bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BRICS and the Global Financial Order
Authors: Petry Johannes , Nölke Andreas
Published: October 2024

The global financial system is the economic bedrock of the contemporary liberal economic order. Contrary to other global-economy areas, finance is rarely analyzed in discussions on contestations of economic liberalism. However, a quite comprehensive process of external contestation of the global financial order (GFO) is underway. This contestation occurs through the rising share of emerging market economies within global finance in recent years, especially the rise of the BRICS economies. This Element investigates whether and how the BRICS contest the contemporary GFO by conducting a systematic empirical analysis across seven countries, eleven issues areas and three dimensions. This contestation occurs across issue areas but is mostly concentrated on the domestic and transnational dimension, not the international level on which much research focuses. Rather than the entire BRICS, it is especially China, Russia and India that contest liberal finance. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Evaluating adoption and reach in a pragmatic randomized trial of community paramedicine for intermediate acuity patient care
Authors: Ridgeway Jennifer L. , Sundt Wendy J. S. , Krpata Tami S. , Glasgow Amy , Smith Olivia A. , Lampman Michelle A. , Smith-Stellflug Jamie L. , Menser Terri L. , Juntunen Michael B. , Liedl Chad P. , Hentz Joseph G. , McCoy Jessica J. , McCoy Rozalina G.
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Pragmatic trials aim to speed translation to practice by integrating study procedures in routine care settings. This study evaluated implementation outcomes related to clinician and patient recruitment and participation in a trial of community paramedicine (CP) and presents successes and challenges of maintaining pragmatic study features.

Methods:

Adults in the pre-hospital setting, emergency department (ED), or hospital being considered for referral to the ED/hospital or continued hospitalization for intermediate-level care were randomized 1:1 to CP care or usual care. Referral and enrollment data were tracked administratively, and patient characteristics were abstracted from the electronic health record (EHR). Enrolled patients completed baseline surveys, and a subset of intervention patients were interviewed. All CPs and a sample of clinicians and administrators were invited to complete a survey and interview.

Results:

Between January 2022 and February 2023, 240 enrolled patients (42% rural) completed surveys, and 22 completed an interview; 63 staff completed surveys and 20 completed an interview. Ninety-three clinicians in 27 departments made at least one referral. Factors related to referrals included program awareness and understanding the CP practice scope. Most patients were enrolled in the hospital, but characteristics were similar to the primary care population and included older and medically complex patients. Challenges to achieving representativeness included limited EHR infrastructure, constraints related to patient consenting, and clinician concerns about patient randomization disrupting preferred care.

Conclusion:

Future pragmatic trials in busy clinical settings may benefit from regulatory policies and EHR capabilities that allow for real-world study conduct and representative participation. Trial registration: NCT05232799.
Embedding clinical trial elements into clinical practice: Experiences from trial designers and implementers
Authors: Dombeck Carrie , Swezey Teresa , Kehoe Lindsay , Kinchen Kraig , Roe Matthew , Stewart Mark , Corneli Amy
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Researchers and policymakers recognize that leveraging data routinely collected in clinical practice can support improved research and patient care. Embedding elements of clinical trials, such as patient identification and trial data acquisition, into clinical practice can enable research access and increase efficiencies by reducing duplication of trial and care activities. Yet, cultural, administrative, and data barriers exist. The Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative (CTTI) developed evidenced-based, multi-partner recommendations to facilitate embedding interventional, randomized trials into clinical practice.

Methods:

We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with trial designers and implementers to describe their motivations for embedding interventional, randomized trials into clinical practice. Additionally, we aimed to identify barriers and potential solutions to implementing such trials. Interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed using applied thematic analysis.

Results:

We conducted 16 IDIs with 18 trial designers and implementers. Motivations for embedding trials into clinical practice included the desire to implement a learning health system and evaluate trials in real-world settings. Barriers to trial implementation focused on limited staff time and availability, the lack of buy-in, and difficulties using electronic health record data. Solutions included minimizing healthcare settings and patient burden, having a sufficient data and research infrastructure in place, and creating a culture change.

Conclusion:

The results informed CTTI recommendations to facilitate the design and operation of embedded trials. These recommendations emphasize areas where sponsors and investigators can rethink the design and conduct of clinical trials to ultimately realize an aligned system of research and care.
Exploring employment (de-)routinisation, premature deindustrialisation, and informal labour interactions: Evidence from Morocco
Authors: El Mokri Karim , El Abbassi Idriss , Ibourk Aomar
Published: October 2024

This paper explores the (de-)routinisation of employment structure in developing countries, through the case of Morocco. We investigate employment (de-)routinisation from an often-overlooked perspective, aiming to elucidate the interplay between the dynamics of occupational employment composition by the level of routine tasks intensity and two structural aspects: premature deindustrialisation and the prevalence of informal labour.

Our findings, based on tertile analysis and regressions, do not fully support the hypothesis of employment structure de-routinisation. At the same time, we could not identify a clear process of routinisation similar to that observed in developing countries undergoing the first stage of the traditional structural transformation process. Rather, we identified an inverted U-shaped pattern in the dynamics of occupational employment, indicative of a rise in intermediate routine-intensive occupations.

