Common Origin Research Articles

Log-Gaussian Distribution and Evolution of Minimum Variation Timescales for SGR J1550-5418

The major observation of the X-ray burst (XRB) in association with the fast radio burst (FRB) FRB 200428 originating from SGR J1935+2154 on 2020 April 28 substantiates magnetars as one of the origins of FRBs. However, it is still unclear why only a few XRBs in association with FRBs have been observed solely in this magnetar. In this study, we investigate the minimum variation timescales (MVTs) of XRBs from SGR J1550-5418, an active magnetar similar to SGR J1935+2154, and conduct a comprehensive comparison of their MVT properties. Our analysis reveals that the distribution of the MVT for SGR J1550-5418 follows a lognormal Gaussian function with the mean 6.4 ± 0.4 ms. Interestingly, we detect an evolution in the MVTs, i.e., the fitted mean of the MVT distribution in 2008 October is about 3 times larger than that in 2009, indicating potential variations in radiation regions possibly attributed to changes in magnetic field topology. Besides, we do not find a significant correlation between the MVT and either duration or energy. Finally, there is no significant difference between the MVT distributions across different energy ranges for SGR J1550-5418 and SGR J1935+2154, which supports a common physical origin.

Creation, Thomas Berry, and the Church in Africa

The ecological crisis is a sign of the times, demanding adequate understanding, appropriate interpretation, and pastoral action in light of the Christian faith. Scholarly discourse on the ecological crisis continues to inspire partnership and collaborative actions in Africa. Sometimes, these efforts have yielded significant results, though amid uncharted territories. Scholars appeal for humans to embrace a mutually enhancing relationship with creation to build a common home for all creatures. A suitable and sustainable ecological vision that supports a communitarian approach to resolving the ecological crisis is Thomas Berry’s cosmology. Berry’s cosmological vision reclaims a creation theology that fosters a mutual relationship between humans and other creatures. Humans are beings in communion and beings in relationships created by God and thus from a common origin and moving toward a common destiny. This cosmological presupposition of Berry aligns with the ecological vision of Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si’. The Pope calls humanity to a new cosmic relationship that would foster interdependency of the ecosystem and respect the intrinsic value of every creature. Given the unprecedented ecological challenges, humans have a unique role as intelligent beings toward other creatures, for future generations and the common good of the earth. This human responsibility toward the earth can be realized through an ecological ethics that fosters interdependence, interconnection, and mutuality in the human–earth relationship. Berry’s insights and Catholic ecological teachings merit consideration for African Catholicism.

E-cadherin expression and gene expression profiles in corticotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumor subtypes.

Corticotroph adenomas/pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Predictors of tumor behavior have not shown high prognostic accuracy. For somatotroph adenomas/PitNETs, E-cadherin expression correlates strongly with prognosis. E-cadherin expression has not been investigated in other PitNETs. A retrospective chart review of adults with corticotroph adenomas/PitNETs was conducted to assess correlation between E-cadherin expression and tumor characteristics. In addition, gene expression microarray was performed in subset of tumors (n = 16). Seventy-seven patients were identified; 71% were female, with median age of cohort 45.2 years. Seventy-five percent had macroadenomas, of which 22% were hormonally active. Ninety-five percent of microadenomas were hormonally active. Adrenocorticotropic hormone granulation pattern by IHC identified 63% as densely granulated (DG) and 34% as sparsely granulated (SG). All microadenomas were DG (p < .001); 50% of macroadenomas were DG associated with increased tumor invasion compared to SG. E-cadherin IHC was positive in 80%, diminished in 17%, and absent in 20% and did not correlate with corticotroph PitNETs subtype, size, or prognosis. In contrast to the distinct transcriptomes of corticotroph PitNETs and normal pituitaries, a comparison of clinically active and silent corticotroph PitNETs demonstrated similar molecular signatures indicating their common origin, but with unique differences related to their secretory status.

