bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current status and future outlook of ultrasound treatment for prostate cancer
Authors: Shoji Sunao , Naruse Jun , Oda Kazuya , Kuroda Satoshi , Umemoto Tatsuya , Nakajima Nobuyuki , Hasegawa Masanori , Mukasa Anju , Koizumi Norihiro , Miyajima Akira
Published: October 2023

Radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy are the standard treatment options for localized prostate cancer (PC). However, radical prostatectomy may cause the deterioration of urinary and sexual function, and radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis and severe rectal bleeding are risk factors for fatal conditions in patients after radiation therapy. With the recent development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the localization of clinically significant PC (csPC) and treatment modalities, “focal therapy”, which cures csPC while preserving anatomical structures related to urinary and sexual functions, has become a minimally invasive treatment for localized PC. Based on the clinical results of transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for localized PC in the whole gland and focal therapy, HIFU is considered an attractive treatment option for focal therapy. Recently, the short-term clinical results of transurethral high-intensity directional ultrasound (HIDU) have been reported. With the resolution of some issues, HIDU may be commonly used for PC treatment similar to HIFU. Because HIFU and HIDU have limitations regarding the treatment of patients with large prostate calcifications and large prostate volumes, the proper use of these modalities will enable the treatment of any target area in the prostate. To establish a standard treatment strategy for localized PC, pair-matched and historically controlled studies are required to verify the oncological and functional outcomes of ultrasound treatment for patients with localized PC.
Sunspot Observations at the Eimmart Observatory: Revision and Supplement
Authors: Vokhmyanin Mikhail , Zolotova Nadezhda
Published: October 2023

Digital images of sunspot drawings of the archives of Georg Christoph Eimmart stored at the National Library of Russia, St. Petersburg, are analyzed to obtain sunspot-group numbers and sunspot areas as well as heliographic positions. Overall, more than a hundred drawings were processed. The impact of drawing and reproduction uncertainties and the aims of historical observations are considered. The sunspot positions are compared to those reported by contemporary observers of the Maunder minimum. The restored sunspot-group numbers and latitudes are compared to those extracted by Hoyt and Schatten (Solar Phys. 179, 189, 1998) as well as Hayakawa et al. (Solar Phys. 296, 154, 2021b) and Hayakawa et al. (Astrophys. J. 909, 166, 2021d). The persistence of long-lived sunspots over several solar rotations is discussed.
Early patello-femoral condropathy assessment through quantitative analyses via T2 mapping magnetic resonance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Zagaria Domenico , Costantini Pietro , Percivale Ilaria , Abruzzese Flavia , Ghilardi Gloria , Landrino Marco , Porta Mauro , Leigheb Massimiliamo , Carriero Alessandro
Published: October 2023

Background

Patellar femoral chondropathy (FPC) is a common problem in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) surgery, which, if left untreated, predisposes to arthrosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the non-invasive gold standard for morphological evaluation of cartilage, while in recent years advanced MRI techniques (such as T2 mapping) have been developed to detect early cartilage biochemical changes. This study evaluates the different onset of early PFC between B-TP-B and HT through T2 mapping. Secondly, it aims to assess the presence of any concordance between self-reported questionnaires and qualitative MRI.

Materials and methods

19 patients enrolled were divided into two groups based on the type of intervention: B-PT-B and HT. After a median time of 54 months from surgery, patients were subjected to conventional MRI, T2 mapping, and clinical-functional evaluation through three self-reported questionnaires: Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis index (KOOS); Tegner Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale; International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC).

Results

There is not statistically significant difference in the comparison between the two MRI techniques and the two reconstructive techniques. KOOS and Tegner Lysholm scales showed significant agreement with MRI results on the grading of chondropathy.

Conclusions

There are no differences between B-TP-B and HT techniques in the early development of PFC detectable through non-invasive methods. Due to the large reduction in the frequency of physical activity following ACL-R and the finding of mild PFC (grade I and II) in a substantial proportion of patients, after a relatively short period from ACL-R, all patients should undergo conservative treatment.
Temporal to spatial instability in a flow system: a comparison
Authors: Barletta Antonio
Published: October 2023

The definitions of temporal instability and of spatial instability in a flow system are comparatively surveyed. The simple model of one-dimensional Burgers’ flow is taken as the scenario where such different conceptions of instability are described. The temporal analysis of instability stems from Lyapunov’s theory, while the spatial analysis of instability interchanges time and space in defining the evolution variable. Thus, the growth rate parameter for temporally unstable perturbations of a basic flow state is to be replaced by a spatial growth rate when a coordinate assumes the role of evolution variable. Finally, the idea of spatial instability is applied to a Rayleigh-Bénard system given by a fluid-saturated horizontal porous layer with an anisotropic permeability and impermeable boundaries kept at different uniform temperatures.
Recombinant production of human antimicrobial peptide LL- 37 and its secondary structure
Authors: Pavelka Antonín , Vacek Lukáš , Norek Adam , Kobzová Šárka , Janda Lubomír
Published: October 2023

