bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Capabilities Through Automated Machine Learning Characterization of Natural Gas Powered Assets
Authors: Perullo Christopher A. , Seachman Steven , Noble David , Lim Jamie , Boche Lea , Choi Woosung
Published: November 2024

Gas Turbine operator M&D centers currently spend a disproportionate amount of time responding to false alarms. Often, these false alarms are caused by errors in the instrumentation acquisition and recording chain. Sensors may fail outright, drift, or data may be corrupted during transmission or archival storage. Any one of these issues can lead to erroneous data which may lead to false alarms at the M&D center. Many advanced algorithms used for M&D are particularly susceptible to errors in input signals. Erroneous or missing data can cause issues during the training process and during diagnostic use. This work has constructed a physics-informed AI model which calculates a health indicator for faulty, mis-calibrated, or mis-recorded sensor readings. The process uses auto associative neural networks coupled with Historian data to identify not just a good/bad flag, but a likelihood score which indicates the probability that the reading is indeed erroneous. In the event the signal is anomalous, a digital twin model can be executed to determine if the issue is indeed instrumentation, or if the issue is hardware related. The method works for any physical asset and can be deployed using standard libraries available to gas turbine owners and operators.
Hydrogen Cooled Generator Fast Degas Purge System Benefits and Real-World Results
Authors: Tucker Clayton , Warren Ted
Published: November 2024

Prior to going in or out of service, hydrogen cooled generators need to be purged with carbon dioxide to avoid explosive conditions. Historically, this purging process has always been a balancing act. Purging the generator too slowly causes a longer outage meaning lower power production, high costs, and a loss in potential profits. Purge the generator too quickly forms dry ice blockage called a freeze up which can damage the generator or piping and will not adequately remove the explosive environment. Previously, generator purging is a long and laborious task taking an average eight hours to complete; however, the carbon dioxide Fast Degas system can reduce that time down to an hour. The difference of hours to a power plant is critical as shorter time means more uptime, increases production, and increases the safety of the operators by reducing the amount of time in a hazardous situation. In this paper, we will use our experiences to demonstrate the importance of being able to purge any hydrogen cooled generator quickly and efficiently. This document will show, through recent real-world results, that the Fast Degas system works as intended, is able to purge a generator in under an hour in the case of an emergency, and how it has avoided costly and potentially catastrophic events.
Summary of Operational Parameters and Their Effects on the Simulated Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of U-10Mo Monolithic Fuel Plate
Authors: Roh Hee Seok , Mohamed Walid , Ozaltun Hakan
Published: November 2024

Sensitivity studies on operational parameters evaluated the effects of these parameters related to operating and irradiation conditions on the simulated thermo-mechanical performance of a monolithic fuel plate. Since different reactors will employ various geometric designs with a wide range of operational envelopes, it is not feasible to use a single representative geometry with characteristic irradiation parameters to study possible effects specific to different reactor applications. To make a comparative performance assessment, characteristic operational parameters on a demonstrative geometry were studied instead.

Several distinct parameters related to the monolithic fuel system’s operating and irradiation conditions were evaluated using finite element analysis to address these concerns. These parameters included mechanical constraints, cooling rate, cooling conditions, power and burnup, bond strength and delamination, thermal cycling, and flow-induced deformation.

This study observed that a simulated closure of a coolant channel causes the fuel plate temperature to rise and that reducing one of the coolant channels adjacent to a fuel plate results in fuel plate deflection. The delamination between fuel and cladding locally increased the temperature in the fuel plate. As simulated in this work, the delamination size showed a negligible effect on the maximum fuel temperature.
Physics-Informed Deep Learning-Based Modeling of a Novel Elastohydrodynamic Seal for Supercritical CO2 Turbomachinery
Authors: Lyathakula Karthik Reddy , Cesmeci Sevki , DeMond Matthew , Xu Hanping , Tang Jing
Published: November 2024

Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) power cycles show great potential of higher plant efficiency and power density for a wide range of power generation applications such as fossil fuel power plants, nuclear power production, solar power, and geothermal power generation. sCO2 leakage has been one of the main concerns in such applications. To offer a potential solution, we propose an Elasto-Hydrodynamic (EHD) seal that can work at elevated pressures and temperatures with low leakage and minimal wear. The EHD seal has a very simple, sleeve-like structure, wrapping on the rotor with minimal initial clearance at μm levels. In this work, a proof-of-concept study for the proposed EHD seal was presented by using the simplified Reynolds equation and Lame’s formula the fluid flow in the clearance and for seal deformation, respectively. The set of nonlinear equations was solved by using the conventional Prediction-Correction (PC) method and modern Physics-informed Neural Network (PINN). It was shown that the physics-informed deep learning method provides good computational efficiency in resolving the steep pressure gradient in the clearance with good accuracy. The results showed that the leakage rates increased quadratically with working pressures and reached a steady state at high-pressure values of 15 ∼ 20 MPa., where Q = 300 g/s at 20 MPa for an initial seal clearance of 255 μm. This indicates that the EHD seal could be tailored to become a potential solution to minimize the sCO2 discharge in the sCO2 power plants.
Effect of Target Differentiation, Prioritization, and Environmental Clutter on Quiet Eye Duration in First-Person Shooter Esports: A Brief Report Pilot Study
Authors: Hampshire Brodie , Tyndall Ian
Published: November 2024

