bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress in reeducating tumor-associated macrophages in tumor microenvironment
Authors: Zhao Yiming , Ni Qianyang , Zhang Weijian , Yu Suyang
Published: July 2024

Malignant tumor, one of the most threatening diseases to human health, has been comprehensively treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy, but the prognosis has not always been ideal. In the past decade, immunotherapy has shown increased efficacy in tumor treatment; however, for immunotherapy to achieve its fullest potential, obstacles are to be conquered, among which tumor microenvironment (TME) has been widely investigated. In remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment to inhibit tumor progression, macrophages, as the most abundant innate immune population, play an irreplaceable role in the immune response. Therefore, how to remodel TME and alter the recruitment and polarization status of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) has been of wide interest. In this context, nanoparticles, photodynamic therapy and other therapeutic approaches capable of affecting macrophage polarization have emerged. In this paper, we categorize and organize the existing means and methods for reprogramming TAM to provide ideas for clinical application of novel tumor-related therapies.
Quasi-framelets: robust graph neural networks via adaptive framelet convolution
Authors: Yang Mengxi , Shi Dai , Zheng Xuebin , Yin Jie , Gao Junbin
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to provide a novel design of a multiscale framelet convolution for spectral graph neural networks (GNNs). While current spectral methods excel in various graph learning tasks, they often lack the flexibility to adapt to noisy, incomplete, or perturbed graph signals, making them fragile in such conditions. Our newly proposed framelet convolution addresses these limitations by decomposing graph data into low-pass and high-pass spectra through a finely-tuned multiscale approach. Our approach directly designs filtering functions within the spectral domain, allowing for precise control over the spectral components. The proposed design excels in filtering out unwanted spectral information and significantly reduces the adverse effects of noisy graph signals. Our approach not only enhances the robustness of GNNs but also preserves crucial graph features and structures. Through extensive experiments on diverse, real-world graph datasets, we demonstrate that our framelet convolution achieves superior performance in node classification tasks. It exhibits remarkable resilience to noisy data and adversarial attacks, highlighting its potential as a robust solution for real-world graph applications. This advancement opens new avenues for more adaptive and reliable spectral GNN architectures.
Effect of scandium concentration on the performances of cantilever based AlN unimorph piezoelectric energy harvester with silicon nitride substrate
Authors: Sultana Tasnia , Gani Manjurul , Shultana Sharmin , Al Miraj Abdullah , Uddin Asif Mahbub , Chakrabartty Joyprokash
Published: July 2024

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) offer its ability to sense, control and actuate on sub-micron scale and exhibit its effect on macro scale. To implement any specific MEMS system, small, efficient and long-lifespan micro power sources are required. Piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) along with radioactive source is one of the most promising approaches to harness electrical energy at micro to millimeter range. In this report, a scandium (Sc) doped Aluminium Nitride (AlN) unimorph piezoelectric energy harvester has been demonstrated. Unimorph piezoelectric layer is built on Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) substrate platform that act as cantilever beam and that can be vibrated by inbuilt radioactive system. In particular, Si3N4 as cantilever material and the impact of Sc doping concentration on electrical and mechanical properties of AlN piezoelectric thin film materials have been studied in MATLAB simulation platform. Results obtained from numerical study suggests that the proposed energy harvester model composed of AlScN unimorph piezoelectric (with 10% Sc doping concentration, Sc-10%) layer and Si3N4 cantilever can yield a maximum power output of ~ 19.33 μW and overall mechanical energy conversion efficiency of ~ 91.07%. These are the maximum output power and mechanical energy conversion efficiency numerically obtained from Sc doped AlN piezoelectric energy harvester systems to the best of our knowledge.
Parameter determination of Johnson–Holmquist–Cook constitutive model and calibration for Indiana Limestone
Authors: Heydari Mahdi , Farrokh Ebrahim , Khoshrou Seyed Hasan
Published: July 2024

In this study, a comprehensive parameter determination procedure for the Johnson–Holmquist–Cook (JHC) constitutive model is introduced, including calibration and validation processes for Indiana Limestone rocks. The procedure is conducted utilizing the existing physical and mechanical properties of Indiana Limestone. To obtain an accurate set of parameters for the JHC model for Indiana Limestone, an extensive dataset comprising mechanical and physical properties of Indiana Limestone rocks was initially compiled. The static mechanical tests incorporated uniaxial compression, triaxial compression, direct tensile, and uniaxial strain data, while the dynamic mechanical test data was primarily derived from the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar experiments. Subsequently, the JHC constitutive model parameters were determined using existing literature data, employing statistical analysis, theoretical derivation, and numerical back analysis techniques. One of the damage parameters was determined through numerical post-peak behavior calibration of triaxial compression strength test results on experimental data. Finally, the accuracy of the determined parameters was validated by comparing the numerical and experimental results of both static and dynamic tests. This study effectively addresses the challenges associated with the numerical method using the JHC material model, such as the complex parameter determination process and the costly required tests, thereby preserving the efficiency and applicability of the numerical method.
Numerical Simulation of Kink Collisions, Analytical Solutions and Conservation Laws of the Potential Korteweg–de Vries Equation
Authors: Khalique Chaudry Masood , Olivier Carel , Sebogodi Boikanyo Pretty
Published: July 2024

