bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ume6-dependent pathways of morphogenesis and biofilm formation in
Candida auris
Authors: Louvet Marine , Li Jizhou , Brandalise Danielle , Bachmann Daniel , Sala de Oyanguren Francisco , Labes Danny , Jacquier Nicolas , Genoud Christel , Mucciolo Antonio , Coste Alix T. , Sanglard Dominique , Lamoth Frederic
Published: September 2024

Candida auris
is a yeast pathogen causing nosocomial outbreaks of candidemia. Its ability to adhere to inert surfaces and to be transmitted from one patient to another via medical devices is of particular concern. Like other
Candida
spp.,
C. auris
has the ability to transition from the yeast form to pseudohyphae and to build biofilms. Moreover, some isolates have a unique capacity to form aggregates. These morphogenetic changes may impact virulence. In this study, we demonstrated the role of the transcription factor Ume6 in
C. auris
morphogenesis. Genetic hyperactivation of Ume6 induced filamentation and aggregation. The Ume6-hyperactivated strain (

UME6
HA

) also exhibited increased adhesion to inert surface and formed biofilms of higher biomass compared to the parental strain. Transcriptomic analyses of
UME6
HA
revealed enrichment of genes encoding for adhesins, proteins involved in cell wall organization, sterol biosynthesis, and aspartic protease activities. The three most upregulated genes compared to wild-type were those encoding for the agglutin-like sequence adhesin Als4498, the
C. auris
-specific adhesin Scf1, and the hypha-specific G1 cyclin-related protein Hgc1. The deletion of these genes in the
UME6
HA
background showed that Ume6 controls filamentation via Hgc1 and aggregation via Als4498 and Scf1. Adhesion to inert surface was essentially triggered by Scf1. However, Als4498 and Hgc1 were also crucial for biofilm formation. Our data show that Ume6 is a universal regulator of
C. auris
morphogenesis via distinct modulators.

IMPORTANCE

C. auris
represents a public health threat because of its ability to cause difficult-to-treat infections and hospital outbreaks. The morphogenetic plasticity of
C. auris
, including its ability to filament, to form aggregates or biofilms on inert surfaces, is important to the fungus for interhuman transmission, skin or catheter colonization, tissue invasion, antifungal resistance, and escape of the host immune system. This work deciphered the importance of Ume6 in the control of distinct pathways involved in filamentation, aggregation, adhesion, and biofilm formation of
C. auris
. A better understanding of the mechanisms of
C. auris
morphogenesis may help identify novel antifungal targets.
Genetic Features of the Bream Abramis brama Population from the Lake System of Sebezhsky National Park
Authors: Lobyrev F. S. , Semenova A. V. , Melnikova M. N. , Pivovarov E. A. , Pavlov S. D. , Khokhryakov V. R. , Kislitsa E. E.
Published: September 2024

The genetic variability of microsatellite DNA has been studied for the first time for five loci in the common bream Abramis brama (L.) from lakes Sebezhskoye and Necheritsa of the Sebezhsky National Park lake system (Pskov oblast). The results demonstrate the uniformity of estimates of the genetic variability of the bream in the lake system. Estimates of the allelic diversity of microsatellite loci and the expected heterozygosity of local bream groups do not differ significantly. The total genetic differentiation of bream is θ = 0.004, 95% CI (–0.01; 0.01), and is statistically insignificant. The Bayesian analysis of the studied multilocus genotypes has not revealed any population–genetic structure. The results indicate a high level of gene flow between local bream groupings and make it possible to assume the presence of a genetically unified panmixed population in the Sebezhsky National Park lake system.
Epidemiology, microbiology and antibiotic treatment of bacterial and fungal meningitis among very preterm infants in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cheng Ping , Qian Aimin , Zhang Hongbo , Wang Yingying , Li Shujuan , Sun Mengya , Yang Jie , Zhou Jianguo , Hu Liyuan , Lei Xiaoping , Hu Yu , Zhou Ligang , Du Lizhong , Cao Yun , Lee Shoo K , Zhou Wenhao , Kang Wenqing , Zhu Changlian , Sun Huiqing , Jiang Siyuan
Published: September 2024

Objective

Neonatal meningitis significantly contributes to neonatal morbidity and mortality, yet large-scale epidemiological data in developing countries, particularly among very preterm infants (VPIs), remain sparse. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of meningitis among VPIs in China.

Design

Cross-sectional study using the Chinese Neonatal Network database from 2019 to 2021.

Setting

79 tertiary neonatal intensive care units in China.

Patients

Infants with gestational age <32 weeks or birth weight <1500 g.

Main outcome measures

Incidence, pathogen distribution, antimicrobial use and outcomes of bacterial and fungal meningitis.

Results

Of 31 915 VPIs admitted, 122 (0.38%) infants were diagnosed with culture-confirmed meningitis, with 14 (11.5%) being early-onset (≤6 days of age) and 108 (88.5%) being late-onset (>6 days of age). The overall in-hospital mortality was 18.0% (22/122). A total of 127 pathogens were identified, among which 63.8% (81/127) were Gram-negative bacteria, 24.4% (31/127) were Gram-positive bacteria and 11.8% (15/127) were fungi. In terms of empirical therapy (on the day of the first lumbar puncture), the most commonly used antibiotic was meropenem (54.9%, 67/122). For definitive therapy (on the sixth day following the first lumbar puncture, 86 cases with available antibiotic data), meropenem (60.3%, 35/58) and vancomycin (57.1%, 16/28) were the most used antibiotics for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial meningitis, respectively. 44% of infants with Gram-positive bacterial meningitis and 52% with Gram-negative bacterial meningitis received antibiotics for more than 3 weeks.