We emphasise two key factors, with opposite effects that have contributed to this atypical pattern: The first aspect is premature deindustrialisation, which according to our shift-share decomposition, has adversely affected highly routine-intensive jobs, contrasting with the routinisation trend observed in countries that have experienced a more traditional process of structural transformation. The influence of premature deindustrialisation in terms of de-routinisation is somewhat mitigated by the increasing prevalence of occupations demanding intermediate routine tasks, particularly within the services and construction sector. Regarding the second structural aspect – the prevalence of informal labour – our three-way interaction model indicates a lower susceptibility of informal jobs to de-routinisation compared to their formal counterparts within the same industry. Consequently, the prevalence of informal employment has slowed down the process of de-routinisation of employment structure.
Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukr. v. Russ.) (Judgment on Preliminary Objections) (I.C.J.)
Authors: Drummond Catherine
Published: October 2024

On February 2, 2024, the International Court of Justice (the Court) delivered its preliminary objections judgment in the case brought by Ukraine against Russia under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the Genocide Convention).
Measuring Mayoral Responsiveness to Latine Lesbians and Gay Men
Authors: Proctor Andrew , Saraceno Joseph
Published: October 2024

Using a national audit of mayors in the United States, this paper examines responsiveness to Latine lesbian and gay constituents who request that their city issue an LGBTQ pride proclamation. Drawing on theories of intersectionality, descriptive representation, and political institutions, we articulate the conditions under which mayors are responsive to public-facing constituency service requests to issue LGBTQ pride proclamations. We find that mayors are more responsive to requests from lesbian couples than gay couples. In addition, baseline responsiveness to our inquiry was influenced by mayors’ identity characteristics. LGBTQ mayors were more likely to respond than non-LGBTQ mayors, but Latine mayors were less likely to respond than non-Latine mayors. In addition, mayors who represent cities where nondiscrimination ordinances protect LGBT people from discrimination were more responsive than mayors who represent cities where LGBT people are not protected from discrimination. These findings demonstrate how intersectional frameworks can advance audit experiments and that shared descriptive characteristics do not inevitably translate into responsiveness, a common assumption in single-axis studies of representation.
Narrow rows increase maize grain yield regardless of plant density in a Mediterranean environment
Authors: Bassu Simona , Motzo Rosella , Bertulu Maria Chiara , Giunta Francesco
Published: October 2024

The spatial distribution of maize plants influences the number of kernels set per plant by modifying the radiation environment during the critical period for kernel number determination. A two-year field experiment was conducted in Sardinia to explore whether, in a Mediterranean environment, a reduction in row distance can have a positive effect on grain yield of full-season maize hybrids and, if it does, whether this effect is also affected by plant density. Treatments were a factorial combination of three plant densities (6, 8 and 10 plants/m2) and two row spacings (35 and 70 cm). Grain yield and grain number benefited from a reduction in row distance from the canonical 70 cm to 35 cm irrespective of plant density and yield level (14.7 t/ha on average in 2021, 9.9 t/ha in 2022 vs 13.7 and 8.8 t/ha with canonical row distance). Row distance did not affect either the coefficient of extinction of radiation or the intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) during the critical period for grain number determination. The higher grain number per unit area at the smaller row distance translated into a greater grain yield, which cannot solely be attributed to radiation interception and plant growth rate during the period of kernel number determination. Halving the common row distance is a valuable management option for full-season hybrids grown in Mediterranean environments without nitrogen and water limitations as it seems capable of increasing grain yield via an increase in kernel number per unit area, regardless of plant density and yield level.
Nutrition in the prevention and treatment of skeletal muscle ageing and sarcopenia: a single nutrient, a whole food and a whole diet approach
Authors: Granic Antoneta , Sayer Avan A , Cooper Rachel , Robinson Sian M
Published: October 2024

Loss of skeletal muscle strength and mass (sarcopenia) is common in older adults and associated with an increased risk of disability, frailty and premature death. Finding cost-effective prevention and treatment strategies for sarcopenia for the growing ageing population is therefore of great public health interest. Although nutrition is considered an important factor in the aetiology of sarcopenia, its potential for sarcopenia prevention and/or treatment is still being evaluated. Nutrition research for sarcopenia utilises three main approaches to understand muscle-nutrition relationships, evaluating: single nutrients, whole foods and whole diet effects – both alone or combined with exercise. Applying these approaches, we summarise recent evidence from qualitative and quantitative syntheses of findings from observational and intervention studies of healthy older adults, and those with sarcopenia. We consider protein supplements, whole foods (fruits and vegetables) and the Mediterranean diet as exemplars. There is some evidence of beneficial effects of protein supplementation ≥ 0·8 g/kg body weight/d on muscle mass when combined with exercise training in intervention studies of healthy and sarcopenic older adults. In contrast, evidence for effects on muscle function (strength and physical performance) is inconclusive. There is reasonably consistent epidemiological evidence suggesting benefits of higher fruits and vegetables consumption for better physical performance. Similarly, higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with beneficial effects on muscle function in observational studies. However, intervention studies are lacking. This review discusses how current evidence may inform the development of preventive and intervention strategies for optimal muscle ageing and nutritional public policy aimed at combatting sarcopenia.
Preservation Potentials of Siderite in Low‐Temperature Brines Relevant to Mars
Authors: Chen Bohao , Yu Xiao‐Wen , Zhao Yu‐Yan Sara , Zhou Di‐Sheng , Qu Shuai‐Yi , Zhao Jiannan , Qi Chao , Li Xiongyao , Liu Jianzhong
Published: October 2024

