bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tarping and mulching effects on crop yields, profitability, and soil nutrients in a continuous no-till organic vegetable production system
Authors: Maher Ryan M. , Rangarajan Anusuya , Caldwell Brian A. , Ho Shuay-Tsyr , Hutton Mark G. , Ginakes Peyton
Published: January 2024

Small-scale organic vegetable farms need strategies to overcome yield, labor, and economic challenges in transitioning to reduced and no-till practices. However, the production tradeoffs associated with different scale-appropriate management practices are not well documented for these operations. We evaluated crop yields, labor, profitability, and soil nutrients over four continuous years of management in Freeville, NY. Cabbage (Y1 and Y3) and winter squash (Y2 and Y4) were managed in permanent beds under four contrasting tillage systems: conventional rototilling to 20 cm depth (CT), shallow rototilling to 10 cm (ST), no-till (NT), and no-till with tarping (NTT), in which an impermeable, black polyethylene tarp was applied to the soil surface between crops. Within each tillage treatment, we compared three mulching systems: rye mulch (RM), compost mulch (CM), and no mulch (NM), where mulches were applied annually to each crop. Crop yields did not vary by tillage, except in RM, where yields were highest in CT and reduced in ST and NT over four years. Mulch treatments were a significant driver of crop yields. When compared to NM, RM reduced crop yields in the first two years and CM increased yields after the first year. Overall, RM systems had the lowest net returns and CM returns were equivalent to NM despite greater yields. No-till consistently required the greatest pre-harvest labor investment, up to two times greater than tilled systems with NM, and the lowest net returns. Labor requirements for NTT were greater than CT but up to 41% lower than NT, and profitability was equivalent to CT. Shallow tillage performed similar to CT across yield, labor, and profitability measures, except when combined with the use of RM. Compost mulching led to dramatic changes in soil properties after four years, including a 49% increase in total soil carbon, a 31% increase in total soil nitrogen, and a 497% increase in extractable phosphorus. Small farms adopting NT practices should: 1) consider the potential tradeoffs associated with annually applied organic mulches, and 2) integrate tarping to increase the profitability of NT over consecutive production years.
Televising Talent: Musicality, Meritocracy, and the Aesthetics of Exclusion
Authors: Wright Lindsay J.
Published: January 2024

Throughout the history of television, American audiences have participated in a tradition of programs that follow a consistent structure: Amateur musicians and entertainers are offered an opportunity to display their talent on stage, competing for audience votes to win first prize and a chance at stardom. This article contributes to a growing literature on the significance of televised talent shows, demonstrating how their remarkable longevity and representational power stems from their configuration as a “format,” the set of guidelines that structure and constrain the content of each broadcast—an aesthetic process grounded in exclusion. Through their formatting, I argue, these programs reify the notion of “talent” at the heart of talent shows, transforming a multidimensional and context-contingent assemblage of musical abilities into a seemingly stable object able to be recognized, rated, and ranked. Musical auditions offer a microcosm of formatting's role as a means of training audiences’ attention. They normalize the practice of eliminating whatever (or whomever) is deemed unworthy—on these programs and in the wider world. Through analyzing examples from Ted Mack and the Original Amateur Hour (1948), The Gong Show (1978), and The Voice (2017), the article demonstrates how beneath the widely discussed content of contestant demographics, judge commentary, or audience voting results, the talent show format serves to obscure the contradictions upon which meritocracy's cruel optimism rests.
Reflecting on Our Present Self‐Awareness of Not Having Found Any Life Beyond Earth
Authors: Taylor Stuart F. , Jiang Jonathan H. , Searra Nick , Rosen Philip E.
Published: January 2024

Ever gazed at the stars and wondered if we’re alone? Scientists have been on a quest to find life beyond Earth, but no aliens yet. It’s tough because space is huge, and potential life is incredibly far away, making it difficult to detect their signals. Despite this, our ability to search is improving. We’ve found many planets around other stars, hinting at more places where life could be. But life, especially intelligent life, seems to be a rare occurrence, which makes our existence on Earth quite extraordinary. Recording our search for extraterrestrial life is crucial. It’s a way for future generations or even other civilizations to understand our era and our views of the cosmos. It also makes us reflect on our own behavior on Earth, hinting that insights from the search might help us coexist more harmoniously.
The Role of Coastal Yedoma Deposits and Continental Shelf Sediments in the Arctic Ocean Silicon Cycle
Authors: Ray Nicholas E. , Martens Jannik , Ajmar Marco , Tesi Tommaso , Yakushev Evgeniy , Gangnus Ivan , Strauss Jens , Schirrmeister Lutz , Semiletov Igor , Wild Birgit
Published: January 2024

The availability of silicon (Si) in the ocean plays an important role in regulating biogeochemical and ecological processes. The Si budget of the Arctic Ocean appears balanced, with inputs equivalent to outputs, though it is unclear how a changing climate might aggravate this balance. In this study, we focus on Si cycling in Arctic coastal areas and continental shelf sediments to better constrain the Arctic Ocean Si budget. We provide the first estimate of amorphous Si (ASi) loading from erosion of coastal Yedoma deposits (30–90 Gmol yr−1), demonstrating comparable rates to particulate Si loading from rivers (10–90 Gmol yr−1). We found a positive relationship between surface sediment ASi and organic matter content on continental shelves. Combining these values with published Arctic shelf sediment properties and burial rates we estimate 70 Gmol Si yr−1 is buried on Arctic continental shelves, equivalent to 4.5% of all Si inputs to the Arctic Ocean. Sediment dissolved Si fluxes increased with distance from river mouths along cruise transects of shelf regions influenced by major rivers in the Laptev and East Siberian seas. On an annual basis, we estimate that Arctic shelf sediments recycle approximately up to twice as much DSi (680 Gmol Si) as is loaded from rivers (340–500 Gmol Si).
Apportionment and Inventory Optimization of Agriculture and Energy Sector Methane Emissions Using Multi‐Month Trace Gas Measurements in Northern Colorado
Authors: Mead Griffin J. , Herman Daniel I. , Giorgetta Fabrizio R. , Malarich Nathan A. , Baumann Esther , Washburn Brian R. , Newbury Nathan R. , Coddington Ian , Cossel Kevin C.
Published: January 2024

