bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early detection of plant virus infection using multispectral imaging and spatial–spectral machine learning
Authors: Peng Yao , Dallas Mary M. , Ascencio-Ibáñez José T. , Hoyer J. Steen , Legg James , Hanley-Bowdoin Linda , Grieve Bruce , Yin Hujun
Published: February 2022

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is an emerging viral disease that can greatly reduce cassava productivity, while causing only mild aerial symptoms that develop late in infection. Early detection of CBSD enables better crop management and intervention. Current techniques require laboratory equipment and are labour intensive and often inaccurate. We have developed a handheld active multispectral imaging (A-MSI) device combined with machine learning for early detection of CBSD in real-time. The principal benefits of A-MSI over passive MSI and conventional camera systems are improved spectral signal-to-noise ratio and temporal repeatability. Information fusion techniques further combine spectral and spatial information to reliably identify features that distinguish healthy cassava from plants with CBSD as early as 28 days post inoculation on a susceptible and a tolerant cultivar. Application of the device has the potential to increase farmers’ access to healthy planting materials and reduce losses due to CBSD in Africa. It can also be adapted for sensing other biotic and abiotic stresses in real-world situations where plants are exposed to multiple pest, pathogen and environmental stresses.
Assessment of Ki-67 proliferation index with deep learning in DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ)
Authors: Fulawka Lukasz , Blaszczyk Jakub , Tabakov Martin , Halon Agnieszka
Published: February 2022

The proliferation index (PI) is crucial in histopathologic diagnostics, in particular tumors. It is calculated based on Ki-67 protein expression by immunohistochemistry. PI is routinely evaluated by a visual assessment of the sample by a pathologist. However, this approach is far from ideal due to its poor intra- and interobserver variability and time-consuming. These factors force the community to seek out more precise solutions. Virtual pathology as being increasingly popular in diagnostics, armed with artificial intelligence, may potentially address this issue. The proposed solution calculates the Ki-67 proliferation index by utilizing a deep learning model and fuzzy-set interpretations for hot-spots detection. The obtained region-of-interest is then used to segment relevant cells via classical methods of image processing. The index value is approximated by relating the total surface area occupied by immunopositive cells to the total surface area of relevant cells. The achieved results are compared to the manual calculation of the Ki-67 index made by a domain expert. To increase results reliability, we trained several models in a threefold manner and compared the impact of different hyper-parameters. Our best-proposed method estimates PI with 0.024 mean absolute error, which gives a significant advantage over the current state-of-the-art solution.
Real-time tracking of bioluminescent influenza A virus infection in mice
Authors: Kim Jin H. , Bryant Hannah , Fiedler Edward , Cao TuAnh , Rayner Jonathan O.
Published: February 2022

Despite the availability of vaccines and antiviral therapies, seasonal influenza infections cause 400,000 human deaths on average per year. Low vaccine coverage and the occurrence of drug-resistant viral strains highlight the need for new and improved countermeasures. While influenza A virus (IAV) engineered to express a reporter gene may serve as a valuable tool for real-time tracking of viral infection, reporter gene insertion into IAV typically attenuates viral pathogenicity, hindering its application to research. Here, we demonstrate that lethal or even sublethal doses of bioluminescent IAV carrying the NanoLuc gene in the C-terminus of PB2 can be tracked in real-time in live mice without compromising pathogenicity. Real-time tracking of this bioluminescent IAV enables spatiotemporal viral replication tracking in animals that will facilitate the development of countermeasures by enhancing the interpretation of clinical signs and prognosis while also allowing less animal usage.
Sex-specific differences in KCC2 localisation and inhibitory synaptic transmission in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Wolf Daniele C. , Sanon Nathalie T. , Cunha Alexandra O. S. , Chen Jia-Shu , Shaker Tarek , Elhassan Abdul-Rahman , do Nascimento Antônia Sâmia Fernandes , Di Cristo Graziella , Weil Alexander G.
Published: February 2022

Sexual differentiation of the brain is influenced by testosterone and its metabolites during the perinatal period, when many aspects of brain development, including the maturation of GABAergic transmission, occur. Whether and how testosterone signaling during the perinatal period affects GABAergic transmission is unclear. Here, we analyzed GABAergic circuit functional markers in male, female, testosterone-treated female, and testosterone-insensitive male rats after the first postnatal week and in young adults. In the hippocampus, mRNA levels of proteins associated with GABA signaling were not significantly affected at postnatal day (P) 7 or P40. Conversely, membrane protein levels of KCC2, which are critical for determining inhibition strength, were significantly higher in females compared to males and testosterone-treated females at P7. Further, female and testosterone-insensitive male rats at P7 showed higher levels of the neurotrophin BDNF, which is a powerful regulator of neuronal function, including GABAergic transmission. Finally, spontaneous GABAergic currents in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells were more frequent in females and testosterone-insensitive males at P40. Overall, these results show that perinatal testosterone levels modulate GABAergic circuit function, suggesting a critical role of perinatal sex hormones in regulating network excitability in the adult hippocampus.
Experienced entropy drives choice behavior in a boring decision-making task
Authors: Seiler Johannes P.-H. , Dan Ohad , Tüscher Oliver , Loewenstein Yonatan , Rumpel Simon
Published: February 2022

