bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clutter filtering of angular domain data for contrast-free ultrafast microvascular imaging
Authors: Jiang Liyuan , Chu Hanbing , Yu Jianjun , Su Xiao , Liu Jiacheng , Wu Haitao , Wang Feiqian , Zong Yujin , Wan Mingxi
Published: December 2023

Objective. Contrast-free microvascular imaging is clinically valuable for the assessment of physiological status and the early diagnosis of diseases. Effective clutter filtering is essential for microvascular visualization without contrast enhancement. Singular value decomposition (SVD)-based spatiotemporal filter has been widely used to suppress clutter. However, clinical real-time imaging relies on short ensembles (dozens of frames), which limits the implementation of SVD filtering due to the large error of eigen-correlated estimations and high dependence on optimal threshold when used in such ensembles. Approach. To address the above challenges of imaging in short ensembles, two optimized filters of angular domain data are proposed in this paper: grouped angle SVD (GA-SVD) and angular-coherence-based higher-order SVD (AC-HOSVD). GA-SVD applies SVD to the concatenation of all angular data to improve clutter rejection performance in short ensembles, while AC-HOSVD applies HOSVD to the angular data tensor and utilizes angular coherence in addition to spatial and temporal features for filtering. Feasible threshold selection strategies in each feature space are provided. The clutter rejection performance of the proposed filters and SVD was evaluated with Doppler phantom and in vivo studies at different cases. Moreover, the robustness of the filters was explored under wrong singular value threshold estimation, and their computational complexity was studied. Main results. Qualitative and quantitative results indicated that GA-SVD and AC-HOSVD can effectively improve clutter rejection performance in short ensembles, especially AC-HOSVD. Notably, the proposed methods using 20 frames had similar image quality to SVD using 100 frames. In vivo studies showed that compared to SVD, GA-SVD increased the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) by 6.03 dB on average, and AC-HOSVD increased the SNR by 8.93 dB on average. Furthermore, AC-HOSVD remained better power Doppler image quality under non-optimal thresholds, followed by GA-SVD. Significance. The proposed filters can greatly enhance contrast-free microvascular visualization in short ensembles and have potential for different clinical translations due to the performance differences.
Combined BNCT-CIRT treatment planning for glioblastoma using the effect-based optimization
Authors: Han Yang , Geng Changran , Altieri Saverio , Bortolussi Silva , Liu Yuanhao , Wahl Niklas , Tang Xiaobin
Published: December 2023

Objective. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) are emerging treatment modalities for glioblastoma. In this study, we investigated the methodology and feasibility to combine BNCT and CIRT treatments. The combined treatment plan illustrated how the synergistic utilization of BNCT’s biological targeting and CIRT’s intensity modulation capabilities could lead to optimized treatment outcomes. Approach. The Monte Carlo toolkit, TOPAS, was employed to calculate the dose distribution for BNCT, while matRad was utilized for the optimization of CIRT. The biological effect-based approach, instead of the dose-based approach, was adopted to develop the combined BNCT-CIRT treatment plans for six patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, considering the different radiosensitivity and fraction. Five optional combined treatment plans with specific BNCT effect proportions for each patient were evaluated to identify the optimal treatment that minimizes damage on normal tissue. Main results. Individual BNCT exhibits a significant effect gradient along with the beam direction in the large tumor, while combined BNCT-CIRT treatments can achieve uniform effect delivery within the clinical target volume (CTV) through the effect filling with reversed gradient by the CIRT part. In addition, the increasing BNCT effect proportion in combined treatments can reduce damage in the normal brain tissue near the CTV. Besides, the combined treatments effectively minimize damage to the skin compared to individual BNCT treatments. Significance. The initial endeavor to combine BNCT and CIRT treatment plans is achieved by the effect-based optimization. The observed advantages of the combined treatment suggest its potential applicability for tumors characterized by pleomorphic, infiltrative, radioresistant and voluminous features.
Real-time reliable semantic segmentation of thyroid nodules in ultrasound images
Authors: Xing Guangxin , Wang Shuaijie , Gao Jie , Li Xuewei
Published: December 2023

Objective. Low efficiency in medical image segmentation is a common issue that limits computer-aided diagnosis development. Due to the varying positions and sizes of nodules, it is not easy to accurately segment ultrasound images. This study aims to propose a segmentation model that maintains high efficiency while improving accuracy. Approach. We propose a novel layer that integrates the advantages of dense connectivity, dilated convolution, and factorized filters to maintain excellent efficiency while improving accuracy. Dense connectivity optimizes feature reuse, dilated convolution redesigns layers, and factorized convolution improves efficiency. Moreover, we propose a loss function optimization method from a pixel perspective to increase the network's accuracy further. Main results. Experiments on the Thyroid dataset show that our method achieves 81.70% intersection-over-union (IoU), 90.50% true positive rate (TPR), and 0.25% false positive rate (FPR). In terms of accuracy, our method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods, with twice faster inference and nearly 400 times fewer parameters. Meanwhile, in a test on an External Thyroid dataset, our method achieves 77.03% IoU, 82.10% TPR, and 0.16% FPR, demonstrating our proposed model's robustness. Significance. We propose a real-time semantic segmentation architecture for thyroid nodule segmentation in ultrasound images called fully convolution dense dilated network (FCDDN). Our method runs fast with a few parameters and is suitable for medical devices requiring real-time segmentation.
Rotating disk: new physics discovered alongside the Sagnac effect
Authors: Rouaud Mathieu
Published: December 2023

