bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow Field Optimization for Inexpensive Optical Aerosol Particle Counting and Sizing
Authors: Loizides Charis , Skourides Christoforos , Bezantakos Spyros , Hadjigeorgiou Neoclis , Biskos George
Published: October 2024

Optical Particle Sizers (OPSs) are widely used for measuring size distributions of particles larger than ca. 0.2 μm. To do so, they use mirrors or lenses to gather light scattered by particles passing through a focused beam, directing it to a photo-detector to produce electric pulses from individual scattering events. Considering their ability to provide near real-time measurements with minimal attendance and maintenance, and to expand the networks of Particulate Matter (PM) monitoring, several manufacturers have developed low-cost and compact OPS systems. Despite that low-cost OPSs are already available in the market and employed for monitoring PM concentrations, their reported values typically deviate from those of reference-grade instruments, warranting further efforts to improve their performance. In this work, we designed and built a custom-made and low-cost OPS optical system, and optimized its performance using a combination of computational and experimental methods. The performance of the optimized OPS is very similar to that of a reference instrument, exhibiting a counting efficiency of 50% for ca. 320-nm particles and a sizing resolution of below 15%, complying with the ISO 21501-4 standards.
Trajectories of change in mothers’ parenting confidence and relationship with baby: A 15-month qualitative longitudinal study
Authors: Perez Alejandra , Panagiotopoulou Elena , Vourda Maria Christina , Pereira Mariana , McCrory Eamon , Roberts Ruth
Published: October 2024

Background
Parents’ experiences and their relationship to their baby undergo various changes over the course of the first year. This is particularly the case for mothers, who still tend to take on the primary caregiver role in most families in the UK. Better understanding the changes mothers experience in the first year is of importance given the impact of the parent-infant relationship for children’s socio-emotional development.
Methods
This qualitative longitudinal study explored first-time mothers’ experience of parenting confidence and relationship with their baby from their third trimester of pregnancy to the end of their babies’ first year of life. This study also examined trajectories of relevant consistent parenting factors: perceived social support, relationship with partner, expectations, and coping mechanisms. Ten first-time expectant mothers were interviewed at four time periods (prenatal, 1-, 6-, and 12-months).
Results
The findings indicate that in this low-risk sample, most mothers’ parenting confidence improved with time, as did their relationship with their baby. However, most faced many changes in their experiences where, overall, the first six months after birth were the most challenging with many mothers feeling disconnected or having strong shifts in their views of relationship with their baby, feeling unsure about how to parent, having unmet prenatal expectations, and diminished partner support.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the complexity of change at multiple levels, both within individuals and within the 15 months of transitioning to motherhood. Consideration of these changes can help inform maternity services and mental health and social care professionals working with expectant parents and those in early parenthood to improve parenting confidence and mother-infant relationships.
Enterococcus faecalis promotes orthodontic tooth movement in mice by M1-like macrophage polarization
Authors: Zhao Zhihe , Yu Fei , Lu Wenxin , Li Peilin , Peng Jiajia
Published: October 2024

Probiotic-mediated therapy has garnered increasing attention for its potential role in influencing bone remodeling. Recent studies have consistently shown that the microorganisms can play a role in modulating bone reconstruction. In this study, we aim to explore the impact of probiotics on accelerating orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Potential probiotic candidates will be identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing in a mouse model of OTM. The relative abundance of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) increased in the move group. To investigate the osteoimmunomodulatory impact, primary periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) were obtained from mouse periodontal ligaments and cultured with or without conditioned media (CM) derived from macrophages post-incubation with E. faecalis. The results demonstrated that E. faecalis increased the number of M1-polarized macrophages, and a decreased osteogenic level in PDLCs treated with CM E. faecalis group. Subsequently, the microbiota of the mice has be depleted using broad-spectrum antibiotic mixture (ABX) before being administered with E. faecalis. The distance of OTM have been measured, and the alveolar bone have been analyzed using micro-CT and immunohistochemical staining. This study has explored the potential effects of E. faecalis administration on the OTM process through immunomodulation. We assessed the efficacy of E. faecalis in accelerating tooth movement, and elucidated the mechanisms by which E. faecalis modulate M1-like macrophage polarization to enhance OTM. This research will lead to an acceleration in the duration of orthodontic treatment with minimal interventions, thereby offering significant value and pioneering advancements in orthodontic treatment.
Equating low-cost natural farming vis-à-vis integrated crop management and organic practices in groundnut-wheat cropping system in Gujarat Plains of India
Authors: Praharaj Chandra Sekhar , Reddy Kiran , Chilwal Aaradhana , Hirapara Keval
Published: October 2024

