bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astrocytic insulin receptor controls circadian behavior via dopamine signaling in a sexually dimorphic manner
Authors: González-Vila Antía , Luengo-Mateos María , Silveira-Loureiro María , Garrido-Gil Pablo , Ohinska Nataliia , González-Domínguez Marco , Labandeira-García Jose Luis , García-Cáceres Cristina , López Miguel , Barca-Mayo Olga
Published: December 2023

Mammalian circadian clocks respond to feeding and light cues, adjusting internal rhythms with day/night cycles. Astrocytes serve as circadian timekeepers, driving daily physiological rhythms; however, it’s unknown how they ensure precise cycle-to-cycle rhythmicity. This is critical for understanding why mistimed or erratic feeding, as in shift work, disrupts circadian physiology- a condition linked to type 2 diabetes and obesity. Here, we show that astrocytic insulin signaling sets the free-running period of locomotor activity in female mice and food entrainment in male mice. Additionally, ablating the insulin receptor in hypothalamic astrocytes alters cyclic energy homeostasis differently in male and female mice. Remarkably, the mutants exhibit altered dopamine metabolism, and the pharmacological modulation of dopaminergic signaling partially restores distinct circadian traits in both male and female mutant mice. Our findings highlight the role of astrocytic insulin-dopaminergic signaling in conveying time-of-feeding or lighting cues to the astrocyte clock, thus governing circadian behavior in a sex-specific manner.
Limitations to sustainable renewable jet fuels production attributed to cost than energy-water-food resource availability
Authors: Chong Cheng Tung , Ng Jo-Han
Published: December 2023

Renewable jet fuel (RJF) is often touted as the only viable sustainable energy source for the aviation sector, given the difficulties faced by other low-carbon energy sources in overcoming technological barriers. Despite that, the sustainability of RJF is still in dispute due to the conflicting requirements in natural resource for producing the fuels. We introduce a holistic 25-indicator sustainability index encompassing the four domains of energy-water-food nexus and governance, that measures the potential impact of RJF production on 154 countries (and territories) through the oil-to-jet, alcohol-to-jet and gas-to-jet conversion methods. Countries and territories are ranked according to the composite index scores of the four domains. The sustainability index model provides insights on how RJF affords the aviation sector a clean slate in determining the manner of development in a sustainably and equitable way, while also marching towards the long-term goal of carbon neutrality, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
In-plane charged antiphase boundary and 180° domain wall in a ferroelectric film
Authors: Cai Xiangbin , Chen Chao , Xie Lin , Wang Changan , Gui Zixin , Gao Yuan , Kentsch Ulrich , Zhou Guofu , Gao Xingsen , Chen Yu , Zhou Shengqiang , Gao Weibo , Liu Jun-Ming , Zhu Ye , Chen Deyang
Published: December 2023

The deterministic creation and modification of domain walls in ferroelectric films have attracted broad interest due to their unprecedented potential as the active element in non-volatile memory, logic computation and energy-harvesting technologies. However, the correlation between charged and antiphase states, and their hybridization into a single domain wall still remain elusive. Here we demonstrate the facile fabrication of antiphase boundaries in BiFeO3 thin films using a He-ion implantation process. Cross-sectional electron microscopy, spectroscopy and piezoresponse force measurement reveal the creation of a continuous in-plane charged antiphase boundaries around the implanted depth and a variety of atomic bonding configurations at the antiphase interface, showing the atomically sharp 180° polarization reversal across the boundary. Therefore, this work not only inspires a domain-wall fabrication strategy using He-ion implantation, which is compatible with the wafer-scale patterning, but also provides atomic-scale structural insights for its future utilization in domain-wall nanoelectronics.
Language experience matters for the emergence of early numerical concepts
Authors: Santos Stacee , Brownell Hiram , Coppola Marie , Shusterman Anna , Cordes Sara
Published: December 2023

Research has shown a link between the acquisition of numerical concepts and language, but exactly how linguistic input matters for numerical development remains unclear. Here, we examine both symbolic (number word knowledge) and non-symbolic (numerical discrimination) numerical abilities in a population in which access to language is limited early in development—oral deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) preschoolers born to hearing parents who do not know a sign language. The oral DHH children demonstrated lower numerical discrimination skills, verbal number knowledge, conceptual understanding of the word “more”, and vocabulary relative to their hearing peers. Importantly, however, analyses revealed that group differences in the numerical tasks, but not vocabulary, disappeared when differences in the amount of time children had had auditory access to spoken language input via hearing technology were taken into account. Results offer insights regarding the role language plays in emerging number concepts.
Labelled dataset for Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer to aid dynamic modelling & fault detection and diagnostics
Authors: Huang Tao , Nøstvik Silas , Bacher Peder , Jensen Jonas Kjær , Markussen Wiebke Brix , Møller Jan Kloppenborg
Published: December 2023

Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers are used to store perishable biological contents and are among the most energy-intensive equipment in laboratory buildings, biobanks, and similar settings. To ensure reliable and efficient operation, it is essential to implement data-driven fault detection and diagnostic algorithms, along with energy optimization techniques. This study presents labelled and long-term ULT-freezer performance dataset, the first of its kind, derived from 53 ULT freezers featuring two different control strategies. The dataset comprises high-resolution historical operation data spanning up to 10 years. More than 10 attributes are recorded from the freezing chamber and critical locations in the refrigeration systems. The dataset is labelled with regular events, such as door openings, as well as fault events obtained from 46 service reports. A scalable data pipeline, consisting of extraction, transformation, and loading processes, is developed to convert the raw data into a format ready for analysis. The dataset can be utilized to support the development of data-driven models and algorithms that advance the intelligent digital operation of ULT freezers.
The species composition, richness and diversity studies of fruit flies captured from the orchard of Nagpur mandarin
Authors: Nage Sonal , Kulkarni U. S. , Undirwade D. B. , Meshram N. M. , Sant Swati
Published: December 2023

The present experiment was conducted to study the diversity of fruit flies in Nagpur mandarin orchard from different agro-ecological zones ofVidarbharegion of Maharashtra, India. The fruit flies samples were collected from 18 places falling under 9 agro-ecological zone using methyl eugenol traps. Out of the total collected catches of fruit flies from each zones,Bactrocera dorsaliswas found to be the most prominent species followed byBactrocera zonata. TheZ. cucurbitaeandB. correctawhich occupied third and fourth rank in species composition, respectively. The species viz.,Zeugodacus duplicatusandZeugodacus gavisusrecorded very less abundance at all locations. Shannons index of diversity was maximum in Morshi followed by Katol. Simpson index was more at Tiwasa and Achalpur locations which indicated minimum diversity in the population of fruit flies. Higher diversity of fruit flies were recorded in Morshi and Katol followed by Amravati.
Low-cost prototyping of nitinol wires/frames using polymeric cores and sacrificial fixtures with application in individualized frames anchoring through the atrial septum
Authors: Dulal Hemanta , Swan Trey , Al’Aref Subhi J. , Alaie Seyedhamidreza
Published: December 2023

Self-expanding frames for minimally invasive implants are typically made from nitinol wires and are heat treated to maintain the desired shapes. In the process of heat treatment, nitinol structures are placed in a high-temperature oven, while they are confined by a fixture. During this process, nitinol exerts a high amount of force. Accordingly, a fixture requires high mechanical strength and temperature resistance; this is why fixtures are typically made from metals. The use of metal fixture also increases the turnaround time and cost. However, accelerating this process is beneficial in many applications, such as rapid development of medical implants that are patient-specific. Inspired by the use of sacrificial layers in microfabrication technology, here we propose a novel method for shape setting nitinol wires using a sacrificial metal fixture. In this process, the nitinol wires are first aligned inside copper hypotubes. Next, the forming process is done using hand-held tools to shape complex geometrical structures, annealing the nitinol reinforced by copper, and then selectively etching copper hypotubes in ammonium persulfate solutions. In this process, other sacrificial cores, which are 3D printed or cast from low-cost polymers, are also used. This combination of polymeric cores and minimal use of metals enables reducing the cost and the turnaround time. As a proof of concept, we showed that this process was capable of fabricating springs with mm or sub-mm diameters. The result showed a change of less than 5% in the intended diameter of the nitinol spring with diameters ranging from ~ 0.7 to 1.9 mm, which confirms copper as a suitable sacrificial fixture to obtain the desired complex geometry for nitinol. A metric, based on the elastic strain stored in copper is suggested to predict the possible variation of the intended dimensions in this process. Finally, to demonstrate the potential of this method, as proof of concept, we fabricated NiTi wire frames designed for anchoring through the atrial septum. These frames demonstrated septal defect occluders that were designed based on a patient’s cardiac image available in the public domain. This low-cost rapid fabrication technique is highly beneficial for a variety of applications in engineering and medicine with specific applications in rapid prototyping of medical implants.
Nitrogen fertilization application strategies improve yield of the rice cultivars with different yield types by regulating phytohormones
Authors: Zou Yue , Zhang Yuchen , Cui Jiehao , Gao Jiacong , Guo Liying , Zhang Qiang
Published: December 2023

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important food crop worldwide, and its sustainable development is essential to ensure global food security. Panicle morphological and physiological characteristics plays an important role in rice yield formation. However, under different nitrogen (N) fertilization strategies, it is not clear whether the morphological and physiological state of panicles at panicle development stage affects the formation of yield. To understand how the panicle differentiation and development, and grain yield are affected by the N fertilization strategies, and clarify the relationship between related traits and yield in the process of panicle development in different cultivars. In this study consisted of no N fertilizer and four N fertilization strategies, a panicle weight type (PWT) rice cultivar, Dongfu 114 (DF114) and a panicle number type (PNT) rice cultivar, Longdao 11 (LD11) were grown in the field. The results showed that N fertilization strategies could improve the nitrogen use efficiency and yield of rice, but the response of different rice varieties to N fertilizer strategies was different. Different from the DF114, the further increase of panicle N fertilizer ratio could not further improve the yield of LD11, and the highest grain yield of DF114 and LD11 was obtained under N4 and N3 conditions, respectively. In addition, this study found that N fertilizer strategies can affect the content of phytohormones in rice at the panicle differentiation stage, and then regulate the differentiation and development of rice panicles to affect yield. It is of great significance to optimize the application mode of N fertilizer according to the characteristics of varieties to improve rice yield and ensure food security.
A hybrid optimization approach for intelligent manufacturing in plastic injection molding by using artificial neural network and genetic algorithm
Authors: EL Ghadoui Mohamed , Mouchtachi Ahmed , Majdoul Redouane
Published: December 2023