Conclusion

0.38% of VPIs in Chinese neonatal intensive care units were diagnosed with meningitis, experiencing significant mortality and inappropriate antibiotic therapy. Gram-negative bacteria were the predominant pathogens, with fungi emerging as a significant cause.
Associations between socioeconomic factors and PSA testing in a population-based organised testing programme and routine healthcare: a register-based study of 50-year-old men
Authors: Järbur Emil , Holmberg Erik , Björk-Eriksson Thomas , Bratt Ola , Arnsrud Godtman Rebecka
Published: September 2024

Objective

Population-based, organised prostate cancer testing (OPT) programmes were started in Sweden in 2020. The influence of socioeconomic factors on prostate cancer testing in this setting is not known. We examined associations between socioeconomic factors and (1) participation in OPT and (2) unorganised prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing.

Methods and analysis

Region Västra Götaland’s OPT programme invited 21 174 men aged 50 years in 2020–2021. Regional data on unorganised testing in 2013–2014 of men aged 50–52 years were retrieved from Western Sweden Study of Opportunistic Prostate Cancer Screening database. Data on income, education, cohabitation and country of birth were collected from Statistic Sweden. Univariable and multivariable Poisson regression was used to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with CIs for PSA testing by socioeconomic category.

Results

Participation in OPT was associated with all investigated socioeconomic factors; multivariable IRRs: low versus non-low income 0.63 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.68), single versus non-single household 0.78 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.81), low versus average education 0.84 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.90) and non-Nordic versus Nordic country of birth 0.88 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.92). Unorganised PSA testing was negatively associated with low income 0.83 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.90) and single household 0.87 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.92), but not with low education 1.00 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.08) or non-Nordic country of birth 0.98 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.06).

Conclusion

Socioeconomic factors influenced PSA testing among 50-year-old men, both in an organised testing programme and in unorganised, clinical testing. An active offer of testing is not enough to achieve socioeconomic equality in the early detection of prostate cancer.
Smoking prevalence among adults in China Mainland and their age of smoking initiation during adolescence: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Deng Shumin , Li Hao , Zuo Wenjing , Liu Zifeng , Wu Yibo
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study aims to calculate the national prevalence of smoking among Chinese adults and to describe the hazard of smoking initiation by age during their adolescence, as well as the disparities in sex, residence and age groups.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

The data were derived from a multistage sampling study conducted in 120 cities in China Mainland.

Participants

A total of 9963 participants aged ≥19 years were included.

Primary outcome measures

Survival analysis was used to quantify the hazards of smoking initiation by a single year of age during adolescence, and the log-rank test was used to compare the hazard curves across subgroups.

Results

The prevalence of current smoking among males and females was 27.7% and 2.0%, respectively, and 56.2% of current smokers began smoking at or before the age of 18. The hazard of smoking initiation during adolescence for females was less than 0.5%, and the hazard for males increased gradually before 14 years of age and increased sharply at age 15 (4.34%), then peaked at age 18 (6.24%). Males in rural experienced a higher hazard of smoking initiation than those in urban (χ2=5.35, p=0.02) and no such difference was found in females. By the age of 18 years, 11.7% of participants (1.8% for females and 23.4% for males) had ever smoked.

Conclusions

The prevalence of smoking among Chinese adults was lower than once reported. Males experienced higher hazards of smoking initiation at all ages than females. The hazard pattern suggests that the key focus for smoking prevention are males and adolescents aged 15–18 years, and future interventions should be delivered to the right target population at the appropriate time.
Building a culture of safety in Australian residential aged care facilities: protocol for a longitudinal mixed methods research programme
Authors: Churruca Kate , Graham Jane , Ellis Louise A , Westbrook Johanna , Wabe Nasir , Hibbert Peter D , Ludlow Kristiana , Urwin Rachel , Meulenbroeks Isabelle , Thanigasalam Jey , Svaleng Ingerlise , Sardellis Jo-Ann , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The quality and safety of care within residential aged care facilities (RACFs) have been linked to their organisational culture. However, evidence for understanding and improving culture in this setting is limited. This research programme aims to validate a survey to measure organisational culture and determine the relationship of culture with safety and quality of care, then to evaluate an organisational culture change programme in Australian RACFs.

Methods and analysis

This is a longitudinal mixed methods programme of research conducted across four studies in collaboration with a national aged care provider that cares for more than 5000 residents:

Study 1: Cross-sectional staff survey of organisational culture in >50 RACFs with concurrent collection of data on quality and safety of care, and staff outcomes, to explore their associations with culture.

Study 2: Ethnographic fieldwork in eight RACFs sampled to achieve maximum variation. Data from interviews, observations and documents will be analysed to identify the underlying assumptions and how cultural assumptions influence the enactment of safety and quality.

Study 3: Evaluation of the implementation of the Speak Up for Safety culture change programme, focusing on its contextualisation for RACFs, implementation determinants and outcomes. Data will be collected through semistructured interviews, complimented with secondary data from program training and feedback system usage.

