Elisabetta , Glenar David A. , Granvik Mikael , Hasselmann Pedro H. , Herreros Isabel , Jacobson Seth , Jutzi Martin , Kohout Tomas , La Forgia Fiorangela , Lazzarin Monica , Lin Zhong-Yi , Lolachi Ramin , Lucchetti Alice , Makadia Rahil , Mazzotta Epifani Elena , Michel Patrick , Migliorini Alessandra , Moskovitz Nicholas A. , Ormö Jens , Pajola Maurizio , Sánchez Paul , Schwartz Stephen R. , Snodgrass Colin , Steckloff Jordan , Stubbs Timothy J. , Trigo-Rodríguez Josep M.
Published: March 2023

Some active asteroids have been proposed to be formed as a result of impact events1. Because active asteroids are generally discovered by chance only after their tails have fully formed, the process of how impact ejecta evolve into a tail has, to our knowledge, not been directly observed. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission of NASA2, in addition to having successfully changed the orbital period of Dimorphos3, demonstrated the activation process of an asteroid resulting from an impact under precisely known conditions. Here we report the observations of the DART impact ejecta with the Hubble Space Telescope from impact time T + 15 min to T + 18.5 days at spatial resolutions of around 2.1 km per pixel. Our observations reveal the complex evolution of the ejecta, which are first dominated by the gravitational interaction between the Didymos binary system and the ejected dust and subsequently by solar radiation pressure. The lowest-speed ejecta dispersed through a sustained tail that had a consistent morphology with previously observed asteroid tails thought to be produced by an impact4,5. The evolution of the ejecta after the controlled impact experiment of DART thus provides a framework for understanding the fundamental mechanisms that act on asteroids disrupted by a natural impact1,6.
Light curves and colours of the ejecta from Dimorphos after the DART impact
Authors: Graykowski Ariel , Lambert Ryan A. , Marchis Franck , Cazeneuve Dorian , Dalba Paul A. , Esposito Thomas M. , O’Conner Peluso Daniel , Sgro Lauren A. , Blaclard Guillaume , Borot Antonin , Malvache Arnaud , Marfisi Laurent , Powell Tyler M. , Huet Patrice , Limagne Matthieu , Payet Bruno , Clarke Colin , Murabana Susan , Owen Daniel Chu , Wasilwa Ronald , Fukui Keiichi , Goto Tateki , Guillet Bruno , Huth Patrick , Ishiyama Satoshi , Kukita Ryuichi , Mitchell Mike , Primm Michael , Randolph Justus , Rivett Darren A. , Ryno Matthew , Shimizu Masao , Toullec Jean-Pierre , Will Stefan , Yue Wai-Chun , Camilleri Michael , Graykowski Kathy , Janetzke Ron , Janke Des , Kardel Scott , Loose Margaret , Pickering John W. , Smith Barton A. , Transom Ian M.
Published: March 2023

On 26 September 2022, the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft struck Dimorphos, a satellite of the asteroid 65803 Didymos1. Because it is a binary system, it is possible to determine how much the orbit of the satellite changed, as part of a test of what is necessary to deflect an asteroid that might threaten Earth with an impact. In nominal cases, pre-impact predictions of the orbital period reduction ranged from roughly 8.8 to ﻿17 min (refs. 2,3). Here we report optical observations of Dimorphos before, during and after the impact, from a network of citizen scientists’ telescopes across the world. We find a maximum brightening of 2.29 ± 0.14 mag on impact. Didymos fades back to its pre-impact brightness over the course of 23.7 ± 0.7 days. We estimate lower limits on the mass contained in the ejecta, which was 0.3–0.5% Dimorphos’s mass depending on the dust size. We also observe a reddening of the ejecta on impact.
Near-anoxia induces immobilization and sustains viability of sperm stored in ant queens
Authors: Gotoh Ayako , Takeshima Mika , Mizutani Ken-ichi
Published: March 2023