The description of the rotating disk in special relativity is revisited to find a new property that could help to improve the performance of gyrometers. On a rotating disk, two particles which bounce in opposite directions at the vertices of a regular polygon are considered. On the return to the entry point, a clock measures the time difference. A particle moving in the direction of the rotation of the disc needs more time to make one complete turn. Even if that particle is a photon, as in the original Sagnac experiment. In this paper, the time difference is explained by the difference between clockwise and counter-clockwise trajectories, due to different Coriolis effects. The particular case of the slow disk where the two trajectories are very close and almost polygonal is studied. The theoretical existence of a transition between a classical and a relativistic regime is proved, and an experimental verification with an atomic interferometer is proposed. Although the novel effect discovered and the well-known Sagnac effect seem analogous, in detail, their behavior is quite different.
SCAPS-FDTD simulation of 20.1 % efficient Perovskite-SnS tandem solar cell based on alternative charge transport layers and Au-nanoparticles
Authors: Maoucha A , Djeffal F , Ferhati H
Published: December 2023

Perovskite-based tandem solar cells emerged as potential candidates for efficient photovoltaic applications. These devices exhibit high optical absorption properties and tunable direct band-gap. In this work, a novel lead-free Perovskite-SnS Tandem solar cell based on alternative charge transport layers combined with plasmonic-based light management approach is proposed. Accurate numerical investigation is carried out to assess the influence of the charge transport layers of top sub-cell on the optoelectronic properties of the tandem cell. The obtained results reveal the potential of SnO2 and CuO materials as electron and hole transport layers, respectively, demonstrating a good conduction band offset (CBO) and thereby enhanced recombination losses. Furthermore, the role of Gold-nanoparticles in enhancing absorption and light-trapping mechanisms in the bottom SnS-based sub-cell is investigated using FDTD computations. It is found that the optimized tandem cell with Au-NPs exhibits a high power conversion efficiency of 20.1%. Therefore, this work can open up new paths to boost the power conversion of Sn-based Perovskite/SnS Tandem cells for high-performance and eco-friendly photovoltaic applications.
Lewis and berry phases for a gravitational wave interacting with a quantum harmonic oscillator
Authors: Sen Soham , Dutta Manjari , Gangopadhyay Sunandan
Published: December 2023

In this work, we compute the Lewis and Berry phases for a gravitational wave interacting with a two dimensional quantum harmonic oscillator in the transverse-traceless gauge. We have considered a gravitational wave consisting of the plus polarization term only. Considering the cross polarization term to be absent makes the Hamiltonian separable in terms of the first and the second spatial coordinates. We then compute the Lewis phase by assuming a suitable form of the Lewis invariant considering only quadratic order contributions from both position and momentum variables. Next, we obtain two Lewis invariants corresponding to each separable part of the full Hamiltonian of the system. Using both Lewis invariants, one can obtain two Ermakov-Pinney equations, from which we finally obtain the corresponding Lewis phase. Then making an adiabatic approximation enables us to isolate the Berry phase for the full system. After this we obtain some explicit expressions of the Berry phase for a plane polarized gravitational wave with different choices of the harmonic oscillator frequency. Finally, we consider a gravitational wave with cross polarization only interacting with an isotropic two dimensional harmonic oscillator. For this we obtain the Lewis phase and the total Berry phase of the system, which is found to be dependent upon the cross polarization part of the gravitational wave.
Optimal design of optomechanical uncooled infrared focal plane array with integrated metalens
Authors: Luo Zhendong , Hou Huwang , Zhang Yiyuan , Li Wenlan , Zhang Peng , Zhao Yang
Published: December 2023

Optomechanical uncooled infrared (IR) detectors based on the thermal deformation of bi-material micro-cantilever have proved of significant potential in the IR imaging fields. However, compared to other uncooled infrared detectors, the optomechanical type relies on the mechanical deformation of the thermomechanical cantilevers, which compete for space with the absorbers and isolation beams, resulting in limited sensitivity. By integrating a designed metalens, large deformation, high thermal isolation, and high effective fill factor can be achieved simultaneously. Several pixel designs of optomechanical uncooled IR focal plane array (FPA) with designed integrated metalens are evaluated and optimized through numerical simulation. High thermal conversion efficiency

H
=
0.016

and thermomechanical sensitivity

S

T

=
0.264

μm K−1 are simultaneously achieved with an inherent noise-equivalent temperature difference(NETD) value of

3.9

mK at the preset

60
μ
m

×

60
μ
m

pixels. Using Figure of Merit(FOM) as a comprehensive evaluation of NETD and response time, the optimized structure can be improved by up to 40% over the original structure.
Formation of plasma channel under high-voltage electric pulse and simulation of rock-breaking process
Authors: Rao Pingping , Feng Weikang , Ouyang Peihao , Cui Jifei , Nimbalkar Sanjay , Chen Qingsheng
Published: December 2023