A comprehensive field experiment was carried out at Gujarat Plains in India during both rainy and winter seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 for exploring the feasibility and viability of low-cost natural farming in groundnut-based cropping system on a low-fertility medium black calcareous soil. The experiment compared natural farming (NF), conventional farming (CF, or most popularly called as Integrated Crop Management or ICM practice), and organic farming (OF), using two groundnut cultivars, GJG-22 (Virginia bunch habit) and TG 37-A (Spanish Bunch habit). Following groundnut, two wheat cultivars (GW 451 and Lok 1) were grown in rotation during winter seasons, after a preceding fodder crop of pearl millet (taken before experimentation for eliminating soil heterogeneity). The results showed that ICM practices resulted in realization of the highest pod (1702–1822 kg/ha), haulm (2710–2740 kg/ha), total (4413–4562 kg/ha), and kernel (1202–1259 kg/ha) yields, consistently outperforming over both NF and OF. NF practices resulted in 19% and 23% reduction in pod yield over the two years’ evaluation period compared to ICM practice. Economic returns, growth parameters, and system productivities (groundnut-wheat together) followed the same trend as that of pod yield; and these values were the highest under ICM, which integrated chemical fertilizers, manure, and pesticides. The performance of organic practice was in between these two (ICM and NF). In wheat alone, ICM practice adopted plots had the highest yields and economic returns, with GW 451 outperforming Lok 1. The optimal NPK uptake ratios were identified as 6.8:1.0:2.2 for groundnut and 3.9:1.0:3.3 for wheat, emphasizing on balanced nutrient application. In conclusion, ICM practices ensure adequate nutrient supply and optimal crop growth, leading to higher productivity and profitability. Therefore, the study focuses on optimizing nutrient management in achieving sustainable and profitable agricultural production systems, balancing both high-input conventional farming and eco-friendly low-cost natural farming practices in the future.
Decoupling of high-pressure H2 production from serpentinization and magnetite in subduction zones
Authors: Siron Guillaume , Blanchard Marc , Aufort Julie , Williams Simon , Vitale-Brovarone Alberto
Published: October 2024

Serpentinization plays a central role in geological, geochemical, and microbiological processes at various depths and conditions. While mineralogical and geochemical patterns of serpentinization are known at low-pressure and temperature, equivalent processes taking place at much greater depths and elevated temperatures in subduction zones are less constrained. Here we present the results of thermodynamic calculations simulating chemically complex aqueous alteration of ultramafic rocks relevant to three evolutionary stages of subduction, from infancy to maturity, and for three different fluid sources, namely metabasite, metasediment, and serpentinite. We found that magnetite production and H2 and CH4 concentrations are decoupled from serpentinization at these conditions, and strongly dependent upon minimal peridotite compositional variations. This has major implications on the interpretation of geophysical investigations of hydrated mantle wedge domains. Carbon isotopes exhibit large variations (> 10‰) for minimal changing compositions in some cases, with important implications on the isotopic diversity of high-temperature abiotic CH4.
Quantitative Analysis of EXAFS Data Sets Using Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Jeong Eun-Suk , Hwang In-Hui , Han Sang-Wook
Published: October 2024

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) serves as a unique tool for accurately characterizing the local structural properties surrounding specific atoms. However, the quantitative analysis of EXAFS data demands significant effort. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, including deep reinforcement learning (RL) methods, present a promising avenue for the rapid and precise analysis of EXAFS data sets. Unlike other AI approaches, a deep RL method utilizing reward values does not necessitate a large volume of data sets for training the neural network (NN) of the AI system. We explored the application of a deep RL method for the quantitative analysis of EXAFS data sets, utilizing the reciprocal of the R-factor of a fit as the reward metric. The deep RL method effectively determined the local structural properties of PtOx and Zn-O complexes by fitting a series of EXAFS data sets to theoretical EXAFS calculations without imposing specific constraints. Looking ahead, AI has the potential to independently analyze any EXAFS data, although there are still challenges to overcome.
Comparative Study of Ground-Based and Satellite Observations of Pc5 Geomagnetic Pulsations During Solar Cycle 23
Authors: Sebwato Nasurudiin , Yoshikawa Akimasa , Mahrous Ayman , Elsaid Ahmed
Published: October 2024