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contamination and Associated Human Health Risk in Soils around a Battery Industrial Zone in Henan Province, Central China

This research investigated the contamination characteristics, sources, and health risks of five metals in soils from two villages named DK and SXC, downstream from a battery industry hub in Xinxiang city, Henan Province, China. The average concentrations of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Zn in DK were 5.93, 41.31, 71.40, 62.20, and 115.83 mg/kg, respectively, and in SXC were 2.04, 30.41, 41.22, 36.18, and 96.04 mg/kg, respectively. The single factor pollution index (Pi) revealed a consistent descending order of Cd &gt; Cu &gt; Zn &gt; Ni &gt; Pb in DK and SXC. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) indicated that the Cd pollution in DK was extreme, and in SXC was at a heavy to extreme level. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) indicated that Cd presented a significantly high ecological risk while it was low for other metals. Principal component analysis classified them into the anthropogenic origin of Cd and common mixed origin of others. The elevated levels and pollution load of heavy metals with closer proximity to the battery factory imply that the factory is a probable source of contamination. Overall, the health risks posed by heavy metals were more pronounced for local children compared to adults, with Cd being the primary contributor to both pollution and health risks. This investigation provides a crucial basis for the heavy metal pollution management and related risk prevention in areas affected by electronic waste irrigation.

Assessment of the surface water quality and primary health risk in urban wastewater and its receiving river Kathajodi, Cuttack of eastern India.

Kathajodi, the principal southern distributary of the Mahanadi River, is the vital source of irrigation and domestic water use for densely populated Cuttack city which receives anthropogenic wastes abundantly. This study assesses the contamination level and primary health status of urban wastewater, and its receiving river Kathajodi based on the physicochemical quality indices employing inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and aligning with guidelines from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and WHO. The high WQI, HPI, and HEI in the catchment area (KJ2, KJ3, and KJ4) indicate poor water quality due to the influx of domestic waste through the primary drainage system and effluents of healthcare units. A high BOD (4.33-19.66mg L-1) in the catchment indicates high organic matter, animal waste, bacteriological contamination, and low DO, resulting in deterioration of water quality. CR values beyond limits (1.00E - 06 to 1.00E - 04) in three locations of catchment due to higher Cd, Pb, and As indicate significant carcinogenic risk, while high Mn, Cu, and Al content is responsible for several non-carcinogenic ailments and arsenic-induced physiological disorders. The elevated heavy metals Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn, in Kathajodi, could be due to heavy coal combustion, vehicle exhaust, and industrial waste. On the other hand, Cu, Fe, K, and Al could be from agricultural practices, weathered rocks, and crustal materials. Positive significant (p ≤ 0.05) Pearson correlations between physicochemical parameters indicate their common anthropogenic origin and similar chemical characteristics. A strong correlation of PCA between elements and physiological parameters indicates their role in water quality deterioration. Assessing the surface water quality and heavy metal contents from this study will offer critical data to policymakers for monitoring and managing public health concerns.

Harnessing the potential of monocytes/macrophages to regenerate tissue engineered vascular grafts.

Cell-free tissue-engineered vascular grafts provide a promising alternative to treat cardiovascular disease but timely endothelialization is essential for ensuring patency and proper functioning post-implantation. Recent studies from our lab showed that blood cells like monocytes (MCs) and macrophages (Mφ) may contribute directly to cellularization and regeneration of bioengineered arteries in small and large animal models. While MCs and Mφ are leukocytes that are part of the innate immune response, they share common developmental origins with endothelial cells (ECs) and are known to play crucial roles during vessel formation (angiogenesis) and vessel repair after inflammation/injury. They are highly plastic cells that polarize into proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory phenotypes upon exposure to cytokines; and differentiate into other cell types, including EC-like cells, in the presence of appropriate chemical and mechanical stimuli. This review focuses on the developmental origins of MCs and ECs; the role of MCs and Mφ in vessel repair/regeneration during inflammation/injury; and the role of chemical signaling and mechanical forces in Mφ inflammation that mediates vascular graft regeneration. We postulate that comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms will better inform the development of strategies to coax MCs/Mφ into endothelializing the lumen and regenerate the smooth muscle layers of cell-free bioengineered arteries and veins that are designed to treat cardiovascular diseases and perhaps the native vasculature as well.

Cryptorchidism and testicular cancer in the dog: unresolved questions and challenges in translating insights from human studies.

Cryptorchidism, the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum, and testicular cancer show a strong correlation in both dogs and humans. Yet, long-standing medical debates persist about whether the location of undescended testes directly causes testicular cancer in humans or if both conditions stem from a common origin. Although testicular cancer is a prevalent disease in dogs, even less is known about its cause and correlation with testicular descent in this species. This review investigates the relation between these two disorders in dogs, drawing insights from human studies, and examines key biomarkers identified thus far. In addition, it explores potential causal links, including the impact of temperature on maturing testicular cells and a potential shared genetic origin. Notably, this literature review reveals significant differences between men and dogs in reproductive development, histological and molecular features of testicular tumors, and the prevalence of specific tumor types, such as Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs) in cryptorchid dogs and germ cell tumors (GCTs) in humans. These disparities caution against using dogs as models for human testicular cancer research and underscore the limitations when drawing comparisons between species. The paper concludes by suggesting specific research initiatives to enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between cryptorchidism and testicular cancer in dogs.