The scarce carbonate record on the Martian surface is one of the fundamental unsolved issues for paleoclimate and environmental evolution. Whether carbonates first formed and then dissolved due to a transition in global environments or whether Mg–Fe carbonates never extensively formed due to geochemical kinetics thresholds remains unknown. In this study, we experimentally examined the preservation potential of siderite in Mars‐relevant fluids, including ultrapure water, H2O2, NaClO4, NaClO3, NaCl, Na2SO4, NaHCO3, and Na2SiO3 solutions, at 277 K. The effects of the water/rock ratio at WR10 and WR100 on dissolution rates were also investigated. We found that siderite dissolution and subsequent oxidation and hydrolysis of leached Fe did not substantially acidify the solutions. The siderite dissolved relatively rapidly in the chloride and chlorate solutions and slowly in the silica or bicarbonate solutions. In a circum‐neutral to slightly alkaline aqueous environment with oxidative species, the mobility of leached Fe was limited, leading to the formation of goethite or lepidocrocite, which clustered on the siderite surface. The longest lifetime of 1‐mm siderite grains was found in the Na2SiO3 solution at WR100, which was estimated to range from 198 ka to 198 Ma. Water‐limited, silica‐rich, and oxidative aqueous environments benefit siderite preservation on the Martian surface. Our results support that the lack of voluminous siderite on Mars may be primarily due to the inhibition of its formation rather than alteration and dissolution after its presence, consistent with the recent detection of Mg–Fe carbonate at Gale Crater and Jezero Crater.
A Synchronous Moon as a Possible Cause of Mars' Initial Triaxiality
Authors: Efroimsky Michael
Published: October 2024

The paper addresses the possibility of a young Mars having had a massive moon, which synchronized the rotation of Mars, and gave Mars an initial asymmetric triaxiality to be later boosted by geological processes. It turns out that a moon of less than a third of the lunar mass was capable of producing a sufficient initial triaxiality. The asymmetry of the initial tidal shape of the equator depends on timing: the initial asymmetry is much stronger if the synchronous moon shows up already at the magma‐ocean stage. From the moment of synchronization of Mars' rotation with the moon's orbital motion, and until the moon was eliminated (as one possibility, by an impact in the beginning of the Late Heavy Bombardment), the moon was sustaining an early value of Mars' rotation rate.
Subaerial Profiles at Two Beaches: Equilibrium and Machine Learning
Authors: Siegelman M. N. , McCarthy R. A. , Young A. P. , O’Reilly W. , Matsumoto H. , Johnson M. , Mack C. , Guza R. T.
Published: October 2024

Shoreline position (e.g., beach width) is a critical component of flooding and overtopping forecasts but difficult to predict accurately. We model beach width changes with a supervised machine learning (ML) approach informed by equilibrium principles. The time history of wave energy anomalies that force equilibrium models is used as an ML input feature. The sweeping simplifying equilibrium model assumptions relating beach width change to anomalies are replaced with data‐based ML results. Supervised learning regression methods including linear, support vector, decision trees, and ensemble regressors are tested. Observations for model training and testing includes weekly to quarterly beach elevation surveys spanning approximately 500 m alongshore and 8 years at two beaches, each supplemented with several months of ∼100 sub‐weekly surveys. These beaches, with different sediment types (sand vs. sand‐cobble mix), both widen in summer in response to the seasonal wave climate, in agreement with a generic equilibrium model. Differences in backshore erodability contribute to differing beach responses in the stormiest (El Niño) year that are reproduced by a simple extra trees regression model but not by the equilibrium model. With sufficiently extensive training data, the ML model outperforms equilibrium by providing flexibility and complexity in the response to wave forcing. The present ML and equilibrium models both fail to simulate a uniquely stunted beach recovery unlike other recoveries in the training data.
Constraining the Thickness of the Conductive Portion of Europa's Ice Shell Using Sparse Radar Echoes
Authors: Schroeder Dustin M. , Wolfenbarger Natalie S. , Steinbrügge Gregor B. , Culberg Riley , Howell Samuel M. , Spiers Elizabeth , Styczinski Marshall
Published: October 2024

Ice penetrating radar sounding is the primary geophysical technique for imaging the subsurface of planetary ice shells and has the potential to directly detect the ice–ocean interface. However, many sounding measurements may lack laterally extensive features that would aid their physical interpretation. In this scenario, the detection of sparse echoes can also provide rich information on ice shell properties. To explore and demonstrate this possibility, we consider three cases of isolated radar signatures: pore‐curing, eutectic melt, and unattributed echoes. We show that through detection of unattributed sparse echoes, the thickness of the conductive portion of Europa's ice shell can be constrained. These constraints can be improved by attributing sparse echoes to thermally diagnostic signatures such as pore‐curing and eutectic melt. Notably, this approach to radar sounding echo analysis is particularly compatible with joint inversions with other planetary geophysical observations such as tidal deformation, magnetic induction, and rotation state.
Influence of Orbital Forcing on the Snowball Earth Deglaciation
Authors: Wu Jiacheng , Liu Yonggang
Published: October 2024