Pc5 geomagnetic pulsations (PGP) are ultra-low frequency (ULF) waves within the 1–7 mHz frequency band observed both in space and on the ground. PGPs offer versatile methods for studying the interaction between the magnetosphere and ionosphere in space. This study presents a comparative analysis of Pc5 pulsations observed in space and on the ground. The dataset used is the magnetic field-aligned readings obtained from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-10 (GOES-10) and ground-based magnetometer stations from the Svalbard network located in the auroral zone during solar cycle 23. Using the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method, we transformed the magnetic field time series from GOES-10 into the mean field-aligned coordinate system. PGPs were extracted from the toroidal component using a bandpass Butterworth filter. In addition, Pc5 waves were extracted from the Bz component of the ground magnetometer stations to enable effective comparison. Before conducting the comparative analysis, both Pc5 events on the ground and in space were denoised using the heuristic Stein Unbiased Risk Estimate (SURE) approach with soft thresholding. Consequently, a good coherence between events from space and on the ground was observed, indicating the possibility of the same generation source. However, space-borne Pc5 events have a smaller average amplitude of 21 nT compared to Pc5 events observed on the ground having an average amplitude of 350 nT. We attributed this difference in amplitude to the transformative mechanisms during the wave's propagation to the ground. The average percentage of occurrence of Pc5 geomagnetic pulsations observed in space was found to be 94%, and that on the ground was 86%. The percentage difference was found to be due to the spatial distribution of these waves. The integrity of the retrieved events was demonstrated by the strong correlation between the Kp index and events extracted from the ground magnetometer stations. Our results demonstrate a good understanding of Pc5 geomagnetic pulsations to the space weather community. This will help in developing forecasting and predictive models for effective studies of these waves, mitigating the potential impacts of such events on human activities and infrastructure.
Autochthonous Lactic Acid Bacteria from Kadidd as Functional Starter Culture to Improve quality and safety
Authors: Boubakri Kamel , Idoui Tayeb , Ficoseco Cecilia Aristimuño , Segli Franco J. , Castellano Patricia , Saavedra Lucila , Vignolo Graciela M.
Published: October 2024

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from meat dry-salted Kaddid were evaluated using spoilage and safety criteria as a first step of multivariable selection. LAB were isolated, identified and characterized from Kaddid prepared under controlled conditions. After preliminary physiological characterization, isolates (n = 39) were subjected to (GTG)5-PCR analysis and 16S rRNA sequencing. Major LAB populations were, Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum (41%), Latilactobacillus sakei/subsp. sakei (25%), Enterococcus faecium (13%), Pediococcus acidilactici (10%), Enterococcus hirae (6%) and Weissella cibaria (5%). Antagonistic activity against pathogens/contaminants and yeast/molds showed strains with antilisterial and antifungal activity. Bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS) showed high titles (AU/mL) against L. monocytogenes FBUNT. The examination of bacteriocin genes revealed Lpb. paraplantarum K18, Lat. sakei K25 and Lat. sakei subsp. sakei K22, K26 strains harboring skgA and sakP structural genes encoding for sakacin G and P bacteriocins. Resistance/susceptibility of lactobacilli strains to antibiotics showed high phenotypic resistance to TET while multi-resistance pattern was displayed by enterococci. Genotypic characterization exhibited only tetM out of 15 assayed genes, conferring resistance to TET. As a quality criterion, no exopolysaccharides and biogenic amines production were detected in the evaluated strains. Based on these results, Lpb. paraplantarum K18 and K21 strains, with inhibitory and antifungal activities, phenotypical susceptibility to the assayed antimicrobial compounds and low risk as spoilers, could be used as functional starter cultures for safe Kaddid production.
Advanced Microgrid Protection for Ground Fault Management Utilizing IEC 61131-3 Programming and Zero Sequence Components in Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
Authors: Alasali Feras , El-Naily Naser , Mustafa Haytham Y. , Loukil Hassen , Saad Saad M. , Saidi Abdelaziz Salah , Holderbaum William
Published: October 2024

Microgrid protection and ground fault management are critical aspects of modern power distribution systems, especially with the increasing integration of Distributed Generators (DGs) such as renewable energy sources. Effective protection schemes are essential to ensure the reliability, safety, and resilience of microgrids under various fault conditions. This study addresses a new advancement to microgrid protection and ground fault management. Firstly, the research integrates zero sequence components into the time-inverse characteristics of phase Overcurrent Relays (OCR) and create dynamic scheme between two group settings for phase and ground faults. This enhancement improves ground fault detection and provides robust backup for ground OCR, thereby enhancing the overall reliability of microgrid protection schemes. Secondly, the study demonstrates the use of Configurable Function Blocks (CFCs) in digital relays to dynamically adjust relay settings based on zero sequence current detection. This functionality optimizes relay performance under varying fault conditions, addressing mis-coordination issues in low-value ground fault scenarios at traditional OCR scheme and improving fault detection and clearance times. The proposed strategy is extensively validated through Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, ensuring its feasibility and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. HIL testing confirms the practical applicability and robustness of the proposed protection scheme, enhancing its reliability. Finally, the study provides a comprehensive framework for the implementation of the proposed protection strategy in real-case protective relays. It includes a detailed methodology and validation process, offering practical guidance for operators to implement and optimize microgrid protection systems.
A retrospective study to predict failure of high-flow oxygen therapy for acute hypoxic respiratory failure
Authors: Xue Mingming , Liao Fengqing , Xu Feixiang , Chen Yumei , Wang Sheng , Zhou Yannan , Ding Hailin , Lu Su , Yao Chenling , Song Zhenju , Shao Mian
Published: October 2024