Genetic diversity and evolution of G12P[6] DS-1-like and G12P[9] AU-1-like Rotavirus strains in Brazil.

In the early 2000s, the global emergence of rotavirus (RVA) G12P[8] genotype was noted, while G12P[6] and G12P[9] combinations remained rare in humans. This study aimed to characterize and phylogenetically analyze three Brazilian G12P[9] and four G12P[6] RVA strains from 2011 to 2020, through RT-PCR and sequencing, in order to enhance our understanding of the genetic relationship between human and animal-origin RVA strains. G12P[6] strains displayed a DS-1-like backbone, showing a distinct genetic clustering. G12P[6] IAL-R52/2020, IAL-R95/2020 and IAL-R465/2019 strains clustered with 2019 Northeastern G12P[6] Brazilian strains and a 2018 Benin strain, whereas IAL-R86/2011 strain grouped with 2010 Northern G12P[6] Brazilian strains and G2P[4] strains from the United States and Belgium. These findings suggest an African genetic ancestry and reassortments with co-circulating American strains sharing the same DS-1-like constellation. No recent zoonotic reassortment was observed, and the DS-1-like constellation detected in Brazilian G12P[6] strains does not seem to be genetically linked to globally reported intergenogroup G1/G3/G9/G8P[8] DS-1-like human strains. G12P[9] strains exhibited an AU-1-like backbone with two different genotype-lineage constellations: IAL-R566/2011 and IAL-R1151/2012 belonged to a VP3/M3.V Lineage, and IAL-R870/2013 to a VP3/M3.II Lineage, suggesting two co-circulating strains in Brazil. This genetic diversity is not observed elsewhere, and the VP3/M3.II Lineage in G12P[9] strains seems to be exclusive to Brazil, indicating its evolution within the country. All three G12P[9] AU-1-like strains were closely relate to G12P[9] strains from Paraguay (2006-2007) and Brazil (2010). Phylogenetic analysis also highlighted that all South American G12P[9] AU-1-like strains had a common origin and supports the hypothesis of their importation from Asia, with no recent introduction from globally circulating G12P[9] strains or reassortments with local G12 strains P[8] or P[6]. Notably, certain genes in the Brazilian G12P[9] AU-1-like strains share ancestry with feline/canine RVAs (VP3/M3.II, NSP4/E3.IV and NSP2/N3.II), whereas NSP1/A3.VI likely originated from artiodactyls, suggesting a history of zoonotic transmission with human strains. This genomic data adds understanding to the molecular epidemiology of G12P[6] and G12P[9] RVA strains in Brazil, offering insights into their genetic diversity and evolution.

Sonographic Appearance of the Ischiocondylar Origin of the Adductor Magnus.

The adductor magnus ischiocondylar origin (AM-IO) tendon has often been described as a third proximal hamstring tendon due to its common origin on the ischial tuberosity as well as similar function. Prior studies have described the magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of the AM-IO; however, its appearance on ultrasound has not been well-detailed. The purpose of our study is to describe the sonographic appearance of the AM-IO and provide a structured scanning protocol for complete evaluation of the tendon.

Chromosomal and genomic analysis suggests single origin and high molecular differentiation of the B chromosome of Abracris flavolineata

Supernumerary chromosomes (B chromosomes) have been an intriguing subject of study. Our understanding of the molecular differentiation of B chromosomes from an interpopulation perspective remains limited, with most analyses involving chromosome banding and mapping of a few sequences. To gain insights into the molecular composition, origin, and evolution of B chromosomes, we conducted cytogenetic and next-generation sequencing analysis of the repeatome in the grasshopper Abracris flavolineata across various populations. Our results unveiled the presence of B chromosomes in two newly investigated populations and described new satellite DNA sequences. While we observed some degree of genetic connection among A. flavolineata populations, our comparative analysis of genomes with and without B chromosomes provided evidence of two new B chromosome variants. These variants exhibited distinct compositions of various repeat classes, including transposable elements and satellite DNAs. Based on shared repeats, their chromosomal location, and the C-positive heterochromatin content on the B chromosome, these variants likely share a common origin but have undergone distinct molecular differentiation processes, resulting in varying degrees of heterochromatinization. Our data serves as a detailed example of the dynamic and differentiated nature of B chromosome molecular content at the interpopulation level, even when they share a common origin.