Neoproterozoic snowball Earth events lasted for multiple million years, experiencing many orbital cycles. Here we investigate whether the deglaciation of these events would be triggered more easily at certain orbital configurations than others, by using an atmosphere‐land model that considers meltpond formation on land ice. Results show that the threshold concentration of atmospheric CO2 (pCO2) required for deglaciation can vary from 6 to 10 × 104 ppmv under different orbital forcings. The threshold pCO2 decreases with the equatorial maximum monthly insolation (EMMI), which is affected most by the eccentricity and secondarily by obliquity. Therefore, we conclude that the snowball Earth deglaciation likely occurred when the eccentricity was high and obliquity was low. Compared to previous estimate that used present‐day orbital configuration which has a minimal eccentricity, the duration of snowball Earth events would likely be much shorter when the influence of orbital variations are considered.
Suppression of Nonlinear Chorus Wave Growth by Active Control of Gyroresonant Interactions With Electron Hole Deformation
Authors: Ozaki Mitsunori , Mizote Keita , Kondo Takeru , Yagitani Satoshi , Hikishima Mitsuru , Omura Yoshiharu
Published: October 2024

Nonlinear gyroresonant acceleration is an essential mechanism for the formation of relativistic electrons in Earth's radiation belts, yet we still have only limited knowledge of how electron motion interacts nonlinearly with plasma waves. Here we demonstrate the compelling suppression of whistler‐mode chorus emissions as a resonant wave with energetic electrons by tuning an external transmitter signal in space plasmas. Through forcible modification of electron motions via phase trapping by the external waves, the nonlinear gyroresonant current is suppressed along with the electron hole deformation. Moreover, this can decrease the population of relativistic electrons due to the lack of coherent resonant waves seen by the phase‐organized electrons. Understanding such nonlinear wave suppression effects is crucial for a potential active control of Earth's plasma environment.
Hemispheric Asymmetry of Ionospheric Poynting Flux During Geomagnetically Quiet Periods
Authors: Yu Chao , Zhang Xiao‐Xin , Wang Wenbin , He Fei
Published: October 2024

Using a large database containing DMSP F13 observations under geomagnetically quiet conditions from 1998 to 2009, the hemispheric asymmetries of the distribution of the Poynting flux were investigated. Significant hemispheric asymmetries were observed in both altitude‐adjusted corrected geomagnetic (AACGM) and geographic coordinates, and the maximum average flux in the northern hemisphere was greater than that in the southern hemisphere by a factor of three in both coordinates. The distribution of downward Poynting flux hot‐spot (DPFH) between the two hemispheres had longitudinal difference of ∼180°. The Poynting flux's hemispheric asymmetry in AACGM and geographical coordinates at different seasons were investigated. The observed seasonal variations in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) are not as significant as those in the Northern Hemisphere (NH). In addition, the downward net Poynting flux observed during the solstice period is greater than that observed for the equinox period above 60°S.
Paleomagnetic Records From Pulsed Magmatism in the Southwestern Laurentia Large Igneous Province and Cardenas Basalt Support Rapid Late Mesoproterozoic Plate Motion
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Anderson Nicolas S. , Mohr Michael T. , Nelson Lyle L. , Macdonald Francis A. , Schmitz Mark D. , Thurston Olivia G. , Guenthner William R. , Karlstrom Karl E. , Swanson‐Hysell Nicholas L.
Published: October 2024

Mafic intrusions, lava flows, and felsic plutons in southwestern Laurentia have been hypothesized to be associated with the emplacement of a late Mesoproterozoic (Stenian Period) large igneous province. Improved geochronologic data resolve distinct episodes of mafic magmatism in the region. The ca. 1,098 Ma main pulse of southwestern Laurentia large igneous province (SWLLIP) magmatism is recorded by mafic intrusions across southeastern California to central Arizona. A younger episode of volcanism resulted in eruptions that formed the ca. 1,082 Ma Cardenas Basalt, which is the uppermost unit of the Unkar Group in the Grand Canyon. With the updated geochronological constraints, we develop new paleomagnetic data from mafic sills in the SWLLIP. Overlapping poles between the Death Valley sills and rocks of similar age in the Midcontinent Rift are inconsistent with large‐scale Cenozoic vertical axis rotations in Death Valley. We also develop a new paleomagnetic pole from the ca. 1,082 Ma Cardenas Basalt (pole longitude = 183.9°E, pole latitude = 15.9°N,  = 7.4°, N = 18). The new paleomagnetic data are consistent with the pole path developed from time‐equivalent rocks of the Midcontinent Rift, supporting interpretations that changing pole positions are the result of rapid equatorward motion. These data add to the record of Laurentia's rapid motion from ca. 1,110 to 1,080 Ma that culminated in collisional Grenvillian orogenesis and the assembly of Rodinia.
Diagnosing Atmospheric Heating Rate Changes Using Radiative Kernels
Authors: Huang Han , Huang Yi
Published: October 2024