In this study, we investigate the nonlinear potential Korteweg–de Vries equation (pKdVe) by making use of the Lie group analysis. We start by constructing Lie symmetries and thereafter utilize them to execute symmetry reductions of pKdVe. We then obtain solutions of the pKdVe by using the direct integration method. The obtained solutions are demonstrated in respect of Jacobi elliptic functions. Some of the obtained solutions are illustrated graphically. Moreover, we obtain four conserved vectors of the pKdVe by making use of the multiplier method and five conserved vectors by using the theorem owing to Ibragimov. Finally, we simulate collisions between kinks for the pKdVe.
Ai4tech: X-AI enabling X-Tech with human-like, generative, decentralized, humanoid and metaverse AI
Authors: Cao Longbing
Published: July 2024

The X-AI age is characterized by the synergy of diverse forms of intelligence-human, natural, social, and artificial (AI). It represents an ecosystem of comprehensive AI paradigms and the flourishing development of deep learning, large language models, and generative AI applications. X-AI reignites the debate on fundamental AI questions: What is AI? What constitutes machine intelligence? What are the implications when AI integrates with business and technology in the new era of artificial general intelligence and human-like AI? This article aims to inspire critical thinking, debate, and discussion on this new era of AI meeting technology, shaping AI4Tech through X-AI enabling X-Tech. We explore the ecosystems of X-AI and X-Tech and the general and domain-specific AI4Tech areas. X-AI enabling X-Tech nurtures a new age of smart businesses and intelligent technologies. The synergy between conventional, human-like, generative, decentralized, humanoid, and metaverse AI unlocks the potential to overcome previous limitations, impossibilities, unknowns, and dreams of AI and technology.
Municipal Solid Waste Management and Health Risks: Application of Solid Waste Safety Plan in Novi Sad, Serbia
Authors: Vinti Giovanni , Batinić Bojan , Bauza Valerie , Clasen Thomas , Tudor Terry , Zurbrügg Christian , Vaccari Mentore
Published: July 2024

Inadequate solid waste management (SWM) can cause environmental contamination and health risks. Minimizing the health risks from SWM practices requires the identification of linkages between potential sources of exposure, environmental transport pathways, and adverse health outcomes. A safety planning approach can represent an innovative tool for reducing such risks. In previous research, we introduced the solid waste safety plan (SWSP) concept, only focusing on the health risk ranking assessment matrix. Here, we demonstrate the application of the SWSP framework in a case study of the municipal landfill of Novi Sad, Serbia. We identify potential hazards and assessed the likelihood and severity for them, using a combination of quantitative and semi-quantitative approaches to estimate risk levels for each identified hazard. Hazards deemed high and very high risks for the community and workers include groundwater contamination from leachate, airborne contaminants from combustion and non-combustion processes, and worker injuries associated with waste combustion. Control measures for each are identified, together with a corresponding cost analysis. Adding a final top cover to the landfill and introducing a collection, transport, and treatment system for the biogas would address hazards presenting high health risks but are also among the highest costs. While we demonstrate the approach and utility of an SWSP in a research context, future work is needed to assess the use of the SWSP by local communities or SWM utilities.
Parametric estimation of stochastic differential equations via online gradient descent
Authors: Nakakita Shogo
Published: July 2024

We propose an online parametric estimation method of stochastic differential equations with discrete observations and misspecified modelling based on online gradient descent. Our study provides uniform upper bounds for the risks of the estimators over a family of stochastic differential equations. Theoretical guarantees for the estimation of stochastic differential equations with discrete observations by online gradient descent are novel to our best knowledge.
Spice and herb oil as potential alternative to agrochemicals in postharvest management of fruits and vegetables
Authors: Muthusamy Lokesh , Balakumbahan R. , Rajangam J. , Sathiyamurthi S. , Anitha T. , Muthusamy Dharani , Velmurugan T.
Published: July 2024

Fresh fruits and vegetables are susceptible to several diseases caused by many phytopathogenic microbes which affect their shelf life and quality especially after harvesting. To control these postharvest diseases, the use of synthetic agrochemicals are found to be effective but their phytotoxicity has created a great concern on consumer’s health, environment and food security. The continuous application of synthetic agrochemicals have found to be developing resistance to several pathogen populations. Currently, many importing countries enforce strict regulations on the minimal pesticide residual levels in the edible part of fresh produce. All these reasons mentioned above have necessitated to search for the natural and novel formulations as alternatives to replace the conventional chemical application during postharvest treatments. A novel approach to manage the postharvest losses, while retaining the fruit quality, has been implemented by the use of essential oils like cinnamon oil, thyme oil extracted from spices and herbs. This strategy eliminates the need for the use of synthetic formulations, thereby ensuring the global food security. Therefore, this review aims to emphasize the potential use of spice and herb oils as green alternative and as well as protective agents, their mode of action, method of application and their potential challenges by implementing in postharvest management of fruits and vegetables.
Demographic, health and socioeconomic characteristics related to lung cancer diagnosis: a population analysis in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Banham David , Roder David , Stone Emily , Quayle Shana , Rushton Shelley , O’Brien Tracey
Published: July 2024

Background

Lung cancer is a major cause of health loss internationally, and in Australia. Most of that loss is inequitably concentrated among vulnerable or disadvantaged people and amenable to prevention and earlier detection. In response, best practice lung cancer care considers peoples’ background, circumstances and care needs. Comprehensive, person level descriptions of demographic, health and discrete socio-economic disadvantage related factors are therefore required to inform best practice. We examine population wide correlations of demographic, health and socioeconomic characteristics with lung cancer diagnosis for use in cancer control programs, including screening.