In the context of rock fragmentation, the application of high voltage electric pulses results in the transfer of electrical energy onto the surface of the rock material, leading to a rapid electrical breakdown and the formation of a plasma channel. The ionized plasma expands at a fast velocity, generating a shock wave that causes significant damage to the rock’s integrity. In this study, we develope a numerical model that couples electrical, thermal, and mechanical forces to simulate the formation of plasma channels within rocks due to high-voltage electric pulses. The model’s accuracy is verified through field tests, and the results indicate that the configuration of the high-voltage pulse waveform, electrode spacing, and conductor particles within the rock impact the pathway of plasma channel formation. Prior to the formation of the plasma channel, minimal changes are observed in temperature and stress levels, with the majority of electric pulse energy dedicated to the creation of the plasma channel. Following the establishment of the plasma channel, the application of the electric pulse continues, resulting in notable alterations in temperature and stress levels. When the duration of the action reaches 105 ns, the temperature and stress levels surpass 104 K and 50 MPa, respectively, leading to fracture and extensive damage to the rock. The outcomes derived from the numerical model’s calculations can help to facilitate the cross-integration between physics and civil engineering and contribute to a deeper understanding of the rock fragmentation process under high voltage electric pulses.
Gravitational lensing of Schwarzschild and charged black holes immersed in perfect fluid dark matter halo
Authors: Qiao Chen-Kai , Zhou Mi
Published: December 2023

Dark matter and dark energy dominate the behavior of our universe. The dark matter usually forms halo structures in large number of galaxies. Properties of dark matter halo can be revealed and understood from the gravitational lensing observations. In this work, a comprehensive study on the gravitational lensing of black holes immersed in dark matter halos is presented. To effectively model the supermassive black hole in a galaxy center (which is surrounded by dark matter halo) in a simple way, we investigate the Schwarzschild black hole and charged Reissner-Nordström black hole immersed in a perfect fluid dark matter halo. In the present work, several basic quantities in gravitational lensing (the gravitational deflection angle of light, photon sphere, black hole shadow radius, gravitational lens equation and Einstein ring) are calculated and analyzed analytically and numerically. A second order analytical expansion of gravitational deflection angle is obtained in the weak deflection limit, and the full gravitational deflection angle (including all order perturbation contributions applicable to both weak and strong deflection limits) is also calculated numerically as comparisons. It enables us to analyze the perfect fluid dark matter influences on gravitational deflection angle and gravitational lensing beyond the leading order, which were not sufficiently studied in previous works. Assuming M ∼ λDM ∼ Q, our results show that dark matter can greatly influence the gravitational lensing of central black holes.
The acrylic vessel for JSNS2-II neutrino target
Authors: Shin C.D. , Ajimura S. , Cheoun M.K. , Choi J.H. , Choi J.Y. , Dodo T. , Goh J. , Haga K. , Harada M. , Hasegawa S. , Hiraiwa T. , Hwang W. , Iida T. , Jang H.I. , Jang J.S. , Jeon H. , Jeon S. , Joo K.K. , Jung D.E. , Kang S.K. , Kasugai Y. , Kawasaki T. , Kim E.J. , Kim J.Y. , Kim S.B. , Kim W. , Kinoshita H. , Konno T. , Lee D.H. , Lim I.T. , Little C. , Marzec E. , Maruyama T. , Masuda S. , Meigo S. , Monjushiro S. , Moon D.H. , Nakano T. , Niiyama M. , Nishikawa K. , Pac M.Y. , Park H.W. , Park J.S. , Park R.G. , Peeters S.J.M. , Rott C. , Sakai K. , Sakamoto S. , Shima T. , Spitz J. , Suekane F. , Sugaya Y. , Suzuya K. , Taira M. , Takeuchi Y. , Yamaguchi Y. , Yeh M. , Yeo I.S. , Yoo C. , Yu I.
Published: December 2023

The JSNS2 (J-PARC Sterile Neutrino Search at J-PARC
Spallation Neutron Source) is an experiment designed for the search
for sterile neutrinos. The experiment is currently at the stage of
the second phase named JSNS2-II with two detectors at near and
far locations from the neutrino source. One of the key components of
the experiment is an acrylic vessel, that is used for the target
volume for the detection of the anti-neutrinos. The specifications,
design, and measured properties of the acrylic vessel are
described.
Evaluation of palm kernel oil as lubricants in cylindrical turning of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel using Taguchi-grey relational methodology
Authors: Kazeem R A , Enobun I O , Akande I G , Jen T-C , Akinlabi S A , Ikumapayi O M , Akinlabi E T
Published: December 2023

The disadvantages of the conventional cutting fluids such as mineral oil have prompted the search for eco-friendly cutting fluids. Vegetable oils have often been recommended as environmentally friendly substitutes for traditional mineral oil. The current study examined the performance of palm kernel oil (PKO) and its mineral oil during the turning of AISI 304 steel using the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) technique. Six litres of crude PKO were extracted from palm kernel seeds through a mechanical extraction technique. Taguchi L9 (3)3 orthogonal array was considered for the experiment. The depth of cut (DC), feed rate (FR), and spindle speed (SS) are the cutting parameters while cutting temperature (CT) and surface roughness (SR) are the response characteristics. Experimental results showed that the mineral oil outperformed the PKO in terms of SR with an improvement of 48.2%. The improvement of PKO over mineral oil is approximately 0.89% in terms of cutting temperature. The highest turning temperature of mineral oil was 67.333 °C, while that of PKO was 67.8 °C. In general, the performance of PKO shows it can be a good replacement for mineral oil if produced industrially with adequate additives. The grey relational analysis (GRA) showed that the optimum DC, FR, and SS for palm kernel and mineral oils are 1.25 mm, 0.25 mm rev−1 and 870 rev min−1, and 1.25 mm, 0.10 mm rev−1, and 870 rev min−1, respectively. The results of this study demonstrated an experimental basis for the application of PKO minimal quantity lubrication turning and validated the efficacy of the integrated Taguchi-grey relational analysis (TGRA) optimization approach.
Developmental stages and episode-specific regulatory genes in andromonoecious melon flower development
Authors: Pechar Giuliano S , Sánchez-Pina M Amelia , Coronado-Parra Teresa , Bretó Pau , García-Almodóvar Roque Carlos , Liu Lifeng , Aranda Miguel A , Donaire Livia
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