Objective The objective of this study is to analyse the characteristics of patients who fail high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy for the treatment of acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure and to identify predictors of treatment failure. Methods This was a single-centre, retrospective, observational study. Clinical data from 388 patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure were analysed. Patients were divided into two groups: the high flow oxygen therapy success group ( HFNC-S group ) and the high flow oxygen therapy failure group ( HFNC-F group ). The primary endpoint was the need for escalation of respiratory support to tracheal intubation in the enrolled patients. The demographic data, laboratory tests, blood gas analysis data, CT severity scores, and disease severity scores were analysed to determine the difference between patients who were successful and those who failed HFNC treatment. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess potential predictors of failure of HFNC for patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure. Results The mean age of patients enrolled was 67.97 ± 14.40 years. The HFNC-S group comprised 256 patients, while the HFNC-F group had 132 patients. The PSI score, CURB-65 score, CPIS score, CT score and SOFA score of the HFNC-F group were found to be significantly higher than those of the HFNC-S group. Within 12 hours of the initiation of treatment, the HFNC-F group exhibited significantly lower oxygen saturation index (PaO2/FiO2) and significantly higher respiratory rate than the HFNC-S group. Additionally, the HFNC-F group exhibited significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet count (PLT), D-dimer, interleukin-10 (IL-10), total bilirubin (TB) and creatinine (CB) than the HFNC-S group. Conversely, the HFNC-F group exhibited significantly lower albumin levels than the HFNC-S group. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis model, the CT score, SOFA score, IL-1β and albumin were identified as independent predictors of failure of high-flow nasal oxygen therapy. Conclusion High-flow oxygen can effectively treat patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure. Chest CT severity score, SOFA score, IL-1β and albumin were independent predictors of failure of high-flow nasal oxygen therapy.
Factors Influencing Compliance with Chemotherapy Handling and Administration Standard Operation Procedures Among Nurses And Pharmacists At Uganda Cancer Institute
Authors: Oyuku Milton , Nshakira Nathan
Published: October 2024

Objective
This study aimed to identify factors influencing compliance with chemotherapy handling and administration standard operating procedures (SOPs) among nurses and pharmacists at the Uganda Cancer Institute outpatient and pharmacy.
Methods
This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to July 2022 using self-administered questionnaires, interviews, and physical observations with a checklist. Data were entered into Excel and analyzed using Stata.
Results
Compliance with SOPs among nurses was 56%, while non-compliance was 44%. Among pharmacists, compliance was 53% and non-compliance was 47%.
Conclusions
Compliance was primarily influenced by individual factors such as knowledge and attitudes. Age, education level, and years of service did not affect compliance. Occupational factors, like facility availability and staff supervision, significantly influenced compliance. Organizational factors, including training, communication with management, and management's commitment to health and safety, also impacted compliance. While organizational factors affected individual and occupational factors, the latter two did not influence each other.
Dual Contraception Method Use and Determinant Factors Among HIV-positive Women of Reproductive age in Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia, An institutional based Cross- sectional Study
Authors: goshu mihiretu tesfamariam , Ali Mahidere Wondiye , Haji Yusuf
Published: October 2024

Background
The use of dual contraception method (DCM) is recommended as an effective method to prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission and the adverse consequences of pregnancy in people living with HIV infection. In developing countries like Ethiopia contraception use is subjected to sociocultural, knowledge and accessibility related factors that influence consumption. Accordingly, this study aims to explore the magnitude of DCM use and factors related to consumption in HIV positive women of reproductive age.
Methods
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Hawassa University comprehensive Hospital, located in Hawassa city, Ethiopia. The study used systematic sampling technique to select 268 consenting participants. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire via face-to-face interview. Descriptive statistics were used to present background information and a hierarchical binary logistic regression was used to investigate DCM use predictive factors.
Results
The magnitude of DCM use was 30% (95% CI; 24.0–35.0). After controlling for potential confounding variables women aged 15–36 years, (AOR = 8.65, 95% CI: 2.60, 28.75) and 37–40 years, (AOR = 6.25, 95% CI, 2.08, 18.82), women with no fertility desire (AOR = 8.34, 95% CI: 3.95, 17.61), women who have open discussions with their partners (AOR = 5.71, 95% CI: 2.15, 15.11), and women with knowledge of CD4 count (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.35, 6.38) were found to have higher likelihood of DCM use.
Conclusions
The magnitude of DCM use among reproductive age HIV positive women was unsatisfactory. This provided an enormous window for counseling and reproductive health promotion measures. Interventional studies and strengthening of ART and family planning services must be customized to target the major social, cultural and knowledge barriers identified in this study to enhance the practice of DCM use.
Acid Deashing Kinetics and Alkali Activation of Carbon Rich Particles in Coal Gasification Fine Slag to Prepare Capacitor Carbon
Authors: Yang Nana , Xiong Shanxin , Zhang Shuai , Lv Fengyan , Zhang Yukun , Wang Xiaoqin , Chu Jia , Li Zhen , Xu Jianwei
Published: October 2024