Antimicrobial peptides, including the human cathelicidin LL-37, offer a possible solution to the global problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. LL-37 peptide has potent antimicrobial effects against current multi-drug resistant bacterial strains. The peptide itself is also characterized by a very diverse range of immunomodulatory effects. The aim of this study was to produce antimicrobially active peptide LL-37 in E. coli in high yields using an own expression system pUbEx100 with the fusion protein ubiquitin. The results showed that the peptide GLL-37 could be produced in high amounts, but this peptide did not have antimicrobial activity compared to synthetically produced LL-37. CD spectroscopy results showed that the produced peptide GLL-37 is in α-helix form in contrast to the sLL-37 (random-coil form). The recombinant peptide GLL-37 can not bind to the membrane in the α-helix form, it would have to be in the form of a random-coil. This study confirms by CD spectroscopy the previously observed mechanism of access of LL-37 peptide to the bacterial membrane obtained by NMR.
Sternal sparing aortic valve replacement via right anterior minithoracotomy: An early experience
Authors: Chia Rong Hui , Joshi Pragnesh
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of aortic valve replacement (AVR) via right anterior minithoracotomy (RAT) during the learning curve.

Methods

It was a retrospective, observational, cohort study of patients who underwent RAT AVR from June 2015 to April 2022. Primary outcomes measured were 30-day morbidity and mortality.

Results

A total of 107 consecutive patients underwent elective RAT AVR. Our patients were mostly male (78.5%), elderly (mean 68.7 years), and obese (34.6%). A majority of the patients (93.5%) were of low operative risk. Median cross-clamp and bypass times were 95 and 123 minutes respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between increase in number of cases and decrease in operative time. All patients had no paravalvular leak at discharge. There were no operative cardiovascular mortality or major morbidity including stroke, myocardial infarction, renal failure requiring dialysis, or vascular complication. No patient required intraoperative conversion to full sternotomy for completion of AVR.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that RAT AVR can be safely introduced. The learning curve required in performing RAT AVR can be safely negotiated through training, previous experience in minimally invasive surgery, careful patient selection including use of preoperative computed tomography of the aorta, and introduction of sutureless/rapid deployment valves.
Bicriteria fabrication scheduling of two-component jobs on a single machine
Authors: Li Yijie
Published: October 2023

This paper studies the bicriteria problem of non-preemptively scheduling n jobs, each of which is associated with a due date and comprises a standard and a specific component, on a single fabrication machine to minimize makespan and maximum lateness simultaneously. The specific components are processed individually and the standard components are grouped into batches for processing. A setup time is required before each batch of standard components is processed. A standard component is available (i.e., ready for delivery to the next production stage) only when the batch it belongs to is totally completed, whereas a specific component is available on completion of its processing. The completion time of a job is defined as the moment when both its two components have been processed and are available. An $$O(n^2\log n)$$

O
(

n
2

log
n
)

-time algorithm with linear memory requirements is presented which can generate all Pareto optimal points and find a corresponding Pareto optimal schedule for each Pareto optimal point.
Short Communication: Lived experience perspectives on genetic testing for a rare eye disease
Authors: Tam Mallorie T. , Daboub Alonso , Lou Hayami , Robillard Julie M.
Published: October 2023

This qualitative study explored the motivators and barriers for genetic testing for individuals with aniridia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 participants. The main findings highlighted the complex and interrelated factors involved in the decision-making process, including family planning, learning about the specific pathogenic variant of the disease and having access to genetic testing. Benefits and potential risks of genetic testing for aniridia were also discussed. For participants, gaining knowledge about their condition was perceived as a benefit, while administrative issues and concerns around privacy were identified as risks. Increased access to quality information about genetic testing and to the service and associated resources are needed to better support people living with aniridia.
Technology Innovation and Guardrails in Elite Sport: The Future is Now
Authors: Guppy Fergus , Muniz-Pardos Borja , Angeloudis Konstantinos , Grivas Gerasimos V. , Pitsiladis Asimina , Bundy Ross , Zelenkova Irina , Tanisawa Kumpei , Akiyama Hiroshi , Keramitsoglou Iphigenia , Miller Mike , Knopp Melanie , Schweizer Fabian , Luckfiel Tobias , Ruiz Daniel , Racinais Sebastien , Pitsiladis Yannis
Published: October 2023

A growing number of companies are developing or using wearable sensor technologies that can monitor, analyse and transmit data from humans in real time that can be used by the sporting, biomedical and media industries. To explore this phenomenon, we describe and review two high-profile sporting events where innovations in wearable technologies were trialled: the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020, Japan) and the 2022 adidas Road to Records (Germany). These two major sporting events were the first time academic and industry partners came together to implement real-time wearable solutions during major competition, to protect the health of athletes competing in hot and humid environments, as well as to better understand how these metrics can be used moving forwards. Despite the undoubted benefits of such wearables, there are well-founded concerns regarding their use including: (1) limited evidence quantifying the potential beneficial effects of analysing specific parameters, (2) the quality of hardware and provided data, (3) information overload, (4) data security and (5) exaggerated marketing claims. Employment and sporting rules and regulations also need to evolve to facilitate the use of wearable devices. There is also the potential to obtain real-time data that will oblige medical personnel to make crucial decisions around whether their athletes should continue competing or withdraw for health reasons. To protect athletes, the urgent need is to overcome these ethical/data protection concerns and develop wearable technologies that are backed by quality science. The fields of sport and exercise science and medicine provide an excellent platform to understand the impact of wearable sensors on performance, wellness, health, and disease.
A selection method of variable speed centrifugal pumps for maximum hydraulic efficiency
Authors: Fouda Yahia M.
Published: October 2023

