bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making Space Behind the Veil: Black Agency within a Predominantly White Religion
Authors: Wood Michael Lee , Soelberg Grace , Rugh Jacob S.
Published: May 2023

The work of W.E.B. Du Bois highlights the significance of Christian religion in Black American life. According to Du Bois, the Black Church serves as a site of self‐formation and affirmation, and the White Church as a source of racist beliefs and justifications for inequality. In this paper, we expand Du Bois’ inquiry about the influence of religion with a study of Black Americans who belong to a predominantly White religion. For those whose religious experience is almost wholly within the “white world,” what role does religion play in their lives? We analyze a set of 52 public accounts by Black Americans discussing their experiences as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐day Saints (LDS). We find that for many Black LDS, membership in the LDS Church is characterized by contrast and contradiction, yielding spiritual conviction, joy, and meaningful communion on one hand, and racism and isolation on the other. We also find that Black LDS respond to these contradictions in a variety of ways. We classify these agentic responses into five types and examine the sociological significance of the observed variation. We conclude with a discussion of implications for scholarship on race and religion.
Hypertensive nonobstructive hydrocephalus as main magnetic resonance imaging feature in a dog with disseminated choroid plexus carcinomatosis
Authors: Carisch Lea , Golini Lorenzo , Schurna Lea , Bergamino Chiara , Beckmann Katrin M. , Hilbe Monika , Asawapattanakul Thanaporn , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Puff Christina , Wang‐Leandro Adriano
Published: May 2023

Obstructive or nonobstructive hypertensive hydrocephalus is reported in choroid plexus tumors. Choroid plexus tumors typically present as T2‐weighted hyperintense intraventricular masses with occasional cerebrospinal fluid‐drop metastasis. Acquired neoplastic nonobstructive hydrocephalus without visible mass lesion in magnetic resonance imaging is not reported in dogs. A 4.5‐year‐old Rhodesian Ridgeback presented with reduced mental status, unilaterally absent pupillary light reflex, and neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a nonobstructive hydrocephalus and widened lumbar subarachnoid space with no evidence of a primary mass lesion. Postmortem examination confirmed a disseminated choroid plexus tumor affecting the ependyma and choroid plexi of all ventricles and the cerebral and lumbar subarachnoid space. Disseminated choroid plexus carcinomatosis should be considered as a possible cause of hypertensive hydrocephalus even in absence of a primary mass.
Semipermeable species boundaries create opportunities for gene flow and adaptive potential
Authors: Satokangas I. , Nouhaud P. , Seifert B. , Punttila P. , Schultz R. , Jones M. M. , Sirén J. , Helanterä H. , Kulmuni J.
Published: May 2023

Hybridisation and gene flow can have both deleterious and adaptive consequences for natural populations and species. To better understand the extent of hybridisation in nature and the balance between its beneficial and deleterious outcomes in a changing environment, information on naturally hybridising nonmodel organisms is needed. This requires the characterisation of the structure and extent of natural hybrid zones. Here, we study natural populations of five keystone mound‐building wood ant species in theFormica rufagroup across Finland. No genomic studies across the species group exist, and the extent of hybridisation and genomic differentiation in sympatry is unknown. Combining genome‐wide and morphological data, we demonstrate more extensive hybridisation than was previously detected between all five species in Finland. Specifically, we reveal a mosaic hybrid zone betweenFormica aquilonia,F. rufaandF. polyctena, comprising further generation hybrid populations. Despite this, we find thatF. rufa,F. aquilonia,F. lugubrisandF. pratensisform distinct gene pools in Finland. We also find that hybrids occupy warmer microhabitats than the nonadmixed populations of cold‐adaptedF. aquilonia, and suggest that warm winters and springs, in particular, may benefit hybrids overF. aquilonia, the most abundantF. rufagroup species in Finland. In summary, our results indicate that extensive hybridisation may create adaptive potential that could promote wood ant persistence in a changing climate. Additionally, they highlight the potentially significant ecological and evolutionary consequences of extensive mosaic hybrid zones, within which independent hybrid populations face an array of ecological and intrinsic selection pressures.
Metastatic xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis managed with immunosuppression
Authors: Daniell Julian , Pedagogos Eugenia , Chrysostomou Anastasia
Published: May 2023

A male aged in his mid‐60s was diagnosed with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis after a left nephrectomy for a renal mass that was detected during the investigation of weight loss and drenching night sweats. Past medical history includes type 2 diabetes mellitus, transient ischaemic attack, hypertension, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, dyslipidaemia, osteoarthritis and active smoking. Three years after the initial diagnosis, the patient represented with abdominal pain. CT imaging demonstrated new pulmonary and pancreatic lesions, which were histologically confirmed to be xanthogranulomatous disease. The patient was too unstable for surgical intervention so was commenced on glucocorticoids with marked improvement in his clinical condition with resolution of inflammatory markers and radiographic improvement. Weaning of prednisolone led to a relapse of disease, which was managed with re‐introduction of high‐dose prednisolone and the initiation of azathioprine. The patient is now 2 years post initiation of immunosuppressive therapy with stable renal function and no active inflammation.
One‐carbon metabolism and microbial pathogenicity
Authors: Stocke Kendall S. , Lamont Richard J.
Published: May 2023