Methods

A study of 5,504,777 (89.9%) adults living in New South Wales and participating in Australia’s Census in August 2016 with subsequent follow-up to the end of 2018. The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) person-level integrated data asset linked census records with the NSW population cancer registry which includes primary site. Our study compared census participants who did not experience cancer in the follow-up period with those diagnosed with lung cancer, (n = 6160 and ICD10 C33-34). Outcomes are expressed as the adjusted relative odds (aOR) of incident lung cancer among adults in the community and measured using multi-variable logistic regression models. Validated ABS methods informed categorisation of social and economic variables.

Results

Multivariable comparison of those with lung cancer and those without a first cancer diagnosis (3276 lung cancers among 2,484,145 males; 2884 lung cancers among 2,944,148 females) showed associations with increasing age, varying ancestry, living alone (aOR = 1.30 95% CI 1.19–1.42 males; 1.24 95% CI 1.14–1.35 females), number of health conditions medicated, less than Year 12 education (aOR = 1.40 95% CI 1.30–1.51 males; 1.37 95% CI 1.27–1.48 females) and housing authority rental (aOR = 1.69 95% CI 1.48–1.94 males; 1.85 95% CI 1.63–2.11 females). Additional associations occurred among males with low income, disabilities before age 70, those unemployed and labouring occupations. As numbers of characteristics increased, so did the likelihood of lung cancer.

Conclusion

We provided a population wide description of characteristics relevant to lung cancer diagnosis. Deeper knowledge of these characteristics inform continuing development of lung cancer programs in prevention (e.g. tobacco control) and detection (e.g. lung cancer screening), then help prioritise targeted delivery of those programs.
Transfer learning with ResNet50 for malicious domains classification using image visualization
Authors: Demmese Fikirte Ayalke , Shajarian Shaghayegh , Khorsandroo Sajad
Published: July 2024

The Internet has become a vital part of our daily lives, serving as a hub for global connectivity and a facilitator for seamless communication and information exchange. However, the rise of malicious domains presents a serious challenge, undermining the reliability of the Internet and posing risks to user safety. These malicious activities exploit the Domain Name System (DNS) to deceive users, leading to harmful activities such as spreading drive-by-download malware, operating botnets, creating phishing sites, and sending spam. In response to this growing threat, the application of Machine Learning (ML) techniques has proven to be highly effective. These methods excel in quickly and accurately detecting, classifying, and analyzing such threats. This paper explores the latest developments in using transfer learning for the classification of malicious domains, with a focus on image visualization as a key methodological approach. Our proposed solution has achieved a remarkable testing accuracy rate of 98.67%, demonstrating its effectiveness in detecting and classifying malicious domains.
Comparative growth analysis of Raphanus sativus L. (Radish): effects of vermiwash and vermicompost applications on plant development
Authors: Muthukannan  , rani Jayanthi , Mohan Bala , Prabha Duraisamy
Published: July 2024

Long-term application of chemical fertilizers has negative impacts on soil health, crop productivity, and ecosystems. Hence, organic substrates have been proposed as alternatives for enhancing soil health and plant growth parameters. Among them, vermicompost and vermiwash are widely used in the sustainable agriculture sector to enhance plant growth, yield, and soil fertility. Hence, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of vermiwash and vermicompost on the growth of Raphanus sativus L. Pot culture experiments were conducted in four groups which included: group A) control soil (10 kg pot−1), group B) soil (8.5 kg pot−1) + vermicompost (1.5 kg pot−1), group C) soil (10 kg pot−1) + vermiwash (1.5 L pot−1), and group D) soil (8.5 kg pot−1) + vermicompost (1.5 kg pot−1) + vermiwash (1.5 L pot−1), respectively. The results revealed that the plants treated with vermiwash and vermicompost (Group D) had significantly enhanced the growth of the plants with higher germination percentage (100%), number of leaves (32.08%), length of leaves (56.35%), width of leaves (28.05), area of leaves (100.22%), shoot length of plant (78.02%), chlorophyll concentration (42.72%), leaf relative water content (13.30%), fresh weight (65.61%), dry weight of leaves (57.59), and tuber yield (74.96%) when compared to plants under groups A, B, and C. Furthermore, the application of the vermiwash and vermicompost combination improved the soil's physicochemical properties, increased glycine betaine concentrations, and decreased proline accumulation. Hence, this study suggests that vermicompost and vermiwash may be a potential source of plant nutrients for sustainable crop production.
Bio-efficacy of Solanum torvum (Sw.) against agricultural pest Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Rengarajan Murugesan , Kumar Vasuki , Balasubramanian kaleeswaran
Published: July 2024