This study presents a novel hybrid optimization approach for intelligent manufacturing in plastic injection molding (PIM). It focuses on globally optimizing process parameters to ensure high-quality products while reducing cycle time, material waste, and energy consumption. The method combines a backpropagation neural network (BPNN) with a genetic algorithm (GA) and employs a multi-objective optimization model based on design of experiments (DoE). A BP artificial neural network captures the relationship between optimization goals and process parameters. Leveraging the genetic algorithm, it effectively optimizes process parameters for achieving global optimization goals. The case study involves a polypropylene product, considering dimensional deviation, weight, cycle time, and energy consumption during the PIM cycle. Design variables include melt temperature, injection velocity, injection pressure, commutation position, holding pressure, holding time, and cooling time. The results demonstrate that this approach efficiently adjusts process parameters to meet quality standards, significantly reducing raw material consumption (2%), cycle time (12%), and energy consumption (16%). This offers substantial benefits for companies in highly competitive markets demanding swift adoption of smart production methods.
Signal amplification of a quartz crystal microbalance immunosensor by gold nanoparticles-polyethyleneimine for hepatitis B biomarker detection
Authors: Saffari Zahra , Cohan Reza Ahangari , Sepahi Mina , Sadeqi Mahdi , Khoobi Mehdi , Fard Mojtaba Hamidi , Ghavidel Amir , Amiri Fahimeh Bagheri , Aghasadeghi Mohammad Reza , Norouzian Dariush
Published: December 2023

The procedures currently used for hepatitis B (HB) detection are not suitable for screening, clinical diagnosis, and point-of-care testing (POCT). Therefore, we developed and tested a QCM-based immunosensor by surface modification with AuNP-PEIs to amplify the signal and provide an oriented-immobilization surface. The AuNP-PEIs were characterized by ICP-Mass, UV/Vis, DLS, FE-SEM, and ATR-FTIR. After coating AuNP-PEIs on the gold electrode surface, anti-HBsAg antibodies were immobilized using NHS/EDC chemistry based on response surface methodology (RSM) optimization. The efficiency of the immunosensor was assessed by human sera and data were compared to gold-standard ELISA using receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis. FE-SEM, AFM, EDS, and EDS mapping confirmed AuNP-PEIs are homogeneously distributed on the surface with a high density and purity. After antibody immobilization, the immunosensor exhibited good recognition of HBsAg with a calibration curve of ∆F =  − 6.910e-7x + 10(R2 = 0.9905), a LOD of 1.49 ng/mL, and a LOQ of 4.52 ng/mL. The immunosensor yielded reliable and accurate results with a specificity of 100% (95% CI 47.8–100.0) and sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 96.2–100.0). In conclusion, the fabricated immunosensor has the potential as an analytic tool with high sensitivity and specificity. However, further investigations are needed to convert it to a tiny lab-on-chip for HB diagnosis in clinical samples.
Multicenter study to describe viral etiologies, clinical profiles, and outcomes of hospitalized children with severe acute respiratory infections, Egypt 2022
Authors: Kandeel Amr , Fahim Manal , Deghedy Ola , H. Roshdy Wael , K. Khalifa Mohamed , El Shesheny Rabeh , Kandeil Ahmed , Wagdy Saly , Naguib Amel , Afifi Salma , Abdelghaffar Khaled
Published: December 2023