Atmospheric radiative heating rate, which manifests radiative energy convergence in the atmosphere, is a fundamental factor shaping the Earth's climate and driving climate change. Compared to the radiative energy budget at the top of atmosphere or surface, the atmospheric energy budget and heating rate are less studied due to a lack of observational constraints and diagnostic tools. Motivated by growing interest in atmospheric energy budget and to facilitate the heating rate analysis, we innovate a set of radiative kernels, which quantitatively measure the sensitivity of atmospheric heating rate to different geophysical variables. When multiplied with the changes in these geophysical variables, these kernels quantify their contributions to the heating rate change. A climate change experiment of Global Climate Models (GCMs) is used to test the application of heating rate kernels. The results indicate the radiative heating rate change simulated by GCMs can be well reproduced by the kernels, validating the kernel method. The decomposition of the heating rate changes reveals the contributing mechanisms. For example, in the tropical upper troposphere, the negative heating anomaly in a warmer climate is dominated by atmospheric temperature and water vapor. Increases in both variables intensify atmospheric thermal radiation to space, partially offset by a positive heating anomaly caused by the lifting high‐cloud tops. Moreover, compared to the results corrected using the kernels, the cloud effect inferred from the radiative heating difference between clear‐ and all‐skies (“cloud radiative heating”) has a non‐negligible bias, necessitating the use of kernels to quantify the cloud‐induced heating rate changes.
Sub‐Milankovitch Signals in the Northern Polar Layered Deposits of Mars
Authors: Sotzen J. P. , Lewis K. W.
Published: October 2024

Our understanding of the paleoclimate of Mars and the dominant forcing functions that drive large‐scale changes largely remains a mystery. However, the Martian Polar Layered Deposits (PLD) offer a promising avenue for unraveling the planet's recent paleoclimate history. Despite recent progress to detect a climate signal in the PLD, definitive evidence of a correlation between the stratigraphic record and Mars' recent orbital history remains elusive. We utilized new and updated techniques, including high‐resolution stratigraphic reconstruction from High Resolution Imagine Science Experiment stereo imagery and digital terrain models, combined with a technique of variable dip correction to account for three dimensional bedding orientations. Signal processing methods, such as wavelet and Fourier analysis, were applied to perform detailed time‐series analysis. These analyses revealed a quasi‐periodic signal indicative of fine bedding at a scale of approximately 2 m. Based on previously proposed deposition rates, these fine layers appear to correspond to timescales centering around 4,000 years. This suggests that the meter‐scale layers may not be the result of orbital forcing and hint at an unknown sub‐Milankovitch climate forcing mechanism. We discuss potential exogenic causal mechanisms, such as cyclic variations in solar activity, and endogenic factors, including large‐scale changes in dust distribution. Understanding the formation processes of these fine layers may significantly enhance our knowledge of Martian climate history and its driving forces.
Genetic analysis of a Yayoi individual from the Doigahama site provides insights into the origins of immigrants to the Japanese Archipelago
Authors: Kim Jonghyun , Mizuno Fuzuki , Matsushita Takayuki , Matsushita Masami , Aoto Saki , Ishiya Koji , Kamio Mami , Naka Izumi , Hayashi Michiko , Kurosaki Kunihiko , Ueda Shintaroh , Ohashi Jun
Published: October 2024

Mainland Japanese have been recognized as having dual ancestry, originating from indigenous Jomon people and immigrants from continental East Eurasia. Although migration from the continent to the Japanese Archipelago continued from the Yayoi to the Kofun period, our understanding of these immigrants, particularly their origins, remains insufficient due to the lack of high-quality genome samples from the Yayoi period, complicating predictions about the admixture process. To address this, we sequenced the whole nuclear genome of a Yayoi individual from the Doigahama site in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan. A comprehensive population genetic analysis of the Doigahama Yayoi individual, along with ancient and modern populations in East Asia and Northeastern Eurasia, revealed that the Doigahama Yayoi individual, similar to Kofun individuals and modern Mainland Japanese, had three distinct genetic ancestries: Jomon-related, East Asian-related, and Northeastern Siberian-related. Among non-Japanese populations, the Korean population, possessing both East Asian-related and Northeastern Siberian-related ancestries, exhibited the highest degree of genetic similarity to the Doigahama Yayoi individual. The analysis of admixture modeling for Yayoi individuals, Kofun individuals, and modern Japanese respectively supported a two-way admixture model assuming Jomon-related and Korean-related ancestries. These results suggest that between the Yayoi and Kofun periods, the majority of immigrants to the Japanese Archipelago originated primarily from the Korean Peninsula.
Novel homozygous ESAM variants in two families with perinatal strokes showing variable neuroradiologic and clinical findings
Authors: Abdel-Salam Ghada M. H. , Esmail Asmaa , Nagy Dina , Abdel-Ghafar Sherif F. , Abdel-Hamid Mohamed S.
Published: October 2024

