bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dose-response dependencies of OSL dosimeters in conventional linacs and 1.5T MR-linacs: an experimental and Monte Carlo study
Authors: Episkopakis Anastasios , Margaroni Vasiliki , Kanellopoulou Stamatiki , Marinos Nikolas , Koutsouveli Efi , Karaiskos Pantelis , Pappas Eleftherios P
Published: October 2023

Objective. This work focuses on the optically stimulated luminescence dosimetry (OSLD) dose–response characterization, with emphasis on 1.5T MR-Linacs. Approach. Throughout this study, the nanoDots OSLDs (Landauer, USA) were considered. In groups of three, the mean OSLD response was measured in a conventional linac and an MR-Linac under various irradiation conditions to investigate (i) dose–response linearity with and without the 1.5T magnetic field, (ii) signal fading rate and its dependencies, (iii) beam quality, detector orientation and dose rate dependencies in a conventional linac, (iii) potential MR imaging related effects on OSLD response and (iv) detector orientation dependence in an MR-Linac. Monte Carlo calculations were performed to further quantify angular dependence after rotating the detector around its central axis parallel to the magnetic field, and determine the magnetic field correction factors,

k

B
,
Q

,

for all cardinal detector orientations. Main results. OSLD dose–response supralinearity in an MR-Linac setting was found to agree within uncertainties with the corresponding one in a conventional linac, for the axial detector orientation investigated. Signal fading rate does not depend on irradiation conditions for the range of 3–30 d considered. OSLD angular (orientation) dependence is more pronounced under the presence of a magnetic field. OSLDs irradiated with and without real-time T2w MR imaging enabled during irradiation yielded the same response within uncertainties.

k

B
,
Q

values were determined for all three cardinal orientations. Corrections needed reached up to 6.4%. However, if OSLDs are calibrated in the axial orientation and then irradiated in an MR-Linac placed again in the axial orientation (perpendicular to the magnetic field), then simulations suggest that

k

B
,
Q

can be considered unity within uncertainties, irrespective of the incident beam angle. Significance. This work contributes towards OSLD dose–response characterization and relevant correction factors availability. OSLDs are suitable for QA checks in MR-based beam gating applications and in vivo dosimetry in MR-Linacs.
Mstnet: method for glaucoma grading based on multimodal feature fusion of spatial relations
Authors: Wang Zhizhou , Wang Jun , Zhang Hongru , Yan Chen , Wang Xingkui , Wen Xin
Published: October 2023

Objective. The objective of this study is to develop an efficient multimodal learning framework for the classification of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can result in vision loss and blindness, often due to delayed detection and treatment. Fundus images and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images have proven valuable for the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. However, current models that combine features from both modalities often lack efficient spatial relationship modeling. Approach. In this study, we propose an innovative approach to address the classification of glaucoma. We focus on leveraging the features of OCT volumes and harness the capabilities of transformer models to capture long-range spatial relationships. To achieve this, we introduce a 3D transformer model to extract features from OCT volumes, enhancing the model’s effectiveness. Additionally, we employ downsampling techniques to enhance model efficiency. We then utilize the spatial feature relationships between OCT volumes and fundus images to fuse the features extracted from both sources. Main results. Our proposed framework has yielded remarkable results, particularly in terms of glaucoma grading performance. We conducted our experiments using the GAMMA dataset, and our approach outperformed traditional feature fusion methods. By effectively modeling spatial relationships and combining OCT volume and fundus map features, our framework achieved outstanding classification results. Significance. This research is of significant importance in the field of glaucoma diagnosis and management. Efficient and accurate glaucoma classification is essential for timely intervention and prevention of vision loss. Our proposed approach, which integrates 3D transformer models, offers a novel way to extract and fuse features from OCT volumes and fundus images, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of glaucoma classification. This work has the potential to contribute to improved patient care, particularly in the early detection and treatment of glaucoma, thereby reducing the risk of vision impairment and blindness.
Compressive color ghost imaging based on pseudo-inverse matrix
Authors: Liu Yang , Yu Zhan , Bai Xing , Yuan Sheng , Wang Yujie , Chen Xingyu , Li Xinjia , Sun Mingze , Zhou Xin
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a compressive color ghost imaging method based on pseudo-inverse matrix is proposed, which improves the quality of imaging result via post-processing the measurement matrix. For a color ghost imaging utilizing compressive sensing algorithm, if we treat a color image as a form of grayscale image and perform pseudo-inverse operation on the measurement matrix, a new measurement model will be established and the preliminary ghost imaging reconstruction result can be obtained by the compressive sensing algorithm, then the preliminary result is converted into a superposition of three channels to form the final color image. The feasibility of this method is proved by numerical simulation and physical experiment, and comparations among our method and the latest typical improvement methods, i.e., the singular value decomposition compressive ghost imaging and the pseudo-inverse ghost imaging, are conducted. The results show that our method can achieve the better quality of reconstructed color image with a high structure similarity beyond 0.8.
Sensing applications of graphitic carbon nitride (C6N8) for nitrogen oxides: A DFT study
Authors: Mahmood Muhammad Saad , Shehzad Rao Aqil , Iqbal Javed
Published: October 2023