After copulation, insect females store sperm in a spermatheca for some duration until fertilization. At the beginning of their adult lives, ant queens can preserve numerous viable sperm cells from copulation for over ten years. However, the key factors influencing long-term sperm storage have not been identified. Here we show that the spermathecal environment is nearly anoxic, which induces sperm immobilization. Furthermore, mitochondrial respiratory inhibitors suppress sperm motility, suggesting that sperm immobilization may be caused by a shortage of ATP generated from only glycolysis under near-anoxic conditions. Sperm immobilization is not induced by acidification via glycolytic metabolism because the spermathecal fluid is not acidic. Finally, we show that artificial anoxic conditions rather than aerobic conditions sustain viable sperm cells. Therefore, near-anoxia is a key factor influencing long-term sperm storage in ant queens. The viability of sperm cells under artificial anoxia, however, is lower than that of those dissected immediately from queens. Moreover, the immotile sperm cells under more than 4 h of anoxia do not begin swimming after aerobic exposure, unlike those under anoxic conditions for less than 2 h. This finding indicates that factors other than anoxia are also necessary for long-term sperm preservation.
Learning acquisition of consistent leader–follower relationships depends on implicit haptic interactions
Authors: Takai Asuka , Fu Qiushi , Doibata Yuzuru , Lisi Giuseppe , Tsuchiya Toshiki , Mojtahedi Keivan , Yoshioka Toshinori , Kawato Mitsuo , Morimoto Jun , Santello Marco
Published: March 2023

Are leaders made or born? Leader–follower roles have been well characterized in social science, but they remain somewhat obscure in sensory-motor coordination. Furthermore, it is unknown how and why leader–follower relationships are acquired, including innate versus acquired controversies. We developed a novel asymmetrical coordination task in which two participants (dyad) need to collaborate in transporting a simulated beam while maintaining its horizontal attitude. This experimental paradigm was implemented by twin robotic manipulanda, simulated beam dynamics, haptic interactions, and a projection screen. Clear leader–follower relationships were learned only when strong haptic feedback was introduced. This phenomenon occurred despite participants not being informed that they were interacting with each other and the large number of equally-valid alternative dyadic coordination strategies. We demonstrate the emergence of consistent leader–follower relationships in sensory-motor coordination, and further show that haptic interaction is essential for dyadic co-adaptation. These results provide insights into neural mechanisms responsible for the formation of leader–follower relationships in our society.
Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, tunneling magnetoresistance and spin-transfer torque effect in magnetic tunnel junctions with Nb layers
Authors: Zhou Bowei , Khanal Pravin , Benally Onri Jay , Lyu Deyuan , Gopman Daniel B. , Enriquez Arthur , Habiboglu Ali , Warrilow Kennedy , Wang Jian-Ping , Wang Wei-Gang
Published: March 2023

Nb and its compounds are widely used in quantum computing due to their high superconducting transition temperatures and high critical fields. Devices that combine superconducting performance and spintronic non-volatility could deliver unique functionality. Here we report the study of magnetic tunnel junctions with Nb as the heavy metal layers. An interfacial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy density of 1.85 mJ/m2 was obtained in Nb/CoFeB/MgO heterostructures. The tunneling magnetoresistance was evaluated in junctions with different thickness combinations and different annealing conditions. An optimized magnetoresistance of 120% was obtained at room temperature, with a damping parameter of 0.011 determined by ferromagnetic resonance. In addition, spin-transfer torque switching has also been successfully observed in these junctions with a quasistatic switching current density of 7.3 $$\times \;10^{5}$$

×

10
5

A/cm2.
DNA methylation is associated with prenatal exposure to sulfur dioxide and childhood attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms
Authors: Choi Yoon-Jung , Cho Jinwoo , Hong Yun-Chul , Lee Dong-wook , Moon Sungji , Park Soo Jin , Lee Kyung-shin , Shin Choong Ho , Lee Young Ah , Kim Bung-Nyun , Kaminsky Zachary , Kim Johanna Inhyang , Lim Youn-Hee
Published: March 2023