Boredom has been defined as an aversive mental state that is induced by the disability to engage in satisfying activity, most often experienced in monotonous environments. However, current understanding of the situational factors inducing boredom and driving subsequent behavior remains incomplete. Here, we introduce a two-alternative forced-choice task coupled with sensory stimulation of different degrees of monotony. We find that human subjects develop a bias in decision-making, avoiding the more monotonous alternative that is correlated with self-reported state boredom. This finding was replicated in independent laboratory and online experiments and proved to be specific for the induction of boredom rather than curiosity. Furthermore, using theoretical modeling we show that the entropy in the sequence of individually experienced stimuli, a measure of information gain, serves as a major determinant to predict choice behavior in the task. With this, we underline the relevance of boredom for driving behavioral responses that ensure a lasting stream of information to the brain.
Size fractionation of high-density polyethylene breakdown nanoplastics reveals different toxic response in Daphnia magna
Authors: Ekvall Mikael T. , Gimskog Isabella , Hua Jing , Kelpsiene Egle , Lundqvist Martin , Cedervall Tommy
Published: February 2022

Plastic litter is a growing environmental problem. Recently, microplastics and nanoplastics, produced during breakdown processes in nature, have been in focus. Although there is a growing knowledge concerning microplastic, little is still known about the effect of nanoplastics. We have showed that mechanical breakdown of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), followed by filtration through 0.8 µm filters, produces material toxic to the freshwater zooplankton Daphnia magna and affected the reproduction in life-time tests. However, further size fractionation and purification reveals that the nanoplastics fraction is non-toxic at these concentrations, whereas the fraction with smaller sizes, below ~ 3 nm, is toxic. The HDPE nanoplastics are highly oxidized and with an average diameter of 110 nm. We conclude that mechanical breakdown of HDPE may cause environmental problems, but that the fraction of leached additives and short chain HDPE are more problematic than HDPE nanoplastics.
Water-stable perovskite-loaded nanogels containing antioxidant property for highly sensitive and selective detection of roxithromycin in animal-derived food products
Authors: Han Jinsol , Sharipov Mirkomil , Hwang Soojin , Lee Youngil , Huy Bui The , Lee Yong-Ill
Published: February 2022

Luminescent inorganic lead halide perovskite nanoparticles lack stability in aqueous solutions, limiting their application to optical sensors. Here, hybrid CsPbBr3-loaded MIP nanogels were developed with enhanced stability in aqueous media. Multifunctional MIP nanogels with antioxidant function and hydrophobic cavities were synthesized from HEMA derivatives in the presence of roxithromycin as a template. The CsPbBr3 nanoparticles were loaded into pre-synthesized MIP nanogels via in-situ synthesis with a size distribution of 200 nm. The developed CsPbBr3-nanogel exhibits excellent stability to air/moisture and enhanced stability toward an aqueous solvent. The developed CsPbBr3-loaded MIP nanogels showed a selective and sensitive detection of ROX with a limit of detection calculated to be 1.7 × 10–5 μg/mL (20.6 pM). The developed CsPbBr3-loaded MIP antioxidant-nanogels were evaluated on practical application for the quantitative determination of ROX antibiotic in animal-derived food products with excellent analytical performance. The detection of ROX in animal-derived food products showed good recovery results, making them an ideal candidate for sensing ROX.
Petrogenesis of isotopically enriched Quaternary magma with adakitic affinity associated with subduction of old lithosphere beneath central Myanmar
Authors: Sano Takashi , Tani Kenichiro , Yoneda Shigekazu , Min Hla , Htike Thaung , Maung Thein Zin Maung , Ishizuka Osamu , Kusuhashi Nao , Kono Reiko T. , Takai Masanaru , Conway Chris E.
Published: February 2022

We present a model for the petrogenesis of magma with adakitic affinity in an old subduction zone, which does not involve slab melting and is constrained by new geochronological and geochemical data for Mt. Popa, the largest of three Quaternary volcanoes in central Myanmar (Popa, Monywa and Singu). The edifice is composed of Popa Plateau (0.8–0.6 Ma) with high-K rocks and a stratovolcano (< 0.33 Ma) predominantly composed of medium-K rocks with adakitic affinity (Mg# 45–63, Sr/Y > 40). The distinct K contents indicate that the adakitic magmas cannot be derived from Popa high-K rocks, but they share trace-element signatures and Sr–Nd isotope ratios with medium-K basalts from Monywa volcano. Our estimation of water contents in Popa magma reveals that primary magma for medium-K basalts was generated by partial melting of wedge mantle with normal potential temperature (TP 1330–1340 °C) under wet conditions (H2O 0.25–0.54 wt%). Its melting was probably induced by asthenospheric upwelling that is recognized by tomographic images. Mafic adakitic magma (Mg# ~ 63, Sr/Y ~ 64) was derived from the medium-K basaltic magma in fractional crystallization of a garnet-bearing assemblage at high pressure, and felsic adakitic rocks (Mg# ~ 45, Sr/Y ~ 50) were produced by assimilation-fractional crystallization processes at mid-crustal depths.
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration in which exudation predominantly occurs as a subretinal fluid during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment
Authors: Cho Han Joo , Song Mi Yeon , Yoon Wontae , Yoon Jihyun , Na Seung Kwan , Lee Jihyun , Kim Jaemin , Kim Jong Woo
Published: February 2022