Coal gasification fine slag (CGFS), a byproduct of coal and gasification agent interactions at high temperatures, presents significant challenges for the coal chemical industry. CGFS mainly comprises SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3 and carbon. Among them, the acid leaching of metal ions can produce the mesoporous structure in CGFS. The mesoporous structures not only provide channels for the embedding of potassium vapor and the overflow of CO2 and other gases during KOH activation, but also provide channels for the transport of electrolyte ions. Therefore, Studying the acid leaching process and elemental leaching of CGFS is highly significant. In this paper, the dissolution kinetics and mechanism of elements in CGFS during acid leaching were studied using carbon-rich particles (CRP) in CGFS as raw materials, and the conditions for acid leaching were optimized. Results from BET and chemical tests indicated that the mesoporous structure formation via acid leaching was a first-order kinetic reaction under the optimum conditions. Subsequently, the process parameters of alkali deashing and KOH activation were optimized. The resulting activated carbon, CRP-AC-90, exhibited a surface area of 1409.93 m2/g, high specific capacitance and excellent cycling stability, showcasing CGFS’s potential in supercapacitor applications, providing a novel method for effectively utilizing CGFS.
Mechanism of non-coding RNA regulation of DNMT3A and its relation to histones, regulatory proteins, and clinically relevant mutations
Authors: Sandoval Jonathan E. , Carullo Nancy V.N. , Salisbury Aaron J. , Day Jeremy J. , Reich Norbert O.
Published: October 2024

Background De novo DNA methylation by DNMT3A is a fundamental epigenetic modification for transcriptional regulation. Histone tails and regulatory proteins regulate DNMT3A, and the crosstalk between these epigenetic mechanisms ensures appropriate DNA methylation patterning. Based on findings showing that FosecRNA inhibits DNMT3A activity in neurons, we sought to characterize the contribution of this regulatory RNA in the modulation of DNMT3A in the presence of regulatory proteins and histone tails.
Results We show that Fos ecRNA and mRNA strongly correlate in primary cortical neurons on a single cell level and provide evidence that Fos ecRNA modulation of DNMT3A at these actively transcribed sites occurs in a sequence-independent manner. Further characterization of the Fos ecRNA-DNMT3A interaction showed that Fos-1ecRNA binds the DNMT3A tetramer interface and clinically relevant DNMT3A substitutions that disrupt modulation by Fos-1 ecRNA are restored by the formation of heterotetramers with DNMT3L. Lastly, using DNMT3L and FosecRNA in the presence of synthetic histone H3 tails or reconstituted polynucleosomes, we found that regulatoryRNAs play dominant roles in the modulation of DNMT3A activity.
Conclusion Our results are consistent with a model for RNA regulation of DNMT3A that involves localized production of short RNAs binding to a nonspecific site on the protein, rather than formation of localized RNA/DNA structures. We propose that regulatory RNAs play a dominant role in the regulation of DNMT3A catalytic activity at sites with increased production of regulatoryRNAs.
Healthcare Workers Experiences in Providing Comprehensive Abortion Care to Adolescents in the Eastern Region of Ghana: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Der Amanda Debuo , Ganle John K.
Published: October 2024

Introduction:
Globally, abortion rates among young women is a public health concern. The Eastern region of Ghana has a high rate of abortions with 17.8% occurring among adolescents in 2021. Adolescents face difficulty accessing comprehensive abortion care (CAC) due to conflict over their decision-making capacity and the requirement for parental consent. This study explored the experiences of healthcare workers in providing CAC to adolescents in the New Juaben Municipality in Eastern Region, Ghana.
Methods
A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted among 12 healthcare providers. Participants who had provided CAC services for at least 6 months were selected through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted and audio-recorded with permission from the participants. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductive thematic analysis was done using ATLAS. it. Results were presented using quotes.
Findings
: Many midwives reportedly felt bad, uncomfortable, and guilty about providing abortion care. Others also felt psychological trauma, which compelled them to stop providing CAC services. Many service providers including physician specialists and some midwives however continuously provided CAC services as part of their professional responsibility to save lives.
Conclusion
The experiences of CAC service providers are diverse. Values clarification workshops are necessary to help healthcare providers balance their religious beliefs and CAC provision. Public education on safe abortion care needs to be strengthened to normalise CAC discussions and reduce the stigma towards CAC service providers.
First demonstration of charge-domain content addressable memory based on ferroelectric capacitive memory for reliable and low-power one-shot learning
Authors: Gong Xiao , Zhou Zuopu , Zhong Hongtao , Jiao Leming , Zheng Zijie , Yang Huazhong , Kämpfe Thomas , Ni Kai , Li Xueqing
Published: October 2024