Recently, Spodoptera litura (Fab.) has emerged as a significant threat to the environment. Because of the pest's ability to spread, pesticides are often applied to agricultural crops. By combining certain plant extracts with other compounds, both a reduction in insect infestation and an increase in production could be achieved. The antifeedant, larvicidal and histological effects of Solanum torvum (Sw.) leaf extracts were investigated against S. litura. The study found that the ethyl acetate leaf extract showed a significant antifeedant effect against S. litura of (86.16%) at 5% concentration. Ethyl acetate extract showed larvicidal activity against S. litura of 88.21% and the LC50 value was 2.05%. Exposure of larvae to ethyl acetate leaf extract resulted in significant histological damage, particularly affecting epithelial, goblet and digestive cells. The results suggest that the inclusion of these plant extracts in integrated pest management approaches can promote sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control methods in agriculture.
Synergistic impact of COVID-19 and climate change on agricultural resilience and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ngongolo Kelvin , Gayo Leopody
Published: July 2024

This review investigates the intricate interplay between COVID-19 and climate change, focusing on their collective repercussions on Sub-Saharan Africa's agricultural sector and food security. The paper aims to scrutinize existing literature to elucidate the multifaceted implications of COVID-19 and climate change on agriculture and food security. A review of scholarly articles, reports, and case studies was conducted to ensure a thorough analysis. Findings indicate that COVID-19 disruptions exacerbate the challenges posed by climate change, particularly through supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. Small-scale farmers demonstrate greater resilience due to their diverse and locally-oriented systems, while larger-scale farmers with more capital fare relatively better. In conclusion, urgent adaptive strategies and resilience-building measures are essential. Promoting diversified farming systems, enhancing smallholder capabilities, and advocating for international collaboration to address these synergistic threats effectively is essential.
Analysis of drainage morphometry and spectral indices using earth observation datasets in Palar River basin, India
Authors: Sahu Smruti Ranjan , Rawat Kishan Singh , Singh Sudhir Kumar , Gupta Keerat Kumar
Published: July 2024

In this research we analyzed the morphometric parameter of Palar River basin by using the satellite data from open sources for monitoring drainage network. Palar River basin covers 1972.27 sq.km areas with elevation of 226.9 m as highest and 38.01 m lowest above mean sea level. In this research it detected that Palar River basin having 5th order stream with drainage density of 0.40 km/km2 and drainage pattern of dendritic to rectangular. We also draw aspect map, relief map and slope map for the research area by using digital elevation model (DEM) data of 30 m resolution. In this research we also employed spectral indices like normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference water index (NDWI), and soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) for the vegetation, water and soil characteristics of the research area. In this research it found that there are major changes in land use/land cover as water bodies and land during these periods of 15 years. Highly positive correlation show between morphometric parameter and spectral indices. In this research groundwater level data for the year 2005 and 2020 are used to validation the study. This research work is very useful in developing solutions for dealing with different types of drought and management of groundwater extraction plans.
Effects of Symmetric Instability on Potential Vorticity Budget in the Kuroshio Extension Region via a Parameterization Scheme
Authors: Ma Shuyue , Dong Jihai , Dong Changming , Jing Zhiyou
Published: July 2024

As one kind of submesoscale instabilities, symmetric instability (SI) with spatiotemporal scales of O (100) m–O (1) km and O (1) hour exerts significant effects on vertical material transports and forward energy cascade in the ocean. The potential vorticity (PV) is an important conservative parameter controlling quasi‐geostrophic flows, whose budget can be modulated by SI. However, due to the small spatial scale of SI which is hardly resolved by most current observations and regional models, how SI affects the PV budget and how big the effect is remain unclear. In this work, the effect of SI on the PV budget in the surface mixed layer (SML) of the Kuroshio Extension region is quantitatively analyzed based on high‐resolution simulations by applying an existing SI parameterization scheme. Compared with the case without SI effects, negative PV is found to be eliminated in the SML in the SI‐parameterized case. The negative‐PV likelihood in the SI‐parameterized case is decreased by up to 12% due to SI. Analysis of the PV budget indicates that SI contributes to the PV budget mainly by modulating the friction term. The friction term tends to generate negative PV but its magnitude is decreased by 35% due to SI. Apart from the frictional term, both advection and non‐adiabatic terms are also found to be modulated by SI. This work sheds light on the contribution of SI in the PV budget in the ocean mixed layer and suggests a significant role of SI in quasi‐geostrophic PV dynamics.
Novel Comparison of Pyrocumulonimbus Updrafts to Volcanic Eruptions and Supercell Thunderstorms Using Optical Flow Techniques
Authors: McHardy Theodore M. , Peterson David A. , Apke Jason M. , Miller Steven D. , Campbell James R. , Hyer Edward J.
Published: July 2024