Study 4: Evaluation of the effectiveness of the culture change programme using baseline data from study 1 and a follow-up survey of organisational culture postimplementation to assess changes in organisational culture and staff behaviour.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received approval from the Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee. Informed consent will be sought from all participants. Findings will be disseminated through journal articles, conference presentations and reports to the collaborating provider and RACFs. Survey data will be deposited into a data repository for use by others working on related research.
Ruminal degradation and intestinal digestion of developed oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties in comparison with barley grain in dairy cows
Authors: Prates Luciana L. , Rodriguez Espinosa Maria E. , Feng Xin , Yu Peiqiang
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the ruminal degradation and intestinal digestion of nutrients of two cultivars of oat grains (CDC Nasser and CDC Seabiscuit) in comparison with a barley grain (CDC Meredith that was considered the control treatment) in dairy cows. Nasser showed higher rumen undegradable protein (RUP; P < 0.01) and intestinal digestible protein ( P < 0.01) than Seabiscuit or control. However, the total digestible protein was not different among grain varieties ( P = 0.25). The in vitro intestinal digestibility of RUP (dIBP) for Nasser was higher than control ( P = 0.02); however, the dIBP in Seabiscuit did not differ from other cultivars. The intestinal digestible rumen bypass starch and total digestible starch were lower in the oat grain varieties than in the control ( P < 0.01). The truly absorbed protein supplied to the small intestine (DVE) was highest for control, intermediate for Seabiscuit, and lowest for Nasser ( P < 0.01). Moreover, control showed a higher estimated feed milk value than oat varieties ( P < 0.01). In conclusion, Seabiscuit shared similar rumen degradation and intestinal digestibility with control suggesting that Seabiscuit oat grain could in some extension replace barley grain in diets for dairy cows.
On the consistency of rapid-turn inflation
Authors: Anguelova Lilia
Published: September 2024

Recent studies, in the context of consistency conditions for rapid-turn and third order slow-roll inflation in two-field models, raised the question whether this regime can be sustained for more than a few e-folds of expansion. We answer this question in the affirmative by showing that the consistency conditions themselves ensure the longevity of the rapid-turn regime. Furthermore, we prove this for the most general definition of rapid turning (i.e., with a turning rate that is large compared to the slow-roll parameters, but not necessarily large compared to unity), using in the process a generalized consistency condition. We also show that a special class of rapid-turn models, including angular inflation, satisfy a large-(compared to 1)-turn-rate condition even for non-large turning rates.
High-resolution sediment mass-budget of the Shetland Platform during the Paleocene–Early Eocene; constraints on external forcing by uplift and climate
Authors: Valore Lucas A. , Sømme Tor O. , Eide Christian H.
Published: September 2024

In the Paleocene–Early Eocene, distinct surface and stratigraphic signals recorded around Shetland have been correlated to hinterland uplift associated with the Icelandic Plume, the effects of the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum and the opening of the NE Atlantic Ocean. In this paper, we use a large dataset combining >230 000 km
2
of 3D and 2D seismic data and >1700 wells to perform a high-resolution analysis of the sediment fluxes and palaeogeographical evolution around Shetland, comparing these results with an empirical–statistical model of sediment generation (BQART equation) to obtain a sediment mass-budget. In the Faroe–Shetland and Northern North Sea basins, two peaks in sediment fluxes are observed: one during the deposition of the Vaila and Lista formations (Selandian–Early Thanetian) and one associated with the Flett and Dornoch formations (close to the Paleocene–Eocene transition). Comparing these peaks with a set of independent observations suggests that both are probably controlled by uplift, with an exceptional match with various constraints on vertical motions during the Paleocene–Eocene transition. Each peak in sediment supply has distinct implications for models of geodynamic evolution. Additionally, both long-term and sharp warming during the Paleocene–Eocene transition appear not to be required to produce the observed sediment supply rates.
The making of Mt Everest: channel flow and low-angle normal faults in the compressional Himalayan orogen
Authors: Searle Mike , Cottle John , Jessup Micah , Law Richard D.
Published: September 2024

Mt Everest (8849 m) spans the Greater Himalayan Sequence metamorphic rocks and the base of the unmetamorphosed Tethyan sedimentary rocks in the Nepal–South Tibet Himalaya. Two north-dipping, low-angle normal faults cut the massif: the upper Qomolangma Detachment placing Ordovician sedimentary rocks above Everest Series greenschist–amphibolite facies rocks; and the lower Lhotse Detachment placing Everest Series schists above sillimanite gneisses, migmatites and leucogranites. The two faults merge northwards into one large ductile shear zone (the South Tibetan Detachment). Pressure–temperature constraints and structural restoration show that the South Tibetan Detachment acted as a passive roof fault during extrusion of the footwall. At least 120 km of southward flow of the footwall rocks occurred during the Miocene, resulting in the exhumation of rocks that were buried to 5.5 kbar (
c.
18–22 km depth) below the detachment, juxtaposing them against hanging wall rocks that are essentially unmetamorphosed. The low-angle normal faults were operative during north–south convergence and reflect the exhumation of a locked passive roof fault, unrelated to any crustal extensional processes. U–(Th)–Pb dating of peraluminous leucogranites exposed on Mt Everest (21–20 Ma), Nuptse (
c.
19–18 Ma) and along the Rongbuk valley (15.6–15.4 Ma) show that ductile extrusion occurred during the Early Miocene, with brittle faulting at <15.4 Ma during exhumation.
Relocate the base of the Arundian? A re-evaluation from south Cumbrian sections and implications for British and Irish Lower Carboniferous successions
Authors: Cózar Pedro , Hounslow Mark W. , Somerville Ian D.
Published: September 2024