Tracing the fine-scale demographic history and recent admixture in Hmong-Mien speakers.

The linguistic, historical, and subsistent uniqueness of Hmong-Mien (HM) speakers offers a wonderful opportunity to investigate how these factors impact the genetic structure. The genetic differentiation among HM speakers and their population history are not well characterized. Here, we generate genome-wide data from 65 Yao ethnicity samples and analyze them with published data, particularly by leveraging haplotype-based methods. We determined that the fine-scale genetic substructure of HM speakers corresponds better with linguistic classification than with geography. Particularly, parallels between serial founder events and language differentiations can be observed in West Hmongic speakers. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that ~500-year-old GaoHuaHua individuals are most closely related to West Hmongic-speaking Bunu. The strong genetic bottleneck of some HM-speaking groups, especially Bunu, could potentially be associated with their long-term practice of swidden agriculture to some degree. The inferred admixture dates for most of the HM speakers overlap with the reign of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 CE). Besides a common genetic origin for HM speakers, their genetic ancestry is shared primarily with neighboring Han Chinese and Tai-Kadai speakers in south China. In conclusion, our analyses reveal that recent isolation and admixture events have contributed to the genetic population history of present-day HM speakers.

The Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Family: A New Member of the Voltage Gated Ion Channel Superfamily?

In this report we present seven lines of bioinformatic evidence supporting the conclusion that the Pentameric Ligand-gated Ion Channel (pLIC) Family is a member of the Voltage-gated Ion Channel (VIC) Superfamily. In our approach, we used the Transporter Classification Database (TCDB) as a reference and applied a series of bioinformatic methods to search for similarities between the pLIC family and members of the VIC superfamily. These include: (1) sequence similarity, (2) compatibility of topology and hydropathy profiles, (3) shared domains, (4) conserved motifs, (5) similarity of Hidden Markov Model profiles between families, (6) common 3D structural folds, and (7) clustering analysis of all families. Furthermore, sequence and structural comparisons as well as the identification of a 3-TMS repeat unit in the VIC superfamily suggests that the sixth transmembrane segment evolved into a re-entrant loop. This evidence suggests that the voltage-sensor domain and the channel domain have a common origin. The classification of the pLIC family within the VIC superfamily sheds light onto the topological origins of this family and its evolution, which will facilitate experimental verification and further research into this superfamily by the scientific community.

Genetic legacy and adaptive signatures: investigating the history, diversity, and selection signatures in Rendena cattle resilient to eighteenth century rinderpest epidemics

BackgroundRendena is a dual-purpose cattle breed, which is primarily found in the Italian Alps and the eastern areas of the Po valley, and recognized for its longevity, fertility, disease resistance and adaptability to steep Alpine pastures. It is categorized as 'vulnerable to extinction' with only 6057 registered animals in 2022, yet no comprehensive analyses of its molecular diversity have been performed to date. The aim of this study was to analyse the origin, genetic diversity, and genomic signatures of selection in Rendena cattle using data from samples collected in 2000 and 2018, and shed light on the breed's evolution and conservation needs.ResultsGenetic analysis revealed that the Rendena breed shares genetic components with various Alpine and Po valley breeds, with a marked genetic proximity to the Original Braunvieh breed, reflecting historical restocking efforts across the region. The breed shows signatures of selection related to both milk and meat production, environmental adaptation and immune response, the latter being possibly the result of multiple rinderpest epidemics that swept across the Alps in the eighteenth century. An analysis of the Rendena cattle population spanning 18 years showed an increase in the mean level of inbreeding over time, which is confirmed by the mean number of runs of homozygosity per individual, which was larger in the 2018 sample.ConclusionsThe Rendena breed, while sharing a common origin with Brown Swiss, has developed distinct traits that enable it to thrive in the Alpine environment and make it highly valued by local farmers. Preserving these adaptive features is essential, not only for maintaining genetic diversity and enhancing the ability of this traditional animal husbandry to adapt to changing environments, but also for guaranteeing the resilience and sustainability of both this livestock system and the livelihoods within the Rendena valley.