Non-volatile content addressable memories (NV-CAMs) accelerate the memory augmented neural networks (MANNs) by their in-memory-search capability and high parallelism, promising to realize brain-like efficient learning from a few examples or even one example with low energy consumption. However, most existing NV-CAMs operate in the current domain, which poses challenges in achieving reliable, low-power, and sensing-friendly Hamming distance (HD) computation essential for implementation of MANNs. To effectively address these key challenges, this work proposes transferring the computation to the charge domain using high-performance ferroelectric capacitive memory (FCM). For the first time, the demonstration of a charge-domain 2FCM CAM based on the inversion-type FCM with a large capacitance ratio is reported. By storing data as the device capacitance, this novel CAM structure is capable of directly outputting HD as stable multi-level voltages with a large margin and an ultra-high linearity, which significantly simplifies sensing processes and reduces peripheral costs. Moreover, the differential nature of the operation scheme further exhibits immunity to device variation, offering high accuracy in the computation of long data vectors. This work experimentally realizes parallel 16-bit HD computation using a fabricated 16×16 2FCM CAM array and reveals record performance at the array level: an ultra-low search energy consumption of 0.005 fJ/bit and a high accuracy of 97.5% on the classification of Omniglot dataset with one-shot learning. The proposed 2FCM CAM significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art current-domain CAMs, evidencing the superiority of charge-domain computation and showcasing tremendous potential for future in-memory-search applications.
Ancient genomes of Sitka black-tailed deer show evidence for postglacial stepping-stone dispersal along the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America
Authors: Coelho Flavio Augusto Silva , Tomlin Crystal M. , Prince Karlee K. , McLaren Duncan , Fedje Daryl , Latch Emily , Heffelfinger James R. , Baichtal James , Talbot Sandra L. , Heaton Timothy , Lindqvist Charlotte
Published: October 2024

Background:
The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and its two distinct black-tailed deer (BTD) subspecies, Sitka and Columbian BTD, have a complex history in North America involving survival in Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) refugia, postglacial expansion along the Pacific Northwest Coast, evidence for incomplete lineage sorting and recent introgression between subspecies. Moreover, the differentiation process of the two black-tailed deer subspecies is poorly understood and could have been a consequence of the LGM. As such, they provide an exemplary system to explore patterns of population dynamics in response to climate change.
Results:
Here we analyzed genome-scale data from samples spanning the last 13,500 years to explore the evolutionary history of Sitka BTD in Southeast Alaska. Deer samples from Southeast Alaska older than 8,500 years ago shared a mitochondrial haplotype with mule deer, whereas samples younger than 6,000 years have the modern Sitka BTD haplotype. Discordantly, nuclear genomic data confirmed that all ancient individuals from Southeast Alaska are closely related to modern Sitka BTD, although the older group also shared ancestry with mule deer. Modern samples from Vancouver Island share more alleles with modern Sitka BTD than Columbian BTD. Our results support that they survived in the same glacial refugium south of the Cordilleran ice sheet, along today’s Oregon coast.
Conclusion:
The uneven deglaciation along the Northwest Pacific Coast following the LGM may have created temporary post-glacial refugia, or “stepping stones”, along the British Columbia Coast. Such dispersal, associated with genetic drift and isolation by distance, likely led to the emergence of the BTD subspecies, as well as the low genetic diversity observed in modern Sitka BTD.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of NOAC and LMWHs in Reducing Mortality in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Costa-Filho Rubens , Oliveira Amarino , Saddy Felipe , Costa João Luiz Ferreira , Azevedo Marcela Santos , Cerqueira Débora Fragoso , Barbosa Maria Izabel Neves de Holanda , Da-Cruz Alda Maria , Horta Marco Aurélio , Leite José Paulo Gagliardi , Neto Hugo Caire Castro Faria
Published: October 2024

Background
Severe COVID-19 is associated with increased prothrombotic and inflammatory responses, necessitating effective anticoagulation therapy. Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are being explored as alternatives to low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).
Methods
This retrospective cohort study compared the effectiveness and safety of NOACs and LMWH in reducing mortality among 76 critically ill, unvaccinated patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The cohort included 41 patients treated with LMWH and 35 with NOACs during their ICU stay. The primary outcomes focused on mortality, with secondary outcomes including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), bleeding episodes, and transfusion rates.
Results
Baseline characteristics, including demographic data and severity scores, were similar between the groups (mean age: LMWH, 74.5 ± 15.1 years [59% male]; NOAC, 71.6 ± 14.8 years [60% male]). Mortality was significantly greater in the LMWH group (51.21% [95% confidence interval (CI): 36.4–65.7]) than in the NOAC group (20% [95% CI: 10.0–35.9]; p = 0.005), with standardized mortality ratios of 1.61 and 0.71, respectively (p = 0.004). Elevated D-dimer levels are strongly associated with increased mortality risk. DVT occurred in 9.76% of LMWH patients and 5.71% of NOAC patients (p = 0.68). The bleeding and transfusion rates were comparable between the groups.
Conclusions
NOACs were associated with a significantly lower mortality rate than LMWHs in critically ill COVID-19 patients, reflecting an 81% reduced risk of death. These findings highlight the potential advantages of NOACs in managing severe COVID-19 and underscore the need for further research to optimize anticoagulation therapy and improve patient outcomes.
Tobacco use, tobacco-related cancer risk perceptions, and cancer worry among people experiencing homelessness: A qualitative study
Authors: Durazo Arturo , Katyal Toshali , Magaña Dalia , Ling Pamela M. , Vijayaraghavan Maya
Published: October 2024