The absorption properties of molecules NOx onto monolayered C6N8 were investigated thoroughly with density functional theory. Detailed orbital, and reactivity analysis on C6N8 monolayer have shown that NO2 and NO were successfully adsorbed onto the C6N8 monolayer with considerable amount of adsorption energy and charge transfer. The electric conductivity of the C6N8 monolayer significantly increased due to the adsorption of the NO2 and NO, resulting in the semiconducting behavior of the material being turned into conducting behavior. It has been established that the absorption rate of NO2 and NO onto the C6N8 monolayer is moderate, making their desorption fairly simple, indicating potential in terms of C6N8 sensor’s reusability. Hence, C6N8 monolayer could be a promising candidate for sensing NO and NO2, which can be validated through further experimental studies.
Design and simulation of Cu2SnSe3-based solar cells using various hole transport layer (HTL) for performance efficiency above 32%
Authors: Monnaf Md Abdul , Haque A K M Mahmudul , Ali Md Hasan , Bhattarai Sagar , Haque Md Dulal , Rahman Md Ferdous
Published: October 2023

The current research investigates the (Ni/V2O5/Cu2SnSe3/In2S3/ITO/Al) novel heterostructure of Cu2SnSe3-based solar cell numerically using the SCAPS-1D simulator. The goal of this study is to determine how the proposed cell’s performance will be impacted by the V2O5 hole transport layer and the In2S3 electron transport layer. To enhance cell performances, the effects of thickness, carrier concentration and defect in the absorber layer, electron concentration, hole concentration, total generation and recombination, interface defect, J-V and Q-E characteristics, and operating temperature are investigated. Our preliminary simulation results demonstrate that, in the absence of V2O5 HTL, the efficiency of a conventional Cu2SnSe3 cell is 22.14%, a value that is in suitable agreement with the published experimental values. However, a simulated efficiency of up to 32.34% can be attained by using the HTL and ETL combination of V2O5 and In2S3, respectively, and optimized device parameters. The ideal carrier concentration and layer thickness for the Cu2SnSe3 absorber layer are, 1018 cm−3 and 1000 nm, respectively,. However, it is also seen that for optimum device performances, the back-contact metal work function (BMWF) must be higher than 5.22 eV. The outcomes of this contribution may open up useful research directions for the thin-film photovoltaic sector, enabling the production of high-efficient and low-cost Cu2SnSe3-based PV cells.
Optical wave solutions of highly dispersive nonlinear Schrödinger equation without the existence of inter-model dispersion
Authors: Jiang Yu-hang , Wang Chun-yan
Published: October 2023

This paper studies highly dispersive solitons with a nonlinear refractive index without inter-model dispersion, which is of great significance in long-distance optical soliton communication and therefore has important research value. By using the trial equation method and the complete discrimination system for the polynomial method, we get a large number of solutions that were not previously studied by scholars and divide these solutions into four modes: rational modes, solitary wave modes, triangular function periodic modes, and elliptic function double periodic modes. These solutions demonstrate the propagation mode and spatial structure of the equation. Compared with previous scholars’ research, the method used in this article is simpler, easier, and more effective to understand. Besides, two-dimensional images are provided.
Enhancement in photo sensing and photocatalytic degradation activity of Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles prepared by co-precipitation method
Authors: Ganesh V , Yahia I S , Raj I Loyola Poul , Prakash B , Vinoth S , Isaac R S Rimal , Juliet A Vimala
Published: October 2023

In the present work, Copper (Cu) doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were prepared using a simple and cost-effective co-precipitation process. The objectives of the proposed work are to identify the cause of Cu dopant on the crystalline structure, morphology, optical characteristics of ZnO nanoparticles for photocatalytic as well as photosensing applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) examinations were used to identify the crystal structure and morphology of the prepared samples. The crystallite size of the undoped ZnO sample was 44 nm, which gets reduced to 36 nm with 5% Cu-doping. Using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), the band gap of prepared samples of undoped to 5 wt% Cu doped ZnO was calculated, and it was found to be reduced from 3.31 to 3.26 eV. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra show a decrease in luminous intensity which is in line with the photocatalytic behavior. 5 wt% Cu doped ZnO sample displayed maximum degradation efficiency of 85% in 75 min and degradation rate of 0.02 min−1. Additionally, photo-sensing studies of the 5 wt% Cu doped ZnO sample showed higher responsivity (R), detectivity (D*) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) values of 1.93 × 10−1 AW−1, 1.09 × 1011 Jones and 45% respectively. The rise and fall time of 5 wt% Cu doped ZnO photodetector is in the order of 0.3 and 0.5 s.
Frequency-reconfigurable variode enabled metasurface reflector loaded antenna
Authors: Pande Suyog V , Patil Dipak P
Published: October 2023

