bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anisotropic temperatures in multi-layered 2D materials
Authors: Zobeiri Hamidreza , Zhang Jingchao , Karamati Amin , Xie Yangsu , Wang Xinwei
Published: February 2024

For multi-layered 2D materials, although its c-axis has a much lower thermal conductivity than the a-axis, its phonon mean free path has been confirmed to be very long, e.g., in the order of 100s nm at room temperature for multi-layered graphene. An anisotropic specific heat concept has been proposed in the past to explain this very long mean free path. This work carries out detailed atomistic modeling to quantify the anisotropic specific heat concept and reports the discovery of anisotropic temperatures in multi-layered 2D materials under ultrafast surface heating. Extremely fast c-phonon energy transport is discovered, and the non-Fourier effect is observed for both a-phonons and c-phonons. The energy coupling factor between these two modes of phonons is determined to be in the order of 1016 W K−1 m−3, with the specific number depending on the structure location. The anisotropic temperature concept is also quantitatively confirmed based on the lattice Boltzmann method simulation. The anisotropic temperature concept does not violate the physics that temperature is a scalar; rather, it is developed to distinguish the temperatures of phonons that travel in different directions. This concept is universally applicable to other 2D materials to describe the heat conduction in the in-plane and out-of-plane directions that feature different interatomic bonds.
Flexible preparation of the W state via the GRAPE algorithm in a nanoring-quantum-dot system
Authors: Chen Zhen , Shi Zhi-Cheng , Song Jie , Huang Bi-Hua , Xia Yan
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we put forward a scheme for flexibly preparing W states in the presence of detunings and asymmetric couplings in a nanoring-quantum-dot (nanoring-QD) system. Based on the gradient ascent pulse engineering algorithm, the coupling strength modulation (CSM) and the energy level modulation (ELM) methods are proposed, respectively. In the CSM method, the waveforms of the coupling strengths are properly designed to compensate for detunings, thus the decline on the fidelity is effectively suppressed. For the asymmetric couplings, a high-fidelity W state can be generated by the ELM method, which alters the energy levels of QDs in a desired manner. Finally, we generalize the current scheme to realize the preparation of N-particle W states in nanoring-QD systems.
A quantum blind signature scheme based on dense coding for non-entangled states
Authors: Xing 邢 Ke 柯 , Yin 殷 Ai-Han 爱菡 , Xue 薛 Yong-Qi 勇奇
Published: February 2024

In some schemes, quantum blind signatures require the use of difficult-to-prepare multiparticle entangled states. By considering the communication overhead, quantum operation complexity, verification efficiency and other relevant factors in practical situations, this article proposes a non-entangled quantum blind signature scheme based on dense encoding. The information owner utilizes dense encoding and hash functions to blind the information while reducing the use of quantum resources. After receiving particles, the signer encrypts the message using a one-way function and performs a Hadamard gate operation on the selected single photon to generate the signature. Then the verifier performs a Hadamard gate inverse operation on the signature and combines it with the encoding rules to restore the message and complete the verification. Compared with some typical quantum blind signature protocols, this protocol has strong blindness in privacy protection, and higher flexibility in scalability and application. The signer can adjust the signature operation according to the actual situation, which greatly simplifies the complexity of the signature. By simultaneously utilizing the secondary distribution and rearrangement of non-entangled quantum states, a non-entangled quantum state representation of three bits of classical information is achieved, reducing the use of a large amount of quantum resources and lowering implementation costs. This improves both signature verification efficiency and communication efficiency while, at the same time, this scheme meets the requirements of unforgeability, non-repudiation, and prevention of information leakage.
Optimization of extreme ultraviolet vortex beam based on high harmonic generation
Authors: Xiao 肖 Bo 礴 , Zhao 赵 Yi-Wen 逸文 , Cheng 程 Fang-Jing 方晶 , Wang 王 Ge-Wen 革文 , Jiang 姜 Wei 威 , Wang 王 Yi-Chen 一琛 , Hu 胡 Jie 杰 , Liang 梁 Hong-Jing 红静 , Ma 马 Ri 日
Published: February 2024

In high harmonic generation (HHG), Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beams are used to generate extreme ultraviolet (XUV) vortices with well-defined orbital angular momentum (OAM), which have potential applications in fields such as microscopy and spectroscopy. An experimental study on the HHG driven by vortex and Gaussian beams is conducted in this work. It is found that the intensity of vortex harmonics is positively correlated with the laser energy and gas pressure. The structure and intensity distribution of the vortex harmonics exhibit significant dependence on the relative position between the gas jet and the laser focus. The ring-like structures observed in the vortex harmonics, and the interference of quantum paths provide an explanation for the distinct structural characteristics. Moreover, by adjusting the relative position between the jet and laser focus, it is possible to discern the contributions from different quantum paths. The optimization of the HH vortex field is applicable to the XUV, which opens up a new way for exploiting the potential in optical spin or manipulating electrons by using the photon with tunable orbital angular momentum.
General multi-attack detection for continuous-variable quantum key distribution with local local oscillator
Authors: Kang 康 Zhuo 茁 , Liu 刘 Wei-Qi 维琪 , Qi 齐 Jin 锦 , He 贺 Chen 晨
Published: February 2024