One‐carbon metabolism (OCM) pathways are responsible for several functions, producing a number of one‐carbon unit intermediates (formyl, methylene, methenyl, methyl) that are required for the synthesis of various amino acids and other biomolecules such as purines, thymidylate, redox regulators, and, in most microbes, folate. As humans must acquire folate from the diet, folate production is a target for antimicrobials such as sulfonamides. OCM impacts the regulation of microbial virulence such that in a number of instances, limiting the availability of para‐aminobenzoic acid (pABA), an essential OCM precursor, causes a reduction in pathogenicity. Porphyromonas gingivalis, however, displays increased pathogenicity in response to lower pABA levels, and exogenous pABA exerts a calming influence on heterotypic communities of P. gingivalis with pABA‐producing partner species. Differential responses to pABA may reflect both the physiology of the organisms and their host microenvironment. OCM plays an integral role in regulating the global rate of protein translation, where the alarmones ZMP and ZTP sense insufficient stores of intracellular folate and coordinate adaptive responses to compensate and restore folate to sufficient levels. The emerging interconnections between OCM, protein synthesis, and context‐dependent pathogenicity provide novel insights into the dynamic host–microbe interface.
Homeostasis of flavonoids and triterpenoids most likely modulates starch metabolism for pollen tube penetration in rice
Authors: Wu Hua‐Mao , Xie Dong‐Jiang , Jia Peng‐Fei , Tang Zuo‐Shun , Shi Dong‐Qiao , Shui Guang‐Hou , Wang Guo‐Dong , Yang Wei‐Cai
Published: May 2023

In angiosperms, the timely delivery of sperm cell nuclei by pollen tube (PT) to the ovule is vital for double fertilization. Penetration of PT into maternal stigma tissue is a critical step for sperm cell nuclei delivery, yet little is known about the process. Here, a male‐specific and sporophytic mutant xt6, where PTs are able to germinate but unable to penetrate the stigma tissue, is reported in Oryza sativa. Through genetic study, the causative gene was identified as Chalcone synthase (OsCHS1), encoding the first enzyme in flavonoid biosynthesis. Indeed, flavonols were undetected in mutant pollen grains and PTs, indicating that the mutation abolished flavonoid biosynthesis. Nevertheless, the phenotype cannot be rescued by exogenous application of quercetin and kaempferol as reported in maize and petunia, suggesting a different mechanism exists in rice. Further analysis showed that loss of OsCHS1 function disrupted the homeostasis of flavonoid and triterpenoid metabolism and led to the accumulation of triterpenoid, which inhibits significantly α‐amylase activity, amyloplast hydrolysis and monosaccharide content in xt6, these ultimately impaired tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, reduced ATP content and lowered the turgor pressure as well. Our findings reveal a new mechanism that OsCHS1 modulates starch hydrolysis and glycometabolism through modulating the metabolic homeostasis of flavonoids and triterpenoids which affects α‐amylase activity to maintain PT penetration in rice, which contributes to a better understanding of the function of CHS1 in crop fertility and breeding.
Heterosis and combining ability vis‐à‐vis association for green fruit yield and component traits involving male sterile lines in chilli (Capsicum annuum) under wet temperate zone of North Western Himalayas
Authors: Lata Hem , Sharma Akhilesh , Thakur Hament , Thakur Alisha , Rana Ranbir Singh , Kaur Manpreet
Published: May 2023

Fourteen genetically diverse inbred lines comprising of four genic male sterile lines and 10 often pollinated lines as testers were crossed following ‘line × tester’ mating design to generate 40 F1s. These F1s, parents and check ‘CH‐27’ were evaluated in α‐lattice square design, replicated thrice during summer seasons of 2020 and 2021. The male sterile line DPChMS 9‐2 was good general combiner for marketable fruit yield and eight other component traits while testers namely, DPCh 10, PBC 535, VVG, Him Palam Mirch‐2 and DPCh 40 showed significant GCA for majority of yield related traits. The hybrids DPChMS 9‐2 × HPM‐2, DPChMS 9‐2 × DPCh 40, DPChMS 9‐2 × DPCh 101, DPChMS 9‐2× VVG and DPChMS 26‐1× HPM‐1 were the most desirable based on specific combining ability (SCA) and economic heterosis for fruit yield and other important traits. Heterosis was positively correlated with SCA indicating prediction of potential hybrids can be made based on both these parameters simultaneously. Present study provides an opportunity to exploit top hybrids for stability and commercial cultivation.
Arabidopsis calmodulin‐like proteins CML13 and CML14 interact with proteins that have IQ domains
Authors: Teresinski Howard J. , Hau Bryan , Symonds Kyle , Kilburn Ryan , Munro Kim A. , Doner Nathan M. , Mullen Robert , Li Vivian H. , Snedden Wayne A.
Published: May 2023