The burgeoning prominence of esports underscores its increasing relevance in sport and performance psychology. To enhance its integration into scholarly discourse, established cognitive research paradigms should be applied. In this study, we focused on first-person shooter esports, identifying specific variables unique to this domain and examining their impact on quiet eye (QE) duration—an indicator strongly correlated with successful performance. Using eye-tracking equipment, we analyzed gaze data related to the QE, the final fixation point preceding a motor response. Our pilot sample (n = 9) participated in three block trials exploring the effects of environmental clutter, target differentiation, and target prioritization on QE duration. Paired t tests compared mean QE duration between experimental tasks and control trials with single targets. Although trend effects of environmental clutter and target prioritization were observed, none reached statistical significance. These findings echo certain aspects of the existing esports literature, particularly regarding the reduced prominence of QE in scenarios involving multiple targets. Acknowledging study limitations, we offer recommendations for future research to deepen understanding of cognitive processes and performance outcomes in esports.
Ocean-scale patterns of environment and climate changes driving global marine phytoplankton biomass dynamics
Authors: Li Zhenghao , Sun Deyong , Wang Shengqiang , Huan Yu , Zhang Hailong , Yuan Yibo , He Yijun
Published: November 2024

Effects of marine environment and climate changes on phytoplankton dynamics in global oceans have received increasing attention but remain a mystery. This study used a comprehensive approach combining correlation and information flow to explore relationships among phytoplankton biomass, marine environment, and climate forcing based on global observations over the past multi-decadal period. Correlation and causality between phytoplankton biomass and environmental factors exhibit spatial asymmetry—regions where environmental factors directly drive biomass variations were concentrated in oceanic currents and subtropical circulations. Temperature, light, and mixed layer depth show pronounced influences on global phytoplankton interdecadal variations. Climate forcing over interdecadal timescales directly affects phytoplankton biomass in the equatorial Pacific, South Pacific, and Indian Oceans, with more uncertain biomass variability in the equatorial Pacific due to multiple climate events. Our findings revealed that environment and climate changes directly affect phytoplankton interdecadal variability only in specific regions at the oceanic scale.
Mitochondrial elongation impairs breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Minarrieta Lucía , Annis Matthew G. , Audet-Delage Yannick , Kuasne Hellen , Pacis Alain , St-Louis Catherine , Nowakowski Alexander , Biondini Marco , Khacho Mireille , Park Morag , Siegel Peter M. , St-Pierre Julie
Published: November 2024

Mitochondrial dynamics orchestrate many essential cellular functions, including metabolism, which is instrumental in promoting cancer growth and metastatic progression. However, how mitochondrial dynamics influences metastatic progression remains poorly understood. Here, we show that breast cancer cells with low metastatic potential exhibit a more fused mitochondrial network compared to highly metastatic cells. To study the impact of mitochondrial dynamics on metastasis, we promoted mitochondrial elongation in metastatic breast cancer cells by individual genetic deletion of three key regulators of mitochondrial fission (Drp1, Fis1, Mff) or by pharmacological intervention with leflunomide. Omics analyses revealed that mitochondrial elongation causes substantial alterations in metabolic pathways and processes related to cell adhesion. In vivo, enhanced mitochondrial elongation by loss of mitochondrial fission mediators or treatment with leflunomide notably reduced metastasis formation. Furthermore, the transcriptomic signature associated with elongated mitochondria correlated with improved clinical outcome in patients with breast cancer. Overall, our findings highlight mitochondrial dynamics as a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.
Generalizable and replicable brain-based predictions of cognitive functioning across common psychiatric illness
Authors: Chopra Sidhant , Dhamala Elvisha , Lawhead Connor , Ricard Jocelyn A. , Orchard Edwina R. , An Lijun , Chen Pansheng , Wulan Naren , Kumar Poornima , Rubenstein Arielle , Moses Julia , Chen Lia , Levi Priscila , Holmes Alexander , Aquino Kevin , Fornito Alex , Harpaz-Rotem Ilan , Germine Laura T. , Baker Justin T. , Yeo B. T. Thomas , Holmes Avram J.
Published: November 2024

A primary aim of computational psychiatry is to establish predictive models linking individual differences in brain functioning with symptoms. In particular, cognitive impairments are transdiagnostic, treatment resistant, and associated with poor outcomes. Recent work suggests that thousands of participants may be necessary for the accurate and reliable prediction of cognition, questioning the utility of most patient collection efforts. Here, using a transfer learning framework, we train a model on functional neuroimaging data from the UK Biobank to predict cognitive functioning in three transdiagnostic samples (ns = 101 to 224). We demonstrate prediction performance in all three samples comparable to that reported in larger prediction studies and a boost of up to 116% relative to classical models trained directly in the smaller samples. Critically, the model generalizes across datasets, maintaining performance when trained and tested across independent samples. This work establishes that predictive models derived in large population-level datasets can boost the prediction of cognition across clinical studies.
Luck, skill, and depth of competition in games and social hierarchies
Authors: Jerdee Maximilian , Newman M. E. J.
Published: November 2024