Epigenetic influence plays a role in the association between exposure to air pollution and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, research regarding sulfur dioxide (SO2) is scarce. Herein, we investigate the associations between prenatal SO2exposure and ADHD rating scale (ARS) at ages 4, 6 and 8 years repeatedly in a mother–child cohort (n = 329). Whole blood samples were obtained at ages 2 and 6 years, and genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) was analyzed for 51 children using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation BeadChip. We analyzed the associations between prenatal SO2exposure and DNAm levels at ages 2 and 6, and further investigated the association between the DNAm and ARS at ages 4, 6 and 8. Prenatal SO2exposure was associated with ADHD symptoms. From candidate gene analysis, DNAm levels at the 6 CpGs at age 2 were associated with prenatal SO2exposure levels. Of the 6 CpGs, cg07583420 (INS-IGF2) was persistently linked with ARS at ages 4, 6 and 8. Epigenome-wide analysis showed that DNAm at 6733 CpG sites were associated with prenatal SO2exposure, of which 58 CpGs involved in Notch signalling pathway were further associated with ARS at age 4, 6 and 8 years, persistently. DNAm at age 6 was not associated with prenatal SO2exposure. Changes in DNAm levels associated with prenatal SO2exposure during early childhood are associated with increases in ARS in later childhood.
Uncooled two-microbolometer stack for long wavelength infrared detection
Authors: Abdullah Amjed , Koppula Akshay , Alkorjia Omar , Almasri Mahmoud
Published: March 2023

We have investigated an uncooled infrared (IR) detector utilizing a dual level architecture. This was achieved by combining two-microbolometer stack in the vertical direction to achieve high IR absorption over two distinct spectral windows across the long wavelength infrared region (LWIR). In addition, we have studied amorphous silicon germanium oxide (SixGeyO1−x−y) as an IR sensitive material, and metasurface to control IR absorption/reflection in interaction with standard Fabry–Perot cavity. The bottom microbolometer uses a metasurface to selectively absorbs a portion of the spectrum and reflects radiation outside this window range. At the same time, the top microbolometer uses a conventional Fabry–Perot resonant cavity to absorb a different portion of the spectrum and transmit any unabsorbed radiation outside this window. This device can be used to measure the absolute temperature of an object by comparing the relative signals in the two spectral bands. The spectral responsivity and detectivity, and thermal response time were > 105 V/W, > 108 cm Hz1/2/W, and 1.13 ms to filtered blackbody infrared radiation between (2–16) µm. The microbolometer voltage noise power spectral density was reduced by annealing the microbolometers in vacuum at 300 °C.
Body composition and physical fitness in adults born small for gestational age at term: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Matre Maria , Mehl Cathrin Vano , Benum Silje Dahl , Jussinniemi Laura , Kajantie Eero , Evensen Kari Anne I.
Published: March 2023

There is lack of research on body composition and physical fitness in individuals born small for gestational age (SGA) at term entering mid-adulthood. We aimed to investigate these outcomes in adults born SGA at term. This population-based cohort study included 46 adults born SGA with birth weight < 10th percentile at term (gestational age ≥ 37 weeks) (22 women, 24 men) and 61 adults born at term with birth weight ≥ 10th percentile (35 women, 26 men) at 32 years. Body composition was examined anthropometrically and by 8-polar bioelectrical impedance analysis (Seca® mBCA 515). Fitness was measured by maximal isometric grip strength by a Jamar hand dynamometer, 40-s modified push-up test and 4-min submaximal step test. Participants born SGA were shorter than controls, but other anthropometric measures did not differ between the groups. Men born SGA had 4.8 kg lower grip strength in both dominant (95% CI 0.6 to 9.0) and non-dominant (95% CI 0.4 to 9.2) hand compared with controls. Grip strength differences were partly mediated by height. In conclusion, body composition and physical fitness were similar in adults born SGA and non-SGA at term. Our finding of reduced grip strength in men born SGA may warrant further investigation.
Low profile multi-layered invisibility carpet cloak using quantum dot core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Esfahani Amin Monemian , Yousefi Leila
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a method to reduce the profile of layered carpet cloaks is proposed. We analytically prove and numerically demonstrate that using a Low Index Material (LIM), a material with a relative dielectric constant smaller than 1, in construction of carpet cloaks can remarkably reduce their profiles. Using the proposed technique, a carpet cloak consisting of alternating LIM and silicon layers is designed to provide invisibility at visible wavelengths. The designed cloak has a profile that is 2.3 times smaller than a carpet cloak without LIM layers. To realize low index materials at optical wavelengths, silver-coated CdSe/CdS quantum dots dispersed in a polymer host are used. Quantum dots are utilized to compensate the loss of Silver and to achieve a low index medium with neglectable loss. The designed low profile carpet cloak is numerically analyzed showing a good performance for a wide range of incident angles which is the advantage of the proposed structure in comparison with metasurface-based carpet cloaks which work only for a very narrow range of incident angles.
Research on the synergistic modification effect and the interface mechanism of GO/SBS compound-modified asphalt based on experiments and molecular simulations
Authors: Zeng Qing , Liu Yaru , Liu Qicheng , Xu Zhenghong
Published: March 2023