In response to Ca2+ signals, the evolutionarily‐conserved Ca2+ sensor calmodulin (CaM) regulates protein targets via direct interaction. Plants possess many CaM‐like (CML) proteins, but their binding partners and functions are mostly unknown. Here, using Arabidopsis CML13 as ‘bait’ in a yeast two‐hybrid screen, we isolated putative targets from three, unrelated protein families, namely, IQD proteins, calmodulin‐binding transcriptional activators (CAMTAs) and myosins, all of which possess tandem isoleucine‐glutamine (IQ) structural domains. Using the split‐luciferase complementation assay in planta and the yeast 2‐hybrid system, CML13 and CML14 showed a preference for interaction with tandem over single IQ domains. Relative to CaM, CML13 and CML14 displayed weaker signals when tested with the non‐IQ, CaM‐binding domain of glutamate decarboxylase or the single IQ domains of CNGC20 (cyclic‐nucleotide gated channel‐20) or IQM1 (IQ motif protein1). We examined IQD14 as a representative tandem IQ‐protein and found that only CaM, CML13 and CML14 interacted with IQD14 among 12 CaM/CMLs tested. CaM, CML13 and CML14 bound in vitro to IQD14 in the presence or absence of Ca2+. Binding affinities were in the nM range and were higher when two tandem IQ domains from IQD14 were present. Green fluorescent protein‐tagged versions of CaM, CML13 and CML14 localized to both the cytosol and nucleus in plant cells but were partially relocalized to the microtubules when co‐expressed with IQD14 tagged with mCherry. These and other data are discussed in the context of possible roles for these CMLs in gene regulation via CAMTAs and cytoskeletal activity via myosins and IQD proteins.
Evaluating soil seed banks of phosphate mining restoration in the hyper‐arid Negev desert
Authors: Zylberberg Tom , Rotem Guy , Ziv Yaron
Published: May 2023

Ecological systems are severely damaged by the anthropogenic disturbance of mining. Phosphate open‐pit mining fields cover over 200 km2 of the Negev desert, Israel. However, the effects of the ongoing mine site restoration efforts on the plant community have not been studied. Plants and their seed banks have a major role in ecosystem processes and restoration. In this study, we focused on three mining sites, restored in different years, along Zin River valley. We compared the plant community of restored mining plots within these areas to adjacent natural plots. We asked whether plant community germination potential from the soil seed bank differs between the restored plots and the adjacent natural plots within a mining site. We hypothesized that: (1) there is a lack of seed bank in the restored plots; (2) the altered soil composition at the restored plots inhibits germination. We used soil samples collected from the different mining sites and set up greenhouse experiments. One experiment compared natural and restored areas with different soil treatments. In another experiment, we added native seeds to test their germination potential on restored soil. Our results indicate that lack of seed bank is the major limiting factor hindering germination and not the composition of the soil after restoration. Our findings shed light on the constraints of seed bank establishment in post‐mining areas of hyper‐arid regions. We suggest considering active restoration practices to facilitate natural dispersal and improve seed bank establishment.
Vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction—2022 Melbourne Roundtable Report
Authors: Leong Paul , Gibson Peter G. , Vertigan Anne E. , Hew Mark , McDonald Vanessa M. , Bardin Philip G.
Published: May 2023

Vocal cord dysfunction/inducible laryngeal obstruction (VCD/ILO), is a common condition characterized by breathlessness associated with inappropriate laryngeal narrowing. Important questions remain unresolved, and to improve collaboration and harmonization in the field, we convened an international Roundtable conference on VCD/ILO in Melbourne, Australia. The aims were to delineate a consistent approach to VCD/ILO diagnosis, appraise disease pathogenesis, outline current management and model(s) of care and identify key research questions. This report summarizes discussions, frames key questions and details recommendations. Participants discussed clinical, research and conceptual advances in the context of recent evidence. The condition presents in a heterogenous manner, and diagnosis is often delayed. Definitive diagnosis of VCD/ILO conventionally utilizes laryngoscopy demonstrating inspiratory vocal fold narrowing >50%. Computed tomography of the larynx is a new technology with potential for swift diagnosis that requires validation in clinical pathways. Disease pathogenesis and multimorbidity interactions are complex reflecting a multi‐factorial, complex condition, with no single overarching disease mechanism. Currently there is no evidence‐based standard of care since randomized trials for treatment are non‐existent. Recent multidisciplinary models of care need to be clearly articulated and prospectively investigated. Patient impact and healthcare utilization can be formidable but have largely escaped inquiry and patient perspectives have not been explored. Roundtable participants expressed optimism as collective understanding of this complex condition evolves. The Melbourne VCD/ILO Roundtable 2022 identified clear priorities and future directions for this impactful condition.
Biologics for severe asthma—Which, when and why?
Authors: Shah Peer Ameen , Brightling Chris
Published: May 2023

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that affects about 350 million people globally. In 5%–10% of individuals, it is severe, with considerable morbidity and high health care utilization. The goal of asthma management is disease control by reducing symptoms and exacerbations and reducing corticosteroid‐related morbidity. The era of biologics has revolutionized the management of severe asthma. Biologics have changed our expectations for severe asthma, especially in those people with type‐2 mediated immunity. We can now explore the potential for changing disease trajectory and inducing remission. However, biologics are not a panacea for all severe asthma sufferers and despite their success there remains substantial unmet clinical need. We review the pathogenesis of asthma, phenotyping the heterogeneity of asthma, currently licensed and future biologic agents, how to choose the initial biologic, assessing the response, remission and switching of biologic therapies.
Clinical and histopathological features of rostrolateral nasal alar arteriopathy of German shepherd dogs
Authors: Fleischman Drew A. , Mauldin Elizabeth A. , Lowe Andrew , Cain Christine L. , Bradley Charles W.
Published: May 2023

Background

Dermal arteritis of the nasal philtrum (DANP) has been described in large‐breed dogs.