Quantifying sector‐resolved methane fluxes in complex emissions environments is challenging yet necessary to improve emissions inventories and guide policy. Here, we separate energy and agriculture sector emissions using a dynamic linear model analysis of methane, ethane, and ammonia data measured at a Northern Colorado site from November 2021 to January 2022. By combining these sector‐apportioned observations with spatially resolved inventories and Bayesian inverse methods, energy and agriculture methane fluxes are optimized across the study's ∼850 km2 sensitivity area. Energy sector fluxes are synthesized with previous literature to evaluate trends in energy sector methane emissions. Optimized agriculture fluxes in the study area were 3.5× larger than inventory estimates; we demonstrate this discrepancy is consistent with differences in the modeled versus real‐world spatial distribution of agricultural sources. These results highlight how sector‐apportioned methane observations can yield multi‐sector inventory optimizations in complex environments.
A Novel Backtracing Model to Study the Emission of Energetic Neutral Atoms at Titan
Authors: Tippens Tyler , Roussos Elias , Simon Sven , Liuzzo Lucas
Published: January 2024

To study the emission of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) at Titan, we have developed a novel model that takes into account a spacecraft detector's limited field of view and traces energetic magnetospheric particles backward in time. ENAs are generated by charge exchange between Titan's atmospheric neutrals and energetic magnetospheric ions. By tracing these ions through the draped electromagnetic fields in Titan's environment, we generate synthetic ENA images and compare them to Cassini observations from the TA flyby. Our model can reproduce the intensity and morphology of the observed images only when field line draping is included. Using a realistic detector geometry is necessary to determine the influence of this draping on the ENA images: the non‐uniform fields eliminate a localized feature of increased ENA flux, which is a different effect than in models utilizing an infinitely extended detector. We demonstrate that ENA observations from TA contain signatures of the time‐varying Saturnian magnetospheric environment at Titan: the modeled ENA emission morphology and the effect of field line draping are different for the background field vectors measured during the inbound and outbound legs of TA. The visibility and qualitative effect of the draping on observed ENA images vary strongly between different detector locations and pointings. Depending on the viewing geometry, field line draping may add segments of elevated flux to the synthetic ENA images, remove such segments, or have no qualitative effect at all. Our study emphasizes the challenges and the potential for remote sensing of Titan's interaction region using ENA imaging.
PRKCSH contributes to TNFSF resistance by extending IGF1R half-life and activation in lung cancer
Authors: Shin Gu-Choul , Lee Hyeong Min , Kim Nayeon , Seo Sang-Uk , Kim Kwang Pyo , Kim Kyun-Hwan
Published: January 2024

Tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) resistance contributes to the development and progression of tumors and resistance to various cancer therapies. Tumor-intrinsic alterations involved in the adaptation to the TNFSF response remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that protein kinase C substrate 80K-H (PRKCSH) abundance in lung cancers boosts oncogenic IGF1R activation, leading to TNFSF resistance. PRKCSH abundance is correlated with IGF1R upregulation in lung cancer tissues. Specifically, PRKCSH interacts with IGF1R and extends its half-life. The PRKCSH-IGF1R axis in tumor cells impairs caspase-8 activation, increases Mcl-1 expression, and inhibits caspase-9, leading to an imbalance between cell death and survival. PRKCSH deficiency augmented the antitumor effects of natural killer (NK) cells, representative TNFSF effector cells, in a tumor xenograft IL-2Rg-deficient NOD/SCID (NIG) mouse model. Our data suggest that PRKCSH plays a critical role in TNFSF resistance and may be a potential target to improve the efficacy of NK cell-based cancer therapy.
Effects of fine particulate matter on bone marrow-conserved hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells: a systematic review
Authors: Bhattarai Govinda , Shrestha Saroj Kumar , Sim Hyun-Jaung , Lee Jeong-Chae , Kook Sung-Ho
Published: January 2024