Variable speed pumps (VSPs) are more energy efficient compared to other flow control methods such as throttling control valves. However, their selection process is not straightforward because the pump characteristics should be optimised against the load profile of the flow system for maximum hydraulic efficiency. This paper presents a VSPs selection method based on generic mathematical models of centrifugal pumps efficiency, characteristics and similitude, which enables the extension of this method to other types of turbomachines. This selection method results in a nonlinear algebraic equation that is solved numerically to obtain a reference flow rate that maximises the pumping system hydraulic efficiency. This reference flow rate is subsequently used to obtain the pump characteristic curves at all operating pump speeds. The results show that this method is fast, accurate and reliable. Because the developed method uses generic pump models rather than specific models from manufacturers’ databases, it enables the integration of VSP selection process in early engineering design phases of pumping systems.
Tracing the Disparity Between Healthcare Policy–Based Infrastructure and Health Belief–Lead Practices: a Narrative Review on Indigenous Populations of India
Authors: Soman Biju , Lathika Ashwathi Raj , Unnikrishnan B. , Shetty Ranjitha S
Published: October 2023

Most Indian tribes have limited access to healthcare facilities and rely heavily on traditional healing practices. This narrative review aimed to identify the disparities in the implementation of healthcare services and in accessing and availing these services by the indigenous population in India. We also have tried to throw light on the plausibility in strengthening the efficiency and efficacy of the public health system, by utilizing the available resources to its maximum potential, so that there will be a measurable outcome in the health status of these populations in India, coherently with the relevant sustainable development goals (SDG). The evidence from published literatures supports the fact that the disparity exists in the health status of indigenous populations in India as compared to the general populations. It emphasizes the need to address the key determinants such as the lack of knowledge, traditional healing practices and poor utilization of healthcare services provided to them. Various factors such as accessibility to healthcare resources, traditional healing practices, lack of awareness regarding healthcare services and schemes provided by the government, insufficient data regarding their issues and challenges and cultural and language barriers worsen the health status of indigenous people. However, our review reiterates that a well-structured and sustainable policy with reframed infrastructure and administration of healthcare system might bring a positive change in the health status of indigenous population in India.
Characterizing the Extracellular Matrix Transcriptome of Endometriosis
Authors: Cook Carson J. , Wiggin Noah , Fogg Kaitlin C.
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the matrisome, a set of proteins that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM) or are closely involved in ECM behavior, has been shown to have great importance for characterizing and understanding disease pathogenesis and progression. The matrisome is especially critical for examining diseases characterized by extensive tissue remodeling. Endometriosis is characterized by the extrauterine growth of endometrial tissue, making it an ideal condition to study through the lens of matrisome gene expression. While large gene expression datasets have become more available and gene dysregulation in endometriosis has been the target of several studies, the gene expression profile of the matrisome specifically in endometriosis has not been well characterized. In our study, we explored four Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) DNA microarray datasets containing eutopic endometrium of people with and without endometriosis. After batch correction, menstrual cycle phase accounted for 53% of variance and disease accounted for 23%; thus, the data were separated by menstrual cycle phase before performing differential expression analysis, statistical and machine learning modeling, and enrichment analysis. We established that matrisome gene expression alone can effectively differentiate endometriosis samples from healthy ones, demonstrating the potential of matrisome gene expression for diagnostic applications. Furthermore, we identified specific matrisome genes and gene networks whose expression can distinguish endometriosis stages I/II from III/IV. Taken together, these findings may aid in developing future in vitro models of disease, offer insights into novel treatment strategies, and advance diagnostic tools for this underserved patient population.
Molecular mechanism of empagliflozin cardioprotection in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced cardiotoxicity via modulation of SGLT2 and TNFα/TLR/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats
Authors: Refaie Marwa Monier Mahmoud , Shehata Sayed , El-Hussieny Maram , Fawzy Michael Atef , Ahmed Nagwa Zenhom Mustafa , Marey Heba , Hishmat Asmaa Mohammed , Alkully Turki , Rahman Eman Shaaban Mahmoud Abd El
Published: October 2023