Convective dynamics in a supercell thunderstorm, a volcanic eruption, and two pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) events are compared by computing cloud‐top divergence (CTD) with an optical flow technique called Deepflow. Visible 0.64‐μm imagery sequences from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES)‐R series Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) are used as input into the optical flow algorithm. CTD is computed after post‐processing of the retrieved motions. Analysis is performed on specific image times, as well as the full time series of each case. Multiple CTD‐based parameters, such as the maximum and the two‐dimensional area exceeding a specified CTD threshold, are examined along with the optical flow‐retrieved wind speed. CTD is shown to accurately and quantitatively represent the behavior and magnitude of different deep convective phenomena, including distinguishing between convective pulses within each individual event. CTD captures updraft intensification as well as differences in convective activity between two pyroCb events and individual updraft pulses occurring within a single pyroCb event. Finally, the characteristics of high‐altitude smoke plumes injected by two separate pyroCb pulses are linked to CTD using ultraviolet aerosol index and satellite imagery. Optical flow‐derived parameters can therefore be applied to individual pyroCbs in real‐time, with potential to characterize pyroCb smoke source inputs for downstream smoke modeling applications and to facilitate future tools supporting air quality modeling and firefighting efforts.
Ambient Noise Tomography Reveals Asymmetric Impact Damage Zone Beneath Lonar Crater, India: Implications for Oblique Impact Cratering in Heterogeneous Basalt, With Planetary Applications
Authors: Kumari P. Sion , Gupta Sandeep , Senthil Kumar P.
Published: July 2024

Meteoroid impacts produce different types of fractures and damage zones beneath impact craters. The 3D geometry of these features reflects the trajectory and energetics of an impact event. In this study, we mapped the impact damage zone beneath the 1.88‐km‐diameter Lonar crater, emplaced in Deccan basalts, using Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT). A network of 23 broadband seismic stations in and around the crater yielded a 1.2 km deep 3D shear wave velocity (VS) image covering ∼7 km by ∼5 km area. It revealed ∼500–900‐m‐thick heterogeneous target basalt flows, underlain by an undulating Archean granite‐gneiss basement. A substantial reduction in VS is observed beneath the crater. The original crater floor was found at a depth of 400 m below the crater rim, which is filled by impact breccia and lake sediments. Beneath the original floor, we found an oval‐shaped, asymmetric 200‐m‐thick lensoidal low‐velocity layer with a tongue‐like feature beneath the southwestern ejecta blanket. The damage zone is inferred to have formed as a result of oblique impact, in which the projectile arrived from northeast to southwest direction. The VS reduction in the low‐velocity layer was used to calculate the amount of impact damage in it. The oblique impact produced a more elevated southwestern crater rim. Impact‐related near‐surface fracture zones up to a radial distance of >1 km beneath the ejecta blanket were also found. We suggest that impact damage beneath impact craters on Earth and other planetary bodies may be imaged using ANT.
Navigating the Maze
Authors: Schmidt Jennifer
Published: July 2024

It’s a great big world of opportunity out there, and our annual career issue highlights how some scientists have found their way.
Dynamics of Extreme Surface Winds Inside North Atlantic Midlatitude Cyclones
Authors: Son Jun‐Hyeok , Franzke Christian L. E. , Son Seok‐Woo
Published: July 2024

North Atlantic midlatitude cyclones are among the most severe weather systems, causing enormous economic damages and threatening human lives. The cyclone is typically characterized by cyclonic convergent surface winds, strong updrafts, and precipitation. However, extreme surface winds are often observed within the cyclone where downdrafts develop. The present study investigates the dynamical and thermodynamical characteristics of the horizontal winds impinging on the cold frontal surface and the associated downdrafts. It is shown that the cyclonic winds into the cold frontal surface are mainly responsible for the downdrafts that transport the high‐altitude horizontal momentum to the surface and cause intense surface winds. About half of the North Atlantic midlatitude cyclones are accompanied by the downdrafts especially in the southern and western parts of the cyclone center.
Endodontic radiography - what’s displaying the radiograph? The yield of commercial computer screens vs. DICOM calibrated medical screens in endodontic radiography
Authors: Stiklaru Idan , Lalum Ella , Levin Avi , Shemesh Avi , Azizi Hadas , Yavnai Nirit , Ben Itzhak Joe , Solomonov Michael
Published: July 2024

Objective

A comparison between commercial computer screens and DICOM-calibrated medical screens for characterizing anatomy and diagnosing dental pathologies was performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the ability of each of those screens to identify root apices and widening of the periodontal ligament (PDL) in the posterior maxillary area.

Materials and Methods

Digital X-ray images of 53 maxillary molar teeth were examined by means of a commercial computer screen and again two months later with a DICOM screen to compare their ability to help identify and diagnose PDL widening and to locate the root apices of those teeth.

Results

The DICOM screen had a significantly better ability to identify widened PDLs (from 31.4% to 34.8% of the cases compared to 19% to 26.1% for the commercial screens, P < .001), depending upon the observer. The DICOM screen was also significantly superior in depicting the root apices compared to the commercial screens (from 77.4% to 83.6% of the cases compared to 56% to 66.7% for the commercial screens, P < 0.001), depending upon the observer.