The harmful effects of fine particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in size (PM2.5) on human health have received considerable attention. However, while the impact of PM2.5 on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems has been well studied, less is known about the effects on stem cells in the bone marrow (BM). With an emphasis on the invasive characteristics of PM2.5, this review examines the current knowledge of the health effects of PM2.5 exposure on BM-residing stem cells. Recent studies have shown that PM2.5 enters the circulation and then travels to distant organs, including the BM, to induce oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and epigenetic changes, resulting in the reduction of BM-residing stem cell survival and function. Understanding the broader health effects of air pollution thus requires an understanding of the invasive characteristics of PM2.5 and its direct influence on stem cells in the BM. As noted in this review, further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying processes by which PM2.5 disturbs the BM microenvironment and inhibits stem cell functionality. Strategies to prevent or ameliorate the negative effects of PM2.5 exposure on BM-residing stem cells and to maintain the regenerative capacity of those cells must also be investigated. By focusing on the complex relationship between PM2.5 and BM-resident stem cells, this review highlights the importance of specific measures directed at safeguarding human health in the face of rising air pollution.
Maintaining Drosha expression with Cdk5 inhibitors as a potential therapeutic strategy for early intervention after TBI
Authors: Huang Lu , Xia Li , Nie Tiejian , Cui Bozhou , Lu Jianjun , Lu Fangfang , Fan Feiyan , Ren Dongni , Lu Yuan , Gao Guodong , Yang Qian
Published: January 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in adults. The pathological process of TBI involves a multifactorial cascade in which kinases have been proven contribute to interactions between relevant factors and amplification of signaling cascades. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a promising kinase that has been implicated in various brain disorders, including TBI. However, the mechanism by which Cdk5 induces neuronal damage remains unclear. Here, we show for the first time that Drosha, a key enzyme in microRNA biogenesis, is a pivotal substrate of abnormally activated Cdk5. Cdk5-mediated phosphorylation decreases Drosha expression and exacerbates nerve injury in TBI. We proved that maintaining Drosha expression via the administration of repurposed Cdk5 inhibitors that were previously studied in clinical trials is a promising approach for the early treatment of TBI. Together, our work identifies Drosha as a novel target for neuroprotective strategies after TBI and suggests Cdk5-mediated regulation of Drosha expression as a potential therapeutic strategy for early TBI intervention.
Mapping gray and white matter volume abnormalities in early-onset psychosis: an ENIGMA multicenter voxel-based morphometry study
Authors: Si Shuqing , Bi Anbreen , Yu Zhaoying , See Cheryl , Kelly Sinead , Ambrogi Sonia , Arango Celso , Baeza Inmaculada , Banaj Nerisa , Berk Michael , Castro-Fornieles Josefina , Crespo-Facorro Benedicto , Crouse Jacob J. , Díaz-Caneja Covadonga M. , Fett Anne-Kathrin , Fortea Adriana , Frangou Sophia , Goldstein Benjamin I. , Hickie Ian B. , Janssen Joost , Kennedy Kody G. , Krabbendam Lydia , Kyriakopoulos Marinos , MacIntosh Bradley J. , Morgado Pedro , Nerland Stener , Pascual-Diaz Saül , Picó-Pérez Maria , Piras Fabrizio , Rund Bjørn Rishovd , de la Serna Elena , Spalletta Gianfranco , Sugranyes Gisela , Suo Chao , Tordesillas-Gutiérrez Diana , Vecchio Daniela , Radua Joaquim , McGuire Philip , Thomopoulos Sophia I. , Jahanshad Neda , Thompson Paul M. , Barth Claudia , Agartz Ingrid , James Anthony , Kempton Matthew J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Regional gray matter (GM) alterations have been reported in early-onset psychosis (EOP, onset before age 18), but previous studies have yielded conflicting results, likely due to small sample sizes and the different brain regions examined. In this study, we conducted a whole brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis in a large sample of individuals with EOP, using the newly developed ENIGMA-VBM tool.

Methods

15 independent cohorts from the ENIGMA-EOP working group participated in the study. The overall sample comprised T1-weighted MRI data from 482 individuals with EOP and 469 healthy controls. Each site performed the VBM analysis locally using the standardized ENIGMA-VBM tool. Statistical parametric T-maps were generated from each cohort and meta-analyzed to reveal voxel-wise differences between EOP and healthy controls as well as the individual-based association between GM volume and age of onset, chlorpromazine (CPZ) equivalent dose, and other clinical variables.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, individuals with EOP showed widespread lower GM volume encompassing most of the cortex, with the most marked effect in the left median cingulate (Hedges’ g = 0.55, p = 0.001 corrected), as well as small clusters of lower white matter (WM), whereas no regional GM or WM volumes were higher in EOP. Lower GM volume in the cerebellum, thalamus and left inferior parietal gyrus was associated with older age of onset. Deficits in GM in the left inferior frontal gyrus, right insula, right precentral gyrus and right superior frontal gyrus were also associated with higher CPZ equivalent doses.

Conclusion

EOP is associated with widespread reductions in cortical GM volume, while WM is affected to a smaller extent. GM volume alterations are associated with age of onset and CPZ equivalent dose but these effects are small compared to case-control differences. Mapping anatomical abnormalities in EOP may lead to a better understanding of the role of psychosis in brain development during childhood and adolescence.
Targeting suicidal ideation in major depressive disorder with MRI-navigated Stanford accelerated intelligent neuromodulation therapy
Authors: Li Baojuan , Zhao Na , Tang Nailong , Friston Karl J. , Zhai Wensheng , Wu Di , Liu Junchang , Chen Yihuan , Min Yan , Qiao Yuting , Liu Wenming , Shu Wanqing , Liu Min , Zhou Ping , Guo Li , Qi Shun , Cui Long-Biao , Wang Huaning
Published: January 2024

High suicide risk represents a serious problem in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), yet treatment options that could safely and rapidly ameliorate suicidal ideation remain elusive. Here, we tested the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT) in reducing suicidal ideation in patients with MDD. Thirty-two MDD patients with moderate to severe suicidal ideation participated in the current study. Suicidal ideation and depression symptoms were assessed before and after 5 days of open-label SAINT. The neural pathways supporting rapid-acting antidepressant and suicide prevention effects were identified with dynamic causal modelling based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We found that 5 days of SAINT effectively alleviated suicidal ideation in patients with MDD with a high response rate of 65.63%. Moreover, the response rates achieved 78.13% and 90.63% with 2 weeks and 4 weeks after SAINT, respectively. In addition, we found that the suicide prevention effects of SAINT were associated with the effective connectivity involving the insula and hippocampus, while the antidepressant effects were related to connections of the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC). These results show that SAINT is a rapid-acting and effective way to reduce suicidal ideation. Our findings further suggest that distinct neural mechanisms may contribute to the rapid-acting effects on the relief of suicidal ideation and depression, respectively.
The LRR receptor-like kinase ALR1 is a plant aluminum ion sensor
Authors: Ding Zhong Jie , Xu Chen , Yan Jing Ying , Wang Yu Xuan , Cui Meng Qi , Yuan Jun Jie , Wang Ya Nan , Li Gui Xin , Wu Jian Xiang , Wu Yun Rong , Xu Ji Ming , Li Chun Xiao , Shi Yuan Zhi , Mao Chuan Zao , Guo Jiang Tao , Zhou Jian Min , Benhamed Moussa , Harberd Nicholas P. , Zheng Shao Jian
Published: January 2024