Patterns of wins and lo sses in pairwise contests, such as occur in sports and games, consumer research and paired comparison studies, and human and animal social hierarchies, are commonly analyzed using probabilistic models that allow one to quantify the strength of competitors or predict the outcome of future contests. Here, we generalize this approach to incorporate two additional features: an element of randomness or luck that leads to upset wins, and a “depth of competition” variable that measures the complexity of a game or hierarchy. Fitting the resulting model, we estimate depth and luck in a range of games, sports, and social situations. In general, we find that social competition tends to be “deep,” meaning it has a pronounced hierarchy with many distinct levels, but also that there is often a nonzero chance of an upset victory. Competition in sports and games, by contrast, tends to be shallow, and in most cases, there is little evidence of upset wins.
A normative framework dissociates need and motivation in hypothalamic neurons
Authors: Kim Kyu Sik , Lee Young Hee , Yun Jong Won , Kim Yu-Been , Song Ha Young , Park Joon Seok , Jung Sang-Ho , Sohn Jong-Woo , Kim Ki Woo , Kim HyungGoo R. , Choi Hyung Jin
Published: November 2024

Physiological needs evoke motivational drives that produce natural behaviors for survival. In previous studies, the temporally intertwined dynamics of need and motivation have made it challenging to differentiate these two components. On the basis of classic homeostatic theories, we established a normative framework to derive computational models for need-encoding and motivation-encoding neurons. By combining the model-based predictions and naturalistic experimental paradigms, we demonstrated that agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and lateral hypothalamic leptin receptor (LH
LepR)
neuronal activities encode need and motivation, respectively. Our model further explains the difference in the dynamics of appetitive behaviors induced by optogenetic stimulation of AgRP or LH
LepR
neurons. Our study provides a normative modeling framework that explains how hypothalamic neurons separately encode need and motivation in the mammalian brain.
High-speed odor sensing using miniaturized electronic nose
Authors: Dennler Nik , Drix Damien , Warner Tom P. A. , Rastogi Shavika , Casa Cecilia Della , Ackels Tobias , Schaefer Andreas T. , van Schaik André , Schmuker Michael
Published: November 2024

Animals have evolved to rapidly detect and recognize brief and intermittent encounters with odor packages, exhibiting recognition capabilities within milliseconds. Artificial olfaction has faced challenges in achieving comparable results—existing solutions are either slow; or bulky, expensive, and power-intensive—limiting applicability in real-world scenarios for mobile robotics. Here, we introduce a miniaturized high-speed electronic nose, characterized by high-bandwidth sensor readouts, tightly controlled sensing parameters, and powerful algorithms. The system is evaluated on a high-fidelity odor delivery benchmark. We showcase successful classification of tens-of-millisecond odor pulses and demonstrate temporal pattern encoding of stimuli switching with up to 60 hertz. Those timescales are unprecedented in miniaturized low-power settings and demonstrably exceed the performance observed in mice. It is now possible to match the temporal resolution of animal olfaction in robotic systems. This will allow for addressing challenges in environmental and industrial monitoring, security, neuroscience, and beyond.
High-dimensional spin-orbital single-photon sources
Authors: Kan Yinhui , Liu Xujing , Kumar Shailesh , Kulikova Liudmilla F. , Davydov Valery A. , Agafonov Viatcheslav N. , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I.
Published: November 2024

Hybrid integration of solid-state quantum emitters (QEs) into nanophotonic structures opens enticing perspectives for exploiting multiple degrees of freedom of single-photon sources for on-chip quantum photonic applications. However, the state-of-the-art single-photon sources are mostly limited to two-level states or scalar vortex beams. Direct generation of high-dimensional structured single photons remains challenging, being still in its infancy. Here, we propose a general strategy to design highly entangled high-dimensional spin-orbital single-photon sources by taking full advantage of the spatial freedom to design QE-coupled composite (i.e., Moiré/multipart) metasurfaces. We demonstrate the generation of arbitrary vectorial spin-orbital photon emission in high-dimensional Hilbert spaces, mapping the generated states on hybrid-order Bloch spheres. We further realize single-photon sources of high-dimensional spin-orbital quantum emission and experimentally verify the entanglement of high-dimensional superposition states with high fidelity. We believe that the results obtained facilitate further progress in integrated solutions for the deployment of next-generation high-capacity quantum information technologies.
Tailored ultrasound propagation in microscale metamaterials via inertia design
Authors: Sun Rachel , Lem Jet , Kai Yun , DeLima Washington , Portela Carlos M.
Published: November 2024