A compact high gain frequency reconfigurable metasurface reflector (MSR) loaded antenna using a varactor diode is proposed in this paper. In comparison to a traditional antenna, a metamaterial (MTM) loaded with CSRR is used to achieve a size reduction up to 70%. The ground plane of the proposed slotted decagon antenna has been loaded with a complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR). With dimensions of 0.24 λ × 0.24 λ × 0.013 λ (λ represents the center frequency at 2.40 GHz) the antenna is extremely compact. The antenna is designed on an FR4 substrate with εr = 4.4 & 1.6 mm of thickness. The investigation shows that utilization of the MSR structure has significantly increased gain compared to the decagon antenna without MSR. The MSR-loaded antenna dimension is 0.48 λ × 0.47λ × 0.013 λ (λ represents the center frequency at 2.40 GHz). Frequency reconfigurability is introduced by placing a varactor diode on the patch’s upper side. Changing the varactor’s DC reverse bias voltage from 0 to 10 V causes its resonance frequency to shift from 2420 to 2550 MHz, giving it a tuning ratio of 1.35. The proposed antenna offers efficiency ranges from 70%–80% over the operating bands. Except for a small deviation, there is a fair match between measured and simulated values. The antenna can be used in a variety of current and future communication systems.
Scale of Dirac leptogenesis and left-right symmetry in the light of recent PTA results
Authors: Barman Basabendu , Borah Debasish , Das Suruj Jyoti , Saha Indrajit
Published: October 2023

Motivated by the recent release of new results from five different pulsar timing array (PTA) experiments claiming to have found compelling evidence for primordial gravitational waves (GW) at nano-Hz frequencies, we study the consequences for two popular beyond the Standard Model (SM) frameworks, where such nano-Hz GW can arise due to annihilating domain walls (DW). Minimal framework of Dirac leptogenesis, as well as left-right symmetric model (LRSM) can lead to formation of DW due to spontaneous breaking ofZ2symmetry. Considering the NANOGrav 15 yr data, we show that the scale of Dirac leptogenesis should be above 107GeV for conservative choices of Dirac Yukawa couplings with fine-tuning at the level of the SM. The scale ofminimalLRSM is found to be more constrainedMLR∼ 106GeV in order to fit the NANOGrav 15 yr data. On the other hand, thenon-minimalLRSM can be compatible with the NANOGrav data for 102TeV ≲MLR≲ 103TeV but with the correspondingB - Lbreaking scale violating collider bounds.
THz plasmonics and electronics in germanene nanostrips
Authors: Tene Talia , Guevara Marco , Tubon-Usca Gabriela , Villacrés Cáceres Oswaldo , Moreano Gabriel , Vacacela Gomez Cristian , Bellucci Stefano
Published: October 2023

Germanene nanostrips (GeNSs) have garnered significant attention in modern semiconductor technology due to their exceptional physical characteristics, positioning them as promising candidates for a wide range of applications. GeNSs exhibit a two-dimensional (buckled) honeycomb-like lattice, which is similar to germanene but with controllable bandgaps. The modeling of GeNSs is essential for developing appropriate synthesis methods as it enables understanding and controlling the growth process of these systems. Indeed, one can adjust the strip width, which in turn can tune the bandgap and plasmonic response of the material to meet specific device requirements. In this study, the objective is to investigate the electronic behavior and THz plasmon features of GeNSs (≥100 nm wide). A semi-analytical model based on the charge-carrier velocity of freestanding germanene is utilized for this purpose. The charge-carrier velocity of freestanding germanene is determined through the GW approximation (

m·s−1). Within the width range of 100 to 500 nm, GeNSs exhibit narrow bandgaps, typically measuring only a few meV. Specifically, upon analysis, it was found that the bandgaps of the investigated GeNSs ranged between 29 and 6 meV. As well, these nanostrips exhibit

-like plasmon dispersions, with their connected plasmonic frequency (≤30 THz) capable of being manipulated by varying parameters such as strip width, excitation plasmon angle, and sample quality. These manipulations can lead to frequency variations, either increasing or decreasing, as well as shifts towards larger momentum values. The outcomes of our study serve as a foundational motivation for future experiments, and further confirmation is needed to validate the reported results.
Gyrokinetic modelling of non-linear interaction of Alfvén waves and EGAMs in ASDEX-Upgrade
Authors: Rettino B. , Hayward-Schneider T. , Biancalani A. , Bottino A. , Lauber Ph. , Weiland M. , Vannini F. , Jenko F.
Published: October 2023

Energetic particle (EP) dynamics and excitation of EP driven instabilities is an important topic of study for the physics of fusion reactors. In this paper we consider EPs injected in the plasma by neutral beams at high energies to heat it. EP species exist far from thermal equilibrium in the form of anisotropic non-Maxwellian distribution functions. EP driven modes, such as Alfvén waves (AWs) and EP driven geodesic acoustic modes (EGAMs), can redistribute EPs in phase-space and harm confinement. We examine the effects of experimental-like anisotropic EP distribution functions on the excitation and the non-linear coupling of such instabilities with the gyrokinetic particle-in-cell code ORB5. The growth rate of EGAMs is found to be sensitively dependent on the phase-space shape of the distribution function as well as on the non-linear wave-wave coupling with AWs. Experimental findings are compared with numerical results.
Characterization of early current quench time during massive impurity injection in JT-60SA
Authors: Yokoyama T. , Matsuyama A. , Yamamoto Y. , Miyamoto S. , Shibata Y. , Inoue S. , Kojima S. , Nakamura S. , Wakatsuki T. , Yoshida M.
Published: October 2023