Continuous-variable quantum key distribution with a local local oscillator (LLO CVQKD) has been extensively researched due to its simplicity and security. For practical security of an LLO CVQKD system, there are two main attack modes referred to as reference pulse attack and polarization attack presently. However, there is currently no general defense strategy against such attacks, and the security of the system needs further investigation. Here, we employ a deep learning framework called generative adversarial networks (GANs) to detect both attacks. We first analyze the data in different cases, derive a feature vector as input to a GAN model, and then show the training and testing process of the GAN model for attack classification. The proposed model has two parts, a discriminator and a generator, both of which employ a convolutional neural network (CNN) to improve accuracy. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can detect and classify attacks without reducing the secret key rate and the maximum transmission distance. It only establishes a detection model by monitoring features of the pulse without adding additional devices.
The influence of structure, sensitization and corrosion on the fatigue properties of austenitic steel
Authors: Hudecová S , Uhríčik M , Palček P , Mikolajčík M , Chvalníková V , Slezák M
Published: February 2024

The article will be focused on examining and comparing the influence of structure, sensitization and corrosion on the fatigue properties of austenitic stainless steel. The methodology of the experiment includes fatigue tests of samples attacked by intercrystalline corrosion. Therefore, the test samples were subjected to heat treatment for sensitization. Then these samples were subjected to long-term exposure in an aggressive corrosion solution. Experiments deal with microstructural material analysis, fractographic analysis, mechanical and fatigue tests.
Effect of welding mode on selected properties of additively manufactured AA5087 aluminium alloy parts
Authors: Sahul Martin , Sahul Miroslav , Bočáková B , Kolařík L , Němec T , Kolaříková M
Published: February 2024

Wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a popular direct energy deposition (DED) method for producing large-scale metallic components. The main advantages of the technique are a high deposition rate and low cost. Furthermore, the utilization of the WAAM is prevalent in the aerospace industry. The AA5087 aluminium alloy with 4.5 wt.% of magnesium has been investigated because of its excellent properties. The present research deals with the study of thermal cycles and fields developed in the alloy during additive manufacturing with two different Cold metal transfer (CMT) modes, namely conventional (CMT) and cycle-step (CMT-CS). The welding system was equipped with a Fronius TransPulse Synergic 3200 CMT power source, a Fanuc Arc Mate 1000iC 6-axes robot with an R 30iA control unit, a welding torch, and a 1-axis positioner. The AA5087 aluminium alloy welding wire with a diameter of 1.2 mm was deposited onto the AA5083 aluminium alloy plate with dimensions of 70 mm x 200 mm x 3 mm during the experiment. The thermal cycles were documented using an Ahlborn Almemo 5690-2 measuring station equipped with K-type thermocouples. The thermal fields were monitored with a FLIR E95 thermography camera. The results showed the evident influence of arc mode on the temperatures developed in manufactured aluminium alloy parts during the process of WAAM.
Influence of cutting edge microgeometry on the cutting forces when machining difficult-to-cut materials
Authors: Vozár M , Pätoprstý B , Vopát T
Published: February 2024

The paper presents research investigating the influence of cutting tools microgeometry on the cutting forces when milling difficult-to-cut materials. Austenitic stainless steel AISI 316L and nickel alloy Inconel 718 were machined with cemented carbide tools with various cutting edge rounding size while measuring the cutting forces during the process. From the standpoint of milling difficult-to-cut materials lowering the cutting forces load on the tool can be difficult to achieve without significant reduction of cutting parameters. Previous research into the cutting edge microgeometry suggests that modification of the cutting edge of milling tools can substantially extend the effective tool life, reduce cutting forces in the process and ensure higher quality of the machined surface. Results of long term wear tests of tools with cutting edge rounding sizes of 15, 30 and 45 µm are compared to the results of a sharp unprepared cutting tool, and the results of each machined material are also compared. Possible influence of cutting edge radius on the process for both materials was tested for cutting conditions constituting finishing operation. The most effective cutting edge radius size differed between the materials, with 15 µm rounding performing the best for AISI 316L and the sharp unprepared tool performing the best for the Inconel 718 alloy.
Nanoengineered oxygen-releasing polymeric scaffold with sustained release of dexamethasone for bone regeneration
Authors: Vahora Aatikaben , Singh Hemant , Dan Aniruddha , Puthenpurackel Surya Suresh , Mishra Narayan Chandra , Dhanka Mukesh
Published: February 2024