The quasi-static properties of micro-architected (meta)materials have been extensively studied over the past decade, but their dynamic responses, especially in acoustic metamaterials with engineered wave propagation behavior, represent a new frontier. However, challenges in miniaturizing and characterizing acoustic metamaterials in high-frequency (megahertz) regimes have hindered progress toward experimentally implementing ultrasonic-wave control. Here, we present an inertia design framework based on positioning microspheres to tune responses of 3D microscale metamaterials. We demonstrate tunable quasi-static stiffness by up to 75% and dynamic longitudinal-wave velocities by up to 25% while maintaining identical material density. Using noncontact laser-based dynamic experiments of tunable elastodynamic properties and numerical demonstrations of spatio-temporal ultrasound wave propagation, we explore the tunable static and elastodynamic property relation. This design framework expands the quasi-static and dynamic metamaterial property space through simple geometric changes, enabling facile design and fabrication of metamaterials for applications in medical ultrasound and analog computing.
Dormancy-inducing 3D engineered matrix uncovers mechanosensitive and drug-protective FHL2-p21 signaling axis
Authors: Bakhshandeh Sadra , Heras Unai , Taïeb Hubert M. , Varadarajan Adithi R. , Lissek Susanna M. , Hücker Sarah M. , Lu Xin , Garske Daniela S. , Young Sarah A. E. , Abaurrea Andrea , Caffarel Maria M , Riestra Ana , Bragado Paloma , Contzen Jörg , Gossen Manfred , Kirsch Stefan , Warfsmann Jens , Honarnejad Kamran , Klein Christoph A. , Cipitria Amaia
Published: November 2024

Solid cancers frequently relapse with distant metastasis, despite local and systemic treatment. Cellular dormancy has been identified as an important mechanism underlying drug resistance enabling late relapse. Therefore, relapse from invisible, minimal residual cancer of seemingly disease-free patients call for in vitro models of dormant cells suited for drug discovery. Here, we explore dormancy-inducing 3D engineered matrices, which generate mechanical confinement and induce growth arrest and survival against chemotherapy in cancer cells. We characterized the dormant phenotype of solitary cells by P-ERK
low
:P-p38
high
dormancy signaling ratio, along with Ki67
−
expression. As underlying mechanism, we identified stiffness-dependent nuclear localization of the four-and-a-half LIM domain 2 (FHL2) protein, leading to p53-independent high p21
Cip1/Waf1
nuclear expression, validated in murine and human tissue. Suggestive of a resistance-causing role, cells in the dormancy-inducing matrix became sensitive against chemotherapy upon FHL2 down-regulation. Thus, our biomaterial-based approach will enable systematic screens for previously unidentified compounds suited to eradicate potentially relapsing dormant cancer cells.
The
R1441C-Lrrk2
mutation induces myeloid immune cell exhaustion in an age- and sex-dependent manner in mice
Authors: Wallings Rebecca L. , McFarland Karen , Staley Hannah A. , Neighbarger Noelle , Schaake Susen , Brüggemann Norbert , Zittel Simone , Usnich Tatiana , Klein Christine , Sammler Esther M. , Tansey Malú Gámez
Published: November 2024

Age is the greatest risk factor for many neurodegenerative diseases, yet immune system aging, a contributor to neurodegeneration, is understudied. Genetic variation in the
LRRK2
gene affects risk for both familial and sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD). The leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) protein is implicated in peripheral immune cell signaling, but the effects of an aging immune system on LRRK2 function remain unclear. We analyzed peritoneal macrophages from
R1441C-Lrrk2
knock-in mice and observed a biphasic, age-dependent effect of the
R1441C-Lrrk2
mutation on peritoneal macrophage function. We report increases in antigen presentation, anti-inflammatory cytokine production, lysosomal activity, and pathogen uptake in peritoneal macrophages from young (2- to 3-month-old) female
R1441C-Lrrk2
mice. Conversely, macrophages from aged (18- to 21-month-old) female
R1441C-Lrrk2
mice exhibited decreased antigen presentation after inflammatory insult, decreased lysosomal function, and pathogen uptake, with a concomitant increase in DNA fragmentation in the presence of pathogens. This immune cell exhaustion phenotype was not observed in male
R1441C-Lrrk2
mice and was driven by increased LRRK2 protein kinase activity. This phenotype was also observed in human peripheral myeloid cells, with monocyte-derived macrophages from patients with PD who had either the
R1441C-
or
Y1699C-LRRK2
mutation exhibiting decreased pathogen uptake and increased PDL1 expression, consistent with immune cell exhaustion. Our findings that LRRK2 mutations conferred an immunological advantage at a young age but could predispose the carrier to age-acquired immune cell exhaustion have implications for the therapeutic development of LRRK2 inhibitors.
Monoclonal antibodies against the spike protein alter the endogenous humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection
Authors: Petro Christopher D. , Hooper Andrea T. , Peace Avery , Mohammadi Kusha , Eagan Will , Elbashir Sayda M. , DiPiazza Anthony , Makrinos Daniel , Pascal Kristen , Bandawane Pooja , Durand Mauricio , Basu Ranu , Coppi Alida , Wang Bei , Golubov Jacquelynn , Asrat Seblewongel , Ganguly Samit , Koehler-Stec Ellen-Marie , Wipperman Matthew F. , Ehrlich George , Gonzalez Ortiz Ana M. , Isa Flonza , Lewis Mark G. , Andersen Hanne , Musser Bret J. , Torres Marcela , Lee Wen-Yi , Edwards Darin , Skokos Dimitris , Orengo Jamie , Sleeman Matthew , Norton Thomas , O’Brien Meagan , Forleo-Neto Eduardo , Herman Gary A. , Hamilton Jennifer D. , Murphy Andrew J. , Kyratsous Christos A. , Baum Alina
Published: November 2024