The largely ice-free world of the ‘Chadian’–Arundian (early Visean) is investigated in two successions in south Cumbria to better understand the relationships between transgression, hiatus and the position of the basal Arundian. A detailed foraminiferal biostratigraphy is used to age-constrain the transition from the late ‘Chadian’ to early Arundian. This demonstrates a good synchronous relationship between the sequence stratigraphy of the two successions and the first occurrence of key species (mostly primitive archaediscids, rapidly followed by more evolved forms of the same family), suggesting that there is no significant hiatus and that the record of faunal changes is closely comparable in the key successions. A synthesis of other ‘Chadian’–Arundian boundary successions in Britain and Ireland indicates some key problems with the current Arundian boundary stratotype in practical usage. We propose a stratigraphically higher position for the Arundian boundary in the stratotype, which is more easily correlated to the Bobrikian and Moliniacian substages of eastern Europe and Belgium, respectively, and tied to the first occurrences of foraminifera species, allowing more robust age assessments, free from the confounding factors of inferred lithological or sequence stratigraphic changes.
Non-stationary inversion of seismic data for fracture compliances in azimuthally anisotropic media
Authors: Jamali Javad , Javaherian Abdolrahim , Wang Yanghua , Ameri Mohammad Javad
Published: September 2024

Fractures and tectonic settings cause azimuthal anisotropy in reservoirs. Recognizing the fracture model from the seismic data is a useful tool for identifying the productive zone in reservoirs. We applied azimuthal velocity analysis in seismic processing to improve the image quality and to estimate the anisotropic model parameters. Using azimuthal residual moveout analysis, the direction of azimuthal anisotropy in the reservoir was predicted, and it was found that the results are consistent with fracture orientations obtained from image logs in the reservoirs. Bayes’ theorem and a cascaded procedure in least-squares inversion, which matched observed amplitudes to linearized Zoeppritz equations, were used to estimate the elastic moduli as a first step, and the normal and tangential fracture weaknesses were estimated in a second step. Laboratory experiments were carried out on core samples to validate the first-step inversion results. It was found that the propagation wavelets varied in space and reflection time, and so a library of extracted wavelets in the time–frequency domain was used for seismic inversion. Maps of the computed fracture fluid index and estimated fracture weaknesses were used to help to visualize the role of fractures in reservoir productivity, and revealed a consistency with the seismic peak frequency attribute in identifying zones of highly compliant fracture fill. The estimated fracture model demonstrates a good fit with the fractures seen in the available core samples and implies that the fracture fluid index is a useful attribute for determining the productive zones in the reservoir.
Leveraging Blockchain and Machine Learning to Promote Child Labor-Free Sustainable Development
Authors: Musamih Ahmad , Hassan Abduraouf , Salah Khaled , Jayaraman Raja , Omar Mohammed , Yaqoob Ibrar
Published: September 2024

Child labor has been on the rise in recent years, which necessitates improved identification and reporting mechanisms. Current labor management systems, which are often manual or article-based, lack traceability, audit, privacy, security, and trust features. This leads to challenges in detecting and reporting violations, particularly in large or remote areas. The persistence of this issue undermines the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlights the important role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in addressing this challenge. Our article proposes a solution combining machine learning and blockchain to automate child labor detection and ensure traceable, auditable, private, and secure reporting. Utilizing Decentralized Proxy Re-Encryption (DPRE), Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), and oracles on the Ethereum blockchain, with decentralized storage, our approach maintains privacy and transparency. We present a child labor detection model using Mask2Former and ResNet-18 Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to achieve high accuracy and reliability. The model’s performance is evaluated using various metrics, achieving an accuracy rate of 89.45%, a precision score of 0.906, and a recall score of 0.9332. Additionally, we assess smart contracts for cost-efficiency and security, and discuss the solution’s generalizability, challenges, and practical implications. We make the source code of our solution publicly available on GitHub.
Pairwise Intent Graph Embedding Learning for Context-Aware Recommendation with Knowledge Graph
Authors: Liu Dugang , Xian Shenxian , Wu Yuhao , Zhang Xiaolian , Ming Zhong
Published: September 2024

Different from the data sparsity that traditional recommendations suffer from, context-aware recommender systems (CARS) face specific sparsity challenges related to contextual features, i.e., feature sparsity and interaction sparsity. How knowledge graphs address these challenges remains under-discussed. To bridge this gap, in this paper, we first propose a novel pairwise intent graph (PIG) containing nodes of users, items, entities, and enhanced intents to integrate knowledge graphs into CARS efficiently. Enhanced intent nodes are generated through the specific fusion of relational sub-intent and contextual sub-intent, and they are derived from semantic information and contextual information, respectively. We develop a pairwise intent graph embedding learning (PING) framework based on it. Specifically, our PING uses a pairwise intent joint graph convolution module to obtain refined embedding of all the features, where each enhanced intent node acts as a hub to effectively propagate information among different features and between all the features and knowledge graphs. Then, a recommendation module with refined embeddings is used to replace the randomly initialized embeddings of downstream recommendation models to improve model performance. Extensive experiments on three public datasets and some real-world scenarios verify the effectiveness and compatibility of our PING.
Phenylalanine: Amino Acid Metal Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Voltammetric Sensors
Authors: Yıldız D. E. , Taşaltın N. , Karakuş S. , Gürsu G. , Baytemir G. , Kose D. A.
Published: September 2024

