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Abstract We introduce augmented vector spaces of output differences, new generic and black-box distinguishers for Substitution Permutation Network (SPN) ciphers. Our distinguishers are based on a novel method of constructing a vector of size $$n^{(d)}$$ n ( d ) bits from a given vector of size n bits, where $$n^{(d)} = \sum _{i = 1}^{d}\left( {\begin{array}{c}n\\ i\end{array}}\right) $$ n ( d ) = ∑ i = 1 d n i and d is a positive integer. We list all such $$n^{(d)}$$ n ( d ) -bit vectors into a set called the corresponding $$d^{th}$$ d th -order augmented set and define its linear span as the corresponding $$d^{th}$$ d th -order augmented vector space . These sets are related to Reed-Muller codes and we prove that the rank of linear span of $$d^{th}$$ d th -order augmented set is $$n^{(d)}$$ n ( d ) using Reed-Muller codes. We then experimentally estimate the number of n-bit vectors required to span augmented vector spaces of output differences. Following these results, we give a generic and efficient algorithm to compute $$d^{th}$$ d th -order augmented vector space (of difference sets) for substitution permutation network ciphers. We apply our algorithm to lightweight ciphers GIFT, PRESENT and SKINNY and provide in-depth comparison of round-reduced ciphers’ distinguishers with random sets. Most notably, our new distinguishers for these ciphers cover more rounds than the subspace trails.

Abstract Background The innate immune system serves as the first line of host defense. Transforming growth factor-β–activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is a key regulator of innate immunity, cell survival, and cellular homeostasis. Because of its importance in immunity, several pathogens have evolved to carry TAK1 inhibitors. In response, hosts have evolved to sense TAK1 inhibition and induce robust lytic cell death, PANoptosis, mediated by the RIPK1-PANoptosome. PANoptosis is a unique innate immune inflammatory lytic cell death pathway initiated by an innate immune sensor and driven by caspases and RIPKs. While PANoptosis can be beneficial to clear pathogens, excess activation is linked to pathology. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating TAK1 inhibitor (TAK1i)-induced PANoptosis is central to our understanding of RIPK1 in health and disease. Results In this study, by analyzing results from a cell death-based CRISPR screen, we identified protein phosphatase 6 (PP6) holoenzyme components as regulators of TAK1i-induced PANoptosis. Loss of the PP6 enzymatic component, PPP6C, significantly reduced TAK1i-induced PANoptosis. Additionally, the PP6 regulatory subunits PPP6R1, PPP6R2, and PPP6R3 had redundant roles in regulating TAK1i-induced PANoptosis, and their combined depletion was required to block TAK1i-induced cell death. Mechanistically, PPP6C and its regulatory subunits promoted the pro-death S166 auto-phosphorylation of RIPK1 and led to a reduction in the pro-survival S321 phosphorylation. Conclusions Overall, our findings demonstrate a key requirement for the phosphatase PP6 complex in the activation of TAK1i-induced, RIPK1-dependent PANoptosis, suggesting this complex could be therapeutically targeted in inflammatory conditions.

Abstract Aerobic glycolysis, or the Warburg effect, is used by cancer cells for proliferation while producing lactate. Although lactate production has wide implications for cancer progression, it is not known how this effect increases cell proliferation and relates to oxidative phosphorylation. Here, we elucidate that a negative feedback loop (NFL) is responsible for the Warburg effect. Further, we show that aerobic glycolysis works as an amplifier of oxidative phosphorylation. On the other hand, quiescence is an important property of cancer stem cells. Based on the NFL, we show that both aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, playing a synergistic role, are required to achieve cell quiescence. Further, our results suggest that the cells in their hypoxic niche are highly proliferative yet close to attaining quiescence by increasing their NADH/NAD+ ratio through the severity of hypoxia. The findings of this study can help in a better understanding of the link among metabolism, cell cycle, carcinogenesis, and stemness.