Given the lack of specific studies on floral development in melon (Cucumis melo L.), we carried out an extensive study involving morphological and transcriptomic analyses to characterize floral development in this species.

Methods

Using an andromonoecious line, we analysed the development of floral buds in male and hermaphrodite flowers with both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Based on flower lengths, we established a correlation between the developmental stages and four main episodes of floral development and conducted an extensive RNA sequencing analysis of these episodes.

Key Results

We identified 12 stages of floral development, from the appearance of the floral meristems to anthesis. The main structural differences between male and hermaphrodite flowers appeared between stages 6 and 7; later stages of development leading to the formation of organs and structures in both types of flowers were also described. We analysed the gene expression patterns of the four episodes in flower development to find the genes that were specific to each given episode. Among others, we identified genes that defined the passage from one episode to the next according to the ABCDE model of floral development.

Conclusions

This work combines a detailed morphological analysis and a comprehensive transcriptomic study to enable characterization of the structural and molecular mechanisms that determine the floral development of an andromonoecious genotype in melon. Taken together, our results provide a first insight into gene regulation networks in melon floral development that are crucial for flowering and pollen formation, highlighting potential targets for genetic manipulation to improve crop yield of melon in the future.
Unruly bodies (of knowledge): influencing Irish abortion policy through evidence-based abortion activism
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Aideen , Roth Rachel , Carnegie Anna , Grimes Lorraine
Published: December 2023

The involvement of grassroots activist groups in the production of knowledge used to challenge or inform abortion policy remains underexplored. Despite this, modes of abortion activism which incorporate knowledge production activities are increasingly common. In this article, we propose the term ‘evidence-based abortion activism’ to describe knowledge production activities by activist groups, which aim to influence abortion policy and provision and which advocate for the lived, embodied experiences of abortion-seekers as crucial forms of knowledge for policymaking. As a case study, we present research by the Abortion Rights Campaign (ARC) – a grassroots organization which campaigns for free, safe, and legal abortion across Ireland – analysing the experiences of those who have accessed or attempted to access abortion care in the Republic of Ireland since legal services were made available there in January 2019. This article explores one sub-section of ARC’s data, relating to the strikingly negative experiences of abortion-seekers attempting to access care between ten and twelve weeks in Irish hospitals: a thus far underexplored aspect of abortion experience in the Republic of Ireland. We argue that evidence-based abortion activism such as that carried out by ARC is important, not only because it provides a method for activists to attempt to influence abortion policy and provision but also because it creates space for forms of evidence which are epistemologically and politically ‘unruly’ in political debate and policy discussions. Specifically, ARC’s model of evidence-based abortion activism argues that the embodied testimonies of abortion-seekers themselves must be fully integrated and considered in policymaking to improve the material experience of abortion-seekers.
Preliminary evaluation of the potential of commercially available large language models in diagnosing skin tumours
Authors: Shiraishi Makoto , Kanayama Koji , Yang Rui , Okazaki Mutsumi
Published: December 2023

To date, the most commercially available large language models have refused to evaluate clinical pictures because of the medical contexts. In our study, only BingAI Creative mode provided decisions about whether images were malignant or benign and provided a diagnosis for skin tumours, both with relatively low accuracy rates of 58% for classification and 3% for diagnosis.
Hedge funds, systemic risk and the market for mortgage-backed securities
Authors: Orlando Anthony W
Published: December 2023

In the early 2000s, the market for private-label residential mortgage-backed securities was built upon a pyramid of risk, and at the foundation of this pyramid were hedge funds. Few post-mortems recognise the critical role played by these institutional investors. This paper uncovers this essential piece of the puzzle and demonstrates that it is a natural outgrowth of the inherent operational freedom that defines hedge funds. It breaks these foundational risks down into two components—illiquidity risk and tail risk—and proposes solutions to prevent them from spilling over into systemic crises without eliminating the benefits that society reaps from this unique risk-taking. It concludes with important lessons for securitisation markets to consider during and after the COVID-19 recession.
Processing of stalled replication forks in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Carrasco Begoña , Torres Rubén , Moreno-del Álamo María , Ramos Cristina , Ayora Silvia , Alonso Juan C
Published: December 2023