One of the commoly used chemotherapeutic agents is 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Unfortunately, the clinical administration of 5-FU is complicated with serious cardiotoxic effects and the safe use becomes an urgent task in cardio-oncology. Till now, there are no studies discussed the role of empagliflozin (EMP) against 5-FU cardiotoxicity. Thus, we investigated this effect and the involved mechanisms in 5-FU induced heart injury. Forty male rats of Wistar albino species were used and divided randomly into four groups. Group I is the control group, group II is EMP given group, group III is 5-FU cardiotoxic group and group IV is 5-FU plus EMP group. 5-FU (150 mg/kg) was administered as a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose on 1st day to induce cardiotoxicity with or without EMP (30 mg/kg/d) orally for 5 days. The dose of 5-FU is relevant to the human toxic dose. Our data showed that 5-FU given group caused cardiotoxicity with significant increase of serum cardiac enzymes, toll like receptors, enhancement of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin1β (IL1β), IL6, myeloid-differentiation-factor 88 (MYD88), heart weight, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha (TNFα), sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), P53 and caspase3 expression with clear histopathological features of cardiotoxicity. Moreover, there is a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Interestingly, co-administration of EMP could ameliorate 5-FU induced biochemical and histopathological changes. This effect may be due to modulation of SGLT2, decreasing inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis with downregulation of an essential inflammatory cascade that mediates 5-FU cardiotoxicity; TNFα/TLR/NF-κB.
Thermo-electric convection in a cylindrical annulus during a sounding rocket flight
Authors: Meyer Antoine , Meier Martin , Motuz Vasyl , Egbers Christoph
Published: October 2023

An experiment on convective flows induced by the dielectrophoretic force was performed under the microgravity condition provided during a sounding rocket flight. The dielectrophoretic force possesses a non-conservative term that can be seen as resulting from an electric gravity. That gravity can be responsible for an electric Rayleigh–Bénard convection between a hot inner cylinder and a cold outer cylinder when an electric field is applied in the radial direction. Four cells with independent temperature and electric field controls allowed the investigation of eight different values of the electric Rayleigh number relatively close to the onset of the thermo-electric instability. A linear stability analysis is performed to predict the stability threshold and the evolution of the growth rate of the instability. The three-dimensional structure of the flow is captured by simultaneous particle image velocimetry and by shadowgraphy. The amplitude of the instability modes and the time evolution of the flow is analysed, and various methods are proposed to extrapolate the experimental critical value of the electric Rayleigh number for the onset of convection. The measured critical electric Rayleigh number is in agreement with the prediction of the linear stability theory. The comparison of the new experimental results with previous ones from parabolic flight campaigns highlights the importance of long-term microgravity for the achievement of thermal convection at low values of the control parameters.
The effects of surfactants on plunging breakers
Authors: Erinin M.A. , Liu C. , Liu X. , Mostert W. , Deike L. , Duncan J.H.
Published: October 2023

The effects of surfactants on a mechanically generated plunging breaker are studied experimentally in a laboratory wave tank. Waves are generated using a dispersively focused wave packet with a characteristic wavelength of

$\lambda _0 = 1.18$

m. Experiments are performed with two sets of surfactant solutions. In the first set, increasing amounts of the soluble surfactant Triton X-100 are mixed into the tank water, while in the second set filtered tap water is left undisturbed in the tank for wait times ranging from 15 min to 21 h. Increasing Triton X-100 concentrations and longer wait times lead to surfactant-induced changes in the dynamic properties of the free surface in the tank. It is found that low surface concentrations of surfactants can dramatically change the wave breaking process by changing the shape of the jet and breaking up the entrained air cavity at the time of jet impact. Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of plunging breakers with constant surface tension are used to show that there is significant compression of the free surface near the plunging jet tip and dilatation elsewhere. To explore the effect of this compression/dilatation, the surface tension isotherm is measured in all experimental cases. The effects of surfactants on the plunging jet are shown to be primarily controlled by the surface tension gradient (

$\Delta \mathcal {E}$

) while the ambient surface tension of the undisturbed wave tank (

$\sigma _0$

) plays a secondary role.
NON-ISOMORPHIC SMOOTH COMPACTIFICATIONS OF THE MODULI SPACE OF CUBIC SURFACES
Authors: CASALAINA-MARTIN SEBASTIAN , GRUSHEVSKY SAMUEL , HULEK KLAUS , LAZA RADU
Published: October 2023

The well-studied moduli space of complex cubic surfaces has three different, but isomorphic, compact realizations: as a GIT quotient
${\mathcal {M}}^{\operatorname {GIT}}$
, as a Baily–Borel compactification of a ball quotient
${(\mathcal {B}_4/\Gamma )^*}$
, and as a compactified K-moduli space. From all three perspectives, there is a unique boundary point corresponding to non-stable surfaces. From the GIT point of view, to deal with this point, it is natural to consider the Kirwan blowup
${\mathcal {M}}^{\operatorname {K}}\rightarrow {\mathcal {M}}^{\operatorname {GIT}}$
, whereas from the ball quotient point of view, it is natural to consider the toroidal compactification
${\overline {\mathcal {B}_4/\Gamma }}\rightarrow {(\mathcal {B}_4/\Gamma )^*}$
. The spaces
${\mathcal {M}}^{\operatorname {K}}$
and
${\overline {\mathcal {B}_4/\Gamma }}$
have the same cohomology, and it is therefore natural to ask whether they are isomorphic. Here, we show that this is in fact not the case. Indeed, we show the more refined statement that
${\mathcal {M}}^{\operatorname {K}}$
and
${\overline {\mathcal {B}_4/\Gamma }}$
are equivalent in the Grothendieck ring, but not K-equivalent. Along the way, we establish a number of results and techniques for dealing with singularities and canonical classes of Kirwan blowups and toroidal compactifications of ball quotients.
Temperature separation under compression of moderately coupled plasma
Authors: Fetsch H. , Foster T.E. , Fisch N.J.
Published: October 2023