Increased use of antiviral monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for treatment and prophylaxis necessitates better understanding of their impact on endogenous immunity to vaccines and viruses. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic presented an opportunity to study immunity in individuals who received antiviral mAbs and were subsequently immunized with vaccines encoding the mAb-targeted viral spike antigen. Here, we describe the impact of administration of an antibody combination, casirivimab plus imdevimab (CAS+IMD), on immune responses to subsequent SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in humans, nonhuman primates, and mice. The presence of CAS+IMD at the time of vaccination led to a specific diminishment of vaccine-elicited pseudovirus neutralizing antibody titers without overall dampening of spike protein–directed immune responses, including antibody, B cell, and T cell responses. The impact on pseudovirus neutralizing titers extended to other therapeutic anti–spike protein antibodies when used as either monotherapy or combination therapy. The specific reduction in pseudovirus neutralizing titers was the result of epitope masking, a phenomenon where specific epitopes are bound by high-affinity antibodies and blocked from B cell recognition. Encouragingly, this reduction in pseudovirus neutralizing titers was reversible with additional booster vaccination. Moreover, by assessing the antiviral immune response in SARS-CoV-2–infected individuals treated therapeutically with CAS+IMD, we demonstrated alteration of antiviral humoral immunity in those who had received mAb therapy, but only in those individuals who had yet to start mounting their natural immune response at the time of mAb treatment. Together, these data demonstrate that antiviral mAbs can alter endogenous humoral immunity during vaccination or infection.
Prospective evaluation of non-invasive saliva specimens for the diagnosis of syphilis and molecular surveillance of
Treponema pallidum
Authors: Imai Kazuo , Sato Akihiro , Tanaka Masashi , Ohama Yuki , Nakayama Shu-ichi , Omachi Ryuha , Takeuchi Keita , Tarumoto Norihito , Tokano Mieko , Mesaki Shigefumi , Maeda Takuya , Akeda Yukihiro
Published: November 2024

The promising diagnostic performance of molecular testing for syphilis using saliva and urine samples has been reported; however, further evaluation of its possible application for diagnosis and molecular surveillance is required. In addition, the development of a rapid and easy-to-perform molecular test for syphilis is important for its use in the clinical setting. We comprehensively evaluated the diagnostic and surveillance performance of two novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays using saliva and urine samples. Saliva, urine, and whole blood were collected from patients who underwent serological testing for syphilis at outpatient clinics.
Treponema pallidum
DNA in specimens was detected using quantitative PCR (qPCR), nested PCR, and novel LAMP assays.
T. pallidum
genotyping was conducted by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Of the 163 patients recruited, 98 were diagnosed with syphilis (primary:
n
= 35; secondary:
n
= 40; latent:
n
= 23). qPCR showed the highest sensitivity among the molecular tests performed with a sensitivity of 54.1% and 30.3% for all syphilis patients using saliva and urine samples, respectively. A novel method of LAMP combined with dry reagents and crude DNA extraction (Dry-LAMP) showed a probit detection limit of 37.4 copies/reaction within 45 min. The agreement rate between Dry-LAMP and qPCR for saliva was 95.7% (
κ
coefficient 0.90). The
T. pallidum
genotype was identified in 48 patients by MLST using saliva samples. Molecular analysis of saliva could be used as a supplementary diagnostic test for syphilis and molecular surveillance of the
T. pallidum
genotype. Dry-LAMP is expected to be helpful in the clinical diagnosis of syphilis.
Ecological drivers of CRISPR immune systems
Authors: Xiao Wei , Weissman J. L. , Johnson Philip L. F.
Published: November 2024

CRISPR-Cas is the only known adaptive immune system of prokaryotes. It is a powerful defense system against mobile genetic elements such as bacteriophages. While CRISPR-Cas systems can be found throughout the prokaryotic tree of life, they are distributed unevenly across taxa and environments. Since adaptive immunity is more useful in environments where pathogens persist or reoccur, the density and/or diversity of the host/pathogen community may drive the uneven distribution of CRISPR systems. We directly tested hypotheses connecting CRISPR incidence with prokaryotic density/diversity by analyzing 16S rRNA and metagenomic data from publicly available environmental sequencing projects. In terms of density, we found that CRISPR systems are significantly favored in lower abundance (less dense) taxa and disfavored in higher abundance taxa, at least in marine environments. When we extended this work to compare taxonomic diversity between samples, we found CRISPR system incidence strongly correlated with diversity in human oral environments. Together, these observations confirm that, at least in certain types of environments, the prokaryotic ecological context indeed plays a key role in selecting for CRISPR immunity.

IMPORTANCE

Microbes must constantly defend themselves against viral pathogens, and a large proportion of prokaryotes do so using the highly effective CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system. However, many prokaryotes do not. We investigated the ecological factors behind this uneven distribution of CRISPR-Cas immune systems in natural microbial populations. We found strong patterns linking CRISPR-Cas systems to prokaryotic density within ocean environments and to prokaryotic diversity within human oral environments. Our study validates previous within-lab experimental results that suggested these factors might be important and confirms that local environment and ecological context interact to select for CRISPR immunity.
A Wushu Leg Gesture Recognition Algorithm Based on Random Forest and Bone Feature Extraction (RF-SFE)
Authors: Chen Yuansheng
Published: November 2024