In late 2022, severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) surveillance reported an abrupt increase in non-COVID-19 infections among children after three years of drastic reductions. Signals of increased absenteeism due to respiratory symptoms among primary and preparatory school children were detected by Event-Based Surveillance. We conducted a hospital-based survey of children who were admitted with SARI to identify the causative pathogen(s) and estimate the burden of infection. A survey was conducted among children < 16 years in 21 referral hospitals in the three governorates with the highest SARI rates. Patients’ demographics, clinical symptoms, and severity were collected from medical records using a line list. Patients were swabbed and tested for a panel of 33 respiratory pathogens by RT-PCR at the Central Laboratory in Cairo. Descriptive data analysis was performed for demographic data. Patients’ characteristics were compared by causative agents’ clinical picture and severity using Chi2 with a p < 0.05 significance. Overall, 317 patients were enrolled, 58.3% were ≤ 1 year of age, 61.5% were males. Of 229 (72.7%) of positively tested patients, viruses caused 92.1% including RSV 63.8%, Rhinovirus 10.0%, Influenza 9.2%, Adenovirus 5.2%, and 1.3% co-infected with two viruses. Bacteria caused 3.5% of cases and 4.4% had mixed viral-bacterial infections. Rhinovirus was the most common cause of death among children with SARI, followed by RSV (8.7% and 1.4%), whereas influenza and Adenovirus did not result in any deaths. Patients with viral-bacterial infections are more likely to be admitted to ICU and die at the hospital than bacterial or viral infections (60% and 20% vs. 31.8% and 1.9% vs. 12.5% and 12.5%, p < 0.001). Viruses particularly RSV are the leading cause of SARI causing significant health problem among children < 16 years in Egypt. Bacterial on top of viral infection can worsen disease courses and outcomes. Studies are required to estimate the SARI burden accurately among Egyptian children and a comprehensive approach tailored to Egypt is necessary to reduce its burden.
Investigating the effect of structural changes of two stretching disks on the dynamics of the MHD model
Authors: Ahmadi Azar Ali , Jalili Bahram , Jalili Payam , Domiri Ganji Davood
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this theoretical study is to explore the behavior of an electrically conducting micropolar fluid when subjected to a uniform magnetic field along the vertical axis between two stretching disks as the structure of the problem changes. In this context, structural changes refer to alterations in the distance between the two discs or the stretching rate of the two discs. The governing equations of this problem are a set of nonlinear coupled partial differential equations, which are transformed into a nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equation set by a similarity transformation. The transformation results in four dimensionless quantities and their derivatives that appear in the equations. Nine dimensionless parameters are derived via similarity variables, including stretching Reynolds number, magnetic parameter, radiation parameter, Prandtl number, Eckert number, Schmidt number, and three micropolar parameters. Previous similarity solutions focused on analyzing the effect of changes in each parameter on the four dimensionless quantities. However, this type of analysis is mainly mathematical and does not provide practical results. This study’s primary novelty is to redefine the magnetic parameter, Eckert number, stretching Reynolds number, and two micropolar parameters to analyze physical parameters that depend on the stretching rate of the two discs or the distance between them. The semi-analytical hybrid analytical and numerical method (HAN-method) is used to solve the equations. The results demonstrate that structural changes affect all five quantities of radial velocity, axial velocity, microrotation, temperature, and concentration. The study’s most significant finding is that an increase in the stretching rate of the two disks causes a sharp increase in temperature and Nusselt number. Conversely, increasing the distance between the two disks causes a sharp decrease in micro-rotation and wall couple stress. They were compared to a previous study in a specific case to validate the results’ accuracy.
Staphylococcus epidermidis is a safer surrogate of Staphylococcus aureus in testing bacterial filtration efficiency of face masks
Authors: Chiera Silvia , Bosco Francesca , Mollea Chiara , Piscitello Amelia , Sethi Rajandrea , Nollo Giandomenico , Caola Iole , Tessarolo Francesco
Published: December 2023

Face masks play a role in reducing the spread of airborne pathogens, providing that they have a good filtration performance, are correctly fitted and maintained. Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) is a key indicator for evaluating filtration performance according to both European and US standards, requiring the use of Staphylococcus aureus loaded aerosol. However, the generation and handling of a Biohazard group 2 bacterium aerosol require a careful management of the biological risk and pose limitations to the accessibility to this method. To mitigate these drawbacks, we investigated the use of S. epidermidis ATCC 12228, a Biohazard group 1 bacterium, as surrogate in BFE test. To this end, tests with the surrogate strain were performed to tune the method. Then, three face mask models, representative for both surgical and community masks, were tested according to the standard method and then using an aerosolized suspension of S. epidermidis. BFE% values were calculated for each mask model and tested microorganisms. Results showed that BFE test can be performed using the S. epidermidis instead of S. aureus, preserving results validity and turnaround time, but reducing residual risk for laboratory operators.
UiO66-NH2-TiO2/NiF photoanode for photocatalytic fuel cell by towards simultaneous treatment of antibiotic wastewater and electricity generation
Authors: Abbasnia Abbas , Rezaei Kalantary Roshanak , Farzadkia Mahdi , Yeganeh Mojtaba , Esrafili Ali
Published: December 2023

Environmental destruction, water crisis, and clean energy are among the very important challenges worldwide based on sustainable development goals. Photocatalytic fuel cell, a potential candidate for converting chemical energy into electrical energy through a pollution-free method, holds promise in addressing these challenges. In this regard, we investigated the response of a photoanode covered with UiO66-NH2-TiO2/NiF on a porous nickel foam as an attractive electrochemical response to remove antibiotics from aqueous solution and simultaneously produce electricity using a one-step hydrothermal synthesis. Nickel foam with its fine structure provides a suitable space for the interaction of light, catalyst, and efficient mass transfer of reactive molecules. It appears that it can be used as a competitive electrode in fuel cells. In order to investigate the properties of the photocatalyst, structural analyses including XRD, FESEM, FTIR, and UV–vis DRS were utilized. Additionally, polarization and electrochemical tests such as chronoamperometry and EIS were measured to further examine the electrochemical features of the PFC photoanode system. The obtained results under optimal conditions (SMZ concentration = 20 ppm, pH = 6, irradiation time = 120 min) were as follows: removal efficiency of 91.7%, Pmax = 16.98 μW/cm2, Jsc = 96.75 μA/cm2, Voc = 644 mV. The light-induced current flow in UiO66-NH2-TiO2/NiF exhibited prominent and reproducible photocurrent responses, indicating efficient and stable charge separation in TiO2/NiF composite materials, which is a promising strategy for pollutant removal and simultaneous electricity generation.
A French nationwide study compared various conditions and healthcare use of individuals < 65 years with a Down’s syndrome to those without
Authors: Tuppin Philippe , Barthelemy Pauline , Debeugny Gonzague , Rachas Antoine
Published: December 2023