Biallelic loss of function variants in ESAM (endothelial cell adhesion molecule) have recently been reported in 14 individuals (9 families) presenting with prenatal intracranial hemorrhage. Here, we describe four patients from two unrelated families in whom three of them presented with variable onset encephalopathy and seizures while one only displayed profound delay without seizures. Brain MRI showed variable onset intracranial hemorrhage that evolved to hydrocephalus in 3 patients, whereas hemosiderin deposits, white matter volume loss, and porencephalic cysts were noted in one patient. Unlike the majority of described cases, the youngest brother of the first family did not show microcephaly and failure to thrive. Exome sequencing identified two novel homozygous ESAM variants. A splice variant (c.731-2A>G) was identified in one family which was confirmed by investigating the patient’s mRNA to result in exon skipping and early protein truncation. In addition, a missense variant (c.561G>C; p.Trp187Cys) was identified in the other family, which is the first disease causing missense variant to be described in patients with ESAM deficient phenotype. In addition, a maternally inherited pathogenic MC4R variant (c.811T>C; p.Cys271 Arg) was also identified in the youngest brother of the first family. Variants in the MC4R gene are associated with a non-syndromic form of obesity that could explain the unusual macrocephaly and obesity. Our work establishes ESAM as a tight junction gene that can present with variable neuroradiological and clinical phenotypes when mutated. Moreover, it refines the phenotype of this ultrarare syndrome and extends the number and type of variants described to date.
Periodontitis impacts on thrombotic diseases: from clinical aspect to future therapeutic approaches
Authors: Ge Jinting , Zhu Xuanzhi , Weng Chengxin , Yuan Ding , Zhao Jichun , Zhao Lei , Wang Tiehao , Wu Yafei
Published: October 2024

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease initiated by biofilm microorganisms and mediated by host immune imbalance. Uncontrolled periodontal infections are the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Thrombotic diseases can lead to partial or complete obstruction of blood flow in the circulatory system, manifesting as organ or tissue ischemia and necrosis in patients with arterial thrombosis, and local edema, pain and circulatory instability in patients with venous thrombosis, which may lead to mortality or fatality in severe case. Recent studies found that periodontitis might enhance thrombosis through bacterial transmission or systemic inflammation by affecting platelet-immune cell interactions, as well as the coagulation, and periodontal therapy could have a prophylactic effect on patients with thrombotic diseases. In this review, we summarized clinical findings on the association between periodontitis and thrombotic diseases and discussed several novel prothrombotic periodontitis-related agents, and presented a perspective to emphasize the necessity of oral health management for people at high risk of thrombosis.
Population-wide DNA methylation polymorphisms at single-nucleotide resolution in 207 cotton accessions reveal epigenomic contributions to complex traits
Authors: Zhao Ting , Guan Xueying , Hu Yan , Zhang Ziqian , Yang Han , Shi Xiaowen , Han Jin , Mei Huan , Wang Luyao , Shao Lei , Wu Hongyu , Chen Qianqian , Zhao Yongyan , Pan Jiaying , Hao Yupeng , Dong Zeyu , Long Xuan , Deng Qian , Zhao Shengjun , Zhang Mengke , Zhu Yumeng , Ma Xiaowei , Chen Zequan , Deng Yayuan , Si Zhanfeng , Li Xin , Zhang Tianzhen , Gu Fei , Gu Xiaofeng , Fang Lei
Published: October 2024

DNA methylation plays multiple regulatory roles in crop development. However, the relationships of methylation polymorphisms with genetic polymorphisms, gene expression, and phenotypic variation in natural crop populations remain largely unknown. Here, we surveyed high-quality methylomes, transcriptomes, and genomes obtained from the 20-days-post-anthesis (DPA) cotton fibers of 207 accessions and extended the classical framework of population genetics to epigenetics. Over 287 million single methylation polymorphisms (SMPs) were identified, 100 times more than the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These SMPs were significantly enriched in intragenic regions while depleted in transposable elements. Association analysis further identified a total of 5,426,782 cis-methylation quantitative trait loci (cis-meQTLs), 5078 cis-expression quantitative trait methylation (cis-eQTMs), and 9157 expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). Notably, 36.39% of cis-eQTM genes were not associated with genetic variation, indicating that a large number of SMPs associated with gene expression variation are independent of SNPs. In addition, out of the 1715 epigenetic loci associated with yield and fiber quality traits, only 36 (2.10%) were shared with genome-wide association study (GWAS) loci. The construction of multi-omics regulatory networks revealed 43 cis-eQTM genes potentially involved in fiber development, which cannot be identified by GWAS alone. Among these genes, the role of one encoding CBL-interacting protein kinase 10 in fiber length regulation was successfully validated through gene editing. Taken together, our findings prove that DNA methylation data can serve as an additional resource for breeding purposes and can offer opportunities to enhance and expedite the crop improvement process.
The potential of gene drives in malaria vector species to control malaria in African environments
Authors: Hancock Penelope A. , North Ace , Leach Adrian W. , Winskill Peter , Ghani Azra C. , Godfray H. Charles J. , Burt Austin , Mumford John D.
Published: October 2024