Abstract The escalating global challenge of antimicrobial resistance demands innovative approaches. This review delves into the current status and future prospects of bioengineered metallic nanoparticles derived from natural sources as potent antimicrobial agents. The unique attributes of metallic nanoparticles and the abundance of natural resources have sparked a burgeoning field of research in combating microbial infections. A systematic review of the literature was conducted, encompassing a wide range of studies investigating the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial mechanisms of bioengineered metallic nanoparticles. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Springer, Taylor & Francis online and OpenAthen were extensively searched to compile a comprehensive overview of the topic. The synthesis methods, including green and sustainable approaches, were examined, as were the diverse biological sources used in nanoparticle fabrication. The amalgamation of metallic nanoparticles and natural products has yielded promising antimicrobial agents. Their multifaceted mechanisms, including membrane disruption, oxidative stress induction, and enzyme inhibition, render them effective against various pathogens, including drug-resistant strains. Moreover, the potential for targeted drug delivery systems using these nanoparticles has opened new avenues for personalized medicine. Bioengineered metallic nanoparticles derived from natural sources represent a dynamic frontier in the battle against microbial infections. The current status of research underscores their remarkable antimicrobial efficacy and multifaceted mechanisms of action. Future prospects are bright, with opportunities for scalability and cost-effectiveness through sustainable synthesis methods. However, addressing toxicity, regulatory hurdles, and environmental considerations remains crucial. In conclusion, this review highlights the evolving landscape of bioengineered metallic nanoparticles, offering valuable insights into their current status and their potential to revolutionize antimicrobial therapy in the future. Graphical Abstract

Few layers Black phosphorus (BP) and phosphorene are two-dimensional (2D) materials renowned for their adjustable bandgaps, high carrier mobility, and anisotropic conductivity, which make them highly promising for applications in the visible and infrared spectrum. The incorporation of these materials into polymer matrices has led to significant advancements in material science, resulting in nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical, electrical, and optical properties. This article provides a thorough analysis of BP/phosphorene polymer nanocomposites, including synthesis techniques (such as exfoliation methods) and manufacturing approaches. Advanced characterisation techniques are utilised to assess the structure, morphology, and properties of these composites. The article highlights the potential applications of these materials in energy storage (e.g., high-capacity batteries), flexible electronics (e.g., bendable displays), environmental sensing, and emerging biomedical fields such as targeted drug delivery. Furthermore, the article discusses potential solutions to tackle the challenges associated with the scalable, cost-effective production and ambient stability of BP/phosphorene, leveraging recent advancements in engineering research. The conclusion outlines future research directions, emphasising the importance of addressing persistent challenges through technological breakthroughs and exploring potential avenues for further advancement.

Abstract For the application of biochar in restoring pesticide-contaminated soils and minimizing the risk associated with their uptake in plants, it is crucial to understand the biochar impact on soil biological activities and dissipation and accumulation of pesticides in plant and soil systems. In this study, the effect of Mentha-distilled waste-derived biochar was investigated on chlorpyrifos and atrazine contaminated sandy loam soil. The four application rates of atrazine (2, 4, 6, and 8 mg kg−1) and chlorpyrifos (2, 4, 6, and 12 mg kg−1) and a single application rate of biochar (4%) were used in this study. The degradation of pesticides, the diversity of the bacterial community, and enzymatic activities (alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase, arylsulfatase, phenol oxidase, urease activity and N-acetyl glucosaminidase) were examined in soil. The uptake of two pesticides and their effect on growth and stress parameters were also investigated in plants (A. paniculata). The dissipation of chlorpyrifos and atrazine followed simple first-order kinetics with a half-life of 6.6–74.6 and 21–145 days, respectively. The presence of deisopropyl atrazine desethyl atrazine (metabolites of atrazine) and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (a metabolite of chlorpyrifos) was observed in soil and plant tissues. Biochar application significantly (p = 0.001) enhanced the degradation rate of chlorpyrifos and atrazine leading to the lower half-life of chlorpyrifos and atrazine in soil. A significant reduction (p = 0.001) in the uptake of chlorpyrifos and atrazine and alteration in their binding affinity and uptake rate in plant tissues was observed in biochar treatments. The incorporation of biochar improved chlorpyrifos/atrazine degrader and plant growth-promoting bacterial genera such as Balneimonas, Kaistobacter, Rubrobacter, Ammoniphilus, and Bacillus. The upregulation of functional genes associated with nucleotide, energy, carbohydrate, amino acid metabolism, xenobiotic biodegradation, and metabolism: atrazine degradation was observed in biochar treatments. The biochar amendments significantly (p = 0.001) reduced the plant’s uptake velocity (Vmax) and affinity (Km) of chlorpyrifos and atrazine. These results delineated that Mentha-distilled waste-derived biochar can potentially remediate chlorpyrifos and atrazine contaminated soils and ensure the safety of plants for consumption. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Innate immunity provides the first line of defense through multiple mechanisms, including pyrogen production and cell death. While elevated body temperature during infection is beneficial to clear pathogens, heat stress (HS) can lead to inflammation and pathology. Links between pathogen exposure, HS, cytokine release, and inflammation have been observed, but fundamental innate immune mechanisms driving pathology during pathogen exposure and HS remain unclear. Here, we use multiple genetic approaches to elucidate innate immune pathways in infection or LPS and HS models. Our results show that bacteria and LPS robustly increase inflammatory cell death during HS that is dependent on caspase-1, caspase-11, caspase-8, and RIPK3 through the PANoptosis pathway. Caspase-7 also contributes to PANoptosis in this context. Furthermore, NINJ1 is an important executioner of this cell death to release inflammatory molecules, independent of other pore-forming executioner proteins, gasdermin D, gasdermin E, and MLKL. In an in vivo HS model, mortality is reduced by deleting NINJ1 and fully rescued by deleting key PANoptosis molecules. Our findings suggest that therapeutic strategies blocking NINJ1 or its upstream regulators to prevent PANoptosis may reduce the release of inflammatory mediators and benefit patients.