Objectives

To characterise clinically distinct, discrete fissures of the dorsolateral nasal alae associated with severe bleeding in German shepherd dogs (GSDs).

Animals

Fourteen privately owned GSDs with linear rostrolateral nasal alar fissures and a histopathological diagnosis of nasal vasculopathy.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of medical records and histological slides.

Results

Mean age of onset was 6 years. Before biopsy, episodic arteriolar bleeding was noted in 11 of the 14 (79%) dogs. Slide analysis revealed enlarged nasal arterioles with expanded vascular tunics and luminal stenosis beneath ulcers. Histopathological lesions consistent with mucocutaneous pyoderma and/or facial discoid lupus erythematosus were present in 5 of the 14 (36%) dogs. Enlarged arterioles stained blue with Alcian blue and Masson's trichrome stains, consistent with deposition of mucin and collagen, respectively. Immunohistochemical stains (neutrophil myeloperoxidase, IBA1, CD3) were performed. CD3 was negative for all dogs, whilst neutrophil myeloperoxidase and IBA1 occasionally demonstrated intramural neutrophils (3 of the 14 dogs, 21%) or histiocytes (1 of the 14 dogs, 7%) in altered vessels, respectively. All dogs underwent medical management and/or surgical excision. Treatments included tacrolimus, prednisone, ciclosporin‐modified, pentoxifylline, antimicrobials and doxycycline/niacinamide. No dogs were treated with antimicrobials alone. For seven dogs with long‐term follow‐up, treatment response was complete in five (71%) and partial in two (29%), with six of the seven (86%) receiving immunomodulatory treatments to maintain remission.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Nasal alar arteriopathy of GSDs shares histopathological changes with DANP. It has characteristic clinical and histopathological features and appears amenable to immunomodulation.
Advanced oxidation processes for the degradation of microplastics from the environment: A review
Authors: Gayathri Padinchare Veettil , Joseph Shijo , Mohan Mahesh , Pillai Devika
Published: May 2023

Microplastic pollution has rapidly become one of the major global environmental concerns because of its low biodegradability rate and threat to biota. Although many treatment methods are reported, the advanced oxidation process (AOP) is recommended because of its capacity to completely mineralize organic pollutants into carbon dioxide and water. This review gathers published investigations on recent AOP techniques (UV/solar photolysis and photocatalysis (PC), UV/H2O2, Fenton reaction, sonolysis, heat‐activated persulphate and peroxymonosulphate) tested for the degradation of microplastics from water and wastewater. The review lists 54 studies, by far the most comprehensive collection on the AOP‐driven treatment of microplastics, and is also the first to explain the methods related to the ultrasonic degradation of microplastics. We found that all the reviewed AOP techniques achieved satisfying performance in the degradation of microplastics. This paper proposes recommendations for future research based on the review.
Influences of cathode potential and carbon source on parabromoaniline degradation in microbial electrolysis cell
Authors: Zhao Xia , Li Bowen , Zhang Guozhen , Xu Yumin , Pei Weina , Wang Hao
Published: May 2023

A microbial electrolysis cell was established to explore the degradation characteristics of characteristic pollutants in wastewater for parabromoaniline (P‐BrA). Their effects on P‐BrA reduction and degradation were investigated through factors such as impressed voltage and cosubstrate type. The P‐BrA residue and degradation in wastewater were analysed quantitatively through analytical testing methods, such as ultraviolet–visible, cyclic voltammetry, high‐performance liquid chromatograph, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that under the cathode potential of 0.5 V, electrons and electroactive microorganisms generate coupling action to accelerate the degradation of P‐BrA, reaching 94.94%. Moreover, the addition of carbon source organisms, such as glucose and sodium acetate, can facilitate the degradation of P‐BrA in the cathode chamber on the precondition that the electroactive anaerobic microbial C/N ratio was satisfied, both reaching over 90%. In addition, the microbial community diversity and richness of bioelectrochemistry system were enhanced after bioaugmentation. The increase in the Anacrolincalcs, Betaproteobacteriales, and Micrococcales also played an important role in the granulation of bioelectrochemistry system and the removal of characteristic pollutants.
Regularity of viscosity solutions of the σk$\sigma _k$‐Loewner–Nirenberg problem
Authors: Li YanYan , Nguyen Luc , Xiong Jingang
Published: May 2023

We study the regularity of the viscosity solution of the ‐Loewner–Nirenberg problem on a bounded smooth domain for . It was known that is locally Lipschitz in . We prove that, with being the distance function to and sufficiently small, is smooth in and the first derivatives of are Hölder continuous in . Moreover, we identify a boundary invariant which is a polynomial of the principal curvatures of and its covariant derivatives and vanishes if and only if is smooth in . Using a relation between the Schouten tensor of the ambient manifold and the mean curvature of a submanifold and related tools from geometric measure theory, we further prove that, when contains more than one connected components, is not differentiable in .
La interacción urbana para estimar el valor del suelo en San Salvador
Authors: Gámez Zelaya Rubén , Geovannini Acuña Helga
Published: May 2023