Plant survival requires an ability to adapt to differing concentrations of nutrient and toxic soil ions, yet ion sensors and associated signaling pathways are mostly unknown. Aluminum (Al) ions are highly phytotoxic, and cause severe crop yield loss and forest decline on acidic soils which represent ∼30% of land areas worldwide. Here we found an Arabidopsis mutant hypersensitive to Al. The gene encoding a leucine-rich-repeat receptor-like kinase, was named Al Resistance1 (ALR1). Al ions binding to ALR1 cytoplasmic domain recruits BAK1 co-receptor kinase and promotes ALR1-dependent phosphorylation of the NADPH oxidase RbohD, thereby enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. ROS in turn oxidatively modify the RAE1 F-box protein to inhibit RAE1-dependent proteolysis of the central regulator STOP1, thus activating organic acid anion secretion to detoxify Al. These findings establish ALR1 as an Al ion receptor that confers resistance through an integrated Al-triggered signaling pathway, providing novel insights into ion-sensing mechanisms in living organisms, and enabling future molecular breeding of acid-soil-tolerant crops and trees, with huge potential for enhancing both global food security and forest restoration.
Nuclear receptor coactivator 6 is a critical regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and gouty arthritis
Authors: Lee Kang-Gu , Hong Bong-Ki , Lee Saseong , Lee Naeun , Kim Seung-Whan , Kim Donghyun , Kim Wan-Uk
Published: January 2024

Transcriptional coactivators regulate the rate of gene expression in the nucleus. Nuclear receptor coactivator 6 (NCOA6), a coactivator, has been implicated in embryonic development, metabolism, and cancer pathogenesis, but its role in innate immunity and inflammatory diseases remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that NCOA6 was expressed in monocytes and macrophages and that its level was increased under proinflammatory conditions. Unexpectedly, nuclear NCOA6 was found to translocate to the cytoplasm in activated monocytes and then become incorporated into the inflammasome with NLRP3 and ASC, forming cytoplasmic specks. Mechanistically, NCOA6 associated with the ATP hydrolysis motifs in the NACHT domain of NLRP3, promoting the oligomerization of NLRP3 and ASC and thereby instigating the production of IL-1β and active caspase-1. Of note, Ncoa6 deficiency markedly inhibited NLRP3 hyperactivation caused by the Nlrp3R258W gain-of-function mutation in macrophages. Genetic ablation of Ncoa6 substantially attenuated the severity of two NLRP3-dependent diseases, folic-induced acute tubular necrosis and crystal-induced arthritis, in mice. Consistent with these findings, NCOA6 was highly expressed in macrophages derived from gout patients, and NCOA6-positive macrophages were significantly enriched in gout macrophages according to the transcriptome profiling results. Conclusively, NCOA6 is a critical regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and is therefore a promising target for NLRP3-dependent diseases, including gout.
Genome, HLA and polygenic risk score analyses for prevalent and persistent cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infections
Authors: Adebamowo Sally N. , Adeyemo Adebowale , Adebayo Amos , Achara Peter , Alabi Bunmi , Bakare Rasheed A. , Famooto Ayotunde O. , Obende Kayode , Offiong Richard , Olaniyan Olayinka , Ologun Sanni , Rotimi Charles ,   ACCME Research Group as part of the H3Africa Consortium, Abdullahi Saurayya S. , Abdulsalam Maryam , Adebiyi Ruxton , Adekanmbi Victor , Adelekun Bukunmi , Adeyemo Segun , Akabueze Gerald , Akpobome Bernice , Akpomiemie Stella , Alabi Gabriel O. , Anichebe Chinyere , Anyanwu Claire , Ayogu Miriam C. , Bako Dorcas J. , Bamisaiye Patience , Blessing Nkechi U. , Chinye Osa A. , Dakum Patrick , Dareng Eileen , Dwana Grace , Erhunmwonsere Juliet I. , Eze Emelda O. , Fagbohun Tolani A. , Filade Temitope , Gbolahan Toluwalope , Anaedobe Gloria C. , Ibezim Stella , Iwaloye Racheal , James Jesse , Kehinde Dayo , Makinde Fiyinfoluwa , Mase Jessica , Mensah Charles , Nwoko Florence A. , Obende Kayode , Odonye George , Odubore Folake , Odunyemi Funmi , Odutola Michael , Oguama Uzoamaka , Oguoma Tochukwu , Oladimeji Temitayo , Olawande Toyosi , Olukomogbon Temitope , Oluwole Sefunmi , Omenuko Gladys , Onwuka Nkiruka , Owoade Yinka , Ugorji Thelma C. , Yohanna Syntyche , Yusuf Ibrahim , Adebamowo Clement A.
Published: January 2024