Abstract Background Predictive biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy are currently lacking for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we describe the results from the Anti–PD-1 Response Prediction DREAM Challenge, a crowdsourced initiative that enabled the assessment of predictive models by using data from two randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of ICIs in first-line metastatic NSCLC. Methods Participants developed and trained models using public resources. These were evaluated with data from the CheckMate 026 trial (NCT02041533), according to the model-to-data paradigm to maintain patient confidentiality. The generalizability of the models with the best predictive performance was assessed using data from the CheckMate 227 trial (NCT02477826). Both trials were phase III RCTs with a chemotherapy control arm, which supported the differentiation between predictive and prognostic models. Isolated model containers were evaluated using a bespoke strategy that considered the challenges of handling transcriptome data from clinical trials. Results A total of 59 teams participated, with 417 models submitted. Multiple predictive models, as opposed to a prognostic model, were generated for predicting overall survival, progression-free survival, and progressive disease status with ICIs. Variables within the models submitted by participants included tumor mutational burden (TMB), programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, and gene-expression–based signatures. The best-performing models showed improved predictive power over reference variables, including TMB or PD-L1. Conclusions This DREAM Challenge is the first successful attempt to use protected phase III clinical data for a crowdsourced effort towards generating predictive models for ICI clinical outcomes and could serve as a blueprint for similar efforts in other tumor types and disease states, setting a benchmark for future studies aiming to identify biomarkers predictive of ICI efficacy. Trial registration: CheckMate 026; NCT02041533, registered January 22, 2014. CheckMate 227; NCT02477826, registered June 23, 2015.

MXenes, a rapidly growing family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides (Mn+1XnTx, where M is a transition metal, X is carbon, nitrogen, or both, and T represents surface functional groups), have captured the scientific community's interest due to their exceptional physicochemical properties and diverse technological applications. This comprehensive review explores the latest breakthroughs in MXene synthesis and characterisation, emphasising their multifaceted applications in energy storage, catalysis, sensing, and other cutting-edge domains. This review examines the most widely used MXene synthesis strategies, including selective etching and delamination, and highlight recent advancements in controlling surface terminations, composition, and morphology. The influence of these synthetic parameters on MXene properties is discussed in detail. Characterisation techniques, ranging from spectroscopic methods to electron microscopy, are essential for elucidating MXenes' structure-property relationships. Research into energy storage leverages MXenes' high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and chemical tunability. This has led to significant progress in the field. This paper presents research efforts focused on optimising MXenes for both battery and supercapacitor applications. Additionally, the catalytic prowess of MXenes, particularly in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, is explored, emphasising their role in green energy technologies and environmental remediation. MXenes' remarkable sensitivity and selectivity make them promising candidates for sensing various gases, biomolecules, and ions, offering exciting possibilities in healthcare and environmental monitoring. Importantly, this review underscores the need for continued optimisation of MXene synthesis protocols to achieve large-scale production, enhanced stability, and precise control over properties across various fields.