En el mercado de los bienes raíces, para conocer el valor de los inmuebles es necesario realizar un análisis de los factores que, de acuerdo con las características propias y condiciones particulares de cada ubicación, son los que determinan dicho valor. Para ello se desarrolla un método novedoso de tasación inmobiliaria que involucra al factor de interacción urbana, el cual considera la ubicación del inmueble y su interacción contextual, es decir, la localización influenciada por la relatividad entre el valor del activo sujeto estudiado y el efecto que el contexto urbano tiene a su vez en este. Tras la realización de un estudio de mercado de una muestra representativa de inmuebles de la zona urbana de San Salvador, El Salvador, y la aplicación del factor de interacción urbana mediante el uso de un software de sistemas de información geográfica, se presenta un mapa del valor del suelo de la ciudad.
“Mi Pieza”: la dimensión energética en una política habitacional para mujeres de barrios populares argentinos
Authors: Gonza Cinthia Natalia , Herrera Franco Hessling , González Facundo David
Published: May 2023

La falta de acceso a la vivienda digna es un grave problema que enfrenta la región latinoamericana y que se profundiza en la población femenina. Además de las limitaciones de las mujeres al acceso a la vivienda, es necesario indagar los tipos de viviendas a los que pueden acceder y las condiciones de vida que en estas se reproducen. A partir de estos escenarios, y de la comprensión integral del hábitat, el artículo problematiza y analiza el programa “Mi Pieza” en tanto política pública dirigida a mujeres de “barrios populares” de Argentina, que financia la refacción, el mejoramiento y la ampliación de sus viviendas. Desde allí, y en diálogo con los datos arrojado por el Registro Nacional de Barrios Populares, se indaga por la dimensión energética presente en dicho programa.
Determination of Optimum Design Parameters for Gyroid Scaffolds to Mimic a Real Bone-Like Condition In Vitro: A Fluid Structure Interaction Study
Authors: Gupta Abhisek , Rana Masud , Mondal Nitesh
Published: May 2023

A suitable scaffold architecture is always desirable to get a biomimetic scaffold for bone tissue engineering. In this regard, a fluid structure interaction analysis was carried out on different Micro-CTs (μCTs) and gyroids to observe the in vitro mechanical responses due to fluid flow. Computational fluid dynamics method was used to evaluate the permeability and wall shear stress (WSS), followed by a finite element method to obtain the mechanical stress within scaffolds. Different types of gyroids were designed based on the number of unit cells and porosity, where porosity of gyroids was kept same as μCTs. The main objective of the study is to examine the variations of permeability, WSS and mechanical stress with respect to the number of unit cells and porosity for different gyroids and μCTs. Mechanical responses were also compared between gyroids and μCTs. The results of this study highlighted that permeability and WSS of μCTs came close to the gyroids with eight unit cells but had significant differences in mechanical stress. The permeability of gyroids increased with the increase of porosity but decreased with the increase in number of unit cells. The opposite trend was shown in case of WSS within gyroids. This study will guide us in predicting an ideal scaffold for trabecular bone replacement.
Modeling Analysis of Seismic Wave Generation and Control Based on Twin Rotary Valve
Authors: Wang Tao , Liu Yi , Zhang Sheng
Published: May 2023

The earthquake simulation shaking table is an indispensable equipment for earthquake research. A new seismic wave generation and control method based on the twin rotary valve is proposed to meet the requirements of the flexible regulation of simulated seismic waves for large-scale testing. Meanwhile, the static and dynamic regulation characteristics are analyzed based on the mathematical model of the novel system aiming to further improve the frequency bandwidth and amplitude of the system. The research results show that the novel structure and control method are feasible in terms of the flexible regulation of the waveform frequency and amplitude, which provides new ideas to further enhance the level of the seismic wave control technology for large-scale testing.
An over-approximation of entropy for elemental multiconfigurational ground state electronic structures
Authors: Beaux Miles F.
Published: May 2023

The ability to predict the chemical and physical properties of a material is directly related to the structure and interactions of its electrons. For materials comprised of f-block elements (the lanthanides and actinides found in the last two rows of the periodic table), the complexity of electronic structure has presented great difficulty in understanding, modeling, and predicting material properties. The complexity of multiconfigurational ground state electronic structures is illustrated herein by the combinatorics of electron permutations within individual and cumulative occupancy configurations. A non-integer orbital occupancy representation of multiconfigurational ground states is described for superposition mixing between multiple near-energy degenerate occupancy configurations and generalized in such a way that established ground states are returned by approximation for elements with less-complex electronic structures. By considering the occupancy configurations as statistical mechanics macrostates, and the permutations of electrons as statistical mechanics microstates within those macrostates, an over-approximation of entropy for multiconfigurational elemental ground state electronic structures has been calculated.
Broadband backscattering from scyphozoan jellyfish
Authors: Kahn Rachel E. , Lavery Andone C. , Govindarajan Annette F.
Published: May 2023