This study presents a comparative analysis of non-enzymatic electrochemical voltammetric sensors, utilizing phenylalanine amino acid metal complexes (M: Ni, Zn, and Co) Polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites (NCs). The PANI: Zn(Phala)2 NCs-based sensor detected dopamine (DA) with a sensitivity of 101.18 μAμM−1 cm−2. The limit of detection (LOD) for the PANI: Zn(Phala)2 NCs-based sensor was calculated as 0.391 μM. This exceptional sensitivity makes the PANI: Zn(Phala)2 NCs-based sensor highly promising for potential integration into biomedical test kits. To gain deeper insights into the structural properties of the PANI NCs, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), artificial-intelligence-based SEM, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed for characterization. FTIR characterization provided insights into the functional groups of the NCs. The results of this comparative investigation a significant advancement in the field of PANI-based electrochemical sensors designed for DA sensing. The PANI: Zn(Phala)2 NCs-based sensor show great promise for a range of advanced sensing applications. The Z value of the PANI: Zn(Phala)2 NCs-based sensor is the lowest among the tested materials, indicating that the conductivity of the PANI: Zn(Phala)2 layer is higher than that of other active layers. Consequently, the PANI: Zn(Phala)2 NCs-based sensor achieved higher sensitivity in DA detection.
Multiphysics Simulation of Multi-layered Fibrous Electrodes for the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Lee Kyu Min , Alizadeh Mehrzad , Suzuki Takahiro , Tsushima Shohji , Roberts Edward P. L. , Gostick Jeff T.
Published: September 2024

Electrospinning can create customized flow-through electrodes for redox flow batteries with small fibers to enhance reactive surface area. A downside is higher pressure drop and parasitic pumping losses. Multilayered electrodes are a promising remedy, but it is not obvious what properties each layer should have to get the most benefit. In this work, a multiphysics simulation was used to explore the impact of varying the properties of each layer on the performance of a cell, including fiber size, fiber alignment, and porosity. The results showed that a 300% increase in limiting current can be obtained over commercial materials when the layer near the membrane has larger fibers with smaller fibers in each successive layer (1.8, 1.0 & 0.2 um, respectively). This arrangement had relatively lower overall efficiency once pumping power was taken into account. A compromise was obtained by placing a high porosity layer near the membrane with lower porosity in each successive layer (91%, 86%, and 81%, respectively). This case resulted in a 250% increase in limiting current, while expending only 0.1% of the output power on pumping.
Two-Phase Fluid Dynamics in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Counter-Flow Liquid Inlets and Gas Outlets at the Electrolyte-Cathode Interface
Authors: Yang Danan , Beale Steven B. , Garg Himani , Andersson Martin
Published: September 2024

Understanding the counter-flow of liquid inlet and gas outlet at the interface between the electrolyte and cathode gas diffusion layer (GDL) is crucial for water management in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Existing studies typically overlook air outlets and assume a fixed liquid inlet direction. This study uses a volume of fluid method to model two-phase interactions in a T-shaped GDL and gas channel (GC) assembly, with GDL geometry derived from nano-computer tomography. Considering potential electrode deformations, such as local cracks and blockages, this research investigates the impact of the size and shape of liquid invasion on the liquid-gas behavior in the cathode GDL and GC using five liquid injection configurations. Simulations also incorporate GDL gas outlets, integrating them with a tailored liquid inlet setup. Results show that the injection site and configuration significantly affect water behavior in the GDL, affecting saturation, stabilization, and breakthrough, followed by drainage in the GCs. Comparisons of simulations with and without air outflow show distinct counter-flow interactions, highlighting variations in water distribution and discrepancies in two-phase transport across the GCs.
Amperometric Detection of Acrylamide in Fried Food using Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: P. S. Sruthi , S. Shanmugasundaram , Varghese Shery M.
Published: September 2024

Acrylamide, a potential toxin and possible carcinogen, is formed in starchy foods cooked at high temperatures and poses a serious food safety concern. This study presents an amperometric sensor using green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves for the detection of acrylamide (Acr) in fried foods, with a focus on fried plantain chips. The use of AgNPs in conjunction with the specificity of hemoglobin (Hb) provides a rapid and accurate detection mechanism for Acr. Characterization of the AgNPs revealed their crystalline nature and excellent electron transfer properties, which are essential for effective sensor functionality. The sensor responded quickly and was able to accurately identify acrylamide concentrations as low as 5 mM within just 10 s. In addition, it demonstrated high precision, stability, and robust correlation with high-performance liquid chromatography analyzes in real food samples, confirming its practicality as an essential tool for ensuring food safety and quality control. This study highlights the benefits of green synthesis in acrylamide sensing and promotes the use of environmentally friendly materials in food safety applications.
Experimental and Computational Investigation of Salicylhydroxamic Acid as a Corrosion Inhibitor for Copper in Alkaline Solutions
Authors: Hu Lianjun , Chen Qi , He Jiting , Sun Wenhui , Huang Jia , Zhang Yong , Pan Guofeng , Xu Yi
Published: September 2024

Inhibitors, as indispensable components in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) slurries, have a significant impact on inhibiting copper (Cu) corrosion and enhancing post-polishing surface quality. However, one of the major challenges in CMP lies in unraveling the microscopic corrosion inhibition mechanism of Cu. This work focuses on investigating the impact of an inhibitor, salicylhydroxamic acid (SHA), on the static etching rate (SER), electrochemical parameters, and surface morphology of Cu. The experimental findings demonstrate that SHA significantly decreases the SER and corrosion current density of Cu, while notably improving the Cu surface quality. The corrosion inhibition mechanisms of SHA on Cu are revealed through adsorption isotherm models, contact angle analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and computational chemistry method. The benzene ring, oxime group, and O1 atom of SHA exhibit significant chemical reactivity, facilitating the preferential adsorption of SHA on Cu in a parallel orientation, thereby forming a hydrophobic protective film on the Cu surface. This process hinders the interaction between corrosive solutions and Cu, therefore SHA exhibits excellent corrosion inhibition performance on Cu. These findings hold great importance in gaining a deeper comprehension of the corrosion inhibition process of Cu, and provide guidance for designing more efficient inhibitors.
Design of THz Refractive Index-Based Diamond Shaped Biosensor Using Gated Axial Attention Network for MTB Detection
Authors: Kalavathy Anushkannan Nedumaran , Pathak Pankaj , Ganesan Purushothaman , Nagarajan Ashokkumar
Published: September 2024