We investigated the characteristics of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in which exudation predominantly occurs as a subretinal fluid (SRF) during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment. A total of 509 treatment-naïve neovascular AMD patients treated with anti-VEGF for 24 months were retrospectively analyzed. The baseline characteristics to determine the odds of occurrence of SRF alone were evaluated using multivariate modeling. SRF was the sole manifestation of lesion activity in 209 (40.9%) eyes during follow-up. The visual outcome of eyes with only SRF occurrence during follow-up was comparable to that of eyes without exudative recurrence. In addition, the incidence of macular atrophy was significantly lower in eyes with only SRF occurrence (9.6%, 20 of 208 eyes) than in eyes without exudative recurrence (16.7%, 9 of 54 eyes, P = 0.018). Multivariate analysis revealed that better best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline (odds ratio [OR], 0.306; P = 0.001), presence of SRF alone at baseline (OR, 5.256; P < 0.001), lower pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height (less than 100 µm; OR, 4.113; P = 0.025), and aneurysmal type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV) (OR, 2.594; P = 0.002) were associated with an increased likelihood of SRF occurrence during follow-up. In conclusion, the eyes with only SRF occurrence during anti-VEGF treatment showed more favorable visual outcomes and a lower incidence of macular atrophy. The baseline characteristics, including better baseline BCVA, presence of SRF alone at baseline, lower PED height, and MNV subtype, might influence the predominant development of SRF during anti-VEGF treatment.
Dried human cultured epidermis accelerates wound healing in diabetic mouse skin defect wounds
Authors: Sakamoto Michiharu , Nakano Takashi , Tsuge Itaru , Yamanaka Hiroki , Katayama Yasuhiro , Shimizu Yoshihiro , Note Yoshika , Inoie Masukazu , Morimoto Naoki
Published: February 2022

Cryopreserved allogeneic cultured epidermis (CE) is used for treating second-degree burn wounds and diabetic foot ulcers; however, the need for cryopreservation limits its use. We have previously reported that CE accelerates wound healing irrespective of its viability and hypothesized that dehydrated CEs lacking living cells may act as an effective wound dressing. We prepared dried CE and investigated its morphological and physical properties and wound-healing effects and compared them with those of cryopreserved CE. Hematoxylin–eosin staining, immunostaining for basement membrane, and electron microscopy revealed that the morphologies of dried CE and cryopreserved CE were comparable and that the membrane structure was not damaged. The breaking strength, modulus of elasticity, and water permeability of dried CE were comparable with those of the cryopreserved CE. Furthermore, the levels of various active cytokines and chemokines in dried CE were comparable with those in cryopreserved CE. Dried CE applied to skin defect in diabetic mice significantly reduced the wound area and increased the new epithelium length 4 and 7 days after implantation, similar to that observed for cryopreserved CE. Consequently, dried CE had similar morphological and physical properties and wound-healing effects compared with those of cryopreserved CE and can be a physiological and versatile wound-dressing.
Study of silver aerosol source term at different specific internal energy input from HE detonation devices
Authors: Kefeng Song , Yaqin Shi , Kun Liu , Luochuan Su , Bo Li , Wei Liu , Penglai Wang , Chenhong Yi , Yajun Zhang , Qingpeng Ma , Haibo Hu , Wenjie Liu
Published: February 2022

Radioactive aerosols harmful to humans are often produced in nuclear accidents, and their source term characteristics (total volume and particle size distribution) and dispersion patterns have important implications for accident response and hazard assessment. However, experimental studies of radioactive aerosols cannot be directly conducted in open space due to the hazardous nature of radioactive aerosols. In this study, silver was used instead of plutonium to study the aerosol source term under different specific internal energy inputs (SIEI) to simulate a low order explosion in an accident. Results show that aerosol release fraction (ARF) and respirable release fraction (RRF) of silver increase linearly with SIEI first, then varies in a range of 8% ~ 19%, with a turning point at SIEI of 1.4 MJ/kg. Analysis suggests an increase of difference between ARF and RRF with respect to SIEI. The size distribution of silver aerosol around 10 µm is influenced by SIEI significantly, which could be possibly attributed to the interactions between silver aerosol and ambient aerosol (solid HE products or rust). Comparison between the source term of silver and plutonium suggests that silver is a good surrogate of plutonium in studying aerosol for SIEI of MJ/kg level.
Comparative pangenome analysis of capsulated Haemophilus influenzae serotype f highlights their high genomic stability
Authors: Gonzalez-Diaz Aida , Carrera-Salinas Anna , Pinto Miguel , Cubero Meritxell , van der Ende Arie , Langereis Jeroen D. , Domínguez M. Ángeles , Ardanuy Carmen , Bajanca-Lavado Paula , Marti Sara
Published: February 2022

Haemophilus influenzae is an opportunistic pathogen adapted to the human respiratory tract. Non-typeable H. influenzae are highly heterogeneous, but few studies have analysed the genomic variability of capsulated strains. This study aims to examine the genetic diversity of 37 serotype f isolates from the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, and to compare all capsulated genomes available on public databases. Serotype f isolates belonged to CC124 and shared few single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (n = 10,999), but a high core genome (> 80%). Three main clades were identified by the presence of 75, 60 and 41 exclusive genes for each clade, respectively. Multi-locus sequence type analysis of all capsulated genomes revealed a reduced number of clonal complexes associated with each serotype. Pangenome analysis showed a large pool of genes (n = 6360), many of which were accessory genome (n = 5323). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that serotypes a, b, and f had greater diversity. The total number of SNPs in serotype f was significantly lower than in serotypes a, b, and e (p < 0.0001), indicating low variability within the serotype f clonal complexes. Capsulated H. influenzae are genetically homogeneous, with few lineages in each serotype. Serotype f has high genetic stability regardless of time and country of isolation.
Innovative method to grow the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri in the omega3-rich microalga Isochrysis galbana
Authors: Colantoni Eleonora , Palone Francesca , Cesi Vincenzo , Leter Beatrice , Sugoni Giulia , Laudadio Ilaria , Negroni Anna , Vitali Roberta , Stronati Laura
Published: February 2022