Addressing the challenges of complex movement trajectories and rapid action changes in martial arts performances, this study introduces a novel posture recognition algorithm based on Random Forest and Skeletal Feature Extraction (RF-SFE) for martial arts leg movements. Unlike traditional posture recognition methods that struggle with accuracy, RF-SFE aims to provide intelligent analysis of training postures to assist practitioners in efficient training. The algorithm initially employs advanced skeletal feature extraction techniques to identify and articulate the relative positions and movements specific to martial arts. These extracted spatial features enhance the flexibility in modeling the unique dynamics of martial arts. Subsequently, Random Forest classification is utilized to categorize different leg movements, leveraging its strength in handling high-dimensional data and providing robust classification. Comparative experiments on diverse martial arts posture datasets demonstrate a significant improvement in recognition rates over baseline methods. This validates the effectiveness of the RF-SFE method in recognizing martial arts postures, offering scientific guidance for practitioners’ training regimens.
Path planning strategy for unmanned aerial manipulators in pick-and-place applications
Authors: Housseyn Zamoum , Yasser Bouzid , Mohamed Guiatni
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces an innovative path planning strategy tailored to Unmanned Aerial Manipulation (UAM) systems for pick-and-place applications. It offers a solution for effectively coordinating the aerial platform with the manipulator robot to navigate around obstacles. This is achieved by establishing two distinct paths, one for the aerial platform and another for the manipulator robot, ensuring seamless operation and preventing collisions within the entire system. The core of this approach relies heavily on the novel Random Geometric Model (RGM) to position the aerial platform close to the target object, thus confirming that the object is within reach of its end-effector. It employs sampling-based methods and geometric models to efficiently explore the configuration space and generate collision-free path. The fundamental concept underlying this approach is to randomly generate points within the workspace of the UAM as destination objectives. These points act as guiding references for the sampling-based algorithms, simplifying the creation of connectivity graphs between the starting position and the intended destinations for the aerial manipulator. The effectiveness of this strategy is demonstrated across various scenarios, highlighting its superior performance in terms of efficiency, computation time, and path length when compared to existing path planning techniques like RRT* and Informed RRT*.
Safety-Critical Containment Control for Quadrotor Team Using Exponential Control Barrier Functions
Authors: Xia Zheng , Chen Mou
Published: November 2024

In this work, the containment control problem for a quadrotor team is addressed in the presence of multiple dynamic leaders with unknown bounded time-varying inputs. Both safety-critical constraints and input constraints are considered. Specifically, a linear extended state observer (ESO) is employed to handle the uncertainty and disturbance. A distributed fixed-time observer is designed to estimate the reference signal requiring no global information. The proposed nominal controller can guarantee the formation geometric constraint in steady states. Moreover, safety certificates for collision-free in transient states is enforced by using exponential control barrier functions (ECBFs). A real-time quadratic programming (QP) problem is constructed to modify the nominal controller such that both safety constraint and input constraint can be satisfied. Finally, simulations and experiments illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Integrating Shariah Principles with ESG for Sustainable Finance: A Comprehensive Framework
Authors: Mohamed Hazik
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we explore how economic policy to support sustainability can coordinate efforts to tackle climate risk, overcome environmental challenges and ensure human security. The financial system faces very significant risks posed by climate change, as well as the transition to a low carbon economy. As such, the ESG framework as it is needs to be enhanced in order to be itself effective and sustainable. Hence, we propose an enhanced ESG framework that is grounded in strong Islamic fundamentals to anticipate gaps that can be exploited. Considering human relationships with the natural world from the perspective of Islamic teachings holds great promise for rethinking resource management and preservation. A fundamental role of humans in Islam is that of trustees of creation. The need to achieve sustainable economic development globally and its transition to a low-carbon economy requires strong policies and initiatives to drive green and sustainable finance for the purpose of achieving public policy objectives effectively.
Impact of fluvial meander-belt sedimentary heterogeneity on the efficiency of low-enthalpy geothermal doublets: heat-transport simulations of forward stratigraphic models
Authors: Aghaei Hamed , Colombera Luca , Yan Na , Mountney Nigel P. , Bernagozzi Gabriele , Di Giulio Andrea
Published: November 2024

In the present study, different geocellular models of meander-belt stratigraphic architectures were produced that are representative of the sedimentary products of sand-bed meandering rivers and their petrophysical heterogeneity. The static models were created by combining a rule-based stratigraphic modelling approach with geostatistical modelling, and were applied in groundwater-flow and heat-transport simulations using MODFLOW-2005 and MT3D-USGS software. Overall, histories of injected cold-water plume propagation were examined considering: (i) three architectural frameworks as representative of different river morphodynamics; (ii) four scenarios of facies architecture; and (iii) alternative well layouts. The presence, size and spatial distribution of sedimentary heterogeneities related to river hydrodynamics, channel-form abandonment or modes of meander-transformation are seen to control the shape of the thermal plume, thereby affecting well-doublet performance. The considered scenarios of facies make-up for point-bar deposits have a modest influence on the temperature decline near the abstraction well. The presence of sandstone beds in the lower heterolithic parts of abandoned-channel fill does not facilitate significant thermal-plume expansion beyond the mud-plug. The effect of basal lags made of open-framework conglomerates on heat advection depends on their geometry but is effectively negligible when it makes up less than 1% of the deposits. Relatively thin mud drapes lying on point-bar accretion surfaces are seen to act as baffles to flow but their impact is minimal in view of their small number. The study provides useful and novel insights into the potential impact of sedimentary heterogeneity in fluvial reservoirs, which can be applied to the design of well doublets and to highlight areas that deserve further investigations.
Unifying Model Execution and Deductive Verification with Interaction Trees in Isabelle/HOL
Authors: Foster Simon , Hur Chung-Kil , Woodcock Jim
Published: November 2024

