bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biofluorescent response in lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus to a therapeutic stressor as assessed by hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Juhasz-Dora Thomas , Lindberg Stein-Kato , Karlsen Amanda , Ortega Samuel
Published: February 2024

The demand for lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) as a biological control for salmon lice is increasing. However, lumpfish welfare is considered a limiting factor within aquaculture operations. Identifying a noninvasive parameter that measures subclinical stress in lumpfish is a key goal for improving their welfare. The lumpfish is documented to emit green and red biofluorescence within the blue shifted light of their environment. Here we show that lumpfish fluorescence responds to a therapeutic stressor within a controlled experiment. Lumpfish (n = 60) underwent a 3-h freshwater bath therapeutant to evaluate whether fluorescence spectra produced by the species respond to external stimuli. Lumpfish were quickly scanned under a hyperspectral camera (400–1000 nm spectral range) prior to and after treatment. The lumpfish were randomly divided into 3 groups with identical treatment. All groups increased fluorescence emissions, though the level of change depended on whether the averaged, red, or green spectra were analyzed; the control group (n = 20) remained constant. All lumpfish emitted green fluorescence (~ 590–670 nm) while a portion (49%) produced red fluorescence (~ 690–800 nm). As lumpfish fluorescence shifts in response to the applied stressor, this study provides insight into how fluorescence may be incorporated into the welfare management of lumpfish.
Arabidopsis COP1 guides stomatal response in guard cells through pH regulation
Authors: Cha Seoyeon , Min Wang Ki , Seo Hak Soo
Published: February 2024

Plants rely on precise regulation of their stomatal pores to effectively carry out photosynthesis while managing water status. The Arabidopsis CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1), a critical light signaling repressor, is known to repress stomatal opening, but the exact cellular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we show that COP1 regulates stomatal movement by controlling the pH levels in guard cells. cop1-4 mutants have larger stomatal apertures and disrupted pH dynamics within guard cells, characterized by increased vacuolar and cytosolic pH and reduced apoplastic pH, leading to abnormal stomatal responses. The altered pH profiles are attributed to the increased plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase activity of cop1-4 mutants. Moreover, cop1-4 mutants resist to growth defect caused by alkali stress posed on roots. Overall, our study highlights the crucial role of COP1 in maintaining pH homeostasis of guard cells by regulating PM H+-ATPase activity, and demonstrates how proton movement affects stomatal movement and plant growth.
Winter snow deficit was a harbinger of summer 2022 socio-hydrologic drought in the Po Basin, Italy
Authors: Avanzi Francesco , Munerol Francesca , Milelli Massimo , Gabellani Simone , Massari Christian , Girotto Manuela , Cremonese Edoardo , Galvagno Marta , Bruno Giulia , Morra di Cella Umberto , Rossi Lauro , Altamura Marco , Ferraris Luca
Published: February 2024

Snow in mountainous regions is a key water resource from local to continental scales. However, the link between increasingly frequent snow droughts and socio-hydrologic impacts from headwaters to lowlands is not fully understood. To untangle this relationship, here we combine snow and climate reanalyses with a range of data of terrestrial water storage, streamflow, and emergency water-use restrictions for the archetypal 2022 snow drought in the Po basin (Italy). We find that a persistent high-pressure ridge during winter 2021–2022 translated into a −88% anomaly in peak snow water equivalent, intraseasonal snowmelt, and earlier melt-out dates. Compounded by reduced summer precipitation and importantly increased temperatures, this snow deficit led to the lowest terrestrial water storage on record in summer 2022. Emergency water-use restrictions were concurrent with the peak in snowmelt deficit in early summer, rather than the peak in precipitation deficit in mid-winter. This study highlights the contribution of snowmelt deficit in driving the 2022 socio-hydrologic drought in the Po Basin.
Mesoporous hydrogel electrodes with flexible frameworks exhibiting enhanced mass transport for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Nakajima Ritsuki , Wago Hiroki , Taniguchi Tatsuya , Sasaki Yuta , Nishiki Yoshinori , Awaludin Zaenal , Nakai Takaaki , Kato Akihiro , Mitsushima Shigenori , Kuroda Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2024

Mesoporous hydrogel electrodes consisting of flexible assemblies of nanosheets enhance the transport of gas molecules to achieve high current density.
In vitro inhibitory effect of five natural sweeteners on α-glucosidase and α-amylase
Authors: Jiang Jiequn , Fan Heliang , Zhou Jie , Qin Jingkai , Qin Zhongyi , Chen Mei , Shen Yuanyuan , Liu Xiaoling
Published: February 2024

Hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions are the primary forces between CT, CR and GA and α-glucosidase/α-amylase.
Are oilseeds a new alternative protein source for human nutrition?
Authors: Toutirais Lina , Walrand Stephane , Vaysse Carole
Published: February 2024

Processed oilseeds, combined with plant proteins, show potential as a protein source. They may have health benefits, but more clinical data are needed for confirmation.
Streptomyces monashensis MSK03-mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles: characterization and antibacterial activity
Authors: Kerdtoob Supavadee , Chanthasena Panjamaphon , Rosyidah A'liyatur , Limphirat Wanwisa , Penkhrue Watsana , Ganta Phongsakorn , Srisakvarangkool Wissarut , Yasawong Montri , Nantapong Nawarat
Published: February 2024