Microalgae are natural sources of valuable bioactive compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), that show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antimicrobial activities. The marine microalga Isochrysis galbana (I. galbana) is extremely rich in ω3 PUFAs, mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Probiotics are currently suggested as adjuvant therapy in the management of diseases associated with gut dysbiosis. The Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri), one of the most widely used probiotics, has been shown to produce multiple beneficial effects on host health. The present study aimed to present an innovative method for growing the probiotic L. reuteri in the raw seaweed extracts from I. galbana as an alternative to the conventional medium, under conditions of oxygen deprivation (anaerobiosis). As a result, the microalga I. galbana was shown for the first time to be an excellent culture medium for growing L. reuteri. Furthermore, the gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry analysis showed that the microalga-derived ω3 PUFAs were still available after the fermentation by L. reuteri. Accordingly, the fermented compound (FC), obtained from the growth of L. reuteri in I. galbana in anaerobiosis, was able to significantly reduce the adhesiveness and invasiveness of the harmful adherent-invasive Escherichia coli to intestinal epithelial cells, due to a cooperative effect between L. reuteri and microalgae-released ω3 PUFAs. These findings open new perspectives in the use of unicellular microalgae as growth medium for probiotics and in the production of biofunctional compounds.
Preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery in laparoscopic nerve-sparing colorectal surgery for endometriosis
Authors: Scioscia Marco , Huscher Cristiano G. S. , Brusca Federica , Marchegiani Francesco , Cannone Rossella , Brasile Orsola , Greco Pantaleo , Scutiero Gennaro , Anania Gabriele , Pontrelli Giovanni
Published: February 2022

Laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection for endometriosis is usually performed with the section of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) distal to the left colic artery (low-tie ligation). This study was to determine outcomes in IMA-sparing surgery in endometriosis cases. A single-center retrospective study based on the analysis of clinical notes of women who underwent laparoscopic rectosigmoid segmental resection and IMA-sparing surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis with bowel involvement between March the 1st, 2018 and February the 29th, 2020 in a referral hospital. During the study period, 1497 patients had major gynecological surgery in our referral center, of whom 253 (17%) for endometriosis. Of the 100 patients (39%) who had bowel endometriosis, 56 underwent laparoscopic nerve-sparing rectosigmoid segmental resection and IMA-sparing surgery was performed in 53 cases (95%). Short-term complications occurred in 4 cases (7%) without any case of anastomotic leak. Preservation of the IMA in colorectal surgery for endometriosis is feasible, safe and enables a tension-free anastomosis without an increase of postoperative complication rates.
o-Carborane-based fluorophores as efficient luminescent systems both as solids and as water-dispersible nanoparticles
Authors: Sinha Sohini , Kelemen Zsolt , Hümpfner Evelyn , Ratera Imma , Malval Jean-Pierre , Jurado José Piers , Viñas Clara , Teixidor Francesc , Núñez Rosario
Published: February 2022

A particular fluorene-derivative-basedo-carborane π-conjugated system exhibits a strong solid-state luminescence efficiency, while preserving the luminescent properties as nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed in water.
The improvement effect of astaxanthin-loaded emulsions on obesity is better than that of astaxanthin in the oil phase
Authors: Gao Yuan , Yuan Shihan , Chen Yuze , Liu Fang , Wei Zihao , Cao Wanxiu , Li Robert W. , Xu Jie , Xue Changhu , Tang Qingjuan
Published: February 2022

AL showed better anti-obesity properties than ASTA due to their higher oral absorbability and modulating effects on the gut microbiota.
Krill oil prevents lipopolysaccharide-evoked acute liver injury in mice through inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Du Lei , Zheng Yan , Yang Yu-Hong , Huang Yu-Jie , Hao Yi-Ming , Chen Chen , Wang Bao-Zhen , Guo Xin , Wu Hao , Su Guo-Hai
Published: February 2022

Krill oil prevents LPS-evoked acute liver injury via the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation.
All-cellulose-derived humidity sensor prepared via direct laser writing of conductive and moisture-stable electrodes on TEMPO-oxidized cellulose paper
Authors: Zhu Luting , Li Xiang , Kasuga Takaaki , Uetani Kojiro , Nogi Masaya , Koga Hirotaka
Published: February 2022

Abundant and renewable all-cellulose-derived humidity sensors are fabricated via direct laser writing of patterned electrodes onto TEMPO-oxidized cellulose fiber paper, offering versatile applicability for the “trillion sensor” era.
Application of scanning electrochemical microscopy for topography imaging of supported lipid bilayers
Authors: Nasri Zahra , Memari Seyedali , Striesow Johanna , Weltmann Klaus-Dieter , von Woedtke Thomas , Wende Kristian
Published: February 2022

The present study demonstrates the application of scanning electrochemical microscopy to follow the morphological changes of the lipid bilayer under oxidative stress or due to the action of membrane proteins or antimicrobial peptides.
Ligand-enabled palladium-catalyzed hydroesterification of vinyl arenes with high linear selectivity to access 3-arylpropanoate esters
Authors: Deng Zhixin , Han Sheng , Ke Miaolin , Ning Yingtang , Chen Fen-Er
Published: February 2022