Genetic variants that underlie susceptibility to cervical high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infections are largely unknown. We conducted discovery genome-wide association studies (GWAS), replication, meta-analysis and colocalization, generated polygenic risk scores (PRS) and examined the association of classical HLA alleles and cervical hrHPV infections in a cohort of over 10,000 women. We identified genome-wide significant variants for prevalent hrHPV around LDB2 and for persistent hrHPV near TPTE2, SMAD2, and CDH12, which code for proteins that are significantly expressed in the human endocervix. Genetic variants associated with persistent hrHPV are in genes enriched for the antigen processing and presentation gene set. HLA-DRB1*13:02, HLA-DQB1*05:02 and HLA-DRB1*03:01 were associated with increased risk, and HLA-DRB1*15:03 was associated with decreased risk of persistent hrHPV. The analyses of peptide binding predictions showed that HLA-DRB1 alleles that were positively associated with persistent hrHPV showed weaker binding with peptides derived from hrHPV proteins and vice versa. The PRS for persistent hrHPV with the best model fit, had a P-value threshold (PT) of 0.001 and a p-value of 0.06 (-log10(0.06) = 1.22). The findings of this study expand our understanding of genetic risk factors for hrHPV infection and persistence and highlight the roles of MHC class II molecules in hrHPV infection.
A simulation-based analysis of the impact of rhetorical citations in science
Authors: Bao Honglin , Teplitskiy Misha
Published: January 2024

Authors of scientific papers are usually encouraged to cite works that meaningfully influenced their research (substantive citations) and avoid citing works that had no meaningful influence (rhetorical citations). Rhetorical citations are assumed to degrade incentives for good work and benefit prominent papers and researchers. Here, we explore if rhetorical citations have some plausibly positive effects for science and disproportionately benefit the less prominent papers and researchers. We developed a set of agent-based models where agents can cite substantively and rhetorically. Agents first choose papers to read based on their expected quality, become influenced by those that are sufficiently good, and substantively cite them. Next, agents fill any remaining slots in their reference lists with rhetorical citations that support their narrative, regardless of whether they were actually influential. We then turned agents’ ability to cite rhetorically on-and-off to measure its effects. Enabling rhetorical citing increased the correlation between paper quality and citations, increased citation churn, and reduced citation inequality. This occurred because rhetorical citing redistributed some citations from a stable set of elite-quality papers to a more dynamic set with high-to-moderate quality and high rhetorical value. Increasing the size of reference lists, often seen as an undesirable trend, amplified the effects. Overall, rhetorical citing may help deconcentrate attention and make it easier to displace established ideas.
Epstein-Barr virus-driven B cell lymphoma mediated by a direct LMP1-TRAF6 complex
Authors: Giehler Fabian , Ostertag Michael S. , Sommermann Thomas , Weidl Daniel , Sterz Kai R. , Kutz Helmut , Moosmann Andreas , Feller Stephan M. , Geerlof Arie , Biesinger Brigitte , Popowicz Grzegorz M. , Kirchmair Johannes , Kieser Arnd
Published: January 2024

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) drives viral B cell transformation and oncogenesis. LMP1’s transforming activity depends on its C-terminal activation region 2 (CTAR2), which induces NF-κB and JNK by engaging TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). The mechanism of TRAF6 recruitment to LMP1 and its role in LMP1 signalling remains elusive. Here we demonstrate that TRAF6 interacts directly with a viral TRAF6 binding motif within CTAR2. Functional and NMR studies supported by molecular modeling provide insight into the architecture of the LMP1-TRAF6 complex, which differs from that of CD40-TRAF6. The direct recruitment of TRAF6 to LMP1 is essential for NF-κB activation by CTAR2 and the survival of LMP1-driven lymphoma. Disruption of the LMP1-TRAF6 complex by inhibitory peptides interferes with the survival of EBV-transformed B cells. In this work, we identify LMP1-TRAF6 as a critical virus-host interface and validate this interaction as a potential therapeutic target in EBV-associated cancer.
A global analysis of how human infrastructure squeezes sandy coasts
Authors: Lansu Eva M. , Reijers Valérie C. , Höfer Solveig , Luijendijk Arjen , Rietkerk Max , Wassen Martin J. , Lammerts Evert Jan , van der Heide Tjisse
Published: January 2024

Coastal ecosystems provide vital services, but human disturbance causes massive losses. Remaining ecosystems are squeezed between rising seas and human infrastructure development. While shoreline retreat is intensively studied, coastal congestion through infrastructure remains unquantified. Here we analyse 235,469 transects worldwide to show that infrastructure occurs at a median distance of 392 meter from sandy shorelines. Moreover, we find that 33% of sandy shores harbour less than 100 m of infrastructure-free space, and that 23–30% of this space may be lost by 2100 due to rising sea levels. Further analyses show that population density and gross domestic product explain 35–39% of observed squeeze variation, emphasizing the intensifying pressure imposed as countries develop and populations grow. Encouragingly, we find that nature reserves relieve squeezing by 4–7 times. Yet, at present only 16% of world’s sandy shores have a protected status. We therefore advocate the incorporation of nature protection into spatial planning policies.
Disparate macrophage responses are linked to infection outcome of Hantan virus in humans or rodents
Authors: Ma Hongwei , Yang Yongheng , Nie Tiejian , Yan Rong , Si Yue , Wei Jing , Li Mengyun , Liu He , Ye Wei , Zhang Hui , Cheng Linfeng , Zhang Liang , Lv Xin , Luo Limin , Xu Zhikai , Zhang Xijing , Lei Yingfeng , Zhang Fanglin
Published: January 2024