Conclusion

DICOM-calibrated medical screens were significantly superior to commercial computer screens for identifying widened PDLs and locating the root apex in the posterior maxillary area.
Programmable generation of counterrotating bicircular light pulses in the multi-terahertz frequency range
Authors: Ogawa Kotaro , Kanda Natsuki , Murotani Yuta , Matsunaga Ryusuke
Published: July 2024

The manipulation of solid states using intense infrared or terahertz light fields is a pivotal area in contemporary ultrafast photonics research. While conventional circular polarization has been well explored, the potential of counterrotating bicircular light remains widely underexplored, despite growing interest in theory. In the mid-infrared or multi-terahertz region, experimental challenges lie in difficulties in stabilizing the relative phase between two-color lights and the lack of available polarization elements. Here, we successfully generated phase-stable counterrotating bicircular light pulses in the 14–39 THz frequency range circumventing the above problems. Employing spectral broadening, polarization pulse shaping with a spatial light modulator, and intra-pulse difference frequency generation leveraging a distinctive angular-momentum selection rule within the nonlinear crystal, we achieved direct conversion from near-infrared pulses into the designed counterrotating bicircular multi-terahertz pulses. Use of the spatial light modulator enables programmable control over the shape, orientation, rotational symmetry, and helicity of the bicircular light field trajectory. This advancement provides a novel pathway for the programmable manipulation of light fields, and marks a significant step toward understanding and harnessing the impact of tailored light fields on matter, particularly in the context of topological semimetals.
Strong high-energy exciton electroluminescence from the light holes of polytypic quantum dots
Authors: Wang Xingzhi , Gao Yan , Liu Xiaonan , Xu Huaiyu , Liu Ruixiang , Song Jiaojiao , Li Bo , Shen Huaibin , Fan Fengjia
Published: July 2024

High-energy exciton emission could allow single-component multi-colour display or white light-emitting diodes. However, the thermal relaxation of high-energy excitons is much faster than the photon emission of them, making them non-emissive. Here, we report quantum dots with light hole-heavy hole splitting exhibiting strong high-energy exciton electroluminescence from high-lying light holes, opening a gate for high-performance multi-colour light sources. The high-energy electroluminescence can reach 44.5% of the band-edge heavy-hole exciton emission at an electron flux density Φe of 0.71 × 1019 s−1 cm−2 − 600 times lower than the photon flux density Φp (4.3 × 1021 s−1 cm−2) required for the similar ratio. Our simulation and experimental results suggest that the oscillator strength of heavy holes reduces more than that of light holes under electric fields. We attribute this as the main reason for strong light-hole electroluminescence. We observe this phenomenon in both CdxZn1-xSe-ZnS and CdSe-CdS core-shell quantum dots exhibiting large light hole-heavy hole splittings.
Disentangling plant- and environment-mediated drivers of active rhizosphere bacterial community dynamics during short-term drought
Authors: Bandopadhyay Sreejata , Li Xingxing , Bowsher Alan W. , Last Robert L. , Shade Ashley
Published: July 2024

Mitigating the effects of climate stress on crops is important for global food security. The microbiome associated with plant roots, the rhizobiome, can harbor beneficial microbes that alleviate stress, but the factors influencing their recruitment are unclear. We conducted a greenhouse experiment using field soil with a legacy of growing switchgrass and common bean to investigate the impact of short-term drought severity on the recruitment of active bacterial rhizobiome members. We applied 16S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for both crops and metabolite profiling for switchgrass. We included planted and unplanted conditions to distinguish environment- versus plant-mediated rhizobiome drivers. Differences in community structure were observed between crops and between drought and watered and planted and unplanted treatments within crops. Despite crop-specific communities, drought rhizobiome dynamics were similar across the two crops. The presence of a plant more strongly explained the rhizobiome variation in bean (17%) than in switchgrass (3%), with a small effect of plant mediation during drought observed only for the bean rhizobiome. The switchgrass rhizobiome was stable despite changes in rhizosphere metabolite profiles between planted and unplanted treatments. We conclude that rhizobiome responses to short-term drought are crop-specific, with possible decoupling of plant exudation from rhizobiome responses.
Increased AID results in mutations at the CRLF2 locus implicated in Latin American ALL health disparities
Authors: Rangel Valeria , Sterrenberg Jason N. , Garawi Aya , Mezcord Vyanka , Folkerts Melissa L. , Calderon Sabrina E. , Garcia Yadhira E. , Wang Jinglong , Soyfer Eli M. , Eng Oliver S. , Valerin Jennifer B. , Tanjasiri Sora Park , Quintero-Rivera Fabiola , Seldin Marcus M. , Masri Selma , Frock Richard L. , Fleischman Angela G. , Pannunzio Nicholas R.
Published: July 2024