Characteristics of the early current quench (CQ) time in mitigated disruptions are studied for a full-current (5.5 MA) scenario in the JT-60SA superconducting tokamak. Self-consistent evolution of the plasma temperature and current density profiles during the early CQ phase before the plasma moves vertically is simulated using the axisymmetric disruption code INDEX for given impurity source profiles. It is shown that the hollow (flat) impurity density profiles peaks (flattens) the current density, and it causes a temporal change in the internal inductance in this phase. However the resultant CQ time is found to be insensitive to the impurity source profile for the same assimilated quantity. The simulation results are interpreted by the L/R model including the temporal change in the internal inductance as well as the effect of a gap between the plasma and the conducting vessel structures and stabilizing plates. This results will improve the accuracy to estimate the amount of impurity assimilated into plasma from the observed CQ rate in the massive gas injection (MGI) experiment planned in JT-60SA. The accessible range in which the CQ time can be scanned as well as the electron densities to suppress runaway electrons is also shown for different injected amounts of neon, argon, and their deuterium mixture under the limitation of the MGI gas amount. Mitigated disruptions in JT-60SA typically lead to the CQ time shorter than the vessel wall time, which is expected to produce relevant contributions to disruption mitigation in ITER and future reactors.
A self-sustaining mechanism for internal transport barrier formation in HL-2A tokamak plasmas
Authors: Lin W.H. , Garcia J. , Li J.Q. , Mazzi S. , Li Z.J. , He X.X. , Yu X.
Published: October 2023

The formation of Internal Transport Barrier (ITB) is studied in HL-2A plasmas by means of nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations. A new paradigm for the ITB formation is proposed in which different physics mechanisms play a different role depending on the ITB formation stage. In the early stage, fast ions, introduced by Neutral Beam Injection ion system, are found to stabilize the thermal-ion-driven instability by dilution, thus reducing the ion heat fluxes and finally triggering the ITB. Such dilution effects, however, play a minor role after the ITB is triggered as electromagnetic (EM) effects are dominant in the presence of established high pressure gradients. We define the concept of ITB self-sustainment, as the low turbulence levels found within the fully formed ITB are consequences of large scale zonal flows, which in turn are fed by a non-linear interplay with large scale high frequency EM perturbations destabilized by the ITB itself.
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Selection under Medium Altitude Tropics in Preliminary Yield Trial
Authors: Noerwijati K , Wahyuni TS , Budiono R
Published: October 2023

Cassava has a variety of uses, including food, animal feed, and as an industrial raw material for a variety of products. Cassava is more resistant to global climate change, so it will be the food source of the future. Land for cassava cultivation will shift to marginal land in the medium and highlands as a result of land conversion because it cannot compete with high-value food commodities. Based on this, cassava that is adapted to land at medium to high altitudes is required (at least 700 m asl). The results showed that of the 44 clones tested and two control varieties, clone 344 (55.07 t.ha-1) produced the highest tuber yield (2.11 times that of the control varieties). Clones 344 had the highest harvest index of 0.6, the highest dry matter content of 44.18%, the highest starch content of 22.08%, and the highest starch yield of 12.17 t.ha-1. Clones 368 (41.8 t.ha-1), 584 (47.09 t.ha-1), 222 (40.01 t.ha-1), 712 (42.46 t.ha-1), and 183 also had tuber yields greater than 40 t.ha-1 and relatively high branching (42.90 t.ha-1). Tuber yield averaged 17.76 t.ha.-1 for two control varieties.
Effect of Paclobutrazol on Leaf and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Flowering
Authors: Lala F , Cahyaningrum H , Hidayat Y , Aji H B , Suwitono B
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to ascertain paclobutrazol’s impact on clove flowering and leaves. The study was carried out in Talaga Jaya, South Wasile, and East Halmahera between April 2019 and June 2020. On 7-year-old clove trees, the study used a randomized block design with five dosages of paclobutrazol (6 ml, 8 ml, 10 ml, 12 ml, and 14 ml) and a control (0 ml). On each tree, a 1 m2 area was examined to determine the amount of eugenol, gibberellin acid (GA), abscisic acid (ABA), chlorophyll, and leaf thickness and blister blight. On the other hand, primordial blossoming of cloves was noted. The findings revealed that while 8 ml of paclobutrazol could lessen blister blight, 14 ml of paclobutrazol boosted leaf thickness and chlorophyll content. Paclobutrazol extension at higher doses can boost ABA and quicken generative development. From December 2019 until June 2020, the primordial phase lasts until the blossoming phase. Except for the control plant, which demonstrated the impact of paclobutrazol on the flowering process, flowering persisted in the paclobutrazol-treated plants.
Land Suitability and Upland Rice Productivity with Integrated Crop Management in Sorong Regency
Authors: Cahyono T , Altandjung R I
Published: October 2023

With Integrated Crop Management, the study is aimed at improving the production of upland rice in West Papua (ICM). On-farm research and land surveys were used to conduct this study. We looked at the following factors: 1) the suitability of the rice field in Sorong Regency, 2) the growth and production of rice plants, and 3) the social and economic factors affecting farmers. The findings indicate that upland rice development is feasible on dry land, over an area of 317,831 ha, which is made up of three types of suitable land: very suitable land (S1), which covers an area of 61,684 ha; quite a suitable land (S2), which covers an area of 59.021 ha with land constraints in the form of nutrient retention (nr); and suitable marginal land (S3), which covers an area of 197.126 ha with constraints in the form of (eh). Dry-milled grain yields in the ICM pattern with the Situ Bagendit and Batutegi varieties were 4.48 t/ha and 4.16 t/ha, respectively, greater than those in the farmer pattern. The ICM pattern has a higher profit of IDR 5,360 compared to the farmer pattern of IDR 2,400 with a B/C value of 1.6 and 1.2.
The Trust Level of Dairy Farmers in Dairy Cooperatives in Sleman District
Authors: Satria N F W , Sulastri E , Putra A R S
Published: October 2023