Maintaining the continuous oxygen supply and proper cell growth before blood vessel ingrowth at the bone defect site are considerably significant issues in bone regeneration. Oxygen-producing scaffolds can supply oxygen and avoid hypoxia leading to expedited bone regeneration. Herein, first oxygen-producing calcium peroxide nanoparticles (CPO NPs) are synthesized, and subsequently, the various amounts of synthesized CPO NPs (0.1, 0.5, and 1 wt/v%) loaded in the scaffold composite, which is developed by simple physical blending of chitosan (CS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) polymers. To deliver the synergistic therapeutic effect, dexamethasone (DEX), known for its potential anti-inflammatory and osteogenic properties, is loaded into the nanocomposite scaffolds. The extensive physicochemical characterizations of nanocomposite scaffolds confirm the successful loading of CPO NPs, adequate porous morphology, pore size, hydrophilicity, and biodegradability. In vitro, biological studies support the antibacterial, hemocompatible, and cytocompatible (MG-63 and MC3T3-E1 cells) nature of the material when tested on respective cells. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirm the successful biomineralization of the scaffolds. Scaffolds also exhibit the sustained release of DEX and efficient protein adsorption. This study revealed that a nanoengineered scaffold loaded with CPO NPs (PCL/CS/DEX/CPO 3) is a suitable candidate for bone tissue regeneration.
Vanadocene-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles: platforms for the development of theranostic materials against breast cancer
Authors: Iorhemba Michael Aondona , Álvarez-Conde Javier , Díaz-García Diana , Méndez-Arriaga José Manuel , García-Almodóvar Victoria , Ovejero-Paredes Karina , Idris Sulaiman Ola , Shallangwa Gideon Adamu , Abdulkadir Ibrahim , Prashar Sanjiv , Filice Marco , Gómez-Ruiz Santiago
Published: February 2024

Nanoscale materials have demonstrated a very high potential in anticancer therapy by properly adjusting their functionalization and physicochemical properties. Herein, we report the synthesis of some novel vanadocene-loaded silica-based nanomaterials incorporating four different S-containing amino acids (penicillamine, methionine, captopril, and cysteine) and different fluorophores (rhodamine B, coumarin 343 or Alexa Fluor™ 647), which have been characterized by diverse solid-state spectroscopic techniques viz; FTIR, diffuse reflectance spectroscopies, 13C and 51V solid-state NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and TEM. The analysis of the biological activity of the novel vanadocene-based nanostructured silicas showed that the materials containing cysteine and captopril aminoacids demonstrated high cytotoxicity and selectivity against triple negative breast cancer cells, making them very promising antineoplastic drug candidates. According to the biological results it seems that vanadium activity is connected to its incorporation through the amino acid, resulting in synergy that increases the cytotoxic activity against cancer cells of the studied materials presumably by increasing cell internalization. The results presented herein hold significant potential for future developments in mesoporous silica-supported metallodrugs, which exhibit strong cytotoxicity while maintaining low metal loading. They also show potential for theranostic applications highlighted by the analysis of the optical properties of the studied systems after incorporating rhodamine B, coumarin 343 (possible) in vitro anticancer analysis, or Alexa Fluor™ 647 (in vivo studies of cancer models).
The International Legal Criteria for Governmental Status
Authors: Pavlopoulos Niko
Published: February 2024

Chapter 4 focuses on the customary international legal criteria for the identification of a state’s government. It begins by outlining certain general points concerning the ascertainment, rationalization, and application of these criteria. By reference to historical and modern practice, the chapter then identifies the criteria for governmental status under positive customary international law and considers the scope and other matters relating to their application. In its discussion of the various putative criteria for governmental status, the chapter considers the import of the presumptive sovereign freedoms of a state that relate to the governments of states. This contributes positively to the identification and explanation of the criteria in question.
STW-MD: a novel spatio-temporal weighting and multi-step decision tree method for considering spatial heterogeneity in brain gene expression data
Authors: Mao Shanjun , Huang Xiao , Chen Runjiu , Zhang Chenyang , Diao Yizhu , Li Zongjin , Wang Qingzhe , Tang Shan , Guo Shuixia
Published: February 2024

Gene expression during brain development or abnormal development is a biological process that is highly dynamic in spatio and temporal. Previous studies have mainly focused on individual brain regions or a certain developmental stage. Our motivation is to address this gap by incorporating spatio-temporal information to gain a more complete understanding of brain development or abnormal brain development, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and to identify potential determinants of response. In this study, we propose a novel two-step framework based on spatial-temporal information weighting and multi-step decision trees. This framework can effectively exploit the spatial similarity and temporal dependence between different stages and different brain regions, and facilitate differential gene analysis in brain regions with high heterogeneity. We focus on two datasets: the AD dataset, which includes gene expression data from early, middle and late stages, and the brain development dataset, spanning fetal development to adulthood. Our findings highlight the advantages of the proposed framework in discovering gene classes and elucidating their impact on brain development and AD progression across diverse brain regions and stages. These findings align with existing studies and provide insights into the processes of normal and abnormal brain development.
OMEinfo: global geographic metadata for -omics experiments
Authors: Crown Matthew , Bashton Matthew
Published: February 2024

Microbiome studies increasingly associate geographical features like rurality and climate with microbiomes. It is essential to correctly integrate rich geographical metadata; and inconsistent definitions of rurality, can hinder cross-study comparisons. We address this with OMEinfo, a tool for automated retrieval of consistent geographical metadata from user-provided location data. OMEinfo leverages open data sources such as the Global Human Settlement Layer, and Open-Data Inventory for Anthropogenic Carbon dioxide. OMEinfo's web-app enables users to visualize and investigate the spatial distribution of metadata features. OMEinfo promotes reproducibility and consistency in microbiome metadata through a standardized metadata retrieval approach. To demonstrate utility, OMEinfo is used to replicate the results of a previous study linking population density to bacterial diversity. As the field explores relationships between microbiomes and geographical features, tools like OMEinfo will prove vital in developing a robust, accurate, and interconnected understanding of these interactions, whilst having applicability beyond this field to any studies utilizing location-based metadata. Finally, we release the OMEinfo annotation dataset of 5.3 million OMEinfo annotated samples from the ENA, for use in retrospective analyses of sequencing samples, and suggest several ways researchers and sequencing read repositories can improve the quality of underlying metadata submitted to these public stores.