Background
Tobacco-related cancers are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among people experiencing homelessness who are 50 years and older. We examined tobacco use, tobacco-related cancer risk, and cancer-related worry among people experiencing homelessness who smoke cigarettes.
Methods
Between October and November 2020, we recruited a convenience sample of 25 adults experiencing homelessness who reported current smoking and were staying in two shelters in San Francisco, CA. We used the common sense model (CSM) of self-regulation, a framework that connects illness-related beliefs and worry to behaviors that reduce the threat of disease. We focused on the cognitive and affective representations of tobacco-related cancer risk as outlined in the CSM of self-regulation. We conducted in-depth interviews to understand tobacco use, tobacco-related cancer beliefs, and cancer-related worry in the context of homelessness experiences. We obtained information on demographics, tobacco use, and cancer worry from each participant. We analyzed qualitative data using directed content analysis.
Results
Of the participants, 64% identified as belonging to underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, 80% reported smoking daily, and 80% intended to quit smoking. Participants reported cancer-related worry and attributed their cancer risk to internal (e.g., tobacco use) and external (e.g., secondhand smoke exposure) factors. While participants generally understood cancer and its health consequences, some held the misperception that nicotine, rather than tobacco use, caused cancer. Despite perceptions about the health risks associated with smoking, struggles related to securing basic needs, often preceded health concerns. Specifically, the experience of homelessness and its associated competing priorities posed significant challenges to taking actions, such as quitting smoking to reduce cancer risk.
Conclusions
Multi-level tobacco cessation interventions that combine structural interventions that reduce barriers to quitting with health messaging to address misperceptions around tobacco-related cancer risk are needed for people experiencing homelessness.
Effects of high pressure processing on the biosynthesis of γ-aminobutyric acid in cocoa beans fermented with Lactobacillus senmaizukei
Authors: Lin Yan-Han , Huang Bo-Chi , Song Xiao-Rou , Lin Zi-Jin , Chen Yu-Ying , Wang Chung-Yi
Published: October 2024

Effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) pretreatment and inoculation with or without Lactobacillus senmaizukei (LS) on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) free amino acid content, glutamic acid (Glu) decarboxylase (GAD) activity, microflora, and physicochemical properties of the cocoa beans were investigated during fermentation, and microstructural changes of cocoa beans were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Raw cocoa beans had a GABA content of 21.12 mg/100 g, which increased to 31.26 mg/100 g after spontaneous (SPO) fermentation, while in HPP-LS fermented cocoa beans can be significantly increased to 66.35 mg/100g, due to higher GAD activity by ≥ 3-fold, which can improved the conversion efficiency of Glu to GABA. Therefore, the Glu content of HPP-LS cocoa beans dropped from 72.6 mg/100g to 26.1mg/100g at the end of the fermentation. Microbiological analysis showed that HPP-treatment altered the natural microbiomes of cocoa beans and reduced the counts of yeast and lactic acid bacteria. During the first 24 h of fermentation, yeast remained the dominant species in the presence/absence of LS inoculation. After 48 h, Lactobacillus spp. replaced yeast as the dominant species and acetic acid bacteria reached their maximum count after 120 h. After 72 h, the fermentation index of the HPP–LS cocoa beans was 1.02, whereas that of the SPO fermentation group reached 1.02 after 96 h; thus, HPP pre-treatment and LS inoculation reduced the fermentation time. HPP was shown to disrupt the microstructure of cocoa beans in SEM, increasing the probability of contact between GAD and Glu and upregulating GABA production. This findings can be used to evaluate the feasibility of producing GABA-enriched cocoa beans for functionality chocolate products development.
A topographic lung cell atlas reveals regional variation in cell-type specific gene programs and identifies healthy and diseased cellular neighborhoods
Authors: Samakovlis Christos , Firsova Alexandra , Salas Sergio Marco , Kümmerle Louis , Abalo Xesus , Larsson Ludvig , Mahbubani Krishna , Sountoulidis Alexandros , Theelke Jonas , Andrusivova Zaneta , Galicia Leire Alonso , Liontos Andreas , Balassa Tamas , Kovacs Ferenc , Horvath Peter , Chen Yuexin , Gote-Schniering Janine , Stoleriu Mircea-Gabriel , Behr Jürgen , Meyer Kerstin , Timens Wim , Schiller Herbert , Lücken Malte , Theis Fabian , Lundeberg Joakim , Nilsson Mats , Nawijn Martijn
Published: October 2024