Hantaan virus (HTNV) is asymptomatically carried by rodents, yet causes lethal hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in humans, the underlying mechanisms of which remain to be elucidated. Here, we show that differential macrophage responses may determine disparate infection outcomes. In mice, late-phase inactivation of inflammatory macrophage prevents cytokine storm syndrome that usually occurs in HTNV-infected patients. This is attained by elaborate crosstalk between Notch and NF-κB pathways. Mechanistically, Notch receptors activated by HTNV enhance NF-κB signaling by recruiting IKKβ and p65, promoting inflammatory macrophage polarization in both species. However, in mice rather than humans, Notch-mediated inflammation is timely restrained by a series of murine-specific long noncoding RNAs transcribed by the Notch pathway in a negative feedback manner. Among them, the lnc-ip65 detaches p65 from the Notch receptor and inhibits p65 phosphorylation, rewiring macrophages from the pro-inflammation to the pro-resolution phenotype. Genetic ablation of lnc-ip65 leads to destructive HTNV infection in mice. Thus, our findings reveal an immune-braking function of murine noncoding RNAs, offering a special therapeutic strategy for HTNV infection.
Defining the biogeographical map and potential bacterial translocation of microbiome in human ‘surface organs’
Authors: She Jun-Jun , Liu Wei-Xin , Ding Xiao-Ming , Guo Gang , Han Jing , Shi Fei-Yu , Lau Harry Cheuk-Hay , Ding Chen-Guang , Xue Wu-Jun , Shi Wen , Liu Gai-Xia , Zhang Zhe , Hu Chen-Hao , Chen Yinnan , Wong Chi Chun , Yu Jun
Published: January 2024

The microbiome in a specific human organ has been well-studied, but few reports have investigated the multi-organ microbiome as a whole. Here, we aim to analyse the intra-individual inter-organ and intra-organ microbiome in deceased humans. We collected 1608 samples from 53 sites of 7 surface organs (oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, appendix, large intestine and skin; n = 33 subjects) and performed microbiome profiling, including 16S full-length sequencing. Microbial diversity varied dramatically among organs, and core microbial species co-existed in different intra-individual organs. We deciphered microbial changes across distinct intra-organ sites, and identified signature microbes, their functional traits, and interactions specific to each site. We revealed significant microbial heterogeneity between paired mucosa-lumen samples of stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Finally, we established the landscape of inter-organ relationships of microbes along the digestive tract. Therefore, we generate a catalogue of bacterial composition, diversity, interaction, functional traits, and bacterial translocation in human at inter-organ and intra-organ levels.
Elevated genetic risk for multiple sclerosis emerged in steppe pastoralist populations
Authors: Barrie William , Yang Yaoling , Irving-Pease Evan K. , Attfield Kathrine E. , Scorrano Gabriele , Jensen Lise Torp , Armen Angelos P. , Dimopoulos Evangelos Antonios , Stern Aaron , Refoyo-Martinez Alba , Pearson Alice , Ramsøe Abigail , Gaunitz Charleen , Demeter Fabrice , Jørkov Marie Louise S. , Møller Stig Bermann , Springborg Bente , Klassen Lutz , Hyldgård Inger Marie , Wickmann Niels , Vinner Lasse , Korneliussen Thorfinn Sand , Allentoft Morten E. , Sikora Martin , Kristiansen Kristian , Rodriguez Santiago , Nielsen Rasmus , Iversen Astrid K. N. , Lawson Daniel J. , Fugger Lars , Willerslev Eske
Published: January 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuro-inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease that is most prevalent in Northern Europe. Although it is known that inherited risk for MS is located within or in close proximity to immune-related genes, it is unknown when, where and how this genetic risk originated1. Here, by using a large ancient genome dataset from the Mesolithic period to the Bronze Age2, along with new Medieval and post-Medieval genomes, we show that the genetic risk for MS rose among pastoralists from the Pontic steppe and was brought into Europe by the Yamnaya-related migration approximately 5,000 years ago. We further show that these MS-associated immunogenetic variants underwent positive selection both within the steppe population and later in Europe, probably driven by pathogenic challenges coinciding with changes in diet, lifestyle and population density. This study highlights the critical importance of the Neolithic period and Bronze Age as determinants of modern immune responses and their subsequent effect on the risk of developing MS in a changing environment.
Evidence of human influence on Northern Hemisphere snow loss
Authors: Gottlieb Alexander R. , Mankin Justin S.
Published: January 2024

Documenting the rate, magnitude and causes of snow loss is essential to benchmark the pace of climate change and to manage the differential water security risks of snowpack declines1–4. So far, however, observational uncertainties in snow mass5,6 have made the detection and attribution of human-forced snow losses elusive, undermining societal preparedness. Here we show that human-caused warming has caused declines in Northern Hemisphere-scale March snowpack over the 1981–2020 period. Using an ensemble of snowpack reconstructions, we identify robust snow trends in 82 out of 169 major Northern Hemisphere river basins, 31 of which we can confidently attribute to human influence. Most crucially, we show a generalizable and highly nonlinear temperature sensitivity of snowpack, in which snow becomes marginally more sensitive to one degree Celsius of warming as climatological winter temperatures exceed minus eight degrees Celsius. Such nonlinearity explains the lack of widespread snow loss so far and augurs much sharper declines and water security risks in the most populous basins. Together, our results emphasize that human-forced snow losses and their water consequences are attributable—even absent their clear detection in individual snow products—and will accelerate and homogenize with near-term warming, posing risks to water resources in the absence of substantial climate mitigation.
Operando probing of the surface chemistry during the Haber–Bosch process
Authors: Goodwin Christopher M. , Lömker Patrick , Degerman David , Davies Bernadette , Shipilin Mikhail , Garcia-Martinez Fernando , Koroidov Sergey , Katja Mathiesen Jette , Rameshan Raffael , Rodrigues Gabriel L. S. , Schlueter Christoph , Amann Peter , Nilsson Anders
Published: January 2024