In moderately coupled plasmas, a significant fraction of the internal energy resides in electric fields. As these plasmas are heated or compressed, the shifting partition of energy between particles and fields leads to surprising effects, particularly when ions and electrons have different temperatures. In this work, quasi-equations of state (quasi-EOS) are derived for two-temperature moderately coupled plasma in a thermodynamic framework and expressed in a simple form. These quasi-EOS readily yield expressions for correlation heating, in which heating of the electrons causes a rapid increase in ion temperature even in the absence of collisional energy exchange between species. It is also shown that, remarkably, compression of moderately coupled plasma drives a temperature difference between electrons and ions, even when the species start at equal temperatures. These additional channels for ion heating may be relevant in designing ignition schemes for inertial confinement fusion.
Post-educator relaxation in the U-shaped curve: Evidence from a panel study of Tyneside (ing)
Authors: Grama James , Mechler Johanna , Bauernfeind Lea , Eiswirth Mirjam E. , Buchstaller Isabelle
Published: October 2023

Age-grading—a cornerstone of sociolinguistic theorizing—is hypothesized to follow a U-shaped pattern. Vernacular forms peak in adolescence, abate in middle age, and increase again in retirement, forming a vernacular tail. A complete understanding of age-grading has been hampered by a lack of empirical evidence across the entire adult trajectory and a relatively narrow understanding of speakers’ motivations to change. This paper presents data from a dynamic panel dataset of Tyneside English speakers, covering successive cohorts over the entire adult lifespan. An analysis of (ing) reveals that the U-shaped curve is occupationally niched; only professional educators demonstrate clear retrenchment followed by a tail. Drawing on educational policy research, we argue this effect is largely driven by institutional (and heavily policed) expectations of UK educational policies. We are the first to demonstrate the occupationally niched nature of the U-shaped curve and provide quantitative evidence of the effect of educational policy on linguistic production.
Imaging the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Plate Coupling With Interferometric Radar (InSAR) in the Hikurangi Subduction Zone
Authors: Maubant L. , Frank W. B. , Wallace L. M. , Williams C. A. , Hamling I.
Published: October 2023

The coupling at the interface between tectonic plates is a key geophysical parameter to capture the frictional locking across plate boundaries and provides a means to estimate where tectonic strain is accumulating through time. Here, we use both interferometric radar (InSAR) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data to investigate the plate coupling of the Hikurangi subduction zone beneath the North Island of New Zealand, where multiple slow slip cycles are superimposed on the long‐term loading. We estimate the plate coupling across the subduction zone over three multi‐year observational periods targeting different stages of the slow slip cycle. Our results highlight the importance of the observational time period when interpreting coupling maps, emphasizing the temporal variability of plate coupling. Leveraging multiple geodetic data sets, we demonstrate how InSAR provides powerful constraints on the spatial resolution of both plate coupling and slow fault slip, even in a region where a dense GNSS network exists.
Carbonyl Sulfide (OCS) in the Upper Troposphere/Lowermost Stratosphere (UT/LMS) Region: Estimates of Lifetimes and Fluxes
Authors: Karu Einar , Li Mengze , Ernle Lisa , Brenninkmeijer Carl A. M. , Lelieveld Jos , Williams Jonathan
Published: October 2023

Carbonyl sulfide (OCS or COS) is a ubiquitous trace gas and plays a role in forming stratospheric sulfate aerosol particles, thereby influencing climate. In this study, whole‐air samples containing OCS were collected onboard a passenger aircraft (IAGOS‐CARIBIC) from the upper troposphere/lowermost stratosphere (UT/LMS, 10–12 km) region and analyzed with CryoTrap–GC–AED system in the laboratory. Global OCS mixing ratios are presented and by using the OCS measurements in conjunction with other trace gases, an atmospheric OCS lifetime of 2.1 ± 1.3 years, and lowermost stratospheric OCS lifetime of 47 ± 16 years were determined. A total flux of 137 GgS a−1 of OCS from the troposphere into the stratosphere was estimated, and the stratospheric sink estimate yielded 55 ± 23 GgS a−1 of OCS. The 60% smaller sink can be interpreted as 82 GgS a−1 OCS which is transported back from the stratosphere into the troposphere.
Non‐Uniqueness in ITCZ Latitude Due To Radiation‐Circulation Coupling in an Idealized GCM
Authors: Zurita‐Gotor Pablo , Held Isaac M. , Merlis Timothy M. , Chang Chiung‐Yin , Hill Spencer A. , MacDonald Cameron G.
Published: October 2023