MTB is usually diagnosed using sophisticated and expensive methods that include molecular and microscopic examination, making the process tedious and lengthy. This research proposes an innovative approach to enhance MTB detection through a novel biosensor design that integrates Terahertz refractive index measurements with a Gated NasNet Running City Game Axial Attention Network. The proposed diamond-shaped biosensor harnesses the unique properties of Terahertz waves to measure refractive index variations in biological tissues, specifically targeting MTB infections. A thorough optimization process was carried out to obtain an optimal sensor design, which included optimizing several design aspects such as size and materials. The sensor exhibits exceptional characteristics, including processing time of 0.1 s for 40000 iterations and 0.04 Confinement loss among other models. To optimize the weight parameters and reduce computational complexity, the Gated NasNet Running City Game Axial Attention Network is integrated into this research. The model demonstrates impressive performance of nearly 99.1% sensitivity in detecting MTB. The exceptional results indicate the substantial capability of the proposed biosensor for quick and accurate detection of MTB. The sensor’s exceptional performance metrics, along with its simple design, signify a significant breakthrough in the realm of biosensing technology.
A Comprehensive Comparison of the Structural, Ferroelectric, Energy Storage, and Photocatalytic Properties of Chemical Composition-Tailored Perovskite Ceramics
Authors: Puli Venkata Sreenivas (Narayanabhatla) , Pradhan Dhiren K. , N. V. Prasad , Pola Someshwar , Panwar Neeraj , Katiyar Ram S. , Simhachalam Narendra Babu
Published: September 2024

This article reports on the structural, ferroelectric, energy density, and photocatalytic properties of (Pb0.50Ba0.35Ca0.15)(Fe0.25Nb0.25Ti0.50)O3 [PBCTO] and (Pb0.50Ba0.50)(Fe0.25Nb0.25Zr0.1Ti0.40)O3 [PBZTO] ceramics synthesized by the solid synthesis route. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra confirmed peaks corresponding to perovskite crystalline structure with tetragonal phase for both PBCTO and PBZTO ceramics. Slim ferroelectric hysteresis was observed in polarization-electric field measurements. Remnant polarization (Pr), and coercive field (Ec) values are ∼3.63 μC cm−2, ∼25.4 kV cm−1, and ∼1.39 μC cm−2 and 17.9 kV cm−1 for PBCTO and PBZTO, respectively. Energy densities were obtained from ferroelectric hysteresis loops. For PBCTO ceramics, the largest unreleased energy density is 0.72 J cm−3 @ 200 kV cm−1; for PBZTO ceramics, the largest unreleased energy density is 0.60 J cm−3 @200 kV cm−1. Photocatalytic performance was studied on methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes under visible irradiation. The degradation percentage of MB dye in the presence of PBCTO and PBZTO was found to be 56% and 98% in 80 min with irradiation. The degradation percentage of MO dye in the presence of PBCTO and PBZTO at their respective wavelength was 48% and 97% in 120 min with irradiation. These bulk ceramics under study have shown interesting multifunctional properties useful for various potential applications.
Excimer Light versus Combination of Tacrolimus and Excimer Light in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata
Authors: Mohammed Nashwa Mostafa , Hassan Maha Rafie , Samy Nevien Ahmed , Aladl Ahmed Saeed , Dawa Ayman Farag Abdelaziz , Ibrahim Shady Mahmoud Attia
Published: September 2024

Background. Alopecia areata (AA) is a nonscarring alopecia that can affect any hairy area of the body. Excimer light at 308 nm with immunosuppressive effects is recommended as a promising management method for AA. Objectives. To assess the efficacy and safety of excimer light at 308 nm alone versus a combination of tacrolimus 0.1% and excimer light in the treatment of alopecia areata. Methods. Forty patients with AA of the scalp were divided into two groups, group A was treated with an excimer lamp twice per week for three months, and group B was treated with a combination of tacrolimus 0.1% and an excimer light. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by the SALT score and serum T‐regulatory cells at the baseline, after 3 months from the baseline, and after 6 months from the beginning of treatment. Results. In group (A), the median SALT decreased from the baseline (13.15) to (6.15) 3 months after the baseline and further decreased after 6 months of follow‐up to (3.3). While in group (B), the median SALT score was decreased from the baseline (11.15) to (0.5) after 6 months from the beginning of treatment. After 3 months, there was improvement in Treg function in both groups A and B (4.98 ± 1.02, 5.50 ± 0.84), respectively. There was a significantly higher improvement in group B (85.19 ± 8.55) than group A (70.05 ± 9.95). Dermoscopic findings reveal decreased signs of activity in group B more than group A. Conclusion. The combination of excimer light and tacrolimus is more effective than excimer light alone in treatment of AA.
Risk Factors and VEGF, hs‐CRP, and ESR in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Sun Lingjuan , Yin Li , Wang Shurui , Wang Haiyan
Published: September 2024