Accurate DNA replication and transcription elongation are crucial for preventing the accumulation of unreplicated DNA and genomic instability. Cells have evolved multiple mechanisms to deal with impaired replication fork progression, challenged by both intrinsic and extrinsic impediments. The bacterium Bacillus subtilis, which adopts multiple forms of differentiation and development, serves as an excellent model system for studying the pathways required to cope with replication stress to preserve genomic stability. This review focuses on the genetics, single molecule choreography, and biochemical properties of the proteins that act to circumvent the replicative arrest allowing the resumption of DNA synthesis. The RecA recombinase, its mediators (RecO, RecR, and RadA/Sms) and modulators (RecF, RecX, RarA, RecU, RecD2, and PcrA), repair licensing (DisA), fork remodelers (RuvAB, RecG, RecD2, RadA/Sms, and PriA), Holliday junction resolvase (RecU), nucleases (RnhC and DinG), and translesion synthesis DNA polymerases (PolY1 and PolY2) are key functions required to overcome a replication stress, provided that the fork does not collapse.
Assessing HIV knowledge in Mexican people living with HIV: development and validation of CC-VIH questionnaire
Authors: Gutiérrez-Velilla Ester , Pérez-Sánchez Ivonne Nalliely , Alvarado-de la Barrera Claudia , Ávila-Ríos Santiago , Caballero-Suárez Nancy Patricia
Published: December 2023

The level of knowledge that people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have about their disease can impact their adherence to treatment. The aim of this study was to develop a tool to assess the knowledge about HIV among people receiving treatment at a specialized clinic in Mexico City. To establish content validity, expert judges were invited to conceptualize the tool and propose items for the defined dimensions. A total of 490 individuals living with HIV completed the 91-item questionnaire, with 82.2% being male and a mean age of 36.1 years. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis, resulting in a reduced questionnaire of 45 questions. A three-factor solution explained 36.2% of the variance in HIV knowledge. The total scale had a reliability coefficient of 0.937, and each subscale had reliabilities of 0.828, 0.856 and 0.859. Lower educational level (F(336) = 8.488, p < 0.001) and female gender (t(399) = 2.003, p = 0.046) were associated with lower scores on the HIV knowledge questionnaire. This tool appears suitable for measuring HIV knowledge in people living with HIV, although future studies are required to confirm its structure and reduce its extension.
Prevalence of trachoma in Somali region, Ethiopia: results from trachoma impact surveys in 50 woredas
Authors: Gebreselassie Getachew , Negash Kasahun , Tsegaye Sentayehu , Makonnen Misrak , Deneke Baye , Desalegn Muluken , Harding-Esch Emma M , Harte Anna , Solomon Anthony W , Boyd Sarah , Bakhtiari Ana , Hassen Mussie Abdosh , Hambali Abdulahi , Dejene Michael , Beckwith Colin , Tadesse Fentahun , Seifu Fikre , Kiflu Genet , Kebede Fikreab
Published: December 2023

Background

Following interventions to eliminate trachoma in Somali region, Ethiopia, we aimed to re-estimate the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) and trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) at woreda level and identify the factors associated with the disease.

Methods

We implemented cross-sectional community-based surveys in 50 trachoma-endemic woredas, using a standardized survey. Households were the secondary sampling unit. Surveys were undertaken through a combination of interviews of household heads and direct inspection of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) access, plus clinical evaluation of eligible household members for TT and TF.

Results

Overall, 41 (82%) of the 50 woredas had met the WHO-recommended active trachoma elimination threshold (prevalence of TF <5% in 1–9-y-olds) and 42 (84%) had met the TT threshold (prevalence of TT unknown to the health system <0.2% in ≥15-y-olds). Only 18% of households had access to an improved drinking water source within a 30-min trip and only 25% had an improved latrine.

Conclusions

Additional rounds of antibiotic mass drug administration, plus interventions to enhance facial cleanliness and improve the environment, are required in nine woredas. TT surgical campaigns are needed in eight woredas. Greater access to WASH is required across all the woredas that were surveyed.
Motivating school communities towards behavior change and local ownership: a gamification intervention to prevent trachoma at primary schools in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Caplan Naomi , Sanka Bharat C , Mulat Asmro , Brener Dorin Turgeman , Baum Sarit , Seifu Azeb , Kesete Nisan Z , Bruck Michal , Wohlgemuth Leah G , Debela Melaku M , Weekes Reut Barak , Sabar Galia , Bentwich Zvi , Golan Rachel
Published: December 2023

Background

Ethiopia alone carries 49% of the global burden of trachoma, associated with a lack of safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and poor health practices. The aim of this study was to examine whether gamification among schoolchildren and promotion of local ownership of school WASH is associated with healthy behaviors and WASH infrastructure improvements.

Methods

Application of the Accelerate gamification intervention for elimination of trachoma, with an emphasis on gamification among schoolchildren and community involvement in motivating face-washing, handwashing and functional use of latrines, was undertaken.

Results

The study was conducted over 9 mo in 223 rural schools from six districts within the intervention area, reaching 93 518 schoolchildren. At baseline, students were observed washing their hands after using latrines in 23 (10.3%) schools. This increased to 132 (59%) schools (p≤0.001) at follow-up. The number of latrines increased from 585 at baseline to 594 at follow-up (p=0.031). The availability of handwashing stations in schools increased from 31 (13.9%) with water access (8%) and soap (5%) to 155 (69.5%) schools with handwashing stations with water access in 153 (98.7%) (p<0.001) and soap in 121 (78%) (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Motivational strategies such as gamification among schoolchildren and promotion of local ownership of school WASH may be associated with healthy behaviors and WASH infrastructure improvements.
Genes encoding a novel thermostable bacteriocin in the thermophilic bacterium Aeribacillus pallidus PI8
Authors: Kita Kyosuke , Yoshida Sanako , Masuo Shunsuke , Nakamura Akira , Ishikawa Shu , Yoshida Ken-ichi
Published: December 2023

Aim

Aeribacillus pallidus PI8 is a Gram-positive thermophilic bacterium that produces thermostable antimicrobial substances against several bacterial species, including Geobacillus kaustophilus HTA426. In the present study, we sought to identify genes of PI8 with antibacterial activity.