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is a B cell-specific mutator required for antibody diversification. However, it is also implicated in the etiology of several B cell malignancies. Evaluating the AID-induced mutation load in patients at-risk for certain blood cancers is critical in assessing disease severity and treatment options. We have developed a digital PCR (dPCR) assay that allows us to quantify mutations resulting from AID modification or DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation and repair at sites known to be prone to DSBs. Implementation of this assay shows that increased AID levels in immature B cells increase genome instability at loci linked to chromosomal translocation formation. This includes the CRLF2 locus that is often involved in translocations associated with a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that disproportionately affects Hispanics, particularly those with Latin American ancestry. Using dPCR, we characterize the CRLF2 locus in B cell-derived genomic DNA from both Hispanic ALL patients and healthy Hispanic donors and found increased mutations in both, suggesting that vulnerability to DNA damage at CRLF2 may be driving this health disparity. Our ability to detect and quantify these mutations will potentiate future risk identification, early detection of cancers, and reduction of associated cancer health disparities.
Designed 2D protein crystals as dynamic molecular gatekeepers for a solid-state device
Authors: Vijayakumar Sanahan , Alberstein Robert G. , Zhang Zhiyin , Lu Yi-Sheng , Chan Adriano , Wahl Charlotte E. , Ha James S. , Hunka Deborah E. , Boss Gerry R. , Sailor Michael J. , Tezcan F. Akif
Published: July 2024

The sensitivity and responsiveness of living cells to environmental changes are enabled by dynamic protein structures, inspiring efforts to construct artificial supramolecular protein assemblies. However, despite their sophisticated structures, designed protein assemblies have yet to be incorporated into macroscale devices for real-life applications. We report a 2D crystalline protein assembly of C98/E57/E66L-rhamnulose-1-phosphate aldolase (CEERhuA) that selectively blocks or passes molecular species when exposed to a chemical trigger. CEERhuA crystals are engineered via cobalt(II) coordination bonds to undergo a coherent conformational change from a closed state (pore dimensions <1 nm) to an ajar state (pore dimensions ~4 nm) when exposed to an HCN(g) trigger. When layered onto a mesoporous silicon (pSi) photonic crystal optical sensor configured to detect HCN(g), the 2D CEERhuA crystal layer effectively blocks interferents that would otherwise result in a false positive signal. The 2D CEERhuA crystal layer opens in selective response to low-ppm levels of HCN(g), allowing analyte penetration into the pSi sensor layer for detection. These findings illustrate that designed protein assemblies can function as dynamic components of solid-state devices in non-aqueous environments.
Global regulation via modulation of ribosome pausing by the ABC-F protein EttA
Authors: Ousalem Farès , Ngo Saravuth , Oïffer Thomas , Omairi-Nasser Amin , Hamon Marion , Monlezun Laura , Boël Grégory
Published: July 2024

Having multiple rounds of translation of the same mRNA creates dynamic complexities along with opportunities for regulation related to ribosome pausing and stalling at specific sequences. Yet, mechanisms controlling these critical processes and the principles guiding their evolution remain poorly understood. Through genetic, genomic, physiological, and biochemical approaches, we demonstrate that regulating ribosome pausing at specific amino acid sequences can produce ~2-fold changes in protein expression levels which strongly influence cell growth and therefore evolutionary fitness. We demonstrate, both in vivo and in vitro, that the ABC-F protein EttA directly controls the translation of mRNAs coding for a subset of enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and its glyoxylate shunt, which modulates growth in some chemical environments. EttA also modulates expression of specific proteins involved in metabolically related physiological and stress-response pathways. These regulatory activities are mediated by EttA rescuing ribosomes paused at specific patterns of negatively charged residues within the first 30 amino acids of nascent proteins. We thus establish a unique global regulatory paradigm based on sequence-specific modulation of translational pausing.
Growth and mineralization of fetal mouse long bones under microgravity and daily 1 g gravity exposure
Authors: van Loon Jack J. W. A. , Berezovska Olga P. , Bervoets Theodorus J. M. , Montufar-Solis Dina , Semeins Cor M. , Zandieh-Doulabi Behrouz , Rodionova P. Natalia V. , Duke Jackie , Veldhuijzen J. Paul
Published: July 2024