When raising animals, cooperatives are a place for the welfare of dairy producers. Cooperatives run a number of programs to help their members get the most out of the resources generated by the animals they farm. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of trust dairy farmers have in the cooperatives in which they participate. A sample of 101 dairy farmers from the Sleman Regency’s Pakem and Cangkringan Subdistricts served as the basis for this study. A questionnaire tool that has undergone validity and reliability testing is used to collect the data in the form of primary data. Dairy farmers’ confidence in cooperatives was measured using PCA (Principal Component Analysis), and the results showed that trust in close friends in cooperatives is the key factor that may reduce other factors and explain 89.174% of the variance that happens.
Efficiency Analysis of Aromatic Ginger Farming (Kaempferia galangal L.) in Kudus Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Herlina Ria , Prasetyo Edy , Setiadi Agus , Gayatri Siwi
Published: October 2023

Farm efficiency were influenced by the use of inputs as well as production factors to manage a farm. The study aimed were to analyze technical, allocative, and economic efficiency of Aromatic Ginger Farming (Kaempferia galangal L.) in Kudus Regency. Survey was used in this research. The research location was chosen purposively, based on biggest production in Kudus Regency, namely Dawe District and Jekulo District. Determination of respondents was using quota sampling, with 180 respondents. Data was analysed using analysis of technical, allocative, and economic efficiency. The results illustrate that Aromatic Ginger farming was technically efficient with an average technical efficiency value of 0.9962. The production elasticity value of 0.979 means that the production scale was in a reasonable condition.
The Physical Properties of Arabica and Robusta Coffee Beans from Temanggung and Lampung
Authors: Kurniasari I. , Yohanes H. , Hartono L. K. , Komariyah K. , Widodo W. E. , Atmaji G. , Astin E. P. , Madjid A. , Alfa M. N.
Published: October 2023

The development of processes and handling techniques, packing, and transportation of coffee beans all benefit from knowledge of the physical attributes of coffee beans. This research was done to describe the physical characteristics of green and roasted Temanggung and Lampung coffee beans. The findings revealed that Robusta roasted beans from Lampung with a moisture content of 1.70% had the highest values of bean dimensions, geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter, equivalent mean diameter, frontal surface area, surface area, and volume. Arabica green beans from Lampung and Temanggung had the highest shape index and density values, whereas Arabica roasted beans from Lampung had the highest aspect ratio and sphericity values. Arabica green beans from Temanggung and Arabica roasted beans from Lampung had moisture contents of 6.46% and 2.69%, respectively. Meanwhile, Robusta green beans from Lampung had the greatest scores for mass and porosity. To offer somewhat full information on the design factors involved in the roasting profile of a coffee roaster, other engineering properties should be investigated in future studies.
Effect of Liquid to Solid Ratio in Rumen Content on Feedstuffs’ in Vitro Fermentability and Digestibility
Authors: Evvyernie D , Nugraha R B , Despal  , Zahera R
Published: October 2023

The amount of fibrous feed consumed by tropical cattle has an impact on the rumen’s liquid-to-solid ratio and feed passage rate. Feed fermentability and digestibility are influenced by ratio. Several in vitro procedures use varying liquid-to-solid ratios, which may or may not be applicable to the local situation. The purpose of this study is to compare the local cow rumen conditions with the liquid-to-solid ratio employed in the in vitro investigation. There were two experiments done for the study. First, the liquid-to-solid ratios in various in vitro experiments (Tilley and Terry = T1, Theodorou = T2, and Sutardi = T3) were compared to the circumstances in the rumen of local cattle (T0). Second, it was determined whether the various liquid-to-solid ratios used in various in vitro techniques were similar in terms of the feedstuffs’ fermentability (pH, NH3, VFA), digestibility (DMD and OMD), and fermentability (DMD and OMD) (F1 = Napier grass, F2 = maize, and F3 = soybean oil meal). The first experiment was fully utilized, and a 3 x 3 block factorial randomized design was used (second experiment). The liquid-to-solid ratio of T3 (1: 40) was discovered to be more comparable to the rumen state of nearby cattle (1:46). Different in vitro techniques had no discernible impact on pH, VFA, DMD, or OMD, but T3 produced more NH3 than T1 or T2 did. With F3 higher than F2 or F1, the major effects of fermentability and digestibility were discovered inside the feed. It is found that every feed studied produced higher NH3 concentrations thanks to the Sutardi method’s liquid-to-solid ratio, which is more akin to the rumen of local cattle. As a result, it is advised to evaluate feedstuff fermentability and digestibility for local cattle using the Sutardi method.
The Effect of Long Time of Storage on Physical Quality, Nutrient Content, and In Vitro Digestibility of Cattle Complete Feed
Authors: Prasetyo Amrih , Prabowo Agung , Hayati Rini Nur , Kurnianto Heri
Published: October 2023