As the ecological importance of gelatinous organisms becomes increasingly appreciated, so has the need for improved knowledge of their abundance and distribution. Acoustic backscattering measurements are routine for fisheries assessments but are not yet widely used to survey populations of gelatinous zooplankton. The use of acoustic backscattering techniques to understand the distribution and abundance of organisms requires an understanding of their target strength (TS). This study presents a framework for a sound scattering model for jellyfish based on the Distorted Wave Born Approximation that incorporates size, shape, and material properties of individual organisms. This model, with a full three-dimensional shape rendition, is applied to a common species of scyphomedusa (Chrysaora chesapeakei) and verified experimentally with broadband (52–90 and 93–161 kHz) laboratory TS measurements of live individuals. Cyclical changes in the organism's shape due to swimming kinematics were examined, as well as averages over swimming position and comparisons with scattering from simpler shapes. The model predicts overall backscattering levels and broad spectral behavior within <2 dB. Measured TS exhibits greater variability than is predicted by scaling the size of the organism in the scattering model, showing that density and sound speed vary among individuals.
Effect of Bridge Exercise Duration on Lateral Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Gluteus Maximus Activation
Authors: Kellis Eleftherios , Konstantopoulos Athanasios , Ellinoudis Athanasios
Published: May 2023

Context: Bridge exercises are extensively used in trunk-strengthening programs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bridging duration on lateral abdominal muscle thickness and gluteus maximus activation. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Twenty-five young males participated in this study. Transversus abdominal (TrA), external and internal oblique ultrasound thickness, gluteus maximus electromyographic activation, and sacral tilt angle were simultaneously measured for every second during 30-second bridging exercise. The contraction thickness ratio and root mean squared signal (normalized to maximum isometric contraction signal) during 6 exercise durations (from 0 to 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 s) were also calculated and compared using analysis of variance designs. Results: TrA and internal oblique contraction thickness ratio and gluteus maximus root mean squared increased during the first 8 to 10 seconds and remained elevated until the end of the 30-second exercise (P < .05). External oblique contraction thickness ratio declined during exercise (P < .05). Five-second bridging showed less TrA thickness and anteroposterior and mediolateral sacral tilt angle and a lower anteroposterior tilt variability compared with bridges, which lasted more than 10 seconds (P < .05). Conclusions: Bridge exercises longer than 10 seconds may be better for promoting TrA recruitment than bridges of shorter duration. Clinicians and exercise specialists could adjust the duration of bridge exercise based on the aims of the exercise program.
Proteomic identification of beer brewing products in the ground layer of Danish Golden Age paintings
Authors: Di Gianvincenzo Fabiana , Andersen Cecil Krarup , Filtenborg Troels , Mackie Meaghan , Ernst Madeleine , Ramos Madrigal Jazmín , Olsen Jesper V. , Wadum Jørgen , Cappellini Enrico
Published: May 2023

The application of mass spectrometry–based proteomics to artworks provides accurate and detailed characterization of protein-based materials used in their production. This is highly valuable to plan conservation strategies and reconstruct the artwork’s history. In this work, the proteomic analysis of canvas paintings from the Danish Golden Age led to the confident identification of cereal and yeast proteins in the ground layer. This proteomic profile points to a (by-)product of beer brewing, in agreement with local artists’ manuals. The use of this unconventional binder can be connected to the workshops within the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. The mass spectrometric dataset generated from proteomics was also processed with a metabolomics workflow. The spectral matches observed supported the proteomic conclusions, and, in at least one sample, suggested the use of drying oils. These results highlight the value of untargeted proteomics in heritage science, correlating unconventional artistic materials with local culture and practices.
Multiomic signals associated with maternal epidemiological factors contributing to preterm birth in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Espinosa Camilo A. , Khan Waqasuddin , Khanam Rasheda , Das Sayan , Khalid Javairia , Pervin Jesmin , Kasaro Margaret P. , Contrepois Kévin , Chang Alan L. , Phongpreecha Thanaphong , Michael Basil , Ellenberger Mathew , Mehmood Usma , Hotwani Aneeta , Nizar Ambreen , Kabir Furqan , Wong Ronald J. , Becker Martin , Berson Eloise , Culos Anthony , De Francesco Davide , Mataraso Samson , Ravindra Neal , Thuraiappah Melan , Xenochristou Maria , Stelzer Ina A. , Marić Ivana , Dutta Arup , Raqib Rubhana , Ahmed Salahuddin , Rahman Sayedur , Hasan A. S. M. Tarik , Ali Said M. , Juma Mohamed H. , Rahman Monjur , Aktar Shaki , Deb Saikat , Price Joan T. , Wise Paul H. , Winn Virginia D. , Druzin Maurice L. , Gibbs Ronald S. , Darmstadt Gary L. , Murray Jeffrey C. , Stringer Jeffrey S. A. , Gaudilliere Brice , Snyder Michael P. , Angst Martin S. , Rahman Anisur , Baqui Abdullah H. , Jehan Fyezah , Nisar Muhammad Imran , Vwalika Bellington , Sazawal Sunil , Shaw Gary M. , Stevenson David K. , Aghaeepour Nima
Published: May 2023

Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of death in children under five, yet comprehensive studies are hindered by its multiple complex etiologies. Epidemiological associations between PTB and maternal characteristics have been previously described. This work used multiomic profiling and multivariate modeling to investigate the biological signatures of these characteristics. Maternal covariates were collected during pregnancy from 13,841 pregnant women across five sites. Plasma samples from 231 participants were analyzed to generate proteomic, metabolomic, and lipidomic datasets. Machine learning models showed robust performance for the prediction of PTB (AUROC = 0.70), time-to-delivery (
r
= 0.65), maternal age (
r
= 0.59), gravidity (
r
= 0.56), and BMI (
r
= 0.81). Time-to-delivery biological correlates included fetal-associated proteins (e.g., ALPP, AFP, and PGF) and immune proteins (e.g., PD-L1, CCL28, and LIFR). Maternal age negatively correlated with collagen COL9A1, gravidity with endothelial NOS and inflammatory chemokine CXCL13, and BMI with leptin and structural protein FABP4. These results provide an integrated view of epidemiological factors associated with PTB and identify biological signatures of clinical covariates affecting this disease.
Paleomagnetic evidence for a long-lived, potentially reversing martian dynamo at ~3.9 Ga
Authors: Steele Sarah C. , Fu Roger R. , Volk Michael W. R. , North Thomas L. , Brenner Alec R. , Muxworthy Adrian R. , Collins Gareth S. , Davison Thomas M.
Published: May 2023

The 4.1-billion-year-old meteorite Allan Hills 84001 (ALH 84001) may preserve a magnetic record of the extinct martian dynamo. However, previous paleomagnetic studies have reported heterogeneous, nonunidirectional magnetization in the meteorite at submillimeter scales, calling into question whether it records a dynamo field. We use the quantum diamond microscope to analyze igneous Fe-sulfides in ALH 84001 that may carry remanence as old as 4.1 billion years (Ga). We find that individual, 100-μm-scale ferromagnetic mineral assemblages are strongly magnetized in two nearly antipodal directions. This suggests that the meteorite recorded strong fields following impact heating at 4.1 to 3.95 Ga, after which at least one further impact heterogeneously remagnetized the meteorite in a nearly antipodal local field. These observations are most simply explained by a reversing martian dynamo that was active until 3.9 Ga, thereby implying a late cessation for the martian dynamo and potentially documenting reversing behavior in a nonterrestrial planetary dynamo.
Environment-dependent epistasis increases phenotypic diversity in gene regulatory networks
Authors: Baier Florian , Gauye Florence , Perez-Carrasco Ruben , Payne Joshua L. , Schaerli Yolanda
Published: May 2023

Mutations to gene regulatory networks can be maladaptive or a source of evolutionary novelty. Epistasis confounds our understanding of how mutations affect the expression patterns of gene regulatory networks, a challenge exacerbated by the dependence of epistasis on the environment. We used the toolkit of synthetic biology to systematically assay the effects of pairwise and triplet combinations of mutant genotypes on the expression pattern of a gene regulatory network expressed in
Escherichia coli
that interprets an inducer gradient across a spatial domain. We uncovered a preponderance of epistasis that can switch in magnitude and sign across the inducer gradient to produce a greater diversity of expression pattern phenotypes than would be possible in the absence of such environment-dependent epistasis. We discuss our findings in the context of the evolution of hybrid incompatibilities and evolutionary novelties.
A randomized controlled trial of an intervention to increase cultural diversity awareness of research mentors of undergraduate students
Authors: Byars-Winston Angela , Rogers Jenna Griebel , Thayer-Hart Nancy , Black Sherilynn , Branchaw Janet , Pfund Christine
Published: May 2023

Cultural diversity variables like race and/or ethnicity influence research mentoring relationships, but mentors may not know how to address such variables with their mentees. Using a randomized controlled trial design, we tested a mentor training intervention to increase mentors’ awareness and skill in addressing cultural diversity in research mentoring relationships, documenting its impact on mentors and their undergraduate mentees’ ratings of mentor effectiveness. Participants were a national sample of 216 mentors and 117 mentees from 32 undergraduate research training programs in the United States. Mentors in the experimental condition reported greater gains than those in the comparison condition regarding the relevance of their racial/ethnic identity to mentoring and their confidence to mentor students across diverse cultural identities. Paired mentees of mentors in the experimental group rated their mentors higher at respectfully broaching and creating opportunities to address race/ethnicity matters than those with mentors in the comparison group. Our results support the efficacy of culturally focused mentorship education.
Nonlinear terahertz control of the lead halide perovskite lattice
Authors: Frenzel Maximilian , Cherasse Marie , Urban Joanna M. , Wang Feifan , Xiang Bo , Nest Leona , Huber Lucas , Perfetti Luca , Wolf Martin , Kampfrath Tobias , Zhu X.-Y. , Maehrlein Sebastian F.
Published: May 2023

Lead halide perovskites (LHPs) have emerged as an excellent class of semiconductors for next-generation solar cells and optoelectronic devices. Tailoring physical properties by fine-tuning the lattice structures has been explored in these materials by chemical composition or morphology. Nevertheless, its dynamic counterpart, phonon-driven ultrafast material control, as contemporarily harnessed for oxide perovskites, has not yet been established. Here, we use intense THz electric fields to obtain direct lattice control via nonlinear excitation of coherent octahedral twist modes in hybrid CH
3
NH
3
PbBr
3
and all-inorganic CsPbBr
3
perovskites. These Raman-active phonons at 0.9 to 1.3 THz are found to govern the ultrafast THz-induced Kerr effect in the low-temperature orthorhombic phase and thus dominate the phonon-modulated polarizability with potential implications for dynamic charge carrier screening beyond the Fröhlich polaron. Our work opens the door to selective control of LHP’s vibrational degrees of freedom governing phase transitions and dynamic disorder.
Higher-order topological polariton corner state lasing
Authors: Wu Jinqi , Ghosh Sanjib , Gan Yusong , Shi Ying , Mandal Subhaskar , Sun Handong , Zhang Baile , Liew Timothy C. H. , Su Rui , Xiong Qihua
Published: May 2023