Few regular national clinical data are available for individuals with Down’s syndrome (IDS) bearing in mind that they are subject to countries variations in medical termination of pregnancy and screening. Individuals < 65 in 2019 were selected in view of the low number of older IDS. Thus, 98% of 52.4 million people with correct data were included from the national health data system. IDS (35,342) were identified on the basis of the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision code (Q90). Risk ratios (RR) were calculated to compare the frequencies in 2019 between IDS and individual without Down’s syndrome (IWDS) of use of health care. The prevalence of IDS was 0.07% (48% women), comorbidities were more frequent, especially in younger patients (24% < 1 year had another comorbidity, RR = 20), as was the percentage of deaths (4.6%, RR = 10). Overall, tumours were less frequent in IDS compared with IWDS (1.2%, RR = 0.7) except for certain leukaemias and testicular tumours (0.3%, RR = 4). Cardiac malformations (5.2%, RR = 52), dementia (1.2%, RR = 29), mental retardation (5%, RR = 21) and epilepsy (4%, RR = 9) were also more frequent in IDS. The most frequent hospital diagnoses for IDS were: aspiration pneumonia (0.7%, RR = 89), respiratory failure (0.4%, RR = 17), sleep apnoea (1.1%, RR = 8), cryptorchidism (0.3%, RR = 5.9), protein-energy malnutrition (0.1%, RR = 7), type 1 diabetes (0.2%, RR = 2.8) and hypothyroidism (0.1%, RR = 72). IDS were more likely to use emergency services (9%, RR = 2.4), short hospital stay (24%, RR = 1.6) or hospitalisation at home (0.6%, RR = 6). They consulted certain specialists two to three times more frequently than IWDS, for example cardiologists (17%, RR = 2.6). This study is the first detailed national study comparing IDS and non-IDS by age group. These results could help to optimize prenatal healthcare, medical and social support.
Construction and analysis of pseudogene-related ceRNA network in breast cancer
Authors: Mohebifar Hossein , Sabbaghian Amir , Farazmandfar Touraj , Golalipour Masoud
Published: December 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women. The present study explored the potential role of pseudogenes in BC via construction and analysis of a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network through a three-step process. First, we screened differentially expressed genes in nine BC datasets. Then the gene-pseudogenes pairs (nine hub genes) were selected according to the functional enrichment and correlation analysis. Second, the candidate hub genes and interacting miRNAs were used to construct the ceRNA network. Further analysis of the ceRNA network revealed a crucial ceRNA module with two genes-pseudogene pairs and two miRNAs. The in-depth analysis identified the GBP1/hsa-miR-30d-5p/GBP1P1 axis as a potential tumorigenic axis in BC patients. In the third step, the GBP1/hsa-miR-30d-5p/GBP1P1 axis expression level was assessed in 40 tumor/normal BC patients and MCF-7 cell lines. The expression of GBP1 and GBP1P1 was significantly higher in the tumor compared to the normal tissue. However, the expression of hsa-miR-30d-5p was lower in tumor samples. Then, we introduced the GBP1P1 pseudogene into the MCF-7 cell line to evaluate its effect on GBP1 and hsa-miR-30d-5p expression. As expected, the GBP1 level increased while the hsa-miR-30d-5p level decreased in the GBP1P1-overexprsssing cell line. In addition, the oncogenic properties of MCF-7 (cell viability, clonogenicity, and migration) were improved after GBP1P1 overexpression. In conclusion, we report a ceRNA network that may provide new insight into the role of pseudogenes in BC development.
Radiocesium-bearing microparticles found in dry deposition fallout samples immediately after the Fukushima nuclear accident in the Kanto region, Japan
Authors: Takaku Yuki , Higaki Shogo , Hirota Masahiro , Kagi Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Radiocesium released by the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident still exists in the environment in two forms: adsorbed species on mineral particles in the soil and microparticles containing radiocesium mainly composed of silicate glass (CsMPs). CsMPs are dispersed not only around the FDNPP but also over a wide area of the Kanto region. The behavior and characteristics of CsMPs must be investigated to evaluate the impact of the FDNPP accident. Deposited particles including radiocesium were wiped from metal handrails on balconies and car hoods using tissue papers at six locations in the Kanto region (Tokai village, Ushiku City, Abiko City, Chiba City, Kawaguchi City, and Arakawa Ward) between March 15 and 21, 2011. CsMPs were isolated from the samples, and their characteristics were investigated. In total, 106 CsMPs derived from Unit 2 were successfully separated from 13 tissue paper samples. The radiation images of the two types of CsMPs discovered in Ushiku City demonstrate that CsMPs can easily become susceptible to fragmentation over time, even in the absence of weathering effects.
Transfer learning with CNNs for efficient prostate cancer and BPH detection in transrectal ultrasound images
Authors: Huang Te-Li , Lu Nan-Han , Huang Yung-Hui , Twan Wen-Hung , Yeh Li-Ren , Liu Kuo-Ying , Chen Tai-Been
Published: December 2023