Although there have been reports showing the modification effect of carbon nanomaterials on asphalt, there are few studies on whether carbon nanomaterials and polymers can have synergistic modification effects on asphalt. At the same time, the complex composition of asphalt makes it difficult to determine the interface mechanism between the modifier and the asphalt. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) and styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS) were selected as modifiers. A combined experimental and molecular simulation research method was used to study the synergistic modification effect and the interface mechanism between the modifier and the asphalt. The results show that the modification effect of GO/SBS incorporated into asphalt is significantly superior to that of GO or SBS incorporated individually and GO/SBS has a synergistic modification effect. Although the binding strength between SBS and asphalt is weak, the GO surface (GO (0 0 1)) can simultaneously bind with SBS and asphalt, increasing the binding strength of SBS and asphalt as well as promoting the dispersion of SBS in asphalt, so that GO/SBS shows a synergistic modification effect and improves properties such as low-temperature ductility, rheology and storage stability at macroscopic level. Intercalated and exfoliated structure can be formed between GO side (GO (0 1 0)) and asphalt, which improves the anti-aging properties of the asphalt. Physical bonding is the main interface binding for GO/SBS compound-modified asphalt. GO bonds to asphalt or SBS by hydrogen bonds and there are only dispersion forces between SBS and asphalt, resulting in a higher binding strength between GO and asphalt or SBS than between SBS and asphalt.
Application and characterization of a novel PVDF-HFP/PVP polymer composite with MoO3 nanowires as a protective coating for wood
Authors: Žigon Jure , Centa Urška Gradišar , Remškar Maja , Humar Miha
Published: March 2023

The coatings on wood must sometimes give aesthetic and basic protection to wooden elements and prevent the development and transmission of microorganisms. Several polymers containing different nanoparticles have already been offered to day for this purpose. The research presents a novel poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer composite with MoO3 nanowires with the ability to form coating films on wood. The films of the developed coating exhibit elastic behaviour, which depends on the coating film thickness [tested wet film thicknesses (90, 180 and 360) µm]. The coating showed the ability to interact well with the surface of common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) wood, in terms of wetting (contact angles of 15.6°), fast spilling on the surface, good penetration of the coating in wood structure and formation of up to 40 µm-thick films with excellent pull-off adhesion strength (6 MPa). An increased roughness of wood coated with C + MoO3 was a consequence of wood etching by the dimethylformamide solvent present in the coating. Moreover, the presence of C + MoO3 on wood made it considerably more hydrophobic, with contact angle of water raising to 123° from initially 46° measured on uncoated wood. The irradiation of wood surfaces with ultra-violet light resulted in visible colour changes on both uncoated and coated wood. The wood coated with C + MoO3 has a good resistance to water, alcohol and dry heat (grade 3 to 4). The antimicrobial testing showed that the presence of MoO3 in the coating plays an important role in the resistance of the coated wood to blue-stain fungi and mould development. The developed PVDF-HFP/PVP/MoO3 coating has an excellent ability to interact with the wood surface and has the potential to be used as a protection for wood in sensitive environments.