Integration of single cell mRNA sequencing data from millions of cells revealed a high diversity of cell types in the healthy and diseased human lung. In a large and complex organ, which is also constantly exposed to external agents, it is crucial to understand the influence of lung tissue topography or external factors on gene expression variability within each cell type. Here, we applied three spatial transcriptomics approaches, to: (i) localize the majority of lung cell types, including rare epithelial cells within the tissue topography, (ii) describe consistent anatomical and regional variability in gene expression within and across cell types, and (iii) reveal distinct cellular neighborhoods for specific anatomical regions and examine gene expression variations in them. We thus provide a spatially resolving tissue reference atlas including cell type composition and gene expression variations in three representative regions of the healthy human lung. We further demonstrate its utility by defining previously unknown imbalances of epithelial cell type compositions in diseased tissue from patients with stage II COPD. Our topographic atlas enables a precise description of characteristic regional cellular responses upon experimental perturbations or during disease progression.
The development of functional connectivity along the hippocampal long-axis in infants
Authors: Audrain Sam , Milleville Shawn , Wilson Jenna , Baffoe-Bonnie Jude , Gotts Stephen , Martin Alex
Published: October 2024

We do not remember events experienced as infants. Infancy is a critical period of development for the memory system, yet we know little about the functional neural changes that occur during this time. In adults, hippocampal-neocortical coupling is needed to establish long-term memories, and differs along the anteroposterior axis. We investigated hippocampal-neocortical functional connectivity along the long-axis at rest in 212 infants. We found that functional differentiation of the anterior and posterior hippocampus occurs very early on (<6 months old). We also identified numerous cortical regions where connectivity with the hippocampus was changing with age. A clustering analysis revealed that anteroposterior hippocampal connectivity was changing with cortical regions associated with memory, but also with canonical networks associated with salience and attention. These findings raise the possibility that infantile amnesia is in part a disorder of immature functional interaction between memory, attention, and salience systems that engender memory formation in adults.
Hair in the Ureter: An unusual finding in a case of Posterior Urethral Valve
Authors: Prasad Gaurav , Bajpai Minu
Published: October 2024

Trichobezoars of the bladder are exceedingly rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature, primarily in adult patients with spinal cord injuries or pelvic surgeries. This case report presents a 4-year-old boy with an unusual finding of hair strands in the ureter, a rare occurrence in paediatric urology. The patient, was a follow-up case of Posterior Urethral Valve with prior urological surgeries, was found to have hair strands in the right ureter adjacent to the uretero-vesical junction during a routine cystoscopy. The hair was successfully removed to prevent potential complications, such as calculus formation. This case is significant as it highlights the possibility of ureteric hair in paediatric patients, even in the absence of prolonged catheterization or clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). In addition to discussing this rare finding, a review of previously reported cases of bladder trichobezoars and ureteric hair has been generated to provide insights into their aetiology, management, and prevention strategies. Paediatric urologists should remain aware of this rare entity to mitigate complications, and proper hygiene must be emphasized to caregivers when CIC is indicated for children with neurogenic bladder.
Arp2/3 and Type-I myosins control chromosome mobility and end-resection at double-strand breaks in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Haber James , Zhou Felix , Ashton Marissa , Jiang Yiyang , Arora Neha , Clark Kevin , Fitzpatrick Kate
Published: October 2024

Using budding yeast, S cerevisiae, we show that Arp2/3 actin branching complex has an evolutionarily conserved role in promoting chromosome mobility of double-strand breaks (DSBs). Disrupting Arp2/3 activity after DSB induction, by drug treatment with CK-666 or auxin-induced degron depletion of nucleation promoting factors Las17WASP or the type-1 myosins (Myo3 and Myo5), markedly reduced the radius of confinement of DSBs. Arp2/3 was found to be required to initiate and maintain 5’to 3’ resection of DSB ends. Conversely, inhibiting Exo1 and Dna2- dependent long-range resection or deleting FUN30 impaired the mobility of the DSB, while overexpression of Exo1 suppressed resection inhibition by CK-666. Inactivation of Arp2/3 before DSB induction triggered a shortened checkpoint arrest through the Tel1ATM/Mre11 (TM) checkpoint, while inactivation of Arp2/3 after DSB induction caused cells to escape arrest prematurely. Shortened checkpoint arrest correlated with a reduction in repair by interchromosomal homologous recombination. These results suggest that Arp2/3 regulation plays an unanticipated role in the regulation of processing of DSB ends that is correlated with an increase in DSB mobility and DSB repair.
Cystic Plexiform Ameloblastoma – an important diagnostic challenge
Authors: Huang Michelle , Bradley Grace , Perez-Ordonez Bayardo , Klieb Hagen , Blanas Nick , Magalhaes Marco A. O.
Published: October 2024

Background Ameloblastoma is a benign, locally aggressive neoplasm of the jaws and accurate diagnosis is important to provide timely treatment and reduce the risk of recurrence and local destruction. Ameloblastoma may show various histologic patterns, including a cystic plexiform pattern that lacks the typical ameloblast-like features and causes difficulties in the interpretation of incisional biopsies.
Objectives This is a retrospective study to identify and characterize cases of ameloblastoma that presented only a cystic plexiform epithelial proliferation lacking the pathognomonic features of ameloblastoma on incisional biopsy.
Methods We reviewed cases of ameloblastoma in our diagnostic