In a previous Space Shuttle/Spacelab experiment (STS-42), we observed direct responses of isolated fetal mouse long bones to near weightlessness. This paper aimed to verify those results and study the effects of daily 1×g exposure during microgravity on the growth and mineralization of these bones. Two experiments were conducted: one on an American Space Shuttle mission (IML-2 on STS-65) and another on a Russian Bio-Cosmos flight (Bion-10 on Cosmos-2229). Despite differences in hardware, both used 17-day-old fetal mouse metatarsals cultured for 4 days. Results showed reduced proteoglycan content under microgravity compared to 1×g conditions, with no main differences in other cellular structures. While the overall metatarsal length was unaffected, the length increase of the mineralized diaphysis was significantly reduced under microgravity. Daily 1×g exposure for at least 6 h abolished the microgravity-induced reduction in cartilage mineralization, indicating the need for long-duration exposure to 1×g as an in-flight countermeasure using artificial gravity.
Characterizing a complex CT-rich haplotype in intron 4 of SNCA using large-scale targeted amplicon long-read sequencing
Authors: Alvarez Jerez Pilar , Daida Kensuke , Grenn Francis P. , Malik Laksh , Miano-Burkhardt Abigail , Makarious Mary B. , Ding Jinhui , Gibbs J. Raphael , Moore Anni , Reed Xylena , Nalls Mike A. , Shah Syed , Mahmoud Medhat , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Dolzhenko Egor , Park Morgan , Iwaki Hirotaka , Casey Bradford , Ryten Mina , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Singleton Andrew B. , Billingsley Kimberley J.
Published: July 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with a significant risk proportion driven by genetics. While much progress has been made, most of the heritability remains unknown. This is in-part because previous genetic studies have focused on the contribution of single nucleotide variants. More complex forms of variation, such as structural variants and tandem repeats, are already associated with several synucleinopathies. However, because more sophisticated sequencing methods are usually required to detect these regions, little is understood regarding their contribution to PD. One example is a polymorphic CT-rich region in intron 4 of the SNCA gene. This haplotype has been suggested to be associated with risk of Lewy Body (LB) pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease and SNCA gene expression, but is yet to be investigated in PD. Here, we attempt to resolve this CT-rich haplotype and investigate its role in PD. We performed targeted PacBio HiFi sequencing of the region in 1375 PD cases and 959 controls. We replicate the previously reported associations and a novel association between two PD risk SNVs (rs356182 and rs5019538) and haplotype 4, the largest haplotype. Through quantitative trait locus analyzes we identify a significant haplotype 4 association with alternative CAGE transcriptional start site usage, not leading to significant differential SNCA gene expression in post-mortem frontal cortex brain tissue. Therefore, disease association in this locus might not be biologically driven by this CT-rich repeat region. Our data demonstrates the complexity of this SNCA region and highlights that further follow up functional studies are warranted.
In-Situ Characterization of Cathode Catalyst Degradation in PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: Schneider Patrick , Scherzer Anne-Christine , Ney Linda , Kwon Ha-Kyung , Storey Brian D. , Gerteisen Dietmar , Zamel Nada
Published: July 2024

The composition and morphology of the cathode catalyst layer (CCL) have a significant impact on the performance and stability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Understanding the primary degradation mechanism of the CCL and its influencing factors is crucial for optimizing PEMFC performance and durability. Within this work, we present comprehensive in-situ characterization data focused on cathode catalyst degradation. The dataset consists of 36 unique durability tests with over 4000 testing hours, including variations in the cathode ionomer to carbon ratio, platinum on carbon ratio, ionomer equivalent weight, and carbon support type. The applied accelerated stress tests were conducted with different upper potential limits and relative humidities. Characterization techniques including IV-curves, limiting current measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry were employed to analyse changes in performance, charge and mass transfer, and electrochemically active surface area of the catalyst. The aim of the dataset is to improve the understanding of catalyst degradation by allowing comparisons across material variations and provide practical information for other researchers in the field.
Intelligence Assessment of Children & Youth Benefiting from Psychological-Educational Support System in Poland
Authors: Olech Michał , Jurek Paweł , Radtke Bartosz M. , Sajewicz-Radtke Urszula , Łada-Maśko Ariadna
Published: July 2024

This article presents a unique dataset comprising 419,135 intelligence assessment results. The study utilised the Polish adaptation of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale 5 during individual diagnostic sessions conducted under natural conditions. The research included children aged 3;0–18;11 of both genders who had been referred to support institutions (psychological-educational counselling centres, post-hospital clinics, hospital departments) by preschools or schools, or voluntarily requested by parents with their consent. The data collection spanned the entire country of Poland from 2018 to 2023. In addition to comprehensive intelligence assessment results, the dataset contains valuable demographic information, enabling in-depth analyses. The dataset’s uniqueness lies in its impressive sample size, encompassing over four hundred thousand observations as well as the utilisation of time-consuming and thorough intelligence assessment procedures in settings that mimic the real world. Moreover, the context of the study is noteworthy, as the participants are individuals benefiting from the publicly - available Polish psychological support system.
Research on one-dimensional phase change heat transfer characteristics based on instrument compartment structure
Authors: Zhao Jiabin , Liu Longbin , Li Mingkun
Published: July 2024

To address the issue of electronic equipment failure inside the instrument compartment due to aerodynamic heating during high-speed flight. Combining the heat transfer characteristics of phase change materials, a new instrument compartment structure was proposed as the research subject based on phase change materials. While studying the heat transfer characteristics of this structure, one-dimensional phase change heat transfer theoretical model was constructed based on the Lightfoot integral equation method, and the corresponding analytical solution was obtained. To explore the temperature change law of the instrument compartment structure and verify the rationality of the theoretical model, the new thermal experiment was carried out for the instrument compartment structure. Compared with the aluminum alloy instrument compartment structure, the experimental results show that the instrument compartment structure design based on phase change materials could effectively reduce the temperature of the structure itself, and the experimental data are in good agreement with the theoretical calculation results, which verified the rationality of the theoretical model and provided a scientific basis for the practical application of phase change materials in instrument compartment structures.