An idealized aquaplanet moist global atmospheric model with realistic radiative transfer but no clouds and no convective parameterization is found to possess multiple climate equilibria. When forced symmetrically about the equator, in some cases the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) migrates to an off‐equatorial equilibrium position. Mechanism denial experiments prescribing relative humidity imply that radiation‐circulation coupling is essential to this instability. The cross‐equatorial asymmetry occurs only when the underlying slab ocean is sufficiently deep and the atmosphere's spectral dynamical core is sufficiently coarse (∼T170 or less with our control parameters). At higher resolutions, initializing with an asymmetric state indicates metastability with very slow (thousands of days) return to hemispheric symmetry. There is some sensitivity to the model timestep, which affects the time required to transition to the asymmetric state, with little effect on the equilibrium climate. The instability is enhanced when the planetary boundary layer scheme favors deeper layers or by a prescribed meridional heat transport away from the equator within the slab. The instability is not present when the model is run with a convective parameterization scheme commonly utilized in idealized moist models. We argue that the instability occurs when the asymmetric heating associated with a spontaneous ITCZ shift drives a circulation that rises poleward of the perturbed ITCZ. These results serve as a warning of the potential for instability and non‐uniqueness of climate that may complicate studies with idealized models of the tropical response to perturbations in forcing.
Modulating biofilm can potentiate activity of novel plastic-degrading enzymes
Authors: Howard Sophie A. , McCarthy Ronan R.
Published: October 2023

Plastic pollution is an increasing global issue desperately requiring a solution. Only 9% of all plastic waste has been recycled, and whilst recycling gives a second life to plastic, it is costly and there are limited downstream uses of recycled plastic, therefore an alternative is urgently needed. Biodegradation of plastic by microorganisms is a developing field of interest with the potential for bioreactors to be used alongside recycling to degrade plastic that may otherwise be sent to landfill. Here, we have identified two novel polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degrading enzymes through genomic mining and characterised their activity, including their ability to degrade PET. One of the main roadblocks facing the development of microbial enzymes as a plastic biodegradation solution, is that their efficiency is too low to facilitate development as bioremediation tools. In an innovative approach to tackle this roadblock, we hypothesised that enhancing a bacteria’s ability to attach to and form a biofilm on plastic could maximise the local concentration of the enzyme around the target substrate, therefore increasing the overall rate of plastic degradation. We found that increasing biofilm levels, by manipulating the levels of the second messenger, Cyclic-di-GMP, led to increased levels of polyester degradation in cells expressing novel and well characterised polyester-degrading enzymes. This indicates that modulating biofilm formation is a viable mechanism to fast track the development of bacterial plastic bioremediation solutions.
Endomapper dataset of complete calibrated endoscopy procedures
Authors: Azagra Pablo , Sostres Carlos , Ferrández Ángel , Riazuelo Luis , Tomasini Clara , Barbed O. León , Morlana Javier , Recasens David , Batlle Víctor M. , Gómez-Rodríguez Juan J. , Elvira Richard , López Julia , Oriol Cristina , Civera Javier , Tardós Juan D. , Murillo Ana C. , Lanas Angel , Montiel José M. M.
Published: October 2023

Computer-assisted systems are becoming broadly used in medicine. In endoscopy, most research focuses on the automatic detection of polyps or other pathologies, but localization and navigation of the endoscope are completely performed manually by physicians. To broaden this research and bring spatial Artificial Intelligence to endoscopies, data from complete procedures is needed. This paper introduces the Endomapper dataset, the first collection of complete endoscopy sequences acquired during regular medical practice, making secondary use of medical data. Its main purpose is to facilitate the development and evaluation of Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (VSLAM) methods in real endoscopy data. The dataset contains more than 24 hours of video. It is the first endoscopic dataset that includes endoscope calibration as well as the original calibration videos. Meta-data and annotations associated with the dataset vary from the anatomical landmarks, procedure labeling, segmentations, reconstructions, simulated sequences with ground truth and same patient procedures. The software used in this paper is publicly available.
Multi-year belowground data of minirhizotron facilities in Selhausen
Authors: Lärm Lena , Bauer Felix Maximilian , Hermes Normen , van der Kruk Jan , Vereecken Harry , Vanderborght Jan , Nguyen Thuy Huu , Lopez Gina , Seidel Sabine Julia , Ewert Frank , Schnepf Andrea , Klotzsche Anja
Published: October 2023

The production of crops secure the human food supply, but climate change is bringing new challenges. Dynamic plant growth and corresponding environmental data are required to uncover phenotypic crop responses to the changing environment. There are many datasets on above-ground organs of crops, but roots and the surrounding soil are rarely the subject of longer term studies. Here, we present what we believe to be the first comprehensive collection of root and soil data, obtained at two minirhizotron facilities located close together that have the same local climate but differ in soil type. Both facilities have 7m-long horizontal tubes at several depths that were used for crosshole ground-penetrating radar and minirhizotron camera systems. Soil sensors provide observations at a high temporal and spatial resolution. The ongoing measurements cover five years of maize and wheat trials, including drought stress treatments and crop mixtures. We make the processed data available for use in investigating the processes within the soil–plant continuum and the root images to develop and compare image analysis methods.
Improving diagnosis accuracy with an intelligent image retrieval system for lung pathologies detection: a features extractor approach
Authors: Souid Abdelbaki , Alsubaie Najah , Soufiene Ben Othman , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Abbas Mohamed , Jambi Layal K. , Sakli Hedi
Published: October 2023