Availability and implementation

OMEinfo is freely available and released under an MIT licence. OMEinfo source code is available at https://github.com/m-crown/OMEinfo/ and https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10518763
Investigating the Current Harmonization Status of Tumor Markers Using Global External Quality Assessment Programs: A Feasibility Study
Authors: van Rossum Huub H , Holdenrieder Stefan , Ballieux Bart E P B , Badrick Tony C , Yun Yeo-Min , Zhang Chuanbao , Patel Dina , Thelen Marc , Song Junghan , Wojtalewicz Nathalie , Unsworth Nick , Vesper Hubert W , Cui Wei , Ramanathan Lakshmi V , Sturgeon Catharine , Meng Qing H
Published: February 2024

Background

The harmonization status of most tumor markers (TMs) is unknown. We report a feasibility study performed to determine whether external quality assessment (EQA) programs can be used to obtain insights into the current harmonization status of the tumor markers α-fetoprotein (AFP), prostate specific antigen (PSA), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen (CA)125, CA15-3 and CA19-9.

Methods

EQA sample results provided by 6 EQA providers (INSTAND [Germany], Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service [KEQAS, South Korea], National Center for Clinical Laboratories [NCCL, China], United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service [UK NEQAS, United Kingdom], Stichting Kwaliteitsbewaking Medische Laboratoriumdiagnostiek [SKML, the Netherlands], and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs [RCPAQAP, Australia]) between 2020 and 2021 were used. The consensus means, calculated from the measurement procedures present in all EQA programs (Abbott Alinity, Beckman Coulter DxI, Roche Cobas, and Siemens Atellica), was used as reference values. Per measurement procedure, the relative difference between consensus mean for each EQA sample and the mean of all patient-pool–based EQA samples were calculated and compared to minimum, desirable, and optimal allowable bias criteria based on biological variation.

Results

Between 19040 (CA15-3) and 25398 (PSA) individual results and 56 (PSA) to 76 (AFP) unique EQA samples were included in the final analysis. The mean differences with the consensus mean of patient-pool–based EQA samples for all measurement procedures were within the optimum bias criterion for AFP, the desirable bias for PSA, and the minimum bias criterion for CEA. However, CEA results <8 µg/L exceeded the minimum bias criterion. For CA125, CA15-3, and CA19-9, the harmonization status was outside the minimum bias criterion, with systematic differences identified.

Conclusions

This study provides relevant information about the current harmonization status of 6 tumor markers. A pilot harmonization investigation for CEA, CA125, CA15-3, and CA19-9 would be desirable.
Heart failure-induced microbial dysbiosis contributes to colonic tumour formation in mice
Authors: de Wit Sanne , Geerlings Lotte , Shi Canxia , Dronkers Just , Schouten Elisabeth M , Blancke Gillian , Andries Vanessa , Yntema Tess , Meijers Wouter C , Koonen Debby P Y , Vereecke Lars , Silljé Herman H W , Aboumsallem Joseph-Pierre , de Boer Rudolf A
Published: February 2024

Aims

Heart failure (HF) and cancer are the leading causes of death worldwide. Epidemiological studies revealed that HF patients are prone to develop cancer. Preclinical studies provided some insights into this connection, but the exact mechanisms remain elusive. In colorectal cancer (CRC), gut microbial dysbiosis is linked to cancer progression and recent studies have shown that HF patients display microbial dysbiosis. This current study focussed on the effects of HF-induced microbial dysbiosis on colonic tumour formation.

Methods and results

C57BL/6J mice were subjected to myocardial infarction (MI), with sham surgery as control. After six weeks faeces were collected, processed for 16 s rRNA sequencing, and pooled for faecal microbiota transplantation. CRC tumour growth was provoked in germ-free mice by treating them with Azoxymethane/Dextran sodium sulphate. The CRC mice were transplanted with faeces from MI or sham mice. MI-induced HF resulted in microbial dysbiosis, characterized by a decreased α-diversity and microbial alterations on the genus level, several of which have been associated with CRC. We then performed faecal microbiota transplantation with faeces from HF mice in CRC mice, which resulted in a higher endoscopic disease score and an increase in the number of tumours in CRC mice.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that MI-induced HF contributes to colonic tumour formation by altering the gut microbiota composition, providing a mechanistic explanation for the observed association between HF and increased risk for cancer. Targeting the microbiome may present as a tool to mitigate HF-associated co-morbidities, especially cancer.
Prediction of survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: the updated Swedish cardiac arrest risk score (SCARS) model
Authors: Sultanian Pedram , Lundgren Peter , Louca Antros , Andersson Erik , Djärv Therese , Hessulf Fredrik , Henningsson Anna , Martinsson Andreas , Nordberg Per , Piasecki Adam , Gupta Vibha , Mandalenakis Zacharias , Taha Amar , Redfors Bengt , Herlitz Johan , Rawshani Araz
Published: February 2024