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and analyze the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and CSC. Methods. A total of 109 patients diagnosed with CSC (CSC group) at our ophthalmology clinic from February 2017 to February 2021 were included, with 103 volunteers from our hospital’s health examination center serving as the control group. Additionally, the new multimodal imaging classification of 109 CSC patients was further divided into simple CSC (57 cases) and complex CSC (52 cases). Demographic data, underlying diseases, medical history, and medication history were collected. Levels of VEGF, hs‐CRP, and ESR were measured, and multifactorial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing CSC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic value of VEGF, hs‐CRP, and ESR in CSC. Results. The CSC group showed a higher proportion of males, smoking history, alcohol consumption, comorbid obstructive sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, renal disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, steroid use, and shift work compared to the control group (P < 0.05). VEGF, hs‐CRP, and ESR levels were significantly higher in the CSC group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of VEGF, hs‐CRP, and ESR in the complex CSC group were higher than those in the simple CSC group (P < 0.05). Male gender, shift work, Helicobacter pylori infection, hypothyroidism, elevated VEGF, hs‐CRP, and ESR were identified as risk factors for CSC (P < 0.05). The combined diagnostic value of VEGF, hs‐CRP, and ESR (area under the ROC curve: 0.886) was higher than that of individual markers (0.722, 0.728, and 0.703, respectively) (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Male gender, shift work, Helicobacter pylori infection, hypothyroidism, and elevated levels of VEGF, hs‐CRP, and ESR are risk factors for CSC. The combined use of VEGF, hs‐CRP, and ESR demonstrates higher diagnostic efficiency in identifying CSC.
Analysis of Coinfection Pathogens From Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Virus Persistently Infected Cattle Using Oxford Nanopore Sequencing
Authors: Wang Shuang , Wei Sumin , Ding Yaozhong , Zhang Yun , Zhang Zhihui , Sun Shiqi , Guo Huichen , Yin Shuanghui
Published: September 2024

The persistent infection caused by foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV) still lacks a reliable explanation, as its etiology and maintenance are intricate and potentially involve concurrent infections with multiple pathogens. In this study, we utilized the nanopore platform for direct sequencing of clinical samples obtained from cattle persistently infected with FMDV serotype O and investigated the distribution characteristics of coinfecting pathogens in their pharyngeal region. Briefly, we exploited Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology to generate high‐quality and sufficient sequence data for the comprehensive characterization of microbial genomes. Furthermore, we performed sequence comparison, alignment, and phylogenetic tree construction. Our findings revealed a total of 23 viruses in FMDV carrier bovine, with FMDV, bovine orthopneumovirus, and Choristoneura fumiferana granulovirus emerging as the top three identified pathogens. The analysis unexpectedly revealed the presence of porcine circovirus type 2 and pepper mild mottle virus among the viral genes detected in the bovine FMDV carrier. Compared to noncarrier, carrier bovine of FMDV exhibited a greater diversity and abundance of mycoplasma types as well as reads counts. Therefore, we propose that the establishment and perpetuation of persistent FMDV infection may be attributed to the simultaneous presence of other viral agents and mycoplasmas. These findings highlight the significance of investigating multipathogen coinfection in elucidating the etiology of persistent FMD virus infection.
Biomarkers and Prognostic Stratification of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity in Young Adults: How to Personalize Therapeutic Management?
Authors: Dubray-Vautrin Antoine , Rougier Guillaume , Le Tourneau Christophe , Ghanem Wahib , Badois Nathalie , Lesnik Maria , Sabran Baptiste , Bozec Laurence , Martin Joey , Choussy Olivier
Published: September 2024

Squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity in young adults represent a heterogeneous entity. New prognostic biomarkers are described in the literature. The aim of this review was to identify emerging biomarkers and prognostic stratification factors of young population. Clinical, biological, microbiological, histopathologic, and molecular markers statistically associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival and were validated in literature. Young adults <40 years of age who were nonsmokers showed a marginally worse prognosis, whereas those <30 years of age showed unfavorable prognosis compared with those with >30 years of age. The high rate of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was associated with decreased 5-year disease-specific survival, PD-L1 expression correlated with improved OS and recurrence-free survival, and the presence of Fusobacterium and mutations in p53, cyclin D1, and VEGF were associated with reduced OS. Combining these markers in young adults with oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas should be used to adapt the intensification of therapy in addition to the tumor–node–metastasis classification and minor histoprognostic factors.
A Phase Ib Study of Linperlisib in the Treatment of Patients with Relapsed and/or Refractory Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Jin Jie , Cen Hong , Zhou Keshu , Xu Xiaohong , Li Fei , Wu Tao , Yang Haiyan , Wang Zhen , Li Zhiming , Huang Wenyang , Bao Hanying , Xu Zusheng , Qiu Lugui
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

Relapsed and/or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (r/r PTCL) is an aggressive and heterogeneous hematologic malignancy with high unmet need. Previously, PI3K inhibitors were shown to be efficacious in B- and T-cell lymphomas, but as a drug class, these agents have frequently been observed to have tolerability limitations. Next-generation agents that improve the tolerability while maintaining efficacy are desirable.

Patients and Methods:

A phase Ib clinical study was conducted with the oral PI3K-delta isoform-selective small-molecule inhibitor, linperlisib, in patients with r/r PTCL, and the clinical benefit was explored by the evaluation of safety and efficacy.