Detecting lung pathologies is critical for precise medical diagnosis. In the realm of diagnostic methods, various approaches, including imaging tests, physical examinations, and laboratory tests, contribute to this process. Of particular note, imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans play a pivotal role in identifying lung pathologies with their non-invasive insights. Deep learning, a subset of artificial intelligence, holds significant promise in revolutionizing the detection and diagnosis of lung pathologies. By leveraging expansive datasets, deep learning algorithms autonomously discern intricate patterns and features within medical images, such as chest X-rays and CT scans. These algorithms exhibit an exceptional capacity to recognize subtle markers indicative of lung diseases. Yet, while their potential is evident, inherent limitations persist. The demand for abundant labeled data during training and the susceptibility to data biases challenge their accuracy. To address these formidable challenges, this research introduces a tailored computer-assisted system designed for the automatic retrieval of annotated medical images that share similar content. At its core lies an intelligent deep learning-based features extractor, adept at simplifying the retrieval of analogous images from an extensive chest radiograph database. The crux of our innovation rests upon the fusion of YOLOv5 and EfficientNet within the features extractor module. This strategic fusion synergizes YOLOv5's rapid and efficient object detection capabilities with EfficientNet's proficiency in combating noisy predictions. The result is a distinctive amalgamation that redefines the efficiency and accuracy of features extraction. Through rigorous experimentation conducted on an extensive and diverse dataset, our proposed solution decisively surpasses conventional methodologies. The model's achievement of a mean average precision of 0.488 with a threshold of 0.9 stands as a testament to its effectiveness, overshadowing the results of YOLOv5 + ResNet and EfficientDet, which achieved 0.234 and 0.257 respectively. Furthermore, our model demonstrates a marked precision improvement, attaining a value of 0.864 across all pathologies—a noteworthy leap of approximately 0.352 compared to YOLOv5 + ResNet and EfficientDet. This research presents a significant stride toward enhancing radiologists' workflow efficiency, offering a refined and proficient tool for retrieving analogous annotated medical images.
Addressable superconductor integrated circuit memory from delay lines
Authors: Volk Jennifer , Wynn Alex , Golden Evan , Sherwood Timothy , Tzimpragos Georgios
Published: October 2023

Recent advances in logic schemes and fabrication processes have renewed interest in using superconductor electronics for energy-efficient computing and quantum control processors. However, scalable superconducting memory still poses a challenge. To address this issue, we present an alternative to approaches that solely emphasize storage cell miniaturization by exploiting the minimal attenuation and dispersion properties of superconducting passive transmission lines to develop a delay-line memory system. This fully superconducting design operates at speeds between 20 and 100 GHz, with ± 24% and ± 13% bias margins, respectively, and demonstrates data densities in the 10s of Mbit/cm2 with the MIT Lincoln Laboratory SC2 fabrication process. Additionally, the circulating nature of this design allows for minimal control circuitry, eliminates the need for data splitting and merging, and enables inexpensive implementations of sequential access and content-addressable memories. Further advances in fabrication processes suggest data densities of 100s of Mbit/cm2 and beyond.
Human papillomavirus and prostate cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tsydenova Irina A. , Ibragimova Marina K. , Tsyganov Matvey M. , Litviakov Nikolai V.
Published: October 2023

The involvement of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the prostate carcinogenesis is a controversial issue. The presented meta-analysis was carried out to systematize the currently available research results regarding this question. The meta-analysis includes case–control studies from 1991 to 2022, which were collected from publicly available bibliometric databases. The meta-analysis was performed using Meta-Essentials_1.5 software. We used Begg’s and Egger’s methods to assess publication bias. Cochran’s Q test was used to assess heterogeneity and the I2 index was employed for calculating the variation in the pooled estimations. The analysis was based on data from 27 case–control studies, which in total yielded 1607 tumour tissue samples of prostate and 1515 control samples (317 samples of normal tissue, 1198 samples of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)). According to the data obtained, there was high risk of prostate cancer by HPV infection in both cases. HPV was found in prostate cancer in 25.8% of cases, while in normal tissue samples the virus was detected in 9.2% of cases and in 17.4% with BPH as a control. In particular, more studies on the association of HPV and prostate cancer are needed to prove the role of HPV in the development of prostate cancer. In addition to the controversial question of whether HPV infection is associated with prostate cancer risk, it is worth considering whether the samples used as a control have an impact on the results. The impact of HPV in prostate tumour tissue samples on outcome should also be investigated.
Effect of phospholipid head group on ultrasound-triggered drug release and cellular uptake of immunoliposomes
Authors: Awad Nahid S. , Paul Vinod , AlSawaftah Nour M. , Husseini Ghaleb A.
Published: October 2023