Methods and results

We isolated, cloned, and characterized a thermostable bacteriocin from A. pallidus PI8 and named it pallidocyclin. Mass spectrometric analyses of pallidocyclin revealed that it had a circular peptide structure, and its precursor was encoded by pcynA in the PI8 genome. pcynA is the second gene within the pcynBACDEF operon. Expression of the full-length pcynBACDEF operon in Bacillus subtilis produced intact pallidocyclin, whereas expression of pcynF in G. kaustophilus HTA426 conferred resistance to pallidocyclin.

Conclusion

Aeribacillus pallidus PI8 possesses the pcynBACDEF operon to produce pallidocyclin. pcynA encodes the pallidocyclin precursor, and pcynF acts as an antagonist of pallidocyclin.
Diagnostic value of plasma circular RNA based on droplet digital polymerase chain reaction in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Wanying , Zhou Changming , Peng Caiqiu , Yang Ran , Li Mengting , Geng Jian , Zhou Jihong , Chen Liang , Li Wei
Published: December 2023

Background

Plasma circular (circ)RNAs detected by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) may be ideal markers for liquid biopsy. However, ddPCR detection of circRNAs in plasma for diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma has been rarely reported.

Methods

An RNA sequencing analysis was performed in plasma from patients with early lung adenocarcinoma and healthy individuals. Droplet digital PCR was used to verify the differentially expressed genes.

Results

The copy numbers of circle RNALZIC (circLZIC)and circle RNACEP350 (circCEP350) in the plasma of lung adenocarcinoma patients were significantly higher than in plasma of healthy people, and the copy numbers in postoperative plasma of the same patients were significantly lower than those in preoperative plasma. CircLZIC and circCEP350 alone and in combination had diagnostic value in lung adenocarcinoma and early lung adenocarcinoma. CircLZIC and circCEP350 had more binding sites with multiple microRNAs. Their target genes were enriched in several signaling pathways.

Conclusion

The copy numbers of circLZIC and circCEP350 were higher in plasma of lung adenocarcinoma patients than in plasma of healthy controls, significantly correlated with tumor size and TNM stage, and closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. These circRNAs may serve as molecular markers for the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.
A comparison of staining methods for Helicobacter pylori in laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy resections
Authors: Rudasill JoAnna , Peeler Chelsea , Grant Danielle , Lazar Cynthia , Criswell Sheila L
Published: December 2023

Background

Helicobacter pylori is an important public health concern due to its status as a carcinogenic bacterium. Well adapted to the acidic environment of the human stomach, the variety of strains and virulence factors of the organism when interacting with the host immune system creates an individualistic response. Although estimates suggest that approximately half of the global population is infected with H pylori, the majority of infected persons remain asymptomatic while harboring an increased risk of intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancers. Therefore, appropriate diagnostic testing protocols are imperative.

Methods

This study compared labeling methodologies, including Wright stain, alcian yellow toluidine blue (AYTB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded stomach resections from sleeve gastrectomy patients, to detect H pylori infection.

Results

Although all 3 labeling methods evidenced similar specificity in H pylori detection, the IHC method was significantly more sensitive. However, the IHC cost per test was approximately 5-fold higher than that of the Wright or AYTB stains, and the technical time required per test was at least 6-fold that of Wright or AYTB.

Conclusion

Despite the higher cost per test, IHC is the most sensitive and preferred method for determination of H pylori infection.
The detection of polarized X-ray emission from the magnetar 1E 2259+586
Authors: Heyl Jeremy , Taverna Roberto , Turolla Roberto , Israel Gian Luca , Ng Mason , Kırmızıbayrak Demet , González-Caniulef Denis , Caiazzo Ilaria , Zane Silvia , Ehlert Steven R , Negro Michela , Agudo Iván , Antonelli Lucio Angelo , Bachetti Matteo , Baldini Luca , Baumgartner Wayne H , Bellazzini Ronaldo , Bianchi Stefano , Bongiorno Stephen D , Bonino Raffaella , Brez Alessandro , Bucciantini Niccolò , Capitanio Fiamma , Castellano Simone , Cavazzuti Elisabetta , Chen Chien-Ting , Ciprini Stefano , Costa Enrico , De Rosa Alessandra , Del Monte Ettore , Di Gesu Laura , Di Lalla Niccolò , Di Marco Alessandro , Donnarumma Immacolata , Doroshenko Victor , Dovčiak Michal , Enoto Teruaki , Evangelista Yuri , Fabiani Sergio , Ferrazzoli Riccardo , Garcia Javier A , Gunji Shuichi , Hayashida Kiyoshi , Iwakiri Wataru , Jorstad Svetlana G , Kaaret Philip , Karas Vladimir , Kislat Fabian , Kitaguchi Takao , Kolodziejczak Jeffery J , Krawczynski Henric , Monaca Fabio La , Latronico Luca , Liodakis Ioannis , Maldera Simone , Manfreda Alberto , Marin Frédéric , Marinucci Andrea , Marscher Alan P , Marshall Herman L , Massaro Francesco , Matt Giorgio , Mitsuishi Ikuyuki , Mizuno Tsunefumi , Muleri Fabio , Ng C-Y , O’Dell Stephen L , Omodei Nicola , Oppedisano Chiara , Papitto Alessandro , Pavlov George G , Peirson Abel Lawrence , Perri Matteo , Pesce-Rollins Melissa , Petrucci Pierre-Olivier , Pilia Maura , Possenti Andrea , Poutanen Juri , Puccetti Simonetta , Ramsey Brian D , Rankin John , Ratheesh Ajay , Roberts Oliver J , Romani Roger W , Sgrò Carmelo , Slane Patrick , Soffitta Paolo , Spandre Gloria , Swartz Douglas A , Tamagawa Toru , Tavecchio Fabrizio , Tawara Yuzuru , Tennant Allyn F , Thomas Nicholas E , Tombesi Francesco , Trois Alessio , Tsygankov Sergey S , Vink Jacco , Weisskopf Martin C , Wu Kinwah , Xie Fei
Published: December 2023