Variability of Blue Supergiants in the LMC with TESS

The blue supergiant (BSG) problem, namely, the overabundance of BSGs inconsistent with classical stellar evolution theory, remains an open question in stellar astrophysics. Several theoretical explanations have been proposed, which may be tested by their predictions for the characteristic time variability. In this work, we analyze the light curves of a sample of 20 BSGs obtained from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. We report a characteristic signal in the low-frequency (f ≲ 2 day−1) range for all our targets. The amplitude spectrum has a peak frequency of ∼0.2 day−1, and we are able to fit it by a modified Lorentzian profile. The signal itself shows strong stochasticity across different TESS sectors, suggesting its driving mechanism happens on short (≲months) timescales. Our signals resemble those obtained for a limited sample of hotter OB stars and yellow supergiants, suggesting their possible common origins. We discuss three possible physical explanations: stellar winds launched by rotation, convection motions that reach the stellar surface, and waves from the deep stellar interior. The peak frequency of the signal favors processes related to the convective zone caused by the iron opacity peak, and the shape of the spectra might be explained by the propagation of high-order, damped gravity waves excited from that zone. We discuss the uncertainties and limitations of all these scenarios.

The Intrinsic Sizes of Odd Radio Circles

A new class of sources, the so-called odd radio circles (ORCs), have been discovered by recent sensitive, large-area radio continuum surveys. The distances of these sources have so far relied on photometric redshifts of optical galaxies found at the centers of or near ORCs. Here we present Gemini rest-frame optical spectroscopy of six galaxies at the centers of, or potentially associated with, the first five ORC discoveries. We supplement this with Legacy Survey imaging and Prospector fits to their griz+W1/W2 photometry. Of the three ORCs with central galaxies, all lie at distances (z = 0.27–0.55) that confirm the large intrinsic diameters of the radio circles (300–500 kpc). The central galaxies are massive (M * ∼ 1011 M ☉), red, unobscured ellipticals with old (≳1 Gyr) stellar populations. They have LINER spectral types that are shock-powered or active galactic nucleus (AGN)-powered. All three host low-luminosity, radio-quiet AGN. The similarity of their central galaxies is consistent with a common origin, perhaps as a blast wave from an ancient starburst. The other two ORCs are adjacent and have no prominent central galaxies. However, the z = 0.25 disk galaxy that lies between them hosts a Type 2, moderate-luminosity AGN. They may instead be the lobes of a radio jet from this AGN.

Molecular phylogeny and secondary structure analysis of hop stunt viroid (HSVd) associated with Mulberry (Morus alba) in India.

Hop stunt viroid (HSVd), a small, single stranded, circular, non-coding infectious RNA known to cause infection in various economically important crop plants. In the present investigation, a study was conducted in the southern part of Karnataka districts of India to detect the possible association of HSVd infection in mulberry plants. A total of 41 mulberry plants showing typical viroid-like symptoms along with asymptomatic samples were collected and screened using conventional Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) using a specific set of HSVd-Fw/ HSVd-Re primers. Out of 41 samples, the study confirmed the presence of HSVd in six samples of mulberry collected from Ramanagara (1 sample), Chikkaballapur (3 samples) and Doddaballapura (2 samples) regions with an expected HSVd amplicon size of ∼ 290-300 nucleotides. The mechanical transmission of HSVd was also confirmed on cucumber (cv. Suyo) seedlings through bioassay, which was reconfirmed by RT-PCR. The amplicons were cloned, sequenced, and the representative nucleotide sequences were deposited in the NCBI GenBank. Subsequently, molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that HSVd mulberry isolates from this study were most closely related to grapevine isolates, indicating a common origin. On the other hand, it was shown to belong to a different group from mulberry isolates so far reported from Iran, Italy, Lebanon, and China. The secondary structure analysis of HSVd mulberry Indian isolates exhibited substitutions in the terminal left, pathogenicity, and variable regions compared to those of the Indian grapevine isolates. As far as this study is concerned, HSVd was detected exclusively in some mulberry plants with viral-like symptoms, but the pathogenesis and symptom expression needs to be further investigated to establish the relationship between HSVd and the disease symptoms in the mulberry plants.

Structural basis of lipid head group entry to the Kennedy pathway by FLVCR1.

Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, the two most abundant phospholipids in mammalian cells, are synthesized de novo by the Kennedy pathway from choline and ethanolamine, respectively1-6. Despite the essential roles of these lipids, the mechanisms that enable the cellular uptake of choline and ethanolamine remain unknown. Here we show that the protein encoded by FLVCR1, whose mutation leads to the neurodegenerative syndrome posterior column ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa7-9, transports extracellular choline and ethanolamine into cells for phosphorylation by downstream kinases to initiate the Kennedy pathway. Structures of FLVCR1 in the presence of choline and ethanolamine reveal that both metabolites bind to a common binding site comprising aromatic and polar residues. Despite binding to a common site, FLVCR1 interacts in different ways with the larger quaternary amine of choline in and with the primary amine of ethanolamine. Structure-guided mutagenesis identified residues that are crucial for the transport of ethanolamine, but dispensable for choline transport, enabling functional separation of the entry points into the two branches of the Kennedy pathway. Altogether, these studies reveal how FLVCR1 is a high-affinity metabolite transporter that serves as the common origin for phospholipid biosynthesis by two branches of the Kennedy pathway.

Escherichia coli isolated from pyometra and cystitis in the same animal exhibit a wide phenotypic similarity.

Pyometra and cystitis caused by Escherichia coli are common diseases identified in canine or feline females. The origin of pyometra infection remains uncertain, and effective prevention strategies for this disease are still unknown. This study aimed to provide a phenotypic characterisation, including antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles, of Endometrial Pathogenic (EnPEC) and Uropathogenic (UPEC) E. coli strains isolated simultaneously from the same animal. Sixteen E. coli strains, from eight different animals, were analysed in this study. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of EnPEC and UPEC strains was determined using the disc diffusion method, which showed a similar susceptibility profile among strains (EnPEC and UPEC) from the same animal. The virulence profile of the strains was assessed through biofilm formation, as well as serum resistance abilities. EnPEC and UPEC strains from the same animal exhibited slight variations in their virulence and antimicrobial resistance capabilities. Overall, most of the strain pairs showed a high similarity in their ability to establish biofilms and survive in serum complement activity. Overall, strains of E. coli isolated from both pyometra and cystitis in the same animal, despite presenting distinct clinical diseases, exhibit a wide phenotypic similarity, suggesting a common origin for the strains.

IPAttributor: Cyber Attacker Attribution with Threat Intelligence-Enriched Intrusion Data

In the dynamic landscape of cyberspace, organizations face a myriad of coordinated advanced threats that challenge the traditional defense paradigm. Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) plays a crucial role, providing in-depth insights into adversary groups and enhancing the detection and neutralization of complex cyber attacks. However, attributing attacks poses significant challenges due to over-reliance on malware samples or network detection data alone, which falls short of comprehensively profiling attackers. This paper proposes an IPv4-based threat attribution model, IPAttributor, that improves attack characterization by merging a real-world network behavior dataset comprising 39,707 intrusion entries with commercial threat intelligence from three distinct sources, offering a more nuanced context. A total of 30 features were utilized from the enriched dataset for each IP to create a feature matrix to assess the similarities and linkage of associated IPs, and a dynamic weighted threat segmentation algorithm was employed to discern attacker communities. The experiments affirm the efficacy of our method in pinpointing attackers sharing a common origin, achieving the highest accuracy of 88.89%. Our study advances the relatively underexplored line of work of cyber attacker attribution, with a specific interest in IP-based attribution strategies, thereby enhancing the overall understanding of the attacker’s group regarding their capabilities and intentions.

The effect of microsolvation on the structure, nuclear quadrupole coupling, and internal rotation: The methyl carbamate⋯(H2O)1-3 complexes.

Microsolvation of the carbamate moiety delivers precise information on complexation effects on the N-C=O backbone and is of relevance to the peptide bond functionality. In this context, the mono-, di-, and trihydrated complexes of methyl carbamate have been studied in molecular expansion by high-resolution microwave spectroscopy, using chirped-pulse and Fabry-Perot resonator Fourier transform microwave instruments covering the frequency range from 2 to 18GHz. From the rotational constants of the parent and the 18Ow substituted monoisotopologues, accurate values have been derived for the geometries of the hydrogen bond interactions. The nuclear quadrupole coupling constant χcc of the nitrogen nucleus provides a direct measure of complexation changes and decreases with the degree of hydration, whereas the hindered internal rotation barrier increases slightly with microsolvation. Both tendencies could have a common origin in the π-cooperative inductive effects as the microsolvation series progresses. All transitions are split by the internal rotation of the methyl top and the nuclear quadrupole coupling, and in the largest cluster, they are additionally split by an inversion motion.