Antimicrobial activity of gold nanoparticles synthesized by Streptomyces monashensis MSK03 on drug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii.
Impacts of pre-treatment methods on the morphology, crystal structure, and defects formation of hydroxyapatite extracted from Nile tilapia scales
Authors: Eknapakul Tanachat , Kuimalee Surasak , Sailuam Wutthigrai , Daengsakul Sujittra , Tanapongpisit Nantawat , Laohana Peerawat , Saenrang Wittawat , Bootchanont Atipong , Khamkongkaeo Atchara , Yimnirun Rattikorn
Published: February 2024

The comprehensive control of hydroxyapatite, involving morphological and structural variations, particle sizes, and defect formations, has garnered considerable attention for its versatile functionalities, rendering it applicable in diverse contexts.
Flash phase engineering of MoS2 nanofilms for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Tan Rong , Liu Yuxin , Tu Yifeng , Loeffler Felix F.
Published: February 2024

Flash phase engineering (FPE) enables the fabrication of heterophase MoS2 nanofilms that efficiently transition from the 1T to the 2H phase by controlled laser irradiation. This offers large-area fabrication of site-selective heterophase structures.
Performance of ionic liquid functionalized metal organic frameworks in the adsorption process of phenol derivatives
Authors: Lupa Lavinia , Tolea Nick Samuel , Iosivoni Marcela , Maranescu Bianca , Plesu Nicoleta , Visa Aurelia
Published: February 2024

The growth of industrial activities has produced a significant increase in the release of toxic organic pollutants (OPs) to the environment from industrial wastewater.
Emerging tendencies for the nano-delivery of gambogic acid: a promising approach in oncotherapy
Authors: Fahmy Sherif Ashraf , Elghanam Rawan , Rashid Gowhar , Youness Rana A. , Sedky Nada K.
Published: February 2024

Despite the advancements in cancer therapies during the past few years, chemo/photo resistance, severe toxic effects, recurrence of metastatic tumors, and non-selective targeting remain incomprehensible.
Fe-modified NASICON-type Na3V2(PO4)3 as a cathode material for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Liu Shuling , Xu Zheng , Ren Lei , Xu Wenxuan , Liu Yuan , Fan Xuanlu , Luo Muxuan , Li Jiebing , Tong Jianbo
Published: February 2024

The sol–gel method is used to synthesize a new compound called Na3Fe0.8V1.2(PO4)3/C (NFVP/C), which has a crystal structure and belongs to the NASICON-type family.
Chlorine-assisted synthesis of Mn-deficient LiMn2O4 spinel with ultra-high-rate capability and long-term cyclability in half and full Li ion cells
Authors: Luna-Lama F. , Barbosa L. , Tesio A. Y. , Caballero A. , Morales J.
Published: February 2024

A different route is proposed to reduce the Mn3+ content in LiMn2O4 spinel.
Highly stable and high performance iodine redox flow batteries using host–guest interaction of (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin additive
Authors: Shin Mingyu , Noh Chanho , Kwon Yongchai
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on enhancing the stability of ARFBs using iodine as active material for the catholyte and (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin as additive, to increase the solubility of I2 and activate the reaction of iodine to form the I3− ion.
Effect of B-site complex substitutions on orthorhombic distortion and microwave dielectric properties of Ca(Zr0.95Ti0.05)O3 perovskites
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhou Tao , Wang Wei , Xi Zhaochen , Xu Diming , Du Chao , Yao Xiao-Gang , Lin Hui-Xing , Xia Huiqi , Jin Biaobing , Pang Yongqiang , Zhang Haijie , Liang Chao , Zhou Di
Published: February 2024

The effects of complex-ion (Zn1/3Nb2/3)4+ substitutions on the crystal structure, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of Ca(Zr0.95Ti0.05)O3 were shown.
The Impact of Illumination on Finger Vascular Pattern Recognition
Authors: Normakristagaluh Pesigrihastamadya , Laanstra Geert J. , Spreeuwers Luuk J. , Veldhuis Raymond N. J.
Published: February 2024