The large-scale conversion of N2and H2into NH3(refs. 1,2) over Fe and Ru catalysts3for fertilizer production occurs through the Haber–Bosch process, which has been considered the most important scientific invention of the twentieth century4. The active component of the catalyst enabling the conversion was variously considered to be the oxide5, nitride2, metallic phase or surface nitride6, and the rate-limiting step has been associated with N2dissociation7–9, reaction of the adsorbed nitrogen10and also NH3desorption11. This range of views reflects that the Haber–Bosch process operates at high temperatures and pressures, whereas surface-sensitive techniques that might differentiate between different mechanistic proposals require vacuum conditions. Mechanistic studies have accordingly long been limited to theoretical calculations12. Here we use X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy—capable of revealing the chemical state of catalytic surfaces and recently adapted to operando investigations13of methanol14and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis15—to determine the surface composition of Fe and Ru catalysts during NH3production at pressures up to 1 bar and temperatures as high as 723 K. We find that, although flat and stepped Fe surfaces and Ru single-crystal surfaces all remain metallic, the latter are almost adsorbate free, whereas Fe catalysts retain a small amount of adsorbed N and develop at lower temperatures high amine (NHx) coverages on the stepped surfaces. These observations indicate that the rate-limiting step on Ru is always N2dissociation. On Fe catalysts, by contrast and as predicted by theory16, hydrogenation of adsorbed N atoms is less efficient to the extent that the rate-limiting step switches following temperature lowering from N2dissociation to the hydrogenation of surface species.
100 ancient genomes show repeated population turnovers in Neolithic Denmark
Authors: Allentoft Morten E. , Sikora Martin , Fischer Anders , Sjögren Karl-Göran , Ingason Andrés , Macleod Ruairidh , Rosengren Anders , Schulz Paulsson Bettina , Jørkov Marie Louise Schjellerup , Novosolov Maria , Stenderup Jesper , Price T. Douglas , Fischer Mortensen Morten , Nielsen Anne Birgitte , Ulfeldt Hede Mikkel , Sørensen Lasse , Nielsen Poul Otto , Rasmussen Peter , Jensen Theis Zetner Trolle , Refoyo-Martínez Alba , Irving-Pease Evan K. , Barrie William , Pearson Alice , Sousa da Mota Bárbara , Demeter Fabrice , Henriksen Rasmus A. , Vimala Tharsika , McColl Hugh , Vaughn Andrew , Vinner Lasse , Renaud Gabriel , Stern Aaron , Johannsen Niels Nørkjær , Ramsøe Abigail Daisy , Schork Andrew Joseph , Ruter Anthony , Gotfredsen Anne Birgitte , Henning Nielsen Bjarne , Brinch Petersen Erik , Kannegaard Esben , Hansen Jesper , Buck Pedersen Kristoffer , Pedersen Lisbeth , Klassen Lutz , Meldgaard Morten , Johansen Morten , Uldum Otto Christian , Lotz Per , Lysdahl Per , Bangsgaard Pernille , Petersen Peter Vang , Maring Rikke , Iversen Rune , Wåhlin Sidsel , Anker Sørensen Søren , Andersen Søren H. , Jørgensen Thomas , Lynnerup Niels , Lawson Daniel J. , Rasmussen Simon , Korneliussen Thorfinn Sand , Kjær Kurt H. , Durbin Richard , Nielsen Rasmus , Delaneau Olivier , Werge Thomas , Kristiansen Kristian , Willerslev Eske
Published: January 2024

Major migration events in Holocene Eurasia have been characterized genetically at broad regional scales1–4. However, insights into the population dynamics in the contact zones are hampered by a lack of ancient genomic data sampled at high spatiotemporal resolution5–7. Here, to address this, we analysed shotgun-sequenced genomes from 100 skeletons spanning 7,300 years of the Mesolithic period, Neolithic period and Early Bronze Age in Denmark and integrated these with proxies for diet (13C and 15N content), mobility (87Sr/86Sr ratio) and vegetation cover (pollen). We observe that Danish Mesolithic individuals of the Maglemose, Kongemose and Ertebølle cultures form a distinct genetic cluster related to other Western European hunter-gatherers. Despite shifts in material culture they displayed genetic homogeneity from around 10,500 to 5,900 calibrated years before present, when Neolithic farmers with Anatolian-derived ancestry arrived. Although the Neolithic transition was delayed by more than a millennium relative to Central Europe, it was very abrupt and resulted in a population turnover with limited genetic contribution from local hunter-gatherers. The succeeding Neolithic population, associated with the Funnel Beaker culture, persisted for only about 1,000 years before immigrants with eastern Steppe-derived ancestry arrived. This second and equally rapid population replacement gave rise to the Single Grave culture with an ancestry profile more similar to present-day Danes. In our multiproxy dataset, these major demographic events are manifested as parallel shifts in genotype, phenotype, diet and land use.
MRE11 liberates cGAS from nucleosome sequestration during tumorigenesis
Authors: Cho Min-Guk , Kumar Rashmi J. , Lin Chien-Chu , Boyer Joshua A. , Shahir Jamshaid A. , Fagan-Solis Katerina , Simpson Dennis A. , Fan Cheng , Foster Christine E. , Goddard Anna M. , Lerner Lynn M. , Ellington Simon W. , Wang Qinhong , Wang Ying , Ho Alice Y. , Liu Pengda , Perou Charles M. , Zhang Qi , McGinty Robert K. , Purvis Jeremy E. , Gupta Gaorav P.
Published: January 2024