Early detection of prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of aging male populations. This study aims to evaluate the performance of transfer learning with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for efficient classification of PCa and BPH in transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) images. A retrospective experimental design was employed in this study, with 1380 TRUS images for PCa and 1530 for BPH. Seven state-of-the-art deep learning (DL) methods were employed as classifiers with transfer learning applied to popular CNN architectures. Performance indices, including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), Kappa value, and Hindex (Youden’s index), were used to assess the feasibility and efficacy of the CNN methods. The CNN methods with transfer learning demonstrated a high classification performance for TRUS images, with all accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, PPV, NPV, Kappa, and Hindex values surpassing 0.9400. The optimal accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity reached 0.9987, 0.9980, and 0.9980, respectively, as evaluated using twofold cross-validation. The investigated CNN methods with transfer learning showcased their efficiency and ability for the classification of PCa and BPH in TRUS images. Notably, the EfficientNetV2 with transfer learning displayed a high degree of effectiveness in distinguishing between PCa and BPH, making it a promising tool for future diagnostic applications.
Symmetric left-handed split ring resonator metamaterial design for terahertz frequency applications
Authors: Ramachandran Tayaallen , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Al-mugren K. S.
Published: December 2023

This work focused on the novel symmetrical left-handed split ring resonator metamaterial for terahertz frequency applications. A compact substrate material known as Silicon with a dimension of 5 µm was adopted in this research investigation. Moreover, several parameter studies were investigated, such as clockwise rotation, array and layer structure designs, larger-scale metamaterials, novel design structure comparisons and electric field distribution analysis. Meanwhile, two types of square-shaped metamaterial designs were proposed in this work. The proposed designs exhibit double and single resonance frequencies respectively, likely at 3.32 and 9.24 THz with magnitude values of − 16.43 and − 17.33 for the first design, while the second design exhibits a response at 3.03 THz with a magnitude value of − 19.90. Moreover, the verification of these results by adopting High-frequency Structure Simulator software indicates only slight discrepancies which are less than 5%. Furthermore, the initial response of the proposed designs was successfully altered by simply rotating the design clockwise or even increasing the dimension of the design. For instance, the first resonance frequency is shifted to the lower band when the first proposed design was rotated 90°. On the other hand, by increasing the size of the metamaterial, more than nine resonance frequencies were gained in each symmetric design. Furthermore, the symmetric metamaterial with a similar width and length of 10 µm dimension was adopted for both design structures to construct an equivalent circuit model by utilising Advanced Design System software. Finally, both unit cell designs were utilised to explore the absorption performances which exhibit four and five peak points. Overall, the altering behaviour by changing physical properties and compact design with acceptable responses become one of the novelties of this research investigation. In a nutshell, the proposed designs can be utilised in terahertz frequency which gives optimistic or advantageous feedback and is relatively suitable for the adopted frequency range.
Employment of a high throughput functional assay to define the critical factors that influence vaccine induced cross-variant neutralizing antibodies for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Gu Yue , Shunmuganathan Bhuvaneshwari , Qian Xinlei , Gupta Rashi , Tan Rebecca S. W. , Kozma Mary , Purushotorman Kiren , Murali Tanusya M. , Tan Nikki Y. J. , Preiser Peter R. , Lescar Julien , Nasir Haziq , Somani Jyoti , Tambyah Paul A. ,   SCOPE Cohort Study Group, Fong Siew-Wai , Amrun Siti Naqiah , Goh Yun-Shan , Tay Matthew Zi-Rui , Rouers Angeline , Chang Zi Wei , Yeo Nicholas Kim-Wah , Chan Yi-Hao , Hor Pei Xian , Loh Chiew Yee , Yang Yuling , Ruesta Anthony Torres , Neo Vanessa , Chen Wendy Yehui , Goh Estelle Yi-Wei , Ong Alice Soh-Meoy , Chua Adeline Chiew Yen , Nguee Samantha , Tang Yong Jie , Tang Weiyi , Wong Joel Xu En , Smith Kenneth G. C. , Renia Laurent , Ng Lisa F. P. , Lye David C. , Young Barnaby E. , MacAry Paul A.
Published: December 2023

The scale and duration of neutralizing antibody responses targeting SARS-CoV-2 viral variants represents a critically important serological parameter that predicts protective immunity for COVID-19. In this study, we describe the development and employment of a new functional assay that measures neutralizing antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 and present longitudinal data illustrating the impact of age, sex and comorbidities on the kinetics and strength of vaccine-induced antibody responses for key variants in an Asian volunteer cohort. We also present an accurate quantitation of serological responses for SARS-CoV-2 that exploits a unique set of in-house, recombinant human monoclonal antibodies targeting the viral Spike and nucleocapsid proteins and demonstrate a reduction in neutralizing antibody titres across all groups 6 months post-vaccination. We also observe a marked reduction in the serological binding activity and neutralizing responses targeting recently newly emerged Omicron variants including XBB 1.5 and highlight a significant increase in cross-protective neutralizing antibody responses following a third dose (boost) of vaccine. These data illustrate how key virological factors such as immune escape mutations combined with host demographic factors such as age and sex of the vaccinated individual influence the strength and duration of cross-protective serological immunity for COVID-19.
Multiple host colonization and differential expansion of multidrug-resistant ST25-Acinetobacter baumannii clades
Authors: Lupo Agnese , Valot Benoît , Saras Estelle , Drapeau Antoine , Robert Marine , Bour Maxime , Haenni Marisa , Plésiat Patrick , Madec Jean-Yves , Potron Anaïs
Published: December 2023