This research aimed to determine the effect of a long time of storage on physical quality, nutrient content, and in vitro digestibility of cattle complete feed. The research was carried out in Sidomulyo Village, Gunem District, Rembang Regency from March to October 2019. 15 drums of cattle complete feed (@ 25 kg) were used as materials. It was made from rice bran 4.10%; Penisitum purpureum (Odot grass) 60.60%; rice straw 12.70%; gliricidia 8.30%; corn stover 10.80%; molasses 1.60%; minerals 1.60%; table salt 0.20%; and starter 0.30%. This research used one treatment factor, namely the length of time of storage of cattle complete feed. These consisted of five treatments, namely: long time of storage of 0.0; 1.5; 3.0; 4.5; and 6.0 months. Each treatment was repeated three times. The cattle complete feed with all the long time of storage preferred by the cattle. The cattle complete feed could be stored in good quality for 3 months. The storage over 3 months caused the quality of the cattle’s complete feed to decrease. The crude protein content decreased with increasing storage time. The long time of storage did not affect the in vitro digestibility of dry matter and organic matter. the impact of feeding techniques was investigated. Applying the whole feed diet during the growing phase and up until the early fattening phase, and then concluding with concentrate and forage, did not significantly affect 1) SCF, 2) TMRGSCF
Novel 3D-printing bilayer GelMA-based hydrogel containing BP, β-TCP and exosomes for cartilage–bone integrated repair
Authors: Sun Ting , Feng Zhiqiang , He Wenpeng , Li Chufeng , Han Songning , Li Zejian , Guo Rui
Published: October 2023

The integrated repair of cartilage and bone involves the migration and differentiation of cells, which has always been a difficult problem to be solved. We utilize the natural biomaterial gelatin to construct gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), a hydrogel scaffold with high cell affinity. GelMA is mixed with different components to print a bi-layer porous hydrogel scaffold with different modulus and composition in upper and lower layers through three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. The upper scaffold adds black phosphorus (BP) and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) exosomes (exos) in GelMA, which has a relatively lower elastic modulus and is conducive to the differentiation of BMSCs into cartilage. In the lower scaffold, in addition to BP and hUMSCs exos, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), which has osteoconductive and osteoinductive effects, is added to GelMA. The addition of β-TCP significantly enhances the elastic modulus of the hydrogel scaffold, which is conducive to the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs). In vitro experiments have confirmed that the bi-layer scaffolds can promote osteogenesis and chondrogenic differentiation respectively. And in the rabbit cartilage–bone injury model, MRI and micro-CT results show that the 3D printed bi-layer GelMA composite scaffold has a repair effect close to normal tissue.
Different Sources of Fiber Intake and Risk of 17 Specific Cancers and All Cancers Combined: Prospective Study of 364,856 Participants in the UK Biobank
Authors: Parra-Soto Solange , Araya Carolina , Knight Katrina , Livingstone Katherine M , Malcomson Fiona C , Sharp Linda , Mathers John C , Ho Frederick K , Celis-Morales Carlos , Pell Jill P
Published: October 2023

Inverse associations between dietary fiber (DF) and colorectal cancer risk are well-established. However, evidence is limited in relation to other cancer sites. This study, of 364,856 participants from the UK Biobank, aimed to evaluate the associations between total and source-specific partial DF and risk of 17 specific cancers and all cancers combined. Partial DF was derived from baseline touchscreen questionnaire data on cereal, bread, fruit, and vegetable intake. The outcomes were incident cancer at 17 sites and all cancers combined. Cox proportional hazards models were applied. Over a median 8.8-year follow-up period, 30,725 people were diagnosed with cancer. After adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, those in the highest quintile of partial DF compared with the lowest quintile (<9.6 vs ≥19.1 g/day) had 10% lower risk of cancer overall, with the greatest risk reductions observed for cervical (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14; 0.82), esophageal (HR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.52; 0.84), lung (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.59; 0.76), bladder (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56; 0.91), and kidney (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61; 0.92) cancers. Associations between DF and lung cancer were observed only in current and former smokers. Higher DF intake, in particular cereal fiber and fruit and vegetable fiber, was associated with a lower risk of overall and multiple site-specific cancers.
Hearts and Minds: Emotion Recognition and Mentalizing in Parkinson's Disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Martins Marina I , Cardoso Francisco E C , Caramelli Paulo , Mariano Luciano I , Rocha Natalia P , Jaeger Antônio , Teixeira Antônio L , Tumas Vítor , Camargos Sarah T , de Souza Leonardo C
Published: October 2023

Objective

There are scarce data comparing Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) in social cognition (SC). We aimed to compare patients with PSP and PD in SC.

Methods

We included three groups: PD (n = 18), PSP (n = 20) and controls (n = 23). Participants underwent neuropsychological exams, including the mini-version of the Social and Emotional Assessment, which is composed of the facial emotion recognition test (FERT) and the modified faux-pas (mFP) test, which assesses Theory of Mind (ToM).

Results

Patients with PD scored lower than controls in the FERT, but not in the mFP test. Patients with PSP performed worse than controls in both the mFP and FERT. PD and PSP groups did not differ in the FERT, but PSP performed worse than PD in the mFP test. The mFP test distinguished PSP from PD with 89% accuracy.