Aims

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major health concern worldwide. Although one-third of all patients achieve a return of spontaneous circulation and may undergo a difficult period in the intensive care unit, only 1 in 10 survive. This study aims to improve our previously developed machine learning model for early prognostication of survival in OHCA.

Methods and results

We studied all cases registered in the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Registry during 2010 and 2020 (n = 55 615). We compared the predictive performance of extreme gradient boosting (XGB), light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), logistic regression, CatBoost, random forest, and TabNet. For each framework, we developed models that optimized (i) a weighted F1 score to penalize models that yielded more false negatives and (ii) a precision–recall area under the curve (PR AUC). LightGBM assigned higher importance values to a larger set of variables, while XGB made predictions using fewer predictors. The area under the curve receiver operating characteristic (AUC ROC) scores for LightGBM were 0.958 (optimized for weighted F1) and 0.961 (optimized for a PR AUC), while for XGB, the scores were 0.958 and 0.960, respectively. The calibration plots showed a subtle underestimation of survival for LightGBM, contrasting with a mild overestimation for XGB models. In the crucial range of 0–10% likelihood of survival, the XGB model, optimized with the PR AUC, emerged as a clinically safe model.

Conclusion

We improved our previous prediction model by creating a parsimonious model with an AUC ROC at 0.96, with excellent calibration and no apparent risk of underestimating survival in the critical probability range (0–10%). The model is available at www.gocares.se.
The genetic architecture of dewlap pattern in Hispaniola anoles (Anolis distichus)
Authors: Behere Ashmika , de Mello Pietro , Geneva Anthony J , Glor Rich E
Published: February 2024

Color and pattern are often critical to survival and fitness, but we know little about their genetic architecture and heritability in groups like reptiles. We investigated the genetic architecture for the pattern of the dewlap—an extensible throat fan important for communication—in anole lizards. We studied the Hispaniolan bark anole (Anolis distichus)—a species that exhibits impressive intraspecific dewlap polymorphism across its range—by conducting multigenerational experimental crosses with 2 populations, one with a solid pale yellow dewlap and another with an orange dewlap surrounded by a yellow margin. Upon rejecting the hypothesis that the extent of the orange pattern is a quantitative trait resulting from many loci of minor effect, we used a maximum likelihood model-fitting framework to show that it is better explained as a simple Mendelian trait, with the solid yellow morph being dominant over the blush orange. The relatively simple genetic architecture underlying this important trait helps explain the complex distribution of dewlap color variation across the range of A. distichus and suggests that changes in dewlap color and pattern may evolve rapidly in response to natural selection.
Towards a rational approach to promoter engineering: understanding the complexity of transcription initiation in prokaryotes
Authors: Deal Cara , De Wannemaeker Lien , De Mey Marjan
Published: February 2024

Promoter sequences are important genetic control elements. Through their interaction with RNA polymerase they determine transcription strength and specificity, thereby regulating the first step in gene expression. Consequently, they can be targeted as elements to control predictability and tuneability of a genetic circuit, which is essential in applications such as the development of robust microbial cell factories. This review considers the promoter elements implicated in the three stages of transcription initiation, detailing the complex interplay of sequence-specific interactions that are involved, and highlighting that DNA sequence features beyond the core promoter elements work in a combinatorial manner to determine transcriptional strength. In particular, we emphasize that, aside from promoter recognition, transcription initiation is also defined by the kinetics of open complex formation and promoter escape, which are also known to be highly sequence specific. Significantly, we focus on how insights into these interactions can be manipulated to lay the foundation for a more rational approach to promoter engineering.
Impact of Homologous Recombination on Core Genome Evolution and Host Adaptation of Pectobacterium parmentieri
Authors: Arizala Dario , Arif Mohammad
Published: February 2024