Gene drives are a promising means of malaria control with the potential to cause sustained reductions in transmission. In real environments, however, their impacts will depend on local ecological and epidemiological factors. We develop a data-driven model to investigate the impacts of gene drives that causes vector population suppression. We simulate gene drive releases in sixteen ~ 12,000 km2 areas of west Africa that span variation in vector ecology and malaria prevalence, and estimate reductions in vector abundance, malaria prevalence and clinical cases. Average reductions in vector abundance ranged from 71.6–98.4% across areas, while impacts on malaria depended strongly on which vector species were targeted. When other new interventions including RTS,S vaccination and pyrethroid-PBO bednets were in place, at least 60% more clinical cases were averted when gene drives were added, demonstrating the benefits of integrated interventions. Our results show that different strategies for gene drive implementation may be required across different African settings.
Antisolvent controls the shape and size of anisotropic lead halide perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Frank Kilian , Henke Nina A. , Lampe Carola , Lorenzen Tizian , März Benjamin , Sun Xiao , Haas Sylvio , Gutowski Olof , Dippel Ann-Christin , Mayer Veronika , Müller-Caspary Knut , Urban Alexander S. , Nickel Bert
Published: October 2024

Colloidal lead halide perovskite nanocrystals have potential for lighting applications due to their optical properties. Precise control of the nanocrystal dimensions and composition is a prerequisite for establishing practical applications. However, the rapid nature of their synthesis precludes a detailed understanding of the synthetic pathways, thereby limiting the optimisation. Here, we deduce the formation mechanisms of anisotropic lead halide perovskite nanocrystals, 1D nanorods and 2D nanoplatelets, by combining in situ X-ray scattering and photoluminescence spectroscopy. In both cases, emissive prolate nanoclusters form when the two precursor solutions are mixed. The ensuing antisolvent addition induces the divergent anisotropy: The intermediate nanoclusters are driven into a dense hexagonal mesophase, fusing to form nanorods. Contrastingly, nanoplatelets grow freely dispersed from dissolving nanoclusters, stacking subsequently in lamellar superstructures. Shape and size control of the nanocrystals are determined primarily by the antisolvent’s dipole moment and Hansen hydrogen bonding parameter. Exploiting the interplay of antisolvent and organic ligands could enable more complex nanocrystal geometries in the future.
Inorganic nitrogen inhibits symbiotic nitrogen fixation through blocking NRAMP2-mediated iron delivery in soybean nodules
Authors: Zhou Min , Li Yuan , Yao Xiao-Lei , Zhang Jing , Liu Sheng , Cao Hong-Rui , Bai Shuang , Chen Chun-Qu , Zhang Dan-Xun , Xu Ao , Lei Jia-Ning , Mao Qian-Zhuo , Zhou Yu , Duanmu De-Qiang , Guan Yue-Feng , Chen Zhi-Chang
Published: October 2024

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) in legume-rhizobia serves as a sustainable source of nitrogen (N) in agriculture. However, the addition of inorganic N fertilizers significantly inhibits SNF, and the underlying mechanisms remain not-well understood. Here, we report that inorganic N disrupts iron (Fe) homeostasis in soybean nodules, leading to a decrease in SNF efficiency. This disruption is attributed to the inhibition of the Fe transporter genes Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein 2a and 2b (GmNRAMP2a&2b) by inorganic N. GmNRAMP2a&2b are predominantly localized at the tonoplast of uninfected nodule tissues, affecting Fe transfer to infected cells and consequently, modulating SNF efficiency. In addition, we identified a pair of N-signal regulators, nitrogen-regulated GARP-type transcription factors 1a and 1b (GmNIGT1a&1b), that negatively regulate the expression of GmNRAMP2a&2b, which establishes a link between N signaling and Fe homeostasis in nodules. Our findings reveal a plausible mechanism by which soybean adjusts SNF efficiency through Fe allocation in response to fluctuating inorganic N conditions, offering valuable insights for optimizing N and Fe management in legume-based agricultural systems.
Body orientation change of neighbors leads to scale-free correlation in collective motion
Authors: Zheng Zhicheng , Tao Yuan , Xiang Yalun , Lei Xiaokang , Peng Xingguang
Published: October 2024

Collective motion, such as milling, flocking, and collective turning, is a common and captivating phenomenon in nature, which arises in a group of many self-propelled individuals using local interaction mechanisms. Recently, vision-based mechanisms, which establish the relationship between visual inputs and motion decisions, have been applied to model and better understand the emergence of collective motion. However, previous studies often characterize the visual input as a transient Boolean-like sensory stream, which makes it challenging to capture the salient movements of neighbors. This further hinders the onset of the collective response in vision-based mechanisms and increases demands on visual sensing devices in robotic swarms. An explicit and context-related visual cue serving as the sensory input for decision-making in vision-based mechanisms is still lacking. Here, we hypothesize that body orientation change (BOC) is a significant visual cue characterizing the motion salience of neighbors, facilitating the emergence of the collective response. To test our hypothesis, we reveal the significant role of BOC during collective U-turn behaviors in fish schools by reconstructing scenes from the view of individual fish. We find that an individual with the larger BOC often takes on the leading role during U-turns. To further explore this empirical finding, we build a pairwise interaction mechanism on the basis of the BOC. Then, we conduct experiments of collective spin and collective turn with a real-time physics simulator to investigate the dynamics of information transfer in BOC-based interaction and further validate its effectiveness on 50 real miniature swarm robots. The experimental results show that BOC-based interaction not only facilitates the directional information transfer within the group but also leads to scale-free correlation within the swarm. Our study highlights the practicability of interaction governed by the neighbor’s body orientation change in swarm robotics and the effect of scale-free correlation in enhancing collective response.
Paenilamicins are context-specific translocation inhibitors of protein synthesis
Authors: Koller Timm O. , Berger Max J. , Morici Martino , Paternoga Helge , Bulatov Timur , Di Stasi Adriana , Dang Tam , Mainz Andi , Raulf Karoline , Crowe-McAuliffe Caillan , Scocchi Marco , Mardirossian Mario , Beckert Bertrand , Vázquez-Laslop Nora , Mankin Alexander S. , Süssmuth Roderich D. , Wilson Daniel N.
Published: October 2024