Liposomes are the most successful nanoparticles used to date to load and deliver chemotherapeutic agents to cancer cells. They are nano-sized vesicles made up of phospholipids, and targeting moieties can be added to their surfaces for the active targeting of specific tumors. Furthermore, Ultrasound can be used to trigger the release of the loaded drugs by disturbing their phospholipid bilayer structure. In this study, we have prepared pegylated liposomes using four types of phospholipids with similar saturated hydrocarbon tails including a phospholipid with no head group attached to the phosphate head (DPPA) and three other phospholipids with different head groups attached to their phosphate heads (DPPC, DPPE and DPPG). The prepared liposomes were conjugated to the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (TRA) to target the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpressed on HER2-positive cancer cells (HER2+). We have compared the response of the different formulations of liposomes when triggered with low-frequency ultrasound (LFUS) and their cellular uptake by the cancer cells. The results showed that the different formulations had similar size, polydispersity, and stability. TRA-conjugated DPPC liposomes showed the highest sensitivity to LFUS. On the other hand, incubating the cancer cells with TRA-conjugated DPPA liposomes triggered with LFUS showed the highest uptake of the loaded calcein by the HER2+ cells.
Effect of sub-pixel multiplexing on the display quality of LED display
Authors: Chen Junchang , Zheng Xifeng , Chen Yu , Wang Yang , Liu Fengxia , Huang Deju , Chen Yufeng , Mao Xinyue , Cao Hui , Xing Fanyang
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a theoretical model is presented for the display process of uniformly-arranged virtual-pixel LED displays with RGBG sub-pixel structure cells. Such displays' modulation transfer function (MTF) is derived theoretically from this model. Experiments were conducted to validate the theoretical model to measure the MTF of virtual-pixel displays and traditional real-pixel displays with a pixel pitch of 0.9 mm. A dual-line spread function measurement method is proposed, which is experimentally shown to be more effective than the conventional single-line LSF measurement method in measuring the MTF of LED displays. The rationality of the theoretical model was analyzed and compared through experiments. Furthermore, a combined subjective and objective evaluation method for the image quality of LED sub-pixel displays is proposed, which analyses the effect of LED sub-pixel multiplexing on the display clarity based on the square root integration method and achieves the subjective goal of quantifying the LED display quality. The research results reveal the theoretical and experimental aspects of virtual-pixel displays and may have practical significance for the design of high-quality LED displays.
MAGPIX and FLEXMAP 3D Luminex platforms for direct detection of miR-122-5p through dynamic chemical labelling
Authors: Marín-Romero Antonio , Regele Valerie , Kolanovic Dajana , Hofner Manuela , Díaz-Mochón Juan José , Nöhammer Christa , Pernagallo Salvatore
Published: October 2023

Ultra-precise quantification of DILI-associated circulating miR-122, providing an accurate assessment of liver injury.
High-yielding synthesis of cyclometallated iridium complexes with hydrogen bond-rich ligands
Authors: Tomás Piqueras Marta , Howe Holly J. , Englehart Sarah A. , Williamson Robert M. , Paul Allyson M. , Blight Barry A.
Published: October 2023

A library of cyclometallated iridium(iii) complexes with a strong H-bonding motif in their ancillary ligand was synthesized, characterized and their photophysical properties measured.
From a binding module to essential catalytic activity: how nature stumbled on a good thing
Authors: Lemay-St-Denis Claudèle , Pelletier Joelle N.
Published: October 2023

We report on a 56-amino acid protein domain that selectively catalyzes imine reduction in a complex metabolite.
SWAMNA: a comprehensive platform for analysis of nucleic acid modifications
Authors: Xie Yixuan , De Luna Vitorino Francisca N. , Chen Ye , Lempiäinen Joanna K. , Zhao Chenfeng , Steinbock Robert T. , Lin Zongtao , Liu Xingyu , Zahn Emily , Garcia Arabella L. , Weitzman Matthew D. , Garcia Benjamin A.
Published: October 2023

A comprehensive platform, SWAMNA, is reported, enabling general researchers to obtain information about nucleoside modifications.
Mechanism and applications of bidirectional extracellular electron transfer of Shewanella
Authors: Zang Yuxuan , Cao Bo , Zhao Hongyu , Xie Beizhen , Ge Yanhong , Liu Hong , Yi Yue
Published: October 2023

Electrochemically active microorganisms (EAMs) play an important role in the fields of environment and energy.
A novel sludge-based biochar composite adsorbent CS/SBC-H3PO4 for efficient Cr(vi) removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhong Dengjie , Xu Yunlan , Liao Pengfei
Published: October 2023

In order to solve the problem of more impurities and less functional groups on the surface of sludge-based biochar, phosphoric acid and chitosan were used to co-modify sludge-based biochar (CS/SBC-H3PO4) to enhance the removal of Cr(vi).
Selective separation of 2,5-dimethylfuran and 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran using nonporous adaptive crystals of a hybrid[3]arene
Authors: Liu Yang , Wu Yitao
Published: October 2023

We succeeded in separating important chemical feedstocks DMeF and DMeTHF from their mixture using crystalline hybrid[3]arene (HB3) as an absorbent.
Energetics of acid catalyzed biomass reactions: how and why does the solvent model matter?
Authors: Velasco Calderón José Carlos , Mushrif Samir H.
Published: October 2023

Computed energetics of condensed phase acid catalysed biomass reactions are highly susceptible to the solvent model.