A series of diphosphine ligands derived from bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]amide have proved to be powerful for the linear selective Pd-catalyzed hydroesterification of vinyl arenes.
Mechanistic insights into the amidolysis of a phosphate triester: the antagonistic role of water
Authors: Jacobs Amanda K. , Menezes Leociley R. A. , Fernandes Juliano M. , Kosteczka Guilherme L. , Sassaki Guilherme L. , Campos Renan B.
Published: February 2022

Aqueous formamide solutions can promote catalytic amidolysis of an activated organophosphate in a regiospecific process.
Spectral Resolution Development in Children With Normal Hearing and With Cochlear Implants: A Review of Behavioral Studies
Authors: Jahn Kelly N. , Arenberg Julie G. , Horn David L.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

This review article provides a theoretical overview of the development of spectral resolution in children with normal hearing (cNH) and in those who use cochlear implants (CIs), with an emphasis on methodological considerations. The aim was to identify key directions for future research on spectral resolution development in children with CIs.

Method:

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to summarize and synthesize previously published behavioral research on spectral resolution development in normal and impaired auditory systems.

Conclusions:

In cNH, performance on spectral resolution tasks continues to improve through the teenage years and is likely driven by gradual maturation of across-channel intensity resolution. A small but growing body of evidence from children with CIs suggests a more complex relationship between spectral resolution development, patient demographics, and the quality of the CI electrode–neuron interface. Future research should aim to distinguish between the effects of patient-specific variables and the underlying physiology on spectral resolution abilities in children of all ages who are hard of hearing and use auditory prostheses.
Minimum Data Set for Families of Children With Hearing Loss: An eDelphi Study
Authors: Nickbakht Mansoureh , Meyer Carly , Beswick Rachael , Scarinci Nerina
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

Assessing the unique needs of each family following the diagnosis of a hearing loss is central to the delivery of family-centered hearing health care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a Minimum Data Set (MDS) that could be used in the design of a needs assessment tool for families of children with hearing loss transitioning to early intervention.

Method:

A list of potential items for the MDS was prepared. In a two-round electronic Delphi study in Australia, hearing researchers (N= 15 in Round 1;N= 9 in Round 2), clinicians, and professionals working in early intervention for children with hearing loss (N= 85) were asked to review the potential items and to rate the importance of items using a Likert scale.

Results:

Consensus was reached on 32 main items to be included in the MDS across six categories, including informational support (13 items), professional support (five items), peer support (one item), skills and knowledge (seven items), financial support (three items), and methods of information provision (three items). Eight optional items that could be considered for inclusion in the MDS were also identified.

Conclusions:

The proposed MDS could support hearing professionals in identifying families' needs in order to provide individualized information and support. Future research is needed to conduct a pilot study to evaluate the needs assessment tool in terms of usability, feasibility, and therapeutic effects.
A dual‐curl antenna with coplanar feedline for sequential rotation
Authors: Hirose Kazuhide , Ito Naonoshin , Nakano Hisamatsu
Published: February 2022

Using the method of moments, a dual‐wire antenna with a single balanced feed is proposed. To enlarge a 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth, non‐resonant radiation elements and a coplanar feedline for sequential rotation (SR) are used. It is revealed that the bandwidth reaches 49%, which is 1.7 times as wide as that without SR. Subsequently, the balanced feed is transformed into a quasi‐balanced one to consider voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). It is found that the VSWR remains less than two in the axial ratio bandwidth. Simulated results are verified with experimental ones.
The 12C+12C fusion reaction at stellar energies
Authors: Tang Xiaodong , Ru Longhui
Published: February 2022

The carbon fusion reaction is crucial in stellar evolution. Despite six decades of studies, there is still a large uncertainty in the reaction rate which limits our understanding of various stellar objects, such as massive stars, type Ia supernovae, and superbursts. In this paper, we review the experimental and theoretical studies of the carbon fusion reaction at sub-barrier energies. An outlook for future studies is also presented.
Proton partial widths evaluation through the 30Si(3He,d)31P transfer reaction for understanding abundance anomalies in Globular Clusters
Authors: Harrouz Djamila-Sarah , de Séréville Nicolas , Adsley Philip , Hammache Faïrouz , Longland Richard , Bastin Beyhan , Faestermann Thomas , Hertenberger Ralf , La Cognata Marco , Lamia Livio , Meyer Anne , Palmerini Sara , Pizzone Rosario Gianluca , Romano Stefano , Tumino Aurora , Wirth Hans-Friedrich
Published: February 2022

Some observed abundances in globular clusters have suggested the existence of multiple generations of stars within the clusters as the observations require temperature ranges higher than current stars. The 30Si(p,γ)31P reaction plays a key role in the synthesis of the observed abundances. The study of the 30Si(3He,d)31P transfer reaction is a tool for constraining the strengths of low-lying resonances, and the proton partial widths are the main ingredients for calculating those strengths. We present the method used for estimating the proton partial widths and their associated uncertainties.
Supernova Nucleosynthesis, Radioactive Nuclear Reactions and Neutrino-Mass Hierarchy
Authors: Yao Xingqun , Kusakabe Motohiko , Kajino Toshitaka , Cherubini Silvio , Hayakawa Seiya , Yamaguchi Hidetoshi
Published: February 2022