Unlike conventional laser, the topological laser is able to emit coherent light robustly against disorders and defects because of its nontrivial band topology. As a promising platform for low-power consumption, exciton polariton topological lasers require no population inversion, a unique property that can be attributed to the part-light-part-matter bosonic nature and strong nonlinearity of exciton polaritons. Recently, the discovery of higher-order topology has shifted the paradigm of topological physics to topological states at boundaries of boundaries, such as corners. However, such topological corner states have never been realized in the exciton polariton system yet. Here, on the basis of an extended two-dimensional Su-Schrieffer-Heeger lattice model, we experimentally demonstrate the topological corner states of perovskite polaritons and achieved polariton corner state lasing with a low threshold (approximately microjoule per square centimeter) at room temperature. The realization of such polariton corner states also provides a mechanism of polariton localization under topological protection, paving the way toward on-chip active polaritonics using higher-order topology.
At-home wireless sleep monitoring patches for the clinical assessment of sleep quality and sleep apnea
Authors: Kwon Shinjae , Kim Hyeon Seok , Kwon Kangkyu , Kim Hodam , Kim Yun Soung , Lee Sung Hoon , Kwon Young-Tae , Jeong Jae-Woong , Trotti Lynn Marie , Duarte Audrey , Yeo Woon-Hong
Published: May 2023

Although many people suffer from sleep disorders, most are undiagnosed, leading to impairments in health. The existing polysomnography method is not easily accessible; it's costly, burdensome to patients, and requires specialized facilities and personnel. Here, we report an at-home portable system that includes wireless sleep sensors and wearable electronics with embedded machine learning. We also show its application for assessing sleep quality and detecting sleep apnea with multiple patients. Unlike the conventional system using numerous bulky sensors, the soft, all-integrated wearable platform offers natural sleep wherever the user prefers. In a clinical study, the face-mounted patches that detect brain, eye, and muscle signals show comparable performance with polysomnography. When comparing healthy controls to sleep apnea patients, the wearable system can detect obstructive sleep apnea with an accuracy of 88.5%. Furthermore, deep learning offers automated sleep scoring, demonstrating portability, and point-of-care usability. At-home wearable electronics could ensure a promising future supporting portable sleep monitoring and home healthcare.
Non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer molecular subtypes predict differential response to intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin
Authors: de Jong Florus C. , Laajala Teemu D. , Hoedemaeker Robert F. , Jordan Kimberley R. , van der Made Angelique C. J. , Boevé Egbert R. , van der Schoot Deric K. E. , Nieuwkamer Bart , Janssen Emiel A. M. , Mahmoudi Tokameh , Boormans Joost L. , Theodorescu Dan , Costello James C. , Zuiverloon Tahlita C. M.
Published: May 2023

The recommended treatment for patients with high-risk non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (HR-NMIBC) is tumor resection followed by adjuvant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) bladder instillations. However, only 50% of patients benefit from this therapy. If progression to advanced disease occurs, then patients must undergo a radical cystectomy with risks of substantial morbidity and poor clinical outcome. Identifying tumors unlikely to respond to BCG can translate into alternative treatments, such as early radical cystectomy, targeted therapies, or immunotherapies. Here, we conducted molecular profiling of 132 patients with BCG-naive HR-NMIBC and 44 patients with recurrences after BCG (34 matched), which uncovered three distinct BCG response subtypes (BRS1, 2 and BRS3). Patients with BRS3 tumors had a reduced recurrence-free and progression-free survival compared with BRS1/2. BRS3 tumors expressed high epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and basal markers and had an immunosuppressive profile, which was confirmed with spatial proteomics. Tumors that recurred after BCG were enriched for BRS3. BRS stratification was validated in a second cohort of 151 BCG-naive patients with HR-NMIBC, and the molecular subtypes outperformed guideline-recommended risk stratification based on clinicopathological variables. For clinical application, we confirmed that a commercially approved assay was able to predict BRS3 tumors with an area under the curve of 0.87. These BCG response subtypes will allow for improved identification of patients with HR-NMIBC at the highest risk of progression and have the potential to be used to select more appropriate treatments for patients unlikely to respond to BCG.
Integration of Phenotypes in Microbiome Networks for Designing Synthetic Communities: a Study of Mycobiomes in the Grafted Tomato System
Authors: Poudel Ravin , Jumpponen Ari , Kennelly Megan M. , Rivard Cary , Gomez-Montano Lorena , Garrett Karen A.
Published: May 2023

The realized benefits of microbiome analyses for plant health and disease management are often limited by the lack of methods to select manageable and testable synthetic microbiomes. We evaluated the composition and diversity of root-associated fungal communities from grafted tomatoes.