This paper studies the impact of illumination direction and bundle width on finger vascular pattern imaging and recognition performance. A qualitative theoretical model is presented to explain the projection of finger blood vessels on the skin. A series of experiments were conducted using a scanner of our design with illumination from the top, a single‐direction side (left or right), and narrow or wide beams. A new dataset was collected for the experiments, containing 4,428 NIR images of finger vein patterns captured under well‐controlled conditions to minimize position and rotation angle differences between different sessions. Top illumination performs well because of more homogenous, which enhances a larger number of visible veins. Narrower bundles of light do not affect which veins are visible, but they reduce the overexposure at finger boundaries and increase the quality of vascular pattern images. The narrow beam achieves the best performance with 0% of FNMR@FMR0.01%, and the wide beam consistently results in a higher false nonmatch rate. The comparison of left‐ and right‐side illumination has the highest error rates because only the veins in the middle of the finger are visible in both images. Different directional illumination may be interoperable since they produce the same vascular pattern and principally are the projected shadows on the finger surface. Score and image fusion for right‐ and left‐side result in recognition performance similar to that obtained with top illumination, indicating the vein patterns are independent of illumination direction. All results of these experiments support the proposed model.
Direction‐of‐arrival estimation in coprime linear array using three uniform linear arrays considering mutual coupling
Authors: Zhang Jin , Xu Haiyun , Ba Bin , Wang Jianhui , Jian Chunxiao
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, sparse arrays have been a focus for direction‐of‐arrival (DOA). The existing arrays can achieve high degree of freedom (DOF) bigger than the number of sensors when using the spatial smoothing methods. However, the small inter‐element spacing degrades the DOA estimation accuracy when facing severe mutual coupling. In order to alleviate mutual coupling, a coprime linear array using three uniform linear arrays (CLA‐U3) is proposed. The expression of sensor locations is given, and the analysis of DOF is considered. The minimum subarray inter‐element spacing in CLA‐U3 is bigger than that of the existing arrays, which means that CLA‐U3 can be less sensitive to mutual coupling. Moreover, the difference co‐subarrays can fill each other's holes, so CLA‐U3 and other sparse arrays composed of three subarrays have close DOF. Simulation experiments prove the favourable performance of DOA estimation.
Application of duck bone gelatin and sodium alginate-based edible coating materials on beef sausage quality during chilled storage
Authors: Habbib Khirzin Muhammad , Holik Abdul , Laksanawati Trias A. , Wildan Habibi Muhammad , Fatmawati Aisha R. , Firani Yuris B.A.
Published: February 2024

Edible coating is an eco-friendly packaging that is starting to be widely used as a primary packaging for processed meats such as sausages. One of the raw materials for making edible coatings was gelatin extracted from duck bones. The combination of gelatin with sodium alginate was expected to improve the quality of sausages. This research was conducted to study the efficacy of duck bone gelatin and sodium alginate coating materials on beef sausage quality during chilled storage. A randomized group design was used as an experimental design with four replications. The independent variable was storage time. The result showed that free fatty acid, protein content, total microbial count, and weight loss increased during storage. Meanwhile, moisture content, pH, color, aroma, and texture decreased. Non-coated sausage during 2 weeks of storage had a free fatty acid value of 1.23%, protein content of 16.21%, TPC of 7.38 log cfu/g, weight loss of 13.94%, moisture content of 60.43%, pH of 5.62, color of 2.3, aroma of 1.5, and texture of 1.9. Sausages with edible coating for 4 weeks of storage had a free fatty acid of 1.34%, protein content of 15.95%, TPC of 6.92 log cfu/g, weight loss of 14.72%, moisture content of 59.73%, pH of 5.67, color of 1.9, aroma of 1.8, and texture of 2.1.
Investigating the performance of electric mini tiller
Authors: Shofie Hanifah Dahna , Daniswara Muhammad , Wicaksono Arief , Muharfiza
Published: February 2024

Mini tiller is one of the agricultural machineries used for a secondary soil tillage for narrow fields. In general, it is equipped with a 4-stroke gasoline engine. Internal combustion engine is considered as one of the contributors to carbon emissions in the world, so it is necessary to find alternative energy uses. One of the famous alternative energies is electricity. Nowadays, the utilization of electrification in human life is widespread, for example, for an electric vehicle. However, the implementation of electrification in the agricultural sector has not been extensively adopted. This research investigated the performance and energy consumption of a local brand mini tiller (Cakar Baja) coupled with a Honda electric powertrain. Results showed that applying an electric mini tiller on flat and dry land can smoothly plough the soil. Furthermore, the field capacity of this electric mini tiller showed 0.11 ha/h with an effective field capacity of 0.07 ha/h. During performance testing, it showed a field efficiency of 80%, which means low energy use costs. This electric mini tiller demonstrates the opportunity to use it as future agricultural machinery for a household with a small agricultural ground.
Optimizing the distribution of tofu products using a genetic algorithm approach: A case study in tahu kres KWB Batu City, Malang
Authors: Effendi Usman , Hidayat Arif , Effendi Mas’ud , Rofiq Mulyarto Aunur , Kristina Silitonga Yessicha
Published: February 2024

The aim of this research is to determine the optimal route using a genetic algorithm and to compare the routes before and after optimization. The method used is the Genetic Algorithm, which consists of representation and initialization stages using permutation encode representation of the sequence of travel routes. The fitness function evaluation is the minimization of total fuel cost, selection is done using roulette wheel selection, crossover is done using PMX, and mutation is done using swap mutation. The testing of parameter combinations is carried out on population size, Cr and Mr values, and the number of generations. The parameter testing based on the highest average fitness is conducted 10 times for each parameter combination. Testing of population size and generation size was carried out in the range of 100-1000, obtained the best population size of 600 and the best generation size of 900. The combination testing of Cr and Mr is conducted for combinations of 1 and more than 1, and the values obtained are Cr: 0.6 and Mr: 0.5. This combination of parameters results in a fitness of 0.00960 with a total distance traveled of 307.61 and a total transportation cost of Rp 104,082 for fuel. Initially, the total distance traveled was 278.57 km with a fuel distribution cost of Rp 161,258. Therefore, the results of this research are able to save 35.46% of fuel transportation costs.
Line Balancing Analysis in Ribbed Smoked Sheet Production Using Heuristics Methods (Study at PT. Wabin Jayatama, Serang, Banten, Indonesia)
Authors: Nur Laili Afifah Aisyah , Rahayu Lestari Endah
Published: February 2024