The ν-process nucleosynthesis in core-collapse supernovae is a sensitive probe of unknown neutrino mass hierarchy through the MSW effect. We carefully studied the uncertainties of almost one hundred ν-induced and nuclear reactions associated with the nucleosynthesis and found that the ν-16O and 11C(α,p)14N reactions among them have the biggest effect on the final 7Li/11B isotopic abundance ratio. The neutrino mass hierarchy is constrained in our nucleosynthetic method with measured 7Li/11B value in SiC-X presolar grains. The inverted hierarchy is statistically more favored at the 2-σ C.L. [1].
Nuclear cosmochronometers for supernova neutrino-process
Authors: Hayakawa Takehito , Ko Heamin , Cheoun Myung-ki , Kusakabe Motohiko , Kajino Toshitaka , Chiba Satoshi , Nomoto Ken’ichi , Hashimoto Masa-aki , Ono Masaomi , Kawano Toshihiko , Mathews Grant J.
Published: February 2022

The short-lived unstable isotopes with half-lives of 0.1–10 My have been used as nuclear cosmochronometers to evaluate from an astrophysical event such as supernova (SN) explosion or AGB s-process to the solar system formation. We have proposed shorted-lived radioisotopes of 92Nb and 98Tc as the nuclear cosmochronometers for supernova neutrino-process
First measurement of25Al+p resonant scattering relevant to the astrophysical reaction22Mg(α,p)25Al
Authors: Hu J. , Yamaguchi H. , Lam Y.H. , Heger A. , Kahl D. , Jacobs A.M. , Johnston Z. , Xu S.W. , Zhang N.T. , Ma S.B. , Ru L.H. , Liu E.Q. , Liu T. , Hayakawa S. , Yang L. , Shimizu H. , Hamill C.B. , Murphy A. StJ. , Su J. , Fang X. , Chae K.Y. , Kwag M.S. , Cha S.M. , Duy N.N. , Uyen N.K. , Kim D.H. , Pizzone R.G. , La Cognata M. , Cherubini S. , Romano S. , Tumino A. , Liang J. , Psaltis A. , Sferrazza M. , Kim D. , Li Y.Y. , Kubono S.
Published: February 2022

Type I X-ray bursts (XRBs) are the most frequently observed thermonuclear explosions in nature. The22Mg(α,p)25Al reaction plays a critical role in XRB models. However, experimental information is insufficient to deduce a precise22Mg(α,p)25Al reaction rate for the respective XRB temperature range. A new measurement of25Al+p resonant scattring was performed up to the astrophysically interested energy region of22Mg(α,p)25Al. Several resonances were observed in the excitation functions, and their level properties have been determined based on an R-matrix analysis. In particular, proton widths and spin-parities of four natural-parity resonances above theαthreshold of26Si, which can contribute the reaction rate of22Mg(α,p)25Al, were ﬁrst experimentally determined.
Activation measurements of neutron capture cross sections at various temperatures
Authors: Heftrich Tanja , Weigand Mario , Al-Khasawleh Kafa , Brückner Benjamin , Dellmann Sophia , Dogan Ozan Can , El Mard Asmaa , Erbacher Philipp , Habermehl Fabian , Heybeck Benedict , Gail Madeleine Margaux , Göbel Kathrin , Kisselbach Timo , Kurtulgil Deniz , Reich Markus , Reifarth René , Sheriff Silas , Volknandt Meiko
Published: February 2022

About 50% of the elements heavier than iron are produced during the slow neutron capture process. This process occurs in different stellar sites at various energies. To understand the ongoing nucleosynthesis, the probability of a neutron capture for different temperatures and therefore for different stellar sites is essential. Activation experiments using the 7Li(p,n) reaction as neutron source were performed. At a temperature of kBT = 25 keV the cross sections were determined for 27Al, 37Cl and 41K. A new method was developed to perform activation experiments at even lower temperatures. For a proof of principle, the cross section for 64Ni was measured at kBT = 25 keV as well as for kBT = 6 keV. To study the impact of isomeric states at higher energies, activations of 181Ta were performed using two different proton energies.
NG-TRAP: Measuring neutron capture cross-sections of short-lived fission fragments
Authors: Dickel T. , Mardor I. , Wilsenach H. , Ashkenazy J. , Plaß W. R. , Scheidenberger C. , Yavor M. I.
Published: February 2022

We lack significant nuclear physics input to understand the rapid-neutron capture (r-)process fully. The r-process is the source of half the elements heavier than iron and the only way to produce the long-lived actinides we find on earth. This process’s key nuclear physics inputs are nuclear masses, cross-sections of (n,γ) and (γ,n), and decay half-lives and branching ratios of neutron-rich isotopes. However, there is currently no method to directly measure neutron-induced reaction rates on short-lived nuclides, so there is no experimental data for the primary nuclear reaction that drives the r-process. We show here a conceptual design of a novel approach to access this information experimentally. The idea is to form a target of short-lived isotopes by confining them as ions in a radio-frequency (RF) trap. Next, they are irradiated with an intense neutron flux, and the reaction products are identified by mass spectrometry. The chosen method is a two-stage process in the presence of high neutron fluxes. The first process is neutron-induced fission in a thin actinide foil to create fission fragments. These fragments are slowed down in a cryogenic stopping cell before being filtered through a radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) system. The RFQ system selects fission fragments of a specific atomic mass number A and confines them to a small volume in an RF trap, where they are irradiated for a second time in a controlled manner. The resultant A+1 isotopes are mass-selectively transported to a multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer, where the reaction products are identified and counted.
Regulated NiCu Cycles with the New 57Cu(p,γ)58Zn Reaction Rate and the Influence on Type-I X-Ray Bursts: GS 1826–24 Clocked Burster
Authors: Lam Yi Hua , Lu Ning , Heger Alexander , Jacobs Adam Michael , Smirnova Nadezda A. , Nieto Teresa Kurtukian , Johnston Zac , Kubono Shigeru
Published: February 2022