The paenilamicins are a group of hybrid nonribosomal peptide–polyketide compounds produced by the honey bee pathogen Paenibacillus larvae that display activity against Gram-positive pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus. While paenilamicins have been shown to inhibit protein synthesis, their mechanism of action has remained unclear. Here we determine structures of paenilamicin PamB2-stalled ribosomes, revealing a unique binding site on the small 30S subunit located between the A- and P-site transfer RNAs (tRNAs). In addition to providing a precise description of interactions of PamB2 with the ribosome, the structures also rationalize the resistance mechanisms used by P. larvae. We further demonstrate that PamB2 interferes with the translocation of messenger RNA and tRNAs through the ribosome during translation elongation, and that this inhibitory activity is influenced by the presence of modifications at position 37 of the A-site tRNA. Collectively, our study defines the paenilamicins as a class of context-specific translocation inhibitors.
Enhanced ANN-based ensemble method for bridge damage characterization using limited dataset
Authors: Izonin Ivan , Nesterenko Illia , Kazantzi Athanasia K. , Tkachenko Roman , Muzyka Roman , Mitoulis Stergios Aristoteles
Published: October 2024

Bridges are vital assets of transport infrastructure, systems, and communities. Damage characterization is critical in ensuring safety and planning adaptation measures. Nondestructive methods offer an efficient means towards assessing the condition of bridges, without causing harm or disruption to transport services, and these can deploy measurable evidence of bridge deterioration, e.g., deflections due to tendon loss. This paper presents an enhanced input-doubling technique and the Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based cascade ensemble method for bridge damage state identification and is exclusively relying on small datasets, that are common in structural assessments. A new data augmentation scheme rooted in the principles of linearizing response surfaces is introduced, which significantly boosts the efficiency of intelligent data analysis when faced with limited volumes of data. Furthermore, improvements to a two-step ANN-based ensemble method, designed for solving the stated task, are presented. By adding the improved input-doubling methods as simple predictors in the first part of the cascade ensemble and optimizing it, we significantly boost accuracy (7%, 0.5%, and 8% based on R2 in predicting tendon losses for three critical zones that were defined across the deck of a real deteriorated prestressed balanced cantilever bridge). This improvement is strong evidence of the accuracy of the proposed method for the task at hand that is proven to be more accurate than other methods available in the international literature.
Optimal circuit breaker allocation strategy in DC transmission-connected systems
Authors: Kim Beopsoo , Kim Insu
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study is to provide data for the best possible circuit breaker allocation in power grids with HVDC transmission while taking circuit breaker failure into account. The lack of a suitable selection of HVDC circuit breakers is one of the primary obstacles to establishing an appropriate protection system for HVDC transmission. This research focuses on finding the optimal circuit breaker allocation strategy with respect to the transient response of the system, especially when the grid operator is using existing circuit breakers, rather than on the necessary steps to improve the technology of circuit breakers. Case studies are simulated using PSCAD/EMTDC in order to verify the transient response of the transmission system corresponding to the allocation of circuit breakers and the circumstance of circuit breaker failure. It is crucial to remember that there isn’t a strategy that is always the best. Consequently, a detailed analysis of the suggested approach is required, taking into account the benefits and drawbacks from the standpoints of fault clearing, power system planning, and operational factors. In the context of HVDC transmission, the authors hope that their research will spark and start conversations about circuit breaker allocation strategies.
A lumped parameter modelling study of cerebral autoregulation in normal pressure hydrocephalus suggests the brain chooses to be ischemic
Authors: Bateman Grant Alexander , Bateman Alexander Robert
Published: October 2024

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is associated with a reduction in cerebral blood flow and an ischemic metabolic state. Ischemia should exhaust the available autoregulation in an attempt to correct the metabolic imbalance. There is evidence of some retained autoregulation reserve in NPH. The aim of this study is to model the cerebral autoregulation in NPH to discover a solution to this apparent paradox. A lumped parameter model was developed utilizing the known limits of autoregulation in man. The model was tested by predicting the cerebral blood volume changes which would be brought about by changes in resistance. NPH and the post shunt state were then modeled using the known constraints provided from the literature. The model successfully predicted the cerebral blood volume changes brought about by altering the cerebral perfusion pressure to the limit of autoregulation. The model suggests that NPH is associated with a balanced increase in resistance within the arterial and venous outflow segments. The arterial resistance decreased after modelling shunt insertion. The model suggests that the cerebral blood flow is actively limited in NPH by arteriolar constriction. This may occur to minimize the rise in ICP by reducing the apparent CSF formation rate.