Homologous recombination is a major force mechanism driving bacterial evolution, host adaptability, and acquisition of novel virulence traits. Pectobacterium parmentieri is a plant bacterial pathogen distributed worldwide, primarily affecting potatoes, by causing soft rot and blackleg diseases. The goal of this investigation was to understand the impact of homologous recombination on the genomic evolution of P. parmentieri. Analysis of P. parmentieri genomes using Roary revealed a dynamic pan-genome with 3,742 core genes and over 55% accessory genome variability. Bayesian population structure analysis identified 7 lineages, indicating species heterogeneity. ClonalFrameML analysis displayed 5,125 recombination events, with the lineage 4 exhibiting the highest events. fastGEAR analysis identified 486 ancestral and 941 recent recombination events ranging from 43 bp to 119 kb and 36 bp to 13.96 kb, respectively, suggesting ongoing adaptation. Notably, 11% (412 genes) of the core genome underwent recent recombination, with lineage 1 as the main donor. The prevalence of recent recombination (double compared to ancient) events implies continuous adaptation, possibly driven by global potato trade. Recombination events were found in genes involved in vital cellular processes (DNA replication, DNA repair, RNA processing, homeostasis, and metabolism), pathogenicity determinants (type secretion systems, cell-wall degrading enzymes, iron scavengers, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), flagellum, etc.), antimicrobial compounds (phenazine and colicin) and even CRISPR-Cas genes. Overall, these results emphasize the potential role of homologous recombination in P. parmentieri's evolutionary dynamics, influencing host colonization, pathogenicity, adaptive immunity, and ecological fitness.
Performance assessment of a photovoltaic module enhancer: insight into a new lifespan and cost effectiveness factor
Authors: Sultan Sakhr M , Tso C P , Ajeel Raheem K , Sobayel K , Abdullah M Z
Published: February 2024

The enhancement of photovoltaic modules (PVs) is a promising technology that is used for improving PV performance. A method was introduced in an earlier work that uses the power productivity and manufacturing cost of the PV enhancer to evaluate its cost effectiveness. Although, the existing method is useful in evaluating the performance of different types of PV enhancers, it is unable to execute the evaluation when the lifespan parameter of PV and its enhancer is considered in the analysis. This makes the evaluation become difficult. Hence, a new method is proposed, for the first time, for the purpose of making the performance comparison between the different types of PV enhancers more accurate. The definition and derivation are established for a new correlation that depends on seven important parameters which are the lifespan of both PV and its enhancer, the net power by adding an enhancer to PV, the output power from a PV without an enhancer and the maximum power at PV’s standard test conditions, the cost of one watt of PV power and the manufacturing cost of the PV enhancer. The effects of each parameter on the new method are elaborated on different examples. The PV enhancer is classified based on the value of the new method. The new method is tested on a real-world case taken from a previous experimental work, to support its applicability. Results showed that the new method is applicable on real cases. It is concluded that the new technique is helpful in categorizing the different types of PV enhancer which may have a potential to be utilized by researchers, designers and/or manufacturers.
Sparse random hypergraphs: non-backtracking spectra and community detection
Authors: Stephan Ludovic , Zhu Yizhe
Published: February 2024

We consider the community detection problem in a sparse $q$-uniform hypergraph $G$, assuming that $G$ is generated according to the Hypergraph Stochastic Block Model (HSBM). We prove that a spectral method based on the non-backtracking operator for hypergraphs works with high probability down to the generalized Kesten–Stigum detection threshold conjectured by Angelini et al. (2015, Spectral detection on sparse hypergraphs. In: 2015 53rd Annual Allerton Conference on Communication, Control, and Computing (Allerton). IEEE, pp. 66–73). We characterize the spectrum of the non-backtracking operator for the sparse HSBM and provide an efficient dimension reduction procedure using the Ihara–Bass formula for hypergraphs. As a result, community detection for the sparse HSBM on $n$ vertices can be reduced to an eigenvector problem of a $2n\times 2n$ non-normal matrix constructed from the adjacency matrix and the degree matrix of the hypergraph. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first provable and efficient spectral algorithm that achieves the conjectured threshold for HSBMs with $r$ blocks generated according to a general symmetric probability tensor.
Modelling tactical changes in association football using a Markov game
Authors: Hirotsu Nobuyoshi , Masui Yuki , Shimasaki Yu , Yoshimura Masafumi
Published: February 2024

Accepted by: Phil Scarf

We model tactical changes in association football as a Markov game. The pitch is discretized into nine zones and the states of the Markov game are defined according to the zone in which the ball is located in-play, the team in possession and the score. We first model tactical changes in a Markov decision process framework, wherein one team maximizes their probability of winning. Then, we model tactical changes in a two-person zero-sum Markov game framework, wherein both teams maximize their probability of winning. Fundamental to our modelling is the notion that tactical changes impact upon transition rates. We verify the models using data from matches in a season of the Japan Professional Football League. We define a change in transition rates that can be realized by changes in tactics, and illustrate an example of optimal tactical changes when both teams can vary their tactics. The models we develop in the paper can support managers who are considering important decisions about substitutions and changes to formation, for example, when a match is in-play.
A Mathematical Algorithm for Dried Blood Spot Quality Assessment and Results concerning Quality from a Newborn Screening Program
Authors: Oprea Oana R , Barabas Albert Z , Manescu Ion B , Dobreanu Minodora
Published: February 2024

Background

In addition to newborn screening, dried blood spots (DBSs) are used for a wide variety of analytes for clinical, epidemiological, and research purposes. Guidelines on DBS collection, storage, and transport are available, but it is suggested that each laboratory should establish its own acceptance criteria.

Methods

An optical scanning device was developed to assess the quality of DBSs received in the newborn screening laboratory from 11 maternity wards between 2013 and 2018. The algorithm was adjusted to agree with the visual examination consensus of experienced laboratory personnel. Once validated, the algorithm was used to categorize DBS specimens as either proper or improper. Improper DBS specimens were further divided based on 4 types of specimen defects.