Technology-mediated group toxicity polarization is a major socio-technological issue of our time. For better large-scale monitoring of polarization among social media news content, we quantify the toxicity of news video comments using a Toxicity Polarization Score. For polarizing news videos, our premise is that the comments’ toxicity approximates either an “M” or “U” shaped distribution—that is, there is unevenly balanced toxicity among the comments. We evaluate our premises through a case study using a dataset of ~180,000 YouTube comments on ~3,700 real news videos from an international online news organization. Toward polarization-mitigating information systems, we build a predictive machine learning model to score the toxicity polarization of news content even when its comments are disabled or not available, as it is a current trend among news publishers to disable comments. Findings imply that the most engaging news content is also often the most polarizing, which we associate with increasing research on clickbait content and the detrimental effect of attention-based metrics on the health of online social media communities, especially news communities.

Traveling Wave Tubes (TWT) are most widely used in civil, defense, and space applications as power amplifiers over a wide range of frequency. When a TWT works at a higher bandwidth, it suffers from nonlinearities, which affects the overall performance of the tube and hence the required results aren't achieved. So, optimization of a TWT is required, mainly in terms of its power characteristics. Power characteristics of the TWTs are specified in terms of output power at different input drive levels, AM/PM transfer and AM/PM conversions, input, and output back-off, gain at saturation, etc. Some of the linearity factors like 3rd order inter modulation product (IMP), and the 1 dB compression point are also optimized. An exhaustive study has been made to achieve the optimum performance of a 140W TWT in Ku-Band. The result has been validated by experimental results.

Preplanetary nebulae (PPNe) are formed from mass-ejecting late-stage AGB stars. Much of the light from the star gets scattered or absorbed by dust particles, giving rise to the observed reflection nebula seen at visible and near-IR wavelengths. Precursors to planetary nebulae (PNe), PPNe generally have not yet undergone any ionization by UV radiation from the still-buried stellar core. Bipolar PPNe are a common form of observed PPNe. This study lays the groundwork for future dynamical studies by reconstructing the dust density distribution of a particularly symmetric bipolar PPN, M1-92 (Minkowski’s Footprint, IRAS 19343+2926). For this purpose, we develop an efficient single-scattering radiative transfer model with corrections for double-scattering. Using a V-band image from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), we infer the dust density profile and orientation of M1-92. These results indicate that M1-92’s slowly expanding equatorial torus exhibits an outer radial cutoff in its density, which implicates the influence of a binary companion during the formation of the nebula.

Platelet transfusions are routine procedures in clinical treatment aimed at preventing bleeding in critically ill patients, including those with cancer, undergoing surgery, or experiencing trauma. However, platelets are susceptible blood cells that require specific storage conditions. The availability of platelet concentrates is limited to five days due to various factors, including the risk of bacterial contamination and the occurrence of physical and functional changes known as platelet storage lesions. In this article, the problems related to platelet storage lesions are categorized into four groups depending on research areas: storage conditions, additive solutions, new testing methods for platelets (proteomic and metabolomic analysis), and extensive data modeling of platelet production (mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and artificial intelligence). This article provides extensive information on the challenges, potential improvements, and novel perspectives regarding platelet storage.

Abstract This paper presents a hybrid technique‐based compact narrow band stop filter design for broadband applications. It provides the rejection of 60 dB at the centre frequency of 2.25 GHz without any stop band harmonics over the required frequency band of operation, i.e. 1–10 GHz. This filter is highly appropriated for the rejection of undesired bands for RADAR, electronic warfare, and military communications.

Background: Impact of drug wastage is a legitimate and persistent concern. Financial impact of drug waste is borne by the hospital network, patients, and healthcare systems. Measures to reduce drug wastage may have a positive impact throughout healthcare systems. Objective: This study investigated the stability and sterility of single-dose vials when repeatedly accessed with a closed system transfer device. By evaluating the sterility and stability, these results may be used to validate the extension of vial usage and lead to potential drug wastage reduction. Methods: Sterility testing was performed in accordance with US Pharmacopeia 71. A closed system transfer device was incorporated into simulated compounding tasks, utilizing growth media. Simulated compounding tasks were performed in the clinical environment, followed by incubation to stimulate growth. Stability testing was performed in accordance with US Pharmacopeia monographs at multiple timepoints post access. Test samples were comparatively tested via high-performance liquid chromatography to freshly opened vials at each timepoint. Results: No growth was observed in test samples. Control vials displayed growth, where appropriate. The drugs retained stability, when compared to freshly opened vials at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h, post access. Conclusions: This study confirms that closed system transfer devices do not contribute to microbial contamination of drug vials, following the repeated access, for up to 7 days and the tested drugs retained equivalent chemical stability for up to 72 h post access. This study may offer a manner by which a facility may assess single-dose vials’ sterility and stability, following repeated access by a closed system transfer device.