Model execution allows us to prototype and analyse software engineering models by stepping through their possible behaviours, using techniques like animation and simulation. On the other hand, deductive verification allows us to construct formal proofs demonstrating satisfaction of certain critical properties in support of high-assurance software engineering. To ensure coherent results between execution and proof, we need unifying semantics and automation. In this paper, we mechanise Interaction Trees (ITrees) in Isabelle/HOL to produce an execution and verification framework. ITrees are coinductive structures that allow us to encode infinite labelled transition systems, yet they are inherently executable. We use ITrees to create verification tools for stateful imperative programs, concurrent programs with message passing in the form of the CSP and
Circus
languages, and abstract system models in the style of the Z and B methods. We demonstrate how ITrees can account for diverse semantic presentations, such as structural operational semantics, a relational program model, and CSP's failures-divergences trace model. Finally, we demonstrate how ITrees can be executed using the Isabelle code generator to support the animation of models.
RSNA 2023 Abdominal Trauma AI Challenge: Review and Outcomes
Authors: Hermans Sebastiaan , Hu Zixuan , Ball Robyn L. , Lin Hui Ming , Prevedello Luciano M. , Berger Ferco H. , Yusuf Ibrahim , Rudie Jeffrey D. , Vazirabad Maryam , Flanders Adam E. , Shih George , Mongan John , Nicolaou Savvas , Marinelli Brett S. , Davis Melissa A. , Magudia Kirti , Sejdić Ervin , Colak Errol
Published: November 2024

The 2023 RSNA Abdominal Trauma Detection AI Challenge led to the development of innovative machine learning models with high performance in the detection of traumatic abdominal injuries on CT scans.
Task goals shape the relationship between decision and movement speed
Authors: Fievez Fanny , Cos Ignasi , Carsten Thomas , Derosiere Gerard , Zénon Alexandre , Duque Julie
Published: November 2024

The principles guiding the relationship between decision and movement speed are still unclear. In the present behavioral study involving two experiments conducted with 62 human subjects, we report findings indicating a relationship that varies as a function of the task goals. Coregulation emerges as a default mode of control that fades when detrimental to the reward rate, possibly because of the influence of other processes that can selectively shape the speed of our decisions or movements.
Corticospinal and corticoreticulospinal projections have discrete but complementary roles in chronic motor behaviors after stroke
Authors: Taga Myriam , Hong Yoon N. G. , Charalambous Charalambos C. , Raju Sharmila , Hayes Leticia , Lin Jing , Zhang Yian , Shao Yongzhao , Houston Michael , Zhang Yingchun , Mazzoni Pietro , Roh Jinsook , Schambra Heidi M.
Published: November 2024

The corticospinal (CST) and corticoreticulospinal (CReST) tracts are two major descending motor pathways. We examined their relationships to motor behaviors in paretic arm and hand muscles in chronic stroke. Stronger ipsilesional CST projections related to better motor control, whereas stronger contralesional CReST projections related to better muscle strength. Stronger CST projections are also uniquely related to better biceps individuation. These findings support the notion of specialized but complementary contributions of these pathways to human motor function.
Synthesis of Calcium Phosphate by Microwave Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Italiano Ana Elisa Vilicev , Tranquilin Ricardo Luis , Marin Danny Omar Mendoza , Santos Márcio Luiz dos , Vaz Luís Geraldo
Published: November 2024

Bone loss in the alveolar ridge is a factor widely studied by dentists in implant surgeries, as it poses a major challenge for aesthetic and functional recovery in patients with large maxillary bone defects. Synthetic biomaterials function as grafts designed to replace and remodel bone tissue. Calcium phosphate is a biomaterial that has good properties such as biocompatibility and bioactivity, making it a reference in bone replacement treatments. A synthetic biomaterial such as calcium phosphate can be obtained by various synthesis techniques. The microwave hydrothermal method (HTMO) is a pathway that allows changes in synthesis parameters and significantly increases the transmission efficiency of materials such as synthetic calcium phosphate derivatives. The study proposes obtaining a biomaterial for bone grafting based on calcium phosphate by the microwave HTMO and evaluating its microstructural and physicochemical characteristics. The parameters tested in this process were temperature and reaction time. The calcium phosphate particulates were obtained by the microwave HTMO at temperatures of 110°C and 130°C for 60 min and calcined at 300°C, 500°C, and 700°C. Microstructural and physicochemical characterization analyses were carried out using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and X‐ray diffraction. The results obtained showed the presence of more than one calcium phosphate biological interest phase, as hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP), and octacalcium phosphate (OCP), highlighting with increasing calcination temperature, the β‐TCP phase becomes evident. The proposed synthesis method was efficient in obtaining a biomaterial with suitable physical and chemical characteristics, with an association of crystalline phases of biological interest related to the increase in synthesis temperature and calcination temperature.
Saikosaponin‐b2 Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Liver Cancer Cells by Targeting the MACC1/c‐Met/Akt Signalling Pathway
Authors: Zhu Yanxue , Lv Xingzhi , Li Ruifang , Gao Zihan , Lei Chanhao , Wang Lan , Li Sanqiang
Published: November 2024