Results

In total, 27 301 DBSs were analyzed. Compared with an annual DBS rejection rate of about 1%, automated scanning rejected 26.96% of the specimens as having at least one defect. The most common specimen defect was multi-spotting (ragged DBS, 19.13%). Among maternity wards, improper specimen rates varied greatly between 5.70% and 49.92%.

Conclusions

Improper specimen rates, as well as the dominant type of defect(s), are mainly institution-dependent, with various maternity wards consistently showing specific patterns of both parameters over time. Although validated in agreement with experienced laboratory personnel consensus, automated analysis rejects significantly more specimens. While continuous staff training, specimen quality monitoring, and problem-reporting to maternities is recommended, a thorough quality assessment strategy should also be implemented by every newborn screening laboratory. An important role in this regard may be played by automation in the form of optical scanning devices.
Phenotypic virulence characterization of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) isolates from broiler breeders with colibacillosis in Mississippi
Authors: Joseph Jiddu , Magee Christopher , Jia Linan , Zhang Li , Adhikari Pratima , Ramachandran Reshma
Published: February 2024

Aims

In this study, we evaluated the phenotypic virulence characteristics of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) isolates from broiler breeders with colibacillosis in Mississippi. Also, the relationship between phenotypic and genotypic virulence patterns was determined.

Methods and Results

Twenty-eight APEC isolated from lesions of broiler breeders diagnosed with colibacillosis were used for embryo lethality assay and chick challenge study. The percentage of embryo mortality following embryo lethality assay and pathogenicity score following the chick challenge study were used to categorize the isolates based on virulence. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between embryo mortality, chick pathogenicity, and the presence of virulence-associated genes in the isolates. Overall, 39.3% of the isolates were highly virulent and 3.5% were avirulent, following both assays. There existed a positive correlation between embryo mortality and chick pathogenicity (r = 0.73, P < .01), as well as percentage embryo mortality and pathogenicity score with the presence of some virulence genes.

Conclusions

Even though all the APEC were isolated from lesions of diseased breeders, the virulence potential varied from being avirulent to highly virulent. Further, we identified a positive relationship between phenotypic virulence and the frequency of virulence-associated genes.
Retrieval augmented scientific claim verification
Authors: Liu Hao , Soroush Ali , Nestor Jordan G , Park Elizabeth , Idnay Betina , Fang Yilu , Pan Jane , Liao Stan , Bernard Marguerite , Peng Yifan , Weng Chunhua
Published: February 2024

Objective

To automate scientific claim verification using PubMed abstracts.

Materials and Methods

We developed CliVER, an end-to-end scientific Claim VERification system that leverages retrieval-augmented techniques to automatically retrieve relevant clinical trial abstracts, extract pertinent sentences, and use the PICO framework to support or refute a scientific claim. We also created an ensemble of three state-of-the-art deep learning models to classify rationale of support, refute, and neutral. We then constructed CoVERt, a new COVID VERification dataset comprising 15 PICO-encoded drug claims accompanied by 96 manually selected and labeled clinical trial abstracts that either support or refute each claim. We used CoVERt and SciFact (a public scientific claim verification dataset) to assess CliVER’s performance in predicting labels. Finally, we compared CliVER to clinicians in the verification of 19 claims from 6 disease domains, using 189 648 PubMed abstracts extracted from January 2010 to October 2021.

Results

In the evaluation of label prediction accuracy on CoVERt, CliVER achieved a notable F1 score of 0.92, highlighting the efficacy of the retrieval-augmented models. The ensemble model outperforms each individual state-of-the-art model by an absolute increase from 3% to 11% in the F1 score. Moreover, when compared with four clinicians, CliVER achieved a precision of 79.0% for abstract retrieval, 67.4% for sentence selection, and 63.2% for label prediction, respectively.

Conclusion

CliVER demonstrates its early potential to automate scientific claim verification using retrieval-augmented strategies to harness the wealth of clinical trial abstracts in PubMed. Future studies are warranted to further test its clinical utility.
Characterizing the seasonal abundance and reproductive activity of overwintering Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes
Authors: Dehus Hannah , Siperstein Alden , Pomeroy Laura W , Meuti Megan E
Published: February 2024

In temperate regions of the United States, female Anopheles mosquitoes respond to low temperatures and short photoperiods by entering an overwintering dormancy or diapause. Diapause in Anopheles results in reduced frequency of blood-feeding and reproductive arrest, indicating a period when pathogen transmission by these mosquitoes is unlikely. However, it is unclear precisely how late into the fall and how early in the spring these mosquitoes are biting, reproducing, and potentially transmitting pathogens. This is further complicated by the lack of clear markers of diapause in Anopheles (e.g., changes in egg follicle length). Our goal was to characterize the seasonal reproductive activity of female Anopheles in central Ohio, United States and evaluate egg follicle length as an indicator of Anopheles diapause. We used traditional mosquito traps and aspirators to collect Anopheles from urban woodlots and culverts, respectively, from late September 2021 through mid-May 2022 in central Ohio. By measuring their egg follicle length, reproductive status, and blood-feeding status, we found that egg follicle length is not a reliable indicator of Anopheles diapause. We also found that a small proportion of An. punctipennis (Say), An. perplexens (Ludlow), and An. quadrimaculatus (Say) continued to bite and reproduce into early November 2021 and that females of these species terminated reproductive dormancy and began biting by mid-March 2022. This period of reproductive activity extends beyond current mosquito surveillance and control in Ohio. Our findings suggest that within temperate regions of North America, Anopheles have the capacity to transmit pathogens throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Basic concepts
Authors: Streiner David L. , Norman Geoffrey R. , Cairney John
Published: February 2024