We report on IXPE, NICER, and XMM–Newton observations of the magnetar 1E 2259+586. We find that the source is significantly polarized at about or above 20  per cent for all phases except for the secondary peak where it is more weakly polarized. The polarization degree is strongest during the primary minimum which is also the phase where an absorption feature has been identified previously. The polarization angle of the photons are consistent with a rotating vector model with a mode switch between the primary minimum and the rest of the rotation of the neutron star. We propose a scenario in which the emission at the source is weakly polarized (as in a condensed surface) and, as the radiation passes through a plasma arch, resonant cyclotron scattering off of protons produces the observed polarized radiation. This confirms the magnetar nature of the source with a surface field greater than about 1015 G.
The FLASH pilot survey: an H i absorption search against MRC 1-Jy radio sources
Authors: Aditya J N H S , Yoon Hyein , Allison James R , An Tao , Chhetri Rajan , Curran Stephen J , Darling Jeremy , Emig Kimberly L , Glowacki Marcin , Kerrison Emily , Koribalski Bärbel S , Mahony Elizabeth K , Moss Vanessa A , Morgan John , Sadler Elaine M , Soria Roberto , Su Renzhi , Weng Simon , Whiting Matthew
Published: December 2023

We report an ASKAP search for associated H i 21-cm absorption against bright radio sources from the Molonglo Reference Catalogue (MRC) 1-Jy sample. The search uses pilot survey data from the ASKAP First Large Absorption Survey in H i (FLASH) covering the redshift range 0.42 < z < 1.00. From a sample of 62 MRC 1-Jy radio galaxies and quasars, we report three new detections of associated H i 21-cm absorption, yielding an overall detection fraction of $1.8\,{{\,\rm per\,cent}}^{+4.0\,{{\,\rm per\,cent}}}_{-1.5\,{{\,\rm per\,cent}}}$. The detected systems comprise two radio galaxies (MRC 2216−281 at z = 0.657 and MRC 0531−237 at z = 0.851) and one quasar (MRC 2156−245 at z = 0.862). The MRC 0531−237 absorption system is the strongest found to date, with a velocity integrated optical depth of $\rm 143.8 \pm 0.4 \ km \ s^{-1}$. All three objects with detected H i 21-cm absorption are peaked-spectrum or compact steep-spectrum (CSS) radio sources. Two of them show strong interplanetary scintillation at 162 MHz, implying that the radio continuum source is smaller than 1 arcsec in size even at low frequencies. Among the class of peaked-spectrum and compact steep-spectrum radio sources, the H i detection fraction is $23\,{{\,\rm per\,cent}}^{+22\,{{\,\rm per\,cent}}}_{-13\,{{\,\rm per\,cent}}}$. All three detections have a high 1.4 GHz radio luminosity, with MRC 0531−237 and MRC 2216−281 having the highest values in the sample, $\rm \gt 27.5 \ W \ Hz^{-1}$. The preponderance of extended radio sources in our sample could partially explain the overall low detection fraction, while the effects of a redshift evolution in gas properties and AGN UV luminosity on the neutral gas absorption still need to be investigated.
The Hubble tension survey: A statistical analysis of the 2012–2022 measurements
Authors: Wang Bao , López-Corredoira Martín , Wei Jun-Jie
Published: December 2023

In order to investigate the potential Hubble tension, we compile a catalogue of 216 measurements of the Hubble–Lemaître constant H0 between 2012 and 2022, which includes 109 model-independent measurements and 107 ΛCDM model-based measurements. Statistical analyses of these measurements show that the deviations of the results with respect to the average H0 are far larger than expected from their error bars if they follow a Gaussian distribution. We find that xσ deviation is indeed equivalent in a Gaussian distribution to xeqσ deviation in the frequency of values, where xeq = 0.72x0.88. Hence, a tension of 5σ, estimated between the Cepheid-calibrated type Ia supernovae and cosmic microwave background (CMB) data, is indeed a 3σ tension in equivalent terms of a Gaussian distribution of frequencies. However, this recalibration should be independent of the data whose tension we want to test. If we adopt the previous analysis of data of 1976–2019, the equivalent tension is reduced to 2.25σ. Covariance terms due to correlations of measurements do not significantly change the results. None the less, the separation of the data into two blocks with H0 < 71 and H0 ≥ 71 km s−1 Mpc−1 finds compatibility with a Gaussian distribution for each of them without removing any outlier. These statistical results indicate that the underestimation of error bars for H0 remain prevalent over the past decade, dominated by systematic errors in the methodologies of CMB and local distance ladder analyses.
Sulfur isotopes toward the extended envelope of Sagittarius B2 in the Galactic Center
Authors: Li Qingxu , Li Juan , Zheng Siqi , Wang Junzhi , Gao Feng , Wu Yajun
Published: December 2023