Saikosaponin‐b2 (SS‐b2), an active ingredient derived from the root of Radix Bupleuri, possesses antitumour, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative and hepatoprotective properties. We investigated the inhibition of tumour proliferation by SS‐b2 and the underlying molecular mechanisms, including the MACC1/p‐c‐Met/p‐Akt pathway expression in HepG2 liver cancer cells and H22 tumour‐bearing mice. Animal experiments showed that SS‐b2 significantly decreased the levels of MACC1, p‐c‐MET and p‐Akt in tumour tissue transplanted with H22 liver cancer cells in mice, while it increased the expression of p‐BAD. The results also revealed a concentration‐dependent suppression of MACC1, p‐c‐Met and p‐Akt expression in the SS‐b2 treatment group compared with the control group. Additionally, the suppression of MACC1 activation by SS‐b2 resulted in a reduction in the viability and proliferation of HepG2 liver cancer cells, and this reduction was comparable to that by doxorubicin (DOX). This suggests that SS‐b2 has significant efficacy in liver cancer, comparable to DOX. Meanwhile, Annexin V‐FITC/PI staining and western blot analysis of cleaved caspase 9 and cleaved caspase 3 demonstrated that SS‐b2 induced apoptosis of HepG2 liver cancer cells. These findings provide experimental evidence suggesting that SS‐b2 is a promising anticancer agent for liver cancer.
The Importance of Platelet‐Derived Growth Factors as Markers of Survival and Severity of COVID‐19 in Patients Undergoing Monthly Follow‐Up
Authors: Cecerska-Heryć Elżbieta , Nieszpór Dominika , Serwin Natalia , Sadowska Ewa Pius , Gliźniewicz Marta , Grygorcewicz Bartłomiej , Serwin Karol , Michalczyk Anna , Budkowska Marta , Goszka Małgorzata , Polikowska Aleksandra , Birger Radosław , Machaliński Bogusław , Dołęgowska Barbara
Published: November 2024

Platelets are the first to reach the site of tissue damage and secrete substances like platelet growth factors (GFs), which perform many different functions in the human body. Many studies suggest that GFs such as transforming GF (TGF), platelet‐derived GF (PDGF), or insulin‐like GF‐1 (IGF‐1) may be markers of survival, disease severity, and post‐coronavirus disease (COVID) complications. The study aimed to analyze the concentration of TGF‐β, IGF‐1, and PDGF‐BB in COVID‐19 patients compared to the control group (GK). The study group consisted of 50 patients (23 men and 27 women) at the time of COVID‐19 detection, 7 days after detection, then 14 and 28 days after detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. The GK comprised 48 healthy volunteers (25 women and 23 men). IGF‐1, TGF‐β, and PDGF‐BB concentrations in blood serum by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. There was a statistically significant relationship between the concentration of IGF‐1, TGF‐β 1, and PDGF‐BB in the study group (I–IV blood draw) and the GK (p < 0.001). Statistical analysis showed a significant effect on the survival of COVID‐19 patients on IGF‐1 (p = 0.013), TGF‐β (p = 0.013), and PGDF‐BB (p = 0.015) levels. The analysis showed a significant effect of COVID‐19 symptom severity on IGF‐1 levels (p = 0.018), as well as TGF‐β (p = 0.044) and PDGF‐BB (p = 0.047). In the future, GF may serve as a predictor of disease severity and the development of new treatments for COVID‐19. In later studies, the focus should be on finding the relationship of COVID‐19 pathomechanism with all the parameters to understand the processes that occur in the body during SARS‐CoV‐2 virus infection.
An Analytical Method for Determining the Bottom‐Hole Pressure of Vertical Well With Multiple Fractures
Authors: Li Longxin , Qi Tao , Yang Changcheng , Peng Xian , Li Tao , Hu Die
Published: November 2024

Hydraulic fracturing has been a common treatment to enhance well productivity, especially in tight oil and gas reservoirs. Studying the pressure response characteristics of fractured reservoir has been a hot topic due to the significant contribution of fractures to conductivity enhancement. Because of the difficulty in describing the flow problems in vertical fractured well and the lack of related literatures, a novel method to determine the bottom‐hole pressure of a vertical well with multiple fractures based on Newman product method is proposed in this paper. First, the physical model and corresponding mathematical model are established. Then, the solution of bottom‐hole pressure can be obtained through Laplace transformation. Sequentially, the validations of computational method and computational codes contain are presented. From the view of curve fitting and interpretation results, the calculations in this paper are in good agreement with the previous numerical results and our computation method is reliable. Next, a group of typical curves are generated to analyze the flow regimes. And a series of curves are generated to demonstrate effects of key parameters on curve shape. The results indicate that increasing the fracture wings, fracture intersection angle, and fracture length uniformity can enhance the well productivity. Lastly, a case study is exhibited to show the application of the proposed method.