Results:

In this clinical study, 43 patients with r/r PTCL in China were treated with continuous dosing of 80-mg linperlisib once a day. Treatment-related adverse events (AE) were manageable. The most frequently reported grade 3 AE were neutropenia (21%), pneumonia (11.6%), and hypertriglyceridemia (7%). All other AE were either absent or reported in <5% of the patients. Linperlisib treatment for these patients with r/r PTCL, consisting of the major PTCL subtypes, was observed to have a 60.5% overall response rate with 35% complete responses and led to a median duration of response of 11.1 months, median progression-free survival of 11.8 months, and a median overall survival of >38 months (not reached).

Conclusions:

With the very promising clinical activity against r/r PTCL, the results of this study support the further investigation of linperlisib for the treatment of r/r PTCL.
Table 1 from The Proteogenomics of Prostate Cancer Radioresistance
Authors: Haas Roni , Frame Gavin , Khan Shahbaz , Neilsen Beth K. , Hong Boon Hao , Yeo Celestia P.X. , Yamaguchi Takafumi N. , Ong Enya H.W. , Zhao Wenyan , Carlin Benjamin , Yeo Eugenia L.L. , Tan Kah Min , Bugh Yuan Zhe , Zhu Chenghao , Hugh-White Rupert , Livingstone Julie , Poon Dennis J.J. , Chu Pek Lim , Patel Yash , Tao Shu , Ignatchenko Vladimir , Kurganovs Natalie J. , Higgins Geoff S. , Downes Michelle R. , Loblaw Andrew , Vesprini Danny , Kishan Amar U. , Chua Melvin L.K. , Kislinger Thomas , Boutros Paul C. , Liu Stanley K.
Published: September 2024

Prostate cancer cohort characteristics
Supplementary Table 9 from The Proteogenomics of Prostate Cancer Radioresistance
Authors: Haas Roni , Frame Gavin , Khan Shahbaz , Neilsen Beth K. , Hong Boon Hao , Yeo Celestia P.X. , Yamaguchi Takafumi N. , Ong Enya H.W. , Zhao Wenyan , Carlin Benjamin , Yeo Eugenia L.L. , Tan Kah Min , Bugh Yuan Zhe , Zhu Chenghao , Hugh-White Rupert , Livingstone Julie , Poon Dennis J.J. , Chu Pek Lim , Patel Yash , Tao Shu , Ignatchenko Vladimir , Kurganovs Natalie J. , Higgins Geoff S. , Downes Michelle R. , Loblaw Andrew , Vesprini Danny , Kishan Amar U. , Chua Melvin L.K. , Kislinger Thomas , Boutros Paul C. , Liu Stanley K.
Published: September 2024

Numbers of profiled proteins
Supplementary Table 5 from The Proteogenomics of Prostate Cancer Radioresistance
Authors: Haas Roni , Frame Gavin , Khan Shahbaz , Neilsen Beth K. , Hong Boon Hao , Yeo Celestia P.X. , Yamaguchi Takafumi N. , Ong Enya H.W. , Zhao Wenyan , Carlin Benjamin , Yeo Eugenia L.L. , Tan Kah Min , Bugh Yuan Zhe , Zhu Chenghao , Hugh-White Rupert , Livingstone Julie , Poon Dennis J.J. , Chu Pek Lim , Patel Yash , Tao Shu , Ignatchenko Vladimir , Kurganovs Natalie J. , Higgins Geoff S. , Downes Michelle R. , Loblaw Andrew , Vesprini Danny , Kishan Amar U. , Chua Melvin L.K. , Kislinger Thomas , Boutros Paul C. , Liu Stanley K.
Published: September 2024

Ratios of single-base substitution types, for the two radioresistant cell line, in 3 replicates each
Supplementary Table 4 from The Proteogenomics of Prostate Cancer Radioresistance
Authors: Haas Roni , Frame Gavin , Khan Shahbaz , Neilsen Beth K. , Hong Boon Hao , Yeo Celestia P.X. , Yamaguchi Takafumi N. , Ong Enya H.W. , Zhao Wenyan , Carlin Benjamin , Yeo Eugenia L.L. , Tan Kah Min , Bugh Yuan Zhe , Zhu Chenghao , Hugh-White Rupert , Livingstone Julie , Poon Dennis J.J. , Chu Pek Lim , Patel Yash , Tao Shu , Ignatchenko Vladimir , Kurganovs Natalie J. , Higgins Geoff S. , Downes Michelle R. , Loblaw Andrew , Vesprini Danny , Kishan Amar U. , Chua Melvin L.K. , Kislinger Thomas , Boutros Paul C. , Liu Stanley K.
Published: September 2024

NCCS raw data
Supplementary Table 12 from The Proteogenomics of Prostate Cancer Radioresistance
Authors: Haas Roni , Frame Gavin , Khan Shahbaz , Neilsen Beth K. , Hong Boon Hao , Yeo Celestia P.X. , Yamaguchi Takafumi N. , Ong Enya H.W. , Zhao Wenyan , Carlin Benjamin , Yeo Eugenia L.L. , Tan Kah Min , Bugh Yuan Zhe , Zhu Chenghao , Hugh-White Rupert , Livingstone Julie , Poon Dennis J.J. , Chu Pek Lim , Patel Yash , Tao Shu , Ignatchenko Vladimir , Kurganovs Natalie J. , Higgins Geoff S. , Downes Michelle R. , Loblaw Andrew , Vesprini Danny , Kishan Amar U. , Chua Melvin L.K. , Kislinger Thomas , Boutros Paul C. , Liu Stanley K.
Published: September 2024

Spearman's correlations between POLQ abundance and clinical features in patients