Production line balancing is done to increase line efficiency. Product flow between workstations is stated to be better when the percentage of line efficiency is higher. One of the factors that can hinder the smooth running of a line is a bottleneck. The occurrence of a bottleneck at the Ribbed Smoked Sheet production station, namely the milling and sorting station, at PT. Wabin Jayatama caused the production line to become unbalanced. The output that will be generated from this research is the efficiency level of the actual production line and the proposed design of a production line with more optimal efficiency, which will later be used as a consideration for recommendations to improve the performance of the company's production line. This research was carried out using the Kilbridge & Wester Heuristic method and the Ranked Positional Weights Heuristic method. The results of the line balance analysis showed that the production line had a higher line efficiency (LE) of 50.05%, an increase by 25.62% to 75.67%. The initial line balance delay (BD) of 49.55% can be reduced by 25.22% to 24.33%. Then the Smoothest Index (SI) of 447.74 can decrease by 360.51 to 87.23.
Sustainable cocoa supply chain in East Java, Indonesia: Potential and risk identification
Authors: Sa’adah Miftahus , Santoso Imam , Choirun Annisa’u , Tuakia Miftah Zaini
Published: February 2024

Despite the significant role of cocoa in the economy, cocoa farmers well-being remains low. The current cocoa production process concentrates on downstream activities, primarily procuring raw materials without processing or fermentation, which results in a lack of added value in the supply chain. Smallholder plantations contribute the most to cocoa production but face obstacles due to limited knowledge, technology, and institutional support. Government initiative programs aimed at enhancing cocoa’s export potential suggest integrating sustainability aspects into the cocoa supply chain. East Java, with regions and potential for cocoa plantations, becomes a prospective province to apply the cocoa sustainability concept. Conducting studies to understand the potential, opportunities, risks, and threats within the cocoa supply chain is needed. The main objective of this study is to identify the potential and strengths within the cocoa supply chain while addressing weaknesses and anticipating threats. The results show in the SWOT analysis, that 8 variables were strengths, 14 variables were weaknesses, 9 variables were opportunities, and 10 variables were threats. The classification of variables in SWOT analysis shows that farmer actors have higher weaknesses and threats. So that risk identification for farmer actors is analyzed to determine mitigation strategies that can be implemented.
Isolation of cellulose-producing bacteria (Komagataeibacter Saccharivorans) from rotten sapodilla fruit
Authors: Gadizza Perdani Claudia , Nurika Irnia , Gunawan Setiyo
Published: February 2024

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a nanocellulose produced by bacteria with high purity, crystallinity level, water binding ability, a high degree of polymerization, and excellent mechanical characteristics. The selection of BNC-producing bacteria is one of the critical stages in the production of BNC. This study collected samples from fruit sources and was selected to determine isolates that could produce BNC. Based on the 16s rRNA strain analysis, sapodilla isolate has an identity percentage above 98%, so it can be concluded that it has similarities with the bacteria Komagataeibacter saccharivorans. From eleven sources of fruit, two isolates that have the potential to produce cellulose, namely isolate sapodilla, were obtained. The confirmed sapodilla isolate is an acetic acid bacteria, Komagataeibacter saccharivorans. The yield of BNC-made isolate sapodilla Komagataeibacter saccharivorans (0.432 g/L). Confirmed sapodilla isolates that produce cellulose were mainly determined as cellulose I (adsorption at around 3345, 1430, 1160, and 900 cm−1). Few celluloses II (adsorption at about 1335, 1315, and 1280 cm−1 and a blue-shift of the number of waves from 1430 to around 1425 cm−1) and has a crystallinity index of 52.387 % on HS (Hestrin Scrahm) media with diameter nanofibril about 86.46 nm.
Political embeddedness and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a state-led developing country: evidence from China
Authors: Li Jiarong , Sasaki Masato
Published: February 2024

In many countries, the government plays a regulative role in corporate social responsibility (CSR) as an external overseer of economic and public market sectors. However, owing to the politically embedded nature of extensive corporations in China, the government's influence over CSR is not only exogenous but may even endogenously shape the general scope of CSR of companies in comparison to the West. To date, this has not been extensively examined. We explore this from the standpoint of the scope of beneficiaries and CSR domains, which accurately depict the welfare effects of business in developing countries. Based on a resource dependence perspective, we conduct a quantitative content analysis on a sample of 160 Chinese listed companies and developed a two-level model of political embeddedness. The results show a complex interaction between politics and business, revealing the opposing influence of political embeddedness at different levels.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: From storefront to screen: an in-depth analysis of the dynamics of online for offline retailing
Authors: Jo Hyeon , Bang Youngsok
Published: February 2024

Within the rapidly changing online sphere, the significance of online for offline (O4O) commerce platforms in directing consumer choices is evident. The purpose of this research is to examine the factors that influence consumer shopping motives within the context of O4O commerce. The value of this study lies in its enhancement of our understanding of how various factors within the O4O model impact consumer decision-making processes. This offers significant insights for businesses and marketers, enabling them to strategize more effectively for customer engagement and retention. The study analyzed a dataset of 272 consumers who were familiar with O4O platforms, utilizing the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology, specifically conducted through the SmartPLS software program. The results revealed that effort expectancy has a connection with continuance intention but remains unrelated to shopping intention. In contrast, performance expectancy was influential in both continuance and shopping intentions. Social influence showed a strong relationship with continuance intention, yet lacked significance with shopping intention. Facilitating conditions primarily directed continuance intention, without influencing shopping intention. The study also validated the relationship between continuance intention and shopping intention, highlighting innovativeness as a key moderator in the bond between social influence and continuance intention. These insights offer valuable perspectives for industry professionals, elucidating factors that drive consumer interactions on O4O commerce platforms.
Development of a high-efficiency and wide-irradiation coil for transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy at home
Authors: Fushimi M. , Kawasaki Y. , Yamamoto K. , Sekino M.
Published: February 2024

To perform transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy at home, a stimulation coil that is robust against misalignment must be employed. A dome-shaped coil is one such coil; however, it has the disadvantage that the induced electric field is smaller than that of the conventional figure-8 coil. In this study, we developed a double D-shaped coil with a horizontal return path to suppress the influence of the return current, while reducing the inductance of the coil. After optimizing geometric parameters of the double D-shaped coil through numerical simulations, we fabricated the coil and evaluated its performance on healthy subjects. It was confirmed that the developed coil was found to tolerate a wider range of positioning errors than the figure-8 coil when stimulating the motor cortex.
Multidimensional high-harmonic echo spectroscopy: Resolving coherent electron dynamics in the EUV regime
Authors: Jiang Shicheng , Gudem Mahesh , Kowalewski Markus , Dorfman Konstantin
Published: February 2024

We theoretically propose a multidimensional high-harmonic echo spectroscopy technique which utilizes strong optical fields to resolve coherent electron dynamics spanning an energy range of multiple electronvolts. Using our recently developed semi-perturbative approach, we can describe the coherent valence electron dynamics driven by a sequence of phase-matched and well-separated short few-cycle strong infrared laser pulses. The recombination of tunnel-ionized electrons by each pulse coherently populates the valence states of a molecule, which allows for a direct observation of its dynamics via the high harmonic echo signal. The broad bandwidth of the effective dipole between valence states originated from the strong-field excitation results in nontrivial ultra-delayed partial rephasing echo, which is not observed in standard two-dimensional optical spectroscopic techniques in a two-level molecular systems. We demonstrate the results of simulations for the anionic molecular system and show that the ultrafast valence electron dynamics can be well captured with femtosecond resolution.
Arabidopsis protein
S
-acyl transferases positively mediate BR signaling through
S
-acylation of BSK1
Authors: Liu Fei , Qu Peng-Yu , Li Ji-Peng , Yang Li-Na , Geng Yuan-Jun , Lu Jin-Yu , Zhang Yan , Li Sha
Published: February 2024

Protein
S
-acyl transferases (PATs) catalyze
S
-acylation, a reversible post-translational modification critical for membrane association, trafficking, and stability of substrate proteins. Many plant proteins are potentially
S
-acylated but few have corresponding PATs identified. By using genomic editing, confocal imaging, pharmacological, genetic, and biochemical assays, we demonstrate that three Arabidopsis class C PATs positively regulate BR signaling through
S
-acylation of BRASSINOSTEROID-SIGNALING KINASE1 (BSK1). PAT19, PAT20, and PAT22 associate with the plasma membrane (PM) and the
trans
-Golgi network/early endosome (TGN/EE). Functional loss of all three genes results in a plethora of defects, indicative of reduced BR signaling and rescued by enhanced BR signaling. PAT19, PAT20, and PAT22 interact with BSK1 and are critical for the
S
-acylation of BSK1, and for BR signaling. The PM abundance of BSK1 was reduced by functional loss of
PAT19
,
PAT20
, and
PAT22
whereas abolished by its
S
-acylation-deficient point mutations, suggesting a key role of
S
-acylation in its PM targeting. Finally, an active BR analog induces vacuolar trafficking and degradation of PAT19, PAT20, or PAT22, suggesting that the
S
-acylation of BSK1 by the three PATs serves as a negative feedback module in BR signaling.
Dosimetric parameters calculation for 18 MV photon beam in flattening filter (FF) and flattening filter free (FFF) linear accelerators with and without magnetic deflector and lead filter
Authors: Hashemizadeh Morteza , Zabihzadeh Mansour , Shahbazian Hojatollah , Fatahi-Asl Jafar , Reshadatian Marziyeh
Published: February 2024

Dosimetric characteristics of the flattening filter (FF) and flattening filter free (FFF) modes of 18 MV therapeutic photon beam were investigated with and without the magnetic deflector (MD) and lead filter. MCNP version 6.1.0 Monte Carlo (MC) code was used to simulate the 18 MV photon beam of 2100 C/D-Varian linear accelerator (LINAC) for the FF and FFF modes. The MD (uniform magnetic flux density of 1 Tesla) and lead filter (thickness of 1 mm) were modeled to remove contaminant electrons. The dosimetric parameters for different scenarios of LINAC’s head were calculated. Removing the flattening filter in the FFF mode increased the dose rate, electron contamination, skin dose, out-of-field dose, and un-flatness compared to the FF mode. While the lead filter decreased the contaminant electrons significantly, using the MD removed all secondary electrons from the beam line. The surface dose was decreased by 8.3% and 11.2% for the magnetic deflector (MD) and lead filter in the FF mode, respectively. The surface dose was decreased by 16.8% and 20.3% for the MD and lead filter scenarios in the FFF mode, respectively. The MD and lead filter decreased surface penumbra by 15.5% and 11.5% compared to the FFF mode. Removing the flattening filter from the LINAC’s head improves most of the dosimetric characteristics of the 18MV therapeutic beam. The use of a lead filter and magnetic deflector preserves the skin-sparing property of megavoltage beams that deteriorate in FFF mode. However, using a magnetic deflector does not reduce photon fluence and dose rate.
Detection of cardiac abnormalities from 12-lead ecg using complex wavelet sub-band features
Authors: Mondal Sourav , Choudhary Prakash , Rathee Priyanka
Published: February 2024

Aim of the study. This research endeavours to optimize cardiac anomaly detection by introducing a method focused on selecting the most effective Daubechis wavelet families. The principal aim is to differentiate between cardiac states that are normal and abnormal by utilizing longer electrocardiogram (ECG) signal events based on the Apnea ECG dataset. Apnea ECG is often used to detect sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. By using machine learning methods, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and different classifiers, the goal is to improve the precision of cardiac irregularity identification. Used method. To extract important statistical and sub-band information from lengthy ECG signal episodes, the study uses a novel method that combines discrete wavelet transform with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for dimension reduction. The methodology focuses on successfully categorizing ECG signals by utilizing several classifiers, including multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network, Ensemble Subspace K-Nearest Neighbour(KNN), and Ensemble Bagged Trees, together with varied Daubechis wavelet families (db2, db3, db4, db5, db6). Brief Description of Results. The results emphasize the importance of the chosen Daubechis wavelet family, db5, and its superiority in ECG representation. The method distinguishes normal and abnormal ECG signals well on the Physionet Apnea ECG database. The Neural Network-based method accurately recognizes 100% of healthy signals and 97.8% of problematic ones with 98.6% accuracy. Findings. The Ensemble Subspace K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) and Ensemble Bagged Trees methods got 87.1% accuracy and 0.89 and 0.87 AOC curve values on this dataset, showing that the method works. Precision values of 0.96, 0.86, and 0.86 for MLP Neural Network, KNN Subspace, and Ensemble Bagged Trees confirm their robustness. These findings suggest wavelet families and machine learning can improve cardiac abnormality detection and categorization.
Penetration of topically applied polymeric nanoparticles across the epidermis of thick skin from rat
Authors: Antony Andrea , Raju Gayathri , Job Ahina , Joshi Meet , Shankarappa Sahadev
Published: February 2024

The barrier function of the epidermis poses a significant challenge to nanoparticle-mediated topical delivery. A key factor in this barrier function is the thickness of the stratum corneum (SC) layer within the epidermis, which varies across different anatomical sites. The epidermis from the palms and soles, for instance, have thicker SC compared to those from other areas. Previous studies have attempted to bypass the SC layer for nanoparticle penetration by using physical disruption; however, these studies have mostly focused on non-thick skin. In this study, we investigate the role of SC-disrupting mechano-physical strategies (tape-stripping and microneedle abrasion) on thick and thin skin, in allowing transdermal penetration of topically applied nanoparticles using an ex-vivo skin model from rat. Our findings show that tape-stripping reduced the overall thickness of SC in thick skin by 87%, from 67.4 ± 17.3 μm to 8.2 ± 8.5 μm, whereas it reduced thin skin SC by only 38%, from 9.9 ± 0.6 μm to 6.2 ± 3.2 μm. Compared to non-thick skin, SC disruption in thick skin resulted in higher nanoparticle diffusion. Tape-stripping effectively reduces SC thickness of thick skin and can be potentially utilized for enhanced penetration of topically applied nanoparticles in skin conditions that affect thick skin.
Reliability assessment of ship hull girders considering pitting corrosion and crack
Authors: Ahmadi Farzaneh , Ranji Ahmad Rahbar
Published: February 2024

The current study aims to investigate the combined effect of cracking and pitting damage on the ultimate strength of ships. The well-known Smith’s approach is modified considering the random number and distribution of cracked-pitted plates in the ship cross-section. Using the Monte Carlo approach, the structural reliability index of the cracked-pitted ship is determined. A single-bottom oil tanker’s ultimate strength is computed, and it turns out that the reliability indices for various damage scenarios are nearly identical when the ship is at its early age. When the ship ages, its reliability index rises to its maximum if the damage is concentrated at the bottom under sagging conditions and at the sides and longitudinal bulkheads in hogging conditions. The reliability indices in the hogging conditions are often greater than those in the sagging conditions. Furthermore, it is determined that, while the ship is at its early age, the detrimental effect of pitting, cracking, or a combination of both on the reduction of the ship’s hull girder ultimate strength is equal. The lowest reliability index is seen in aged ships when cracking and pitting are combined, followed by cracking and pitting damage separately. It is shown that pitting corrosion has a lower reliability index than the general type of corrosion.
Deep learning cosmic ray transport from density maps of simulated, turbulent gas
Authors: Bustard Chad , Wu John
Published: February 2024

The coarse-grained propagation of galactic cosmic rays (CRs) is traditionally constrained by phenomenological models of Milky Way CR propagation fit to a variety of direct and indirect observables; however, constraining the fine-grained transport of CRs along individual magnetic field lines—for instance, diffusive vs streaming transport models—is an unsolved challenge. Leveraging a recent training set of magnetohydrodynamic turbulent box simulations, with CRs spanning a range of transport parameters, we use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained solely on gas density maps to classify CR transport regimes. We find that even relatively simple CNNs can quite effectively classify density slices to corresponding CR transport parameters, distinguishing between streaming and diffusive transport, as well as magnitude of diffusivity, with class accuracies between 92% and 99%. As we show, the transport-dependent imprints that CRs leave on the gas are not all tied to the resulting density power spectra: classification accuracies are still high even when image spectra are flattened (85%–98% accuracy), highlighting CR transport-dependent changes to turbulent phase information. We interpret our results with saliency maps and image modifications, and we discuss physical insights and future applications.
The Early Years of Congress’s Anti-Removal Power
Authors: Nielson Aaron L , Walker Christopher J
Published: February 2024

Judges and scholars have long debated whether the Constitution provides the president with a power to remove executive officials. The Constitution, however, undoubtedly gives Congress tools to discourage the president’s use of such power. Perhaps most notably, the Appointments Clause makes it more difficult for the president to remove principal officers—even those whose views are out of the step with the president’s—because the president cannot know whether the Senate will consent to a preferred replacement. This is an example of what is dubbed Congress’s anti-removal power: Even if the president can remove, a motivated Congress can discourage the president’s use of that power. In ‘Congress’s Anti-Removal Power’, we used game theory to show why anti-removal tools are effective—viz., they increase the costs of presidential removal, resulting in less of it—and argued that such tools have been a longstanding feature of interbranch relations. This article focuses on the founding era to argue that Congress’s anti-removal power not only comports with the Constitution’s language, but is also a deliberate feature of the constitutional bargain. Not only did James Madison and Alexander Hamilton bless anti-removal tools, but early Congresses enacted statutes that discouraged removal. While the question of presidential removal attracted debate in the first Congress, the same does not appear to be true for these anti-removal features. The article thus concludes—in the spirit of dogs that do not bark—that Congress’s use of its anti-removal power finds support in both the Constitution’s text and founding-era thought and practice.
Traumatic ischaemic cardiomyopathy in a 27-year-old: a case report
Authors: Pastapur Aishwarya E , Bitar Abbas , Wanamaker Brett L
Published: February 2024

Background

Coronary injury after blunt chest trauma is rare. This case illustrates the importance of evaluating for coronary injury after any episode of blunt chest wall trauma.

Case summary

We review the case of a 27-year-old male who presented with acutely decompensated heart failure several months after a motor vehicle accident with chest wall impact from the steering wheel. Coronary angiography demonstrated an occluded left anterior descending artery, and he was found to have a severe ischaemic cardiomyopathy. After multiple hospital and intensive care unit admissions due to multi-organ dysfunction and debility, he was unable to tolerate any guideline-directed medical therapy. He was unable to be listed for heart transplantation due to his co-morbidities, multi-system sequelae of his heart failure, deconditioning, and recent substance use. He was ultimately discharged home with hospice.

Conclusion

Coronary or other cardiac injuries should be considered in the evaluation of all patients after blunt chest wall trauma, regardless of prior risk factors for ischaemia.
Measures of Model Risk for Continuous-Time Finance Models
Authors: Lazar Emese , Qi Shuyuan , Tunaru Radu
Published: February 2024

Measuring model risk is required by regulators in financial and insurance markets. We separate model risk into parameter estimation risk (PER) and model specification risk (MSR), and we propose expected shortfall type model risk measures applied to Lévy jump, affine jump-diffusion, and multifactor models. We investigate the impact of PER and MSR on the models’ ability to capture the joint dynamics of stock and option prices. Using Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques, we implement two methodologies to estimate parameters under the risk-neutral probability measure and the real-world probability measure jointly.
Martingale posterior distributions
Authors: Fong Edwin , Holmes Chris , Walker Stephen G
Published: February 2024

The prior distribution is the usual starting point for Bayesian uncertainty. In this paper, we present a different perspective that focuses on missing observations as the source of statistical uncertainty, with the parameter of interest being known precisely given the entire population. We argue that the foundation of Bayesian inference is to assign a distribution on missing observations conditional on what has been observed. In the i.i.d. setting with an observed sample of size n, the Bayesian would thus assign a predictive distribution on the missing Yn+1:∞ conditional on Y1:n, which then induces a distribution on the parameter. We utilize Doob’s theorem, which relies on martingales, to show that choosing the Bayesian predictive distribution returns the conventional posterior as the distribution of the parameter. Taking this as our cue, we relax the predictive machine, avoiding the need for the predictive to be derived solely from the usual prior to posterior to predictive density formula. We introduce the martingale posterior distribution, which returns Bayesian uncertainty on any statistic via the direct specification of the joint predictive. To that end, we introduce new predictive methodologies for multivariate density estimation, regression and classification that build upon recent work on bivariate copulas.
Influence of temperature on the chemical evolution and desorption of pure CO ices irradiated by cosmic-rays analogues
Authors: Pilling S , Mateus M S , Ojeda-González A , Ferrão L F A , Galvão B R L , Boduch P , Rothard H
Published: February 2024