The Acinetobacter baumannii clonal lineage ST25 has been identified in humans and animals and found associated with outbreaks globally. To highlight possible similarities among ST25 A. baumannii of animal and human origins and to gather clues on the dissemination and evolution of the ST25 lineage, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis on n = 106 human and n = 35 animal A. baumannii ST25 genomes, including 44 sequenced for this study. Resistance genes and their genetic background were analyzed, as well. ST25 genomes are clustered into four clades: two are widespread in South America, while the other two are largely distributed in Europe, Asia and America. One particular clade was found to include the most recent strains and the highest number of acquired antibiotic resistance genes. OXA-23-type carbapenemase was the most common. Other resistance genes such as blaNDM-1, blaPER-7, and armA were found embedded in complex chromosomal regions present in human isolates. Genomic similarity among multidrug resistant ST25 isolates of either animal or human origin was revealed, suggesting cross-contaminations between the two sectors. Tracking the clonal complex ST25 between humans and animals should provide new insights into the mode of dissemination of these bacteria, and should help defining strategies for preserving global health.
Attacking cryptosystems by means of virus machines
Authors: Pérez-Jiménez Mario J. , Ramírez-de-Arellano Antonio , Orellana-Martín David
Published: December 2023

The security that resides in thepublic-key cryptosystemsrelies on the presumed computational hardness of mathematical problems behind the systems themselves (e.g. thesemiprime factorization problemin theRSAcryptosystem), that is because there is not known any polynomial time (classical) algorithm to solve them. The paper focuses on the computing paradigm ofvirus machineswithin the area of Unconventional Computing and Natural Computing. Virus machines, which incorporate concepts of virology and computer science, are considered as number computing devices with the environment. The paper designs a virus machine that solves a generalization of the semiprime factorization problem and verifies it formally.
Prediction of transportation index for urban patterns in small and medium-sized Indian cities using hybrid RidgeGAN model
Authors: Thottolil Rahisha , Kumar Uttam , Chakraborty Tanujit
Published: December 2023

The rapid urbanization trend in most developing countries including India is creating a plethora of civic concerns such as loss of green space, degradation of environmental health, scarcity of clean water, rise in air pollution, and exacerbated traffic congestion resulting in significant delays in vehicular transportation. To address the intricate nature of transportation issues, many researchers and planners have analyzed the complexities of urban and regional road systems using transportation models by employing transportation indices such as road length, network density, accessibility, and connectivity metrics. This study addresses the complexities of predicting road network density for small and medium-sized Indian cities that come under the Integrated Development of Small and Medium Towns (IDSMT) project at a national level. A hybrid framework based on Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) and the CityGAN model is introduced to predict network density using spatial indicators of human settlements. The major goal of this study is to generate hyper-realistic urban patterns of small and medium-sized Indian cities using an unsupervised CityGAN model and to study the causal relationship between human settlement indices (HSIs) and transportation index (network density) using supervised KRR for the real cities. The synthetic urban universes mimic Indian urban patterns and evaluating their landscape structures through the settlement indices can aid in comprehending urban landscape, thereby enhancing sustainable urban planning. We analyzed 503 real cities to find the actual relationship between the urban settlements and their road density. The nonlinear KRR model may help urban planners in deriving the network density for GAN-generated futuristic urban patterns through the settlement indicators. The proposed hybrid process, termed as RidgeGAN model, can gauge the sustainability of urban sprawl tied to infrastructure and transportation systems in sprawling cities. Analysis results clearly demonstrate the utility of RidgeGAN in predicting network density for different kinds of human settlements, particularly for small and medium Indian cities. By predicting future urban patterns, this study can help in the creation of more livable and sustainable areas, particularly by improving transportation infrastructure in developing cities.
Dissolving sodium hydrosulfide in drinking water is not a good source of hydrogen sulfide for animal studies
Authors: Ghasemi Asghar , Jeddi Sajad , Yousefzadeh Nasibeh , Kashfi Khosrow , Norouzirad Reza
Published: December 2023

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has many physiological and pathological roles in the human body. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) is widely used as a pharmacological tool for assessing H2S effects in biological experiments. Although H2S loss from NaHS solution is a matter of minutes, some animal studies use NaHS in solution as an H2S-donating compound in drinking water. This study addresses whether 30 μM NaHS in drinking water prepared in rat/mouse water bottles remains stable for at least 12–24 h, as presumed by some authors. NaHS solutions (30 μM) were prepared in drinking water and immediately transferred to rat/mice water bottles. Samples were obtained from the tip of water bottles and from inside of the bottles at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, and 24 h for sulfide measurement using the methylene blue method. Furthermore, NaHS (30 μM) was administered to male and female rats for two weeks, and serum sulfide concentrations were measured every other day in the first week and at the end of the second week. NaHS solution was unstable in the samples obtained from the tip of water bottles; it declined by 72% and 75% after 12 and 24 h, respectively. In the samples obtained from the inside of the water bottles, the decline in the NaHS was not significant until 2 h; however, it decreased by 47% and 72% after 12 and 24 h, respectively. NaHS administration did not affect serum sulfide levels in male and female rats. In conclusion, NaHS solution prepared in drinking water can not be used for H2S donation as the solution is unstable. This route of administration exposes animals to variable and lower-than-expected amounts of NaHS.
Promoter swapping of truncated PDGFRB drives Ph-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Miyazaki Bunpei , Ueno Toshihide , Sugiyama Masanaka , Kojima Shinya , Arakawa Ayumu , Tao Kayoko , Tanimura Kazuki , Shiraishi Kouya , Yagishita Shigehiro , Kohsaka Shinji , Kato Mamoru , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Goto Yasushi , Yatabe Yasushi , Hamada Akinobu , Mano Hiroyuki , Ogawa Chitose , Tanaka Yosuke
Published: December 2023

Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a subset of ALL that demonstrated a high treatment failure rate. One of the hallmarks of Ph-like ALL is PDGFRB gene fusion, with fusion partner proteins often harboring dimerization domains and enhancing the kinase activity of PDGFRB. We determined a novel oncogenic PDGFRB fusion gene, NRIP1::PDGFRB, from a pediatric patient with ALL, encoding a protein with the carboxy-terminal kinase domain of PDGFRB, without the partner peptide. We confirmed the oncogenic potential of NRIP1::PDGFRB in vitro and the efficacy of all ABL1-specific inhibitor generations, including imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, and ponatinib, in suppressing this potential. PDGFRB activation mechanism may include juxtamembrane domain truncation in the predicted peptide. In conclusion, we determined a novel fusion gene pattern in Ph-like ALL.
Quantum phase transitions in skewed ladder systems
Authors: Das Sambunath , Dey Dayasindhu , Raghunathan Rajamani , Soos Zoltan G. , Kumar Manoranjan , Ramasesha S.
Published: December 2023

In this brief review, we introduce a new spin ladder system called skewed spin ladders and discuss the exotic quantum phases of this system.
Crystallization dynamics and stabilization of FAPbI3 single-phase perovskite
Authors: Zuo Weiwei , Fu Weifei , Wang Ke , Das Chittarajan , Byranvand Mahdi Malekshahi , Wang Kai-Li , Chaudhary Aditya , Lim Jaekeun , Li Meng , Saliba Michael
Published: December 2023

In a stable external environment, a slow crystallization rate fosters a stable lattice of pure “black”-phase perovskite, while post treatment at the grain boundaries enhance overall grain stability, contributing to long-term stability.
A reaction cell as a sample introduction portal for detection of gaseous components in ICP-MS
Authors: Hirata Takafumi , Kobayashi Kyoko , Asanuma Hisashi , Makino Yoshiki , Yamashita Shuji , Kurihara Kanoko , Niki Sota , Nakazato Masaki , Shikino Osamu
Published: December 2023

The detection of gaseous elements (He, Ne, Kr, and Xe) and molecules (CO2, CH4, and NH3) using inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) is described.
Evaluation of methods for the detection of hazardous substances in food based on machine learning
Authors: Zhu Long-yu , Yan Lijuan , Zhao Fang , Guo Xuewen , Xu Dunming , Lv Jingzhang , Ding Lin , Niu Na , Qiao Jun-qin , Ma Shumian , Huang Xindi , Liu Huiling , Lian Hong-zhen
Published: December 2023

To evaluate methods of hazard detection, two index systems were proposed and four machine learning-based evaluation models were built and compared.
Movement examination of the lumbar spine using a developed wearable motion sensor
Authors: Abbasi‐Kesbi Reza , Fathi Mohammad , Sajadi Seyed Zaniyar
Published: December 2023

A system for monitoring spinal movements based on wearable motion sensors is proposed here. For this purpose, a hardware system is first developed that measures data of linear acceleration, angular velocity, and the magnetic field of the spine. Then, the obtained data from these sensors are combined in a proposed complementary filter, and their angular variations are estimated. The obtained results of angular variation of this system in comparison with an accurate reference illustrate that the root mean squared error is less than 1.61 degrees for three angles of , and for this system that proves this system can accurately estimate the angular variation of the spine. Then, the system is mounted on the lumbar spine of several volunteers, and the obtained angles from the patients' spine are compared with some healthy volunteers' spine, and the performance of their spine improves over time. The results show that this system can be very effective for patients who suffer from back problems and help in their recovery process a lot.
A high gain circularly polarised magnetoelectric dipole antenna array with metallic radiating structures for millimetre‐wave applications
Authors: Ye Zihang , Tian Jin , Xiao Jun , Ding Tongyu , Han Chongzhi , Ye Qiubo
Published: December 2023

An antenna array design method of trade‐off between high gain and low profile is proposed. A high‐gain circularly polarised (CP) substrate integrated waveguide (SIW)‐fed magnetoelectric dipole (ME‐dipole) antenna array with metallic radiating structures is presented for millimetre‐wave (MMW) applications. The CP antenna element comprises a set of horizontally and vertically metal plates and a metallic cavity that is excited by an X‐shaped coupling slot etched on the broader side of SIW. The metallic cavity is designed to improve the gain and axial ratio (AR) performances. Utilising this antenna element, a proof‐of‐concept is established through the design of a 2 × 2 subarray and a 4 × 4 array. The fabricated 4 × 4 CP antenna array has a measured impedance bandwidth of 6.1% (36.4–38.7 GHz), with |S11| ≤ −10dB. The measured 3dB AR bandwidth is 5.4% (36.0–38.0 GHz). The measured maximum gain achieved is 19.1 dBic. The height of the proposed array is 0.74λ0 which is larger than the heights of typical SIW‐based microstrip arrays (0.1–0.4λ0) and lower than the heights of metallic arrays (larger than 2λ0).