Conclusion

The assessment of ToM may contribute to the differentiation between PD and PSP.
Betaine ameliorates heat stress-induced apoptosis by affecting oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in mouse Leydig cells
Authors: Xiong Yongjie , Li Bing , Wang Kang , Li Jing , He Shaojun
Published: October 2023

In order to explore the potential protective role of betaine in heat stress (HS)-elicited apoptosis in mouse Leydig cells (mLCs). Betaine at 16 mm exerted a greater inhibitory effect on HS-induced viability attenuation of cells, which also significantly suppressed the heat shock protein 70 level in HS-treated cells. Furthermore, betaine ameliorated certain negative effects, including increased cell apoptotic ratio, enhancement of apoptosis-related modulator caspase-3 activity, reduced activity levels of such antioxidant enzymes as SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and MDA upregulation, and inhibited the protein levels of critical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress indices like CHOP and GRP78 in mLCs exposed to HS. Besides, treatment of cells with betaine significantly restored diminished testosterone production in response to HS. Correspondingly, betaine effectively rescued the reduced serum testosterone concentration in vivo. In summary, betaine ameliorated HS-induced apoptosis by affecting oxidative and ER stress, thereby providing benefits for the treatment of hyperthermia-related impairment in mLCs.
SLCO1B3 and SLCO2B1 genotypes, androgen deprivation therapy, and prostate cancer outcomes: a prospective cohort study and meta-analysis
Authors: Rajanala Sai Harisha , Plym Anna , Vaselkiv Jane B , Ebot Ericka M , Matsoukas Konstantina , Lin Zhike , Chakraborty Goutam , Markt Sarah C , Penney Kathryn L , Lee Gwo-Shu M , Mucci Lorelei A , Kantoff Philip W , Stopsack Konrad H
Published: October 2023

Solute carrier organic anion (SLCO) transporters (OATP transporters) are involved in cellular uptake of drugs and hormones. Germline variants in SLCO1B3 and SLCO2B1 have been implicated in prostate cancer progression and therapy response, including to androgen deprivation and statin medications, but results have appeared heterogeneous. We conducted a cohort study of five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SLCO1B3 and SLCO2B1 with prior evidence among 3208 men with prostate cancer who participated in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study or the Physicians’ Health Study, following participants prospectively after diagnosis over 32 years (median, 14 years) for development of metastases and cancer-specific death (lethal disease, 382 events). Results were suggestive of, but not conclusive for, associations between some SNPs and lethal disease and differences by androgen deprivation and statin use. All candidate SNPs were associated with SLCO mRNA expression in tumor-adjacent prostate tissue. We also conducted a systematic review and harmonized estimates for a dose-response meta-analysis of all available data, including 9 further studies, for a total of 5598 patients and 1473 clinical events. The A allele of the exonic SNP rs12422149 (14% prevalence), which leads to lower cellular testosterone precursor uptake via SLCO2B1, was associated with lower rates of prostate cancer progression (hazard ratio per A allele, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.93), with little heterogeneity between studies (I2, 0.27). Collectively, the totality of evidence suggests a strong association between inherited genetic variation in SLCO2B1 and prostate cancer prognosis, with potential clinical use in risk stratification related to androgen deprivation therapy.
Getting left behind? The localised consequences of exclusion from the credit market for UK SMEs
Authors: Cowling Marc , Brown Ross , Liu Weixi , Rocha Augusto
Published: October 2023

Recent research has identified a key subset of the business population that comprises firms who had sought external finance but subsequently withdrew from the credit market completely despite still requiring finance. Utilising the UK’s Longitudinal Small Business Survey between 2015 and 2020, we identify the consequences in terms of lost jobs and sales of these small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) dropping out of the credit market for finance. We conduct our analysis at the regional and sub-regional level and found that around 230,000 SMEs have dropped out of the UK credit market and that in many localities this has reduced job creation and sales income growth. We conclude that this exclusionary borrowing behaviour will add further to existing regional and sub-regional economic inequalities in the UK, making the ‘levelling up’ agenda a very elusive policy objective.
Effects of Systemic Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Inhibition on Bone and Immune Cells in Aged Female Mice
Authors: Shi Xingming , Ding Kehong , Rosario Raysa , Ajith Ashwin , Su Yun , Shaw Sean , McGee-Lawrence Meghan , Lu Xin-Yun , Horuzsko Anatolij , Isales Carlos M
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) inhibition on bone and immune cell profiles in aged female mice, as well as in vitro stromal stem cell osteogenic differentiation and inflammation gene expression. The hypothesis was that inhibition of PPARγ would increase bone mass and alter immune and other cellular functions. Our results showed that treatment with PPARγ antagonist GW9662 for 6 weeks reduced bone volume and trabecular number and increased trabecular spacing. However, inhibition of PPARγ had no significant effect on marrow and spleen immune cell composition in aged female mice. In vitro experiments indicated that GW9662 treatment increased the expression of osteogenic genes but did not affect adipogenic genes. Additionally, GW9662 treatment decreased the expression of several inflammation-related genes. Overall, these findings suggest that PPARγ inhibition may have adverse effects on bone in aged female mice.
Chagas Disease Diagnostic Practices at Four Major Hospital Systems in California and Texas
Authors: Kelly Emily A , Echeverri Alegre Jose I , Promer Katherine , Hayon Jesica , Iordanov Roumen , Rangwalla Khuzaima , Zhang Jerry J , Fang Zian , Huang Cindy , Bittencourt Cassiana E , Reed Sharon , Andrade Rosa M , Bern Caryn , Clark Eva H , Whitman Jeffrey D
Published: October 2023

Background

Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic disease that affects ∼300 000 people living in the United States. CD leads to cardiac and/or gastrointestinal disease in up to 30% of untreated people. However, end-organ damage can be prevented with early diagnosis and antiparasitic therapy.