The micro-light emitting diode (µLED) technology is poised to revolutionise display applications through the introduction of nanomaterials and Group III-nitride nanostructures. This review charts state-of-the-art in this important area of micro-LEDs by highlighting their key roles, progress and concerns. The review encompasses details from various types of nanomaterials to the complexity of gallium nitride (GaN) and III nitride nanostructures. The necessity to integrate nanomaterials with III-nitride structures to create effective displays that could disrupt industries was emphasised in this review. Commercialisation challenges and the economic enhancement of micro-LED integration into display applications using monolithic integrated devices have also been discussed. Furthermore, different approaches in micro-LED development are discussed from top-down and bottom-up approaches. The last part of the review focuses on nanomaterials employed in the production of micro-LED displays. It also highlights the combination of III-V LEDs with silicon LCDs and perovskite-based micro-LED displays. There is evidence that efficiency and performance have improved significantly since the inception of the use of nanomaterials in manufacturing these.

The abnormal growth of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) significantly contributes to the progression of glioblastoma tumors. Hence, molecules that block OPC growth may be of therapeutic importance in treating gliomas. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME), an endogenous tubulin-interacting metabolite of estradiol, is effective against multiple proliferative disorders. Based on its anti-carcinogenic and anti-angiogenic actions, it is undergoing phase II clinical trials. We hypothesize that 2ME may prevent glioma growth by targeting OPC growth. Here, we tested this hypothesis by assessing the impact of 2ME on the growth of an OPC line, “Oli-neu”, and dissected the underlying mechanism(s). Treatment with 2ME inhibited OPC growth in a concentration-dependent manner, accompanied by significant upregulation in the expression of p21 and p27, which are negative cell-cycle regulators. Moreover, treatment with 2ME altered OPC morphology from multi-arm processes to rounded cells. At concentrations of 1uM and greater, 2ME induced apoptosis, with increased expressions of caspase 3, PARP, and caspase-7 fragments, externalized phosphatidylserine staining/APOPercentage, and increased mitochondrial activity. Flow cytometry and microscopic analysis demonstrated that 2ME triggers endoreduplication in a concentration-dependent fashion. Importantly, 2ME induced cyclin E, JNK1/2, and p53 expression, as well as OPC fusion, which are key mechanisms driving endoreduplication and whole-genome duplication. Importantly, the inhibition of p53 with pifithrin-α rescued 2ME-induced endoreduplication. The pro-apoptotic and endoreduplication actions of 2ME were accompanied by the upregulation of survivin, cyclin A, Cyclin B, Cyclin D2, and ppRB. Similar growth inhibitory, apoptotic, and endoreduplication effects of 2ME were observed in CG4 cells. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that 2ME not only inhibits OPC growth and triggers apoptosis, but also activates OPCs into survival (fight or flight) mode, leading to endoreduplication. This inherent survival characteristic of OPCs may, in part, be responsible for drug resistance in gliomas, as observed for many tubulin-interacting drugs. Importantly, the fate of OPCs after 2ME treatment may depend on the cell-cycle status of individual cells. Combining tubulin-interfering molecules with drugs such as pifithrin-α that inhibit endoreduplication may help inhibit OPC/glioma growth and limit drug resistance.