Isotopic ratios are good tools for probing stellar nucleosynthesis and chemical evolution. We perform high-sensitivity mapping observations of the J = 7–6 rotational transitions of OCS, OC34S, O13CS, and OC33S toward the Galactic Center giant molecular cloud Sagittarius B2 with the IRAM 30 m telescope. Positions with optically thin and uncontaminated lines are chosen to determine the sulfur isotope ratios. A 32S/34S ratio of 17.1 ± 0.9 was derived with OCS and OC34S lines, while a 34S/33S ratio of 6.8 ± 1.9 was derived directly from the integrated intensity ratio of OC34S and OC33S. With independent and accurate measurements of the 32S/34S ratio, our results confirm the termination of the decreasing trend of 32S/34S ratios toward the Galactic Center, suggesting a drop in the production of massive stars at the Galactic Center.
Bayesian Total-Evidence Dating Revisits Sloth Phylogeny and Biogeography: A Cautionary Tale on Morphological Clock Analyses
Authors: Tejada Julia V , Antoine Pierre-Olivier , Münch Philippe , Billet Guillaume , Hautier Lionel , Delsuc Frédéric , Condamine Fabien L
Published: December 2023

Combining morphological and molecular characters through Bayesian total-evidence dating allows inferring the phylogenetic and timescale framework of both extant and fossil taxa, while accounting for the stochasticity and incompleteness of the fossil record. Such an integrative approach is particularly needed when dealing with clades such as sloths (Mammalia: Folivora), for which developmental and biomechanical studies have shown high levels of morphological convergence whereas molecular data can only account for a limited percentage of their total species richness. Here, we propose an alternative hypothesis of sloth evolution that emphasizes the pervasiveness of morphological convergence and the importance of considering the fossil record and an adequate taxon sampling in both phylogenetic and biogeographic inferences. Regardless of different clock models and morphological datasets, the extant sloth Bradypus is consistently recovered as a megatherioid, and Choloepus as a mylodontoid, in agreement with molecular-only analyses. The recently extinct Caribbean sloths (Megalocnoidea) are found to be a monophyletic sister-clade of Megatherioidea, in contrast to previous phylogenetic hypotheses. Our results contradict previous morphological analyses and further support the polyphyly of “Megalonychidae,” whose members were found in five different clades. Regardless of taxon sampling and clock models, the Caribbean colonization of sloths is compatible with the exhumation of islands along Aves Ridge and its geological time frame. Overall, our total-evidence analysis illustrates the difficulty of positioning highly incomplete fossils, although a robust phylogenetic framework was recovered by an a posteriori removal of taxa with high percentages of missing characters. Elimination of these taxa improved topological resolution by reducing polytomies and increasing node support. However, it introduced a systematic and geographic bias because most of these incomplete specimens are from northern South America. This is evident in biogeographic reconstructions, which suggest Patagonia as the area of origin of many clades when taxa are underrepresented, but Amazonia and/or Central and Southern Andes when all taxa are included. More generally, our analyses demonstrate the instability of topology and divergence time estimates when using different morphological datasets and clock models and thus caution against making macroevolutionary inferences when node support is weak or when uncertainties in the fossil record are not considered.
Impact of lamivudine treatment in late pregnancy on the development of the foetal immune response to hepatitis B virus: a meta-analysis in R with the metafor package
Authors: Zhao Peng , Zhao Ying , Du Minmin , Chen Xiuying , Lu Yongchao
Published: December 2023

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide public health burden, especially in Asia and Africa. Concerns were raised that foetal exposure to HBV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) might suppress the innate immune response and reduce the production of hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) in foetuses and infants. We therefore conducted the current study to evaluate the impact of ART on the development of the immune response to HBV in foetuses and infants.

Methods

We selected lamivudine instead of telbivudine or tenofovir as the intervention measurement because it was the oldest and most widely used ART during pregnancy and its safety data have been sufficiently documented. A comprehensive search was conducted in eight electronic databases, including four Chinese and four English databases. Studies that met the following eligibility criteria were included: human randomized controlled trials (RCTs); participants in the treatment group were exclusively exposed to lamivudine; participants in the control group were exposed to placebo, no treatment or hepatitis B immunoglobulin; all participants were HBV-positive pregnant women with a high viral load and the main outcome of interest was neonatal HBsAb seropositivity. Data were tabulated and analysed using R software.

Results

Nine RCTs were included and analysed. Compared with controls, lamivudine significantly decreased HBsAb seronegativity in the newborn within 24 h after birth (indicating the foetal immune response to HBV). Similar results were noted in infants within 6–7 months after birth and infants within 12 months (indicating the neonatal immune response to HBV vaccine).

Conclusions

Lamivudine treatment in late pregnancy boosted the foetal immune response to HBV in utero and enhanced the neonatal immune response to hepatitis B vaccine after birth.