This chapter begins by introducing the readers to finding existing scales that may meet their needs. It briefly summarizes the key concepts they should look for in a scale—face and content validity (which are subjective evaluations made by the test developer and the test user), the different types of reliability and validity, and feasibility. It discusses what is meant by these various terms and how they are measured. It introduces the concept that terms like criterion validity and discriminant validity have fallen out of favour, and all ‘types’ of validity are subsumed under the name of ‘construct validity’. The chapter also contrasts categorical versus dimensional approaches to diagnosis and classification. Finally, it compares medical versus psychometric ways of trying to reduce measurement error.
Reliability
Authors: Streiner David L. , Norman Geoffrey R. , Cairney John
Published: February 2024

This chapter reviews the basic theory of reliability, and examines the relation between reliability and measurement error. It derives the standard form of reliability, the intraclass correlation or ICC, from repeated measures ANOVA. The chapter explores issues in the application of the reliability coefficient, including absolute versus relative reliability, the reliability of multiple observations, and the standard error of measurement. It examines several other measures of reliability—Cohen’s kappa, Pearson r, and the method of Altman and Bland—and derives the relation between them and the ICC. The chapter determines the variance of a reliability estimate. It also calculates sample size estimates for reliability studies, and methods to combine reliability estimates in systematic reviews.
Methods of administration
Authors: Streiner David L. , Norman Geoffrey R. , Cairney John
Published: February 2024

There are many different ways a scale can be administered. These include face-to-face interviews, questionnaires which are mailed to the respondent, those administered over the telephone, and those presented via the Internet. This chapter discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each, and how changes in technology, such as the increasing use of mobile phones, are affecting factors such as response rate. The chapter summarizes different techniques for increasing the response rate, such as rewards, advance notification, personalization of the covering letter, keeping the questionnaire short, and follow-ups. It also discusses new approaches to administering scales, such as the use of smart phones and video technology. It explores the advantages and disadvantages of using social media to find study participants. Finally, it mentions some of the difficulties that may be encountered when paper-and-pencil scales are administered online.
Severe Complications of Salicylate Overdose
Authors: Bhula Jay , Kleiman Richard
Published: February 2024

Salicylates are found in a broad spectrum of medications and in various preparations that are available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. Salicylates are used for their various antiplatelet, analgesic, and antipyretic properties, and they can easily be ingested in excess either intentionally or unintentionally. Salicylate toxicity can present as either acute or chronic. The presentation of salicylate toxicity can range from tinnitus, nausea/vomiting, fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea to respiratory distress due to pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, altered mental status, seizures, and coma. This chapter explores the presentation of salicylate toxicity, its treatment, and its long-term effects on patient health.
Some Like It Hot: Management of Toxic Hyperthermia
Authors: Titelbaum Nicholas , Morgan Brent
Published: February 2024

The differential of toxic hyperthermia is diverse, but the underlying pathophysiology of the elevated temperature is due to either the increased generation of heat or decreased heat dissipation. A thorough history and physical examination are essential for identifying the precise etiology of the toxic hyperthermia. Laboratory evaluation may be helpful for identifying adverse sequelae of hyperthermia. Monitoring the temperature of hyperthermic patients is essential, and rectal temperatures are the gold standard. The mainstay of managing toxic hyperthermia involves aggressive cooling by ice water immersion and liberal use of benzodiazepines. Additional therapies may be indicated depending on the precise etiology of the toxic hyperthermia.
How Low Can You Go? Beta-Blocker and Calcium Channel Blocker Overdoses
Authors: Frein Michael , Zhen Jessica
Published: February 2024

Calcium plays a crucial part in cardiovascular activity including cardiac contraction, conduction, and automaticity as well as vascular tone. Although calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and beta blockers (BBs) interfere with this calcium balance via differing mechanisms their clinical presentation in overdose is similar and it is in subtle peripheral changes such as glucose levels, where they can be distinguished. Overall, in cases of severe toxicity, the most common presentation will be hypotension, bradycardia, and shock. Certain medications in these medication families also possess sodium and potassium channel blocking properties and may have a longer half-life, which can have important implications in clinical presentation and treatment. Numerous treatments are available for CBB- and BB-associated toxicity, but most have limited high-quality evidence supporting their efficacy. The most important aspect of severe CCB and BB toxicity is hemodynamic supportive care. GI decontamination should be considered, and select cases may be candidates for treatment with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.