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in cardiovascular regeneration. Enhancement of their native properties would be highly beneficial to ensuring the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. As androgens have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, we hypothesized that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) could also influence EPC-mediated repair processes. To evaluate this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of DHT on cultured human EPCs’ proliferation, viability, morphology, migration, angiogenesis, gene and protein expression, and ability to integrate into cardiac tissue. The results showed that DHT at different concentrations had no cytotoxic effect on EPCs, significantly enhanced the cell proliferation and viability and induces fast, androgen-receptor-dependent formation of capillary-like structures. DHT treatment of EPCs regulated gene expression of androgen receptors and the genes and proteins involved in cell migration and angiogenesis. Importantly, DHT stimulation promoted EPC migration and the cells’ ability to adhere and integrate into murine cardiac slices, suggesting it has a role in promoting tissue regeneration. Mass spectrometry analysis further highlighted the impact of DHT on EPCs’ functioning. In conclusion, DHT increases the proliferation, migration, and androgen-receptor-dependent angiogenesis of EPCs; enhances the cells’ secretion of key factors involved in angiogenesis; and significantly potentiates cellular integration into heart tissue. The data offer support for potential therapeutic applications of DHT in cardiovascular regeneration and repair processes.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), encompassing the desi and kabuli varieties, is a beloved pulse crop globally. Its cultivation spans over fifty countries, from the Indian subcontinent and southern Europe to the Middle East, North Africa, the Americas, Australia, and China. With a rich composition of carbohydrates and protein, constituting 80% of its dry seed mass, chickpea is also touted for its numerous health benefits, earning it the title of a ‘functional food’. In the past two decades, research has extensively explored the rhizobial diversity associated with chickpea and its breeding in various countries across Europe, Asia, and Oceania, aiming to understand its impact on the sustainable yield and quality of chickpea crops. To date, four notable species of Mesorhizobium—M. ciceri, M. mediterraneum, M. muleiense, and M. wenxiniae—have been reported, originally isolated from chickpea root nodules. Other species, such as M. amorphae, M. loti, M. tianshanense, M. oportunistum, M. abyssinicae, and M. shonense, have been identified as potential symbionts of chickpea, possibly acquiring symbiotic genes through lateral gene transfer. While M. ciceri and M. mediterraneum are widely distributed and studied across chickpea-growing regions, they remain absent in China, where M. muleiense and M. wenxiniae are the sole rhizobial species associated with chickpea. The geographic distribution of chickpea rhizobia is believed to be influenced by factors such as genetic characteristics, competitiveness, evolutionary adaptation to local soil conditions, and compatibility with native soil microbes. Inoculating chickpea with suitable rhizobial strains is crucial when introducing the crop to new regions lacking indigenous chickpea rhizobia. The introduction of a novel chickpea variety, coupled with the effective use of rhizobia for inoculation, offers the potential not only to boost the yield and seed quality of chickpeas, but also to enhance crop productivity within rotation and intercropped systems involving chickpea and other crops. Consequently, this advancement holds the promise to drive forward the cause of sustainable agriculture on a global scale.

We present a method to estimate distances to asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in the Galaxy, using spectral energy distributions (SEDs) in the near- and mid-infrared. By assuming that a given set of source properties (initial mass, stellar temperature, composition, and evolutionary stage) will provide a typical SED shape and brightness, sources are color matched to a distance-calibrated template and thereafter scaled to extract the distance. The method is tested by comparing the distances obtained to those estimated from very long baseline interferometry or Gaia parallax measurements, yielding a strong correlation in both cases. Additional templates are formed by constructing a source sample likely to be close to the Galactic center, and thus with a common, typical distance for calibration of the templates. These first results provide statistical distance estimates to a set of almost 15,000 Milky Way AGB stars belonging to the Bulge Asymmetries and Dynamical Evolution (BAaDE) survey, with typical distance errors of ±35%. With these statistical distances, a map of the intermediate-age population of stars traced by AGBs is formed, and a clear bar structure can be discerned, consistent with the previously reported inclination angle of 30° to the GC–Sun direction vector. These results motivate deeper studies of the AGB population to tease out the intermediate-age stellar distribution throughout the Galaxy, as well as determining statistical properties of the AGB population luminosity and mass-loss-rate distributions.

We present Submillimeter Array (SMA) mapping of ^12 CO J = 2 → 1, ^13 CO J = 2 → 1, and CN N = 2 → 1 emission from the ring-like planetary nebula NGC 3132, one of the subjects of JWST Early Release Observation near-infrared imaging. The ∼5″ resolution SMA data demonstrate that the Southern Ring’s main, bright, molecule-rich ring is indeed an expanding ring, as opposed to a limb-brightened shell, in terms of its intrinsic (physical) structure. This suggests that NGC 3132 is a bipolar nebula viewed more or less pole-on (inclination ∼15°–30°). The SMA data furthermore reveal that the nebula harbors a second expanding molecular ring that is aligned almost orthogonally to the main, bright molecular ring. We propose that this two-ring structure is the remnant of an ellipsoidal molecular envelope of ejecta that terminated the progenitor star’s asymptotic giant branch evolution and was subsequently disrupted by a series of misaligned fast, collimated outflows or jets resulting from interactions between the progenitor and one or more companions.