Methods

We reviewed electronic health records of patients who underwent testing for CD at four hospital systems in California and Texas between 2016 and 2020. Descriptive analyses were performed as a needs assessment for improving CD diagnosis.

Results

In total, 470 patients were tested for CD. Cardiac indications made up more than half (60%) of all testing, and the most frequently cited cardiac condition was heart failure. Fewer than 1% of tests were ordered by obstetric and gynecologic services. Fewer than half (47%) of patients had confirmatory testing performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Discussion

Four major hospitals systems in California and Texas demonstrated low overall rates of CD diagnostic testing, testing primarily among older patients with end-organ damage, and incomplete confirmatory testing. This suggests missed opportunities to diagnose CD in at-risk individuals early in the course of infection when antiparasitic treatment can reduce the risk of disease progression and prevent vertical transmission.
Effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans on Modeling Subgingival Microbiome and Impairment of Oral Epithelial Barrier
Authors: Li Zihan , Huang Qiuxia , Wang Zhuoran , Huang Lijia , Gu Lisha
Published: October 2023

Periodontitis is an exemplar of dysbiosis associated with the coordinated action of multiple members within the microbial consortium. The polymicrobial synergy and dysbiosis hypothesis proposes a dynamic host-microbiome balance, with certain modulators capable of disrupting eubiosis and driving shifts towards dysbiosis within the community. However, these factors remain to be explored. We established a Porphyromonas gingivalis- or Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans-modified subgingival microbiome model and 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans altered the microbiome structure and composition indicated by α and β diversity metrics. P. gingivalis increased the subgingival dysbiosis index (SDI), while A. actinomycetemcomitans resulted in a lower SDI. Furthermore, P. gingivalis-stimulated microbiomes compromised epithelium function and reduced expression of tight junction proteins, whereas A. actinomycetemcomitans yielded mild effects. In conclusion, by inoculating P. gingivalis, we created dysbiotic microcosm biofilms in vitro resembling periodontitis-related subgingival microbiota, exhibiting enhanced dysbiosis and impaired epithelium integrity.
Comparison of prophylactic antibiotics for endonasal transsphenoidal surgery using a national inpatient database in Japan
Authors: Hattori Yujiro , Tahara Shigeyuki , Aso Shotaro , Makito Kanako , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo , Morita Akio
Published: October 2023

Background

The choice of prophylactic antibiotics for use in endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) lacks universal standards. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cefazolin, ampicillin and third-generation cephalosporins for preventing postoperative meningitis and secondary outcomes (in-hospital death and the combination of pneumonia and urinary tract infection) in patients who have undergone ETSS.

Methods

The study used data from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database in Japan. Data from 10 688 patients who underwent ETSS between April 2016 and March 2021 were included. Matching weight analysis based on propensity scores was conducted to compare the outcomes of patients receiving cefazolin, ampicillin or third-generation cephalosporins as prophylactic antibiotics.

Results

Of the 10 688 patients, 9013, 102 and 1573 received cefazolin, ampicillin and third-generation cephalosporins, respectively. The incidence of postoperative meningitis did not significantly differ between the cefazolin group and the ampicillin group (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.14–7.43) or third-generation cephalosporins group (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.10–6.44). Similarly, in-hospital death and the composite incidence of pneumonia and urinary tract infection did not differ between the cefazolin group and the ampicillin or third-generation cephalosporins group.

Conclusions

Cefazolin, ampicillin and third-generation cephalosporins as perioperative prophylactic antibiotics for ETSS do not differ significantly in terms of preventing meningitis.
‘Nobody Is Proud of Soft Dollars’: the Impact of MiFID II on US Financial Markets
Authors: Jackson Howell E , Zhang Jeffery Y
Published: October 2023

Scholars and policy makers have long debated whether securities firms should be allowed to bundle the cost of execution services with the cost of research. Investor advocates condemn the practice whereas industry representatives defend it. In 2018, as part of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) legislative regime, the EU forced the unbundling of commission charges, diverging from US legal standards which still allow ‘soft dollar’ payments for research. The EU’s unbundling regime has challenged global financial services firms, which must now comply with conflicting rules across national boundaries. For more than five years, the US Securities and Exchange Commission provided temporary no-action relief to facilitate compliance with MiFID II, but that relief expired in July 2023, presenting an opportunity to reconsider the impact of MiFID II’s unbundling regime and its implications for US regulators and investors. While this article takes a critical view of soft dollar practices, the story of MiFID II presents contested issues of policy analysis as the agency costs inherent in bundled commissions could be offset by the public benefits of additional research. Unbundling also offers a noteworthy example of an innovation in capital markets regulation flowing from Europe to the United States rather than the other way around.