Oncogene-induced replication stress generates endogenous DNA damage that activates cGAS–STING-mediated signalling and tumour suppression1–3. However, the precise mechanism of cGAS activation by endogenous DNA damage remains enigmatic, particularly given that high-affinity histone acidic patch (AP) binding constitutively inhibits cGAS by sterically hindering its activation by double-stranded DNA (dsDNA)4–10. Here we report that the DNA double-strand break sensor MRE11 suppresses mammary tumorigenesis through a pivotal role in regulating cGAS activation. We demonstrate that binding of the MRE11–RAD50–NBN complex to nucleosome fragments is necessary to displace cGAS from acidic-patch-mediated sequestration, which enables its mobilization and activation by dsDNA. MRE11 is therefore essential for cGAS activation in response to oncogenic stress, cytosolic dsDNA and ionizing radiation. Furthermore, MRE11-dependent cGAS activation promotes ZBP1–RIPK3–MLKL-mediated necroptosis, which is essential to suppress oncogenic proliferation and breast tumorigenesis. Notably, downregulation of ZBP1 in human triple-negative breast cancer is associated with increased genome instability, immune suppression and poor patient prognosis. These findings establish MRE11 as a crucial mediator that links DNA damage and cGAS activation, resulting in tumour suppression through ZBP1-dependent necroptosis.
An application of artificial neural network (ANN) for comparative performance assessment of solar chimney (SC) plant for green energy production
Authors: Mandal Dipak Kumar , Biswas Nirmalendu , Manna Nirmal K. , Gayen Dilip Kumar , Benim Ali Cemal
Published: January 2024

This study aims to optimize the power generation of a conventional Manzanares solar chimney (SC) plant through strategic modifications to the collector inlet height, chimney diameter, and chimney divergence. Employing a finite volume-based solver for numerical analysis, we systematically scrutinize influential geometric parameters, including collector height (hi = 1.85 to 0.1 m), chimney inlet diameter (dch = 10.16 to 55.88 m), and chimney outlet diameter (do = 10.16 to 30.48 m). Our findings demonstrate that reducing the collector inlet height consistently leads to increased power output. The optimal collector inlet height of hi = 0.2 m results in a significant power increase from 51 to 117.42 kW (~ 2.3 times) without additional installation costs, accompanied by an efficiency of 0.25%. Conversely, enlarging the chimney diameter decreases the chimney base velocity and suction pressure. However, as turbine-driven power generation rises, the flow becomes stagnant beyond a chimney diameter of 45.72 m. At this point, power generation reaches 209 kW, nearly four times greater than the Manzanares plant, with an efficiency of 0.44%. Nevertheless, the cost of expanding the chimney diameter is substantial. Furthermore, the impact of chimney divergence is evident, with power generation, collector efficiency, overall efficiency, and collector inlet velocity all peaking at an outer chimney diameter of 15.24 m (corresponding to an area ratio of 2.25). At this configuration, power generation increases to 75.91 kW, approximately 1.5 times more than the initial design. Remarkably, at a low collector inlet height of 0.2 m, combining it with a chimney diameter of 4.5 times the chimney inlet diameter (4.5dch) results in an impressive power output of 635.02 kW, signifying a substantial 12.45-fold increase. To model the performance under these diverse conditions, an artificial neural network (ANN) is effectively utilized.
Quantitative mRNA expression measurement at home
Authors: Pandey Sonalisa , McCoy Sara Safa , Stobdan Tsering , Sahoo Debashis
Published: January 2024

mRNA measurement is dominated by RT-PCR, which requires expensive laboratory equipment and personnel with advanced degrees. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a versatile technique for detecting target DNA and RNA. The sensitivity of LAMP in early reports has been below that of the standard RT-PCR tests. Here, we report the use of a fluorescence-based RT-LAMP protocol to measure CDX2 expression patterns, which match extremely well to the standards of sophisticated RT-PCR techniques (r = 0.99, p < 0.001). The assay works on diverse sample types such as cDNA, mRNA, and direct tissue sample testing in 25 min compared to more than 3 h for RT-PCR. We have developed a new protocol for designing RT-LAMP primers that reduce false positives due to self-amplification and improve quantification. A simple device with a 3D-printed box enables the measurement of mRNA expression at home, outdoors, and point-of-care setting.
Preliminary psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the emotional outburst questionnaire
Authors: Teixeira Maria Cristina Triguero Veloz , Tafla Tally Lichtensztejn , Lowenthal Rosane , Paula Cristiane Silvestre , Balbueno Bianca , Mevorach Carmel , Chung Justin Cheuk Yin , Woodcock Kate Anne
Published: January 2024

This study focuses on the cross-cultural adaptation of the Emotional Outburst Questionnaire (EOQ) to Brazilian Portuguese and preliminarily assesses its predictive validity. The EOQ evaluates aspects of emotional outbursts (EO), including frequency, duration, intensity, types, associated behaviours, recovery time, triggers, and effectiveness of calming strategies. Two independent translators performed the translation, with subsequent synthesis and analysis revealing that only 33 items (24.81%) required revision. Among these, one item needed partial modification, and two needed total modification. The study demonstrated strong content validity and adaptation in terms of conceptual, idiomatic, and semantic aspects. The EOQ's predictive validity was assessed by analysing the interruption of mental health services in Brazil due to Covid-19 (T1) compared to when services resumed after social distancing measures were lifted (T2). Parents of 25 individuals with developmental disabilities (ASD, DS and ID), with a mean of 11 y/o, mostly male (76%), completed the EOQ. Service interruption during T1 led to increased frequency and duration of severe emotional outbursts reported by caregivers compared to T2 (frequency: p < .001; duration: p = 0.05). This suggests that the EOQ exhibits predictive validity and sensitivity to changes influenced by individual contexts. These findings highlight the EOQ's potential as an outcome measure for intervention development.