In Type-I X-ray bursts (XRBs), the rapid-proton capture (rp-) process passes through the NiCu and ZnGa cycles before reaching the region above Ge and Se isotopes that hydrogen burning actively powers the XRBs. The sensitivity study performed by Cyburt et al. [1] shows that the 57Cu(p,γ)58Zn reaction in the NiCu cycles is the fifth most important rp-reaction influencing the burst light curves. Langer et al. [2] precisely measured some low-lying energy levels of 58Zn to deduce the 57Cu(p,γ)58Zn reaction rate. Nevertheless, the order of the 1+1
and 2+3 resonance states that dominate at 0:2 ≲ T(GK) ≲ 0:8 is not confirmed. The 1+2 resonance state, which dominates at the XRB sensitive temperature regime 0:8 ≲ T(GK) ≲ 2 was not detected. Using isobaric-multipletmass equation (IMME), we estimate the order of the 1+1
and 2+3 resonance states and estimate the lower limit of the 1+2 resonance energy. We then determine the 57Cu(p,γ)58Zn reaction rate using the full pf -model space shell model calculations. The new rate is up to a factor of four lower than the Forstner et al. [3] rate recommended by JINA REACLIBv2.2. Using the present 57Cu(p,γ)58Zn, the latest 56Ni(p,γ)57Cu and 55Ni(p,γ)56Cu reaction rates, and 1D implicit hydrodynamic Kepler code, we model the thermonuclear XRBs of the clocked burster GS 1826–24. We find that the new rates regulate the reaction flow in the NiCu cycles and strongly influence the burst-ash composition. The 59Cu(p,γ)56Ni and 59Cu(p,α)60Zn reactions suppress the influence of the 57Cu(p,γ)58Zn reaction. They strongly diminish the impact of the nuclear reaction flow that bypasses the 56Ni waiting point induced by the 55Ni(p,γ)56Cu reaction on burst light curve.
Cooling of neutron stars with quark-hadron continuity
Authors: Noda Tsuneo , Yasutake Nobutoshi , Hashimoto Masa-aki , Maruyama Toshiki , Tatsumi Toshitaka
Published: February 2022

Neutron stars are high-density objects formed by the gravitational collapse of massive stars, and the whole star can be likened to a giant nucleus. The interior of a neutron star is considered to contain exotic particles and states which do not appear in a normal nucleus. The internal states are constrained by observations of masses and radii via the equation of state of highly dense nuclear matter. Within these constraints, a variety of exotic states have been discussed. The internal state of neutron stars is closely related to its neutrino emission process, which cools the star from the inside. This effect can be compared with observations of the surface temperature of neutron stars. However, despite the wide range of observations of neutron stars, the nature of the neutron star matter remains uncertain. We consider quark matter as an exotic state and perform cooling calculations for neutron stars, incorporating the effects of nucleon superﬂuidity and quark colour superconductivity.We take into account the “quark-hadron continuity”, in which the neutron superﬂuidity is succeeded by thedquark pairing. Furthermore, we obtained the range of the neutron star cooling curve, taking into account the difference in surface temperature due to the composition of the surface layer. We found that the existence of quark matter causes strong neutrino emission from quarks, which is moderately suppressedbysuperﬂuidity and superconductivity, and canexplain the cold surface temperature of neutron stars.
Shades
Authors: Rapagnani David , Ananna Chemseddine , Di Leva Antonino , Imbriani Gianluca , Junker Matthias , Pignatari Marco , Best Andreas
Published: February 2022

Neutron capture reactions are the main contributors to the synthesis of the heavy elements through the s-process. Together with 13C(α, n)16O, which has recently been measured by the LUNA collaboration in an energy region inside the Gamow peak, 22Ne(α, n)25Mg is the other main neutron source in stars. Its cross section is mostly unknown in the relevant stellar energy (450 keV < Ecm < 750 keV), where only upper limits from direct experiments and highly uncertain estimates from indirect sources exist. The ERC project SHADES (UniNa/INFN) aims to provide for the first time direct cross section data in this region and to reduce the uncertainties of higher energy resonance parameters. High sensitivity measurements will be performed with the new LUNA-MV accelerator at the INFN-LNGS laboratory in Italy: the energy sensitivity of the SHADES hybrid neutron detector, together with the low background environment of the LNGS and the high beam current of the new accelerator promises to improve the sensitivity by over 2 orders of magnitude over the state of the art, allowing to finally probe the unexplored low-energy cross section. Here we present an overview of the project and first results on the setup characterization.
The SHADES neutron detection array
Authors: Ananna Chemseddine , Rapagnani David , Best Andreas , Di Leva Antonino , Imbriani Gianluca
Published: February 2022