Carbon monoxide (CO) plays a vital role in interstellar chemistry, existing abundantly in both gaseous and frozen environments. Understanding the radiation-driven chemistry of CO-rich ices is crucial for comprehending the formation and desorption of C-bearing molecules in the interstellar medium (ISM), particularly considering the potential impact of temperature on these processes. We report experimental data on irradiation processing of pure CO ice by cosmic ray analogues (95.2 MeV 136Xe23+ ions) at temperatures of 10, 15, and 20 K, in the IGLIAS set-up coupled to the IRRSUD beamline at GANIL (Caen, France). The evolution of the irradiated frozen samples was monitored by infrared spectroscopy. The computational PROCODA code allows us to quantify the chemical evolution of the samples, determining effective reaction rates coefficients (ERCs), molecular abundances at the chemical equilibrium (CE) phase, and desorption processes. The model integrated 18 chemical species – 8 observed (CO, CO2, C3, O3, C2O, C3O, C3O2, and C5O3) and 10 non-observed but predicted (C, O, C2, O2, CO3, C4O, C5O, C2O2, C2O3, C4O2) – linked via 156 reactions. Our findings reveal temperature-driven influences on molecular abundances at chemical equilibrium, desorption yields and rates, and ERC values. Certain reaction routes exhibit distinct thermochemical behaviours of gas- and ice-phase reactions which may be attributed to the presence of neighbouring molecules within the ice matrix. This study provides pivotal insights into the chemical evolution of CO-enriched ice under irradiation, impacting solid-state astrochemistry, clarifying molecular abundances, and advancing our understanding of ISM chemistry and temperature effects on ionized radiation-processed frozen ices.
Left ventricular recovery after total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting versus conventional coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Lin Zhi-qin , Chen Xiujun , Xu Zheng , Chen Liang-wan , Dai Xiao-fu
Published: February 2024

Background

We compared total arterial revascularization (TAR) versus conventional revascularization (CR) in terms of left ventricular function recovery in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 162 consecutive patients with multivessel CAD and reduced LVEF who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting at our institution between January 2013 and July 2022. We assessed left ventricular function by transthoracic echocardiography at admission, before discharge, and at follow-up of 3, 6, and 12 months, using LVEF, global longitudinal peak strain, end-diastolic volume index, and end-systolic volume index. We also evaluated mitral valve regurgitation and graft patency rate at 1 year.

Results

The TAR group had a significantly higher increase in LVEF and global longitudinal peak strain, and a significantly lower decrease in end-diastolic volume index and end-systolic volume index than the CR group at 6 and 12 months after surgery. The TAR group also had a significantly lower degree of mitral valve regurgitation than the CR group at all-time points within 12 months after surgery. The TAR group had a significantly higher graft patency rate than the CR group at 12 months. There was no significant difference in hospital mortality or repeat revascularization between the groups.

Conclusions

TAR was associated with better recovery of left ventricular function than CR in patients with multivessel CAD and reduced LVEF. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in this high-risk population.
Genetic Diversity and Pathogenicity of the Fusarium Species Complex on Soybean in Serbia
Authors: Petrović Kristina , Orzali Laura , Krsmanović Slobodan , Valente Maria Teresa , Tolimir Miodrag , Pavlov Jovan , Riccioni Luca
Published: February 2024

Using morphological and cultural characteristics for identification, 36 Fusarium isolates were recovered from diseased roots, stems, and seeds of soybean from several localities throughout Vojvodina Province, Serbia. Based on molecular characterization, 12 Fusarium species were identified: F. acuminatum, F. avenaceum, F. commune, F. equiseti, F. graminearum, F. incarnatum, F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum, F. solani, F. sporotrichioides, F. subglutinans, and F. tricinctum. The elongation factor 1-α–based phylogeny grouped the isolates into 12 well-supported clades, but polymorphisms among sequences in some clades suggested the use of the species complex concept: (i) F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC)—F. incarnatum and F. equiseti; (ii) F. oxysporum species complex (FOSC)—F. oxysporum; (iii) F. solani species complex (FSSC)—F. solani; and (iv) F. acuminatum/F. avenaceum/F. tricinctum species complex (FAATSC)—F. acuminatum, F. avenaceum, and F. tricinctum. Pathogenicity tests showed that the most aggressive species causing soybean seed rot were F. sporotrichioides, F. graminearum, FIESC, and F. avenaceum. Furthermore, F. subglutinans, FSSC, and F. proliferatum showed a high percentage of pathogenicity on soybean seeds (80 to 100%), whereas variability in pathogenicity occurred within isolates of F. tricinctum. FOSC, F. commune, and F. acuminatum had the lowest pathogenicity. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the characterization of Fusarium species on soybean in Serbia. This study provides valuable information about the composition of Fusarium species and pathogenicity that will be used in further research on soybean resistance to Fusarium-based diseases.