The detection of neutrons in low energy astrophysics poses two main problems: low cross section measurement requires high detection efficiency and ideally, beam-induced and external neutron backgrounds should be identified through an energy sensitive detector. In recent years, capture-gated neutron spectroscopy has found new opportunities to grow through new materials and better availability of modern data acquisition systems. In this work we will present the design, expected capabilities and preliminary characterization of the hybrid neutron detector array SHADES. Its purpose is the first direct measurement of the reaction 22Ne(α, n)25Mg in the Gamow window for s-process nucleosynthesis with LUNA-MV in the deep underground environment of the LNGS.
SECAR: A recoil separator for nuclear astrophysics
Authors: Tsintari Pelagia , Garg Ruchi , Berg Georg , Blackmon Jeff , Chipps Kelly , Couder Manoel , Deibel Catherine , Dimitrakopoulos Nikolaos , Greife Uwe , Hood Ashley , Jain Rahul , Marshall Caleb , Meisel Zach , Miskovich Sara , Montes Fernando , Perdikakis Georgios , Ruland Thomas , Schatz Hendrik , Setoodehnia Kiana , Smith Michael , Wagner Louis
Published: February 2022

Proton-and alpha-capture reactions on unstable proton-rich nuclei power astrophysical explosions like novae and X-ray bursts. Direct measurements of these reactions are crucial for understanding the mechanisms behind these explosions and the nucleosynthesis at such sites. The recoil mass separator, SECAR (SEparator for CApture Reactions) at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), has been designed with the required sensitivity to study (p,γ) and (α,γ) reactions, directly at astrophysical energies in inverse kinematics, with radioactive beams of masses up to about A = 65. The complete SECAR system, including two Wien Filters for high mass resolution, has been installed at Michigan State University and is currently being commissioned. The present article introduces the SECAR concept, its scientific goals, and provides an update of the current status of the project.
Measuring the 15O(α, γ)19Ne reaction in Type I X-ray bursts using the GADGET II TPC: Hardware
Authors: Wheeler Tyler , Adams A. , Allmond J. , Alvarez Pol H. , Argo E. , Ayyad Y. , Bardayan D. , Bazin D. , Budner T. , Chen A. , Chipps K. , Davids B. , Dopfer J. , Friedman M. , Fynbo H. , Grzywacz R. , Jose J. , Liang J. , Mahajan R. , Pain S. , Pérez-Loureiro D. , Pollacco E. , Psaltis A. , Ravishankar S. , Rogers A. , Schaedig L. , Sun L. J. , Surbrook J. , Weghorn L. , Wrede C.
Published: February 2022

Sensitivity studies have shown that the 15O(α, γ)19Ne reaction is the most important reaction rate uncertainty affecting the shape of light curves from Type I X-ray bursts. This reaction is dominated by the 4.03 MeV resonance in 19Ne. Previous measurements by our group have shown that this state is populated in the decay sequence of 20Mg. A single 20Mg(βp α)15O event through the key 15O(α, γ)19Ne resonance yields a characteristic signature: the emission of a proton and alpha particle. To achieve the granularity necessary for the identification of this signature, we have upgraded the Proton Detector of the Gaseous Detector with Germanium Tagging (GADGET) into a time projection chamber to form the GADGET II detection system. GADGET II has been fully constructed, and is entering the testing phase.
Face Recognition System Using Independent Components Analysis and Support Vector Neural Network Classifier
Authors: Shihab Mustafa A. , Zuhaer Nayef Al-Dabagh Mustafa , jawad kadhim Alrubaie Ali , Al-Yoonus Murthad , Ghazal Mohammed
Published: February 2022

With an increasing number of security threats in recent years, the field of automatic facial recognition has seen many new developments. The introduction of many new face recognition algorithms focuses on increasing the accuracy rate of the recognition system. This paper introduces a face recognition system using Independent Component Analysis (lCA) for feature extraction and a Support Vector Neural Network (SVNN) for classification. As well as introducing a comparison between SVNN and Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) classifiers, they are applied to prove the reliability of the proposed method. The implemented experiments use Yale databases, and the results prove that the proposed approach has a higher recognition rate than the (ICA+SVM) and (ICA+ANN) approaches for face recognition.
Weather Classification Model Performance: Using CNN, Keras-Tensor Flow
Authors: Sharma Ashish , Saad Ismail Zaid
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, automation is at its peak. The article provides a base to examine the weather through the machine without human intervention. This study offers a thorough classification model to forecast a weather type. Here, the model facilitates defining the best results for the weather prediction model to any climatic zones and categorizes the climate into four types: cloud, rain, shine, and sunrise. This model designs and reveals using convolution neural networks (CNN) algorithms with Keras framework and TensorFlow library. For practical implementations, use the images dataset available from the kaggle.com website. As a result, this research presents the performance of the designed and developed model. It shows accuracy, validation accuracy, losses, and validation losses approximately 94%, 92%, 18%, and 22%, respectively.
Design and Implementation of a Touchless Hand Sanitizer Dispenser Mobile Robot
Authors: Khaleel Hind Z. , Raheem Firas A. , Azzam Mahdi
Published: February 2022

Two years ago, coronavirus COVID-19 spread all over the world. This virus causes the death of many people. The main problem is the way to maintain healthy hand wash in the circumstance of physical touch to the bottle that causes infection. The purpose of this paper is to design and implement a movable touchless hand sanitizer dispenser mobile robot that identifies the human body by processing the images taken from the camera to estimate the distance between the mobile robot and the human. A microcontroller board which is used to control four DC motors. The all design shows better activity than the usual and manual fixed touchless hand sanitizer design because the movable one can move with an acceptable error to the patient or a healthy person anywhere, he found. People can be protected from any virus or germs by using this proposed design. The main contribution of this work that our design system is useful in Anti-Covid-19 application and the total method has been collected the use of image processing, mobile robot, sensor hardware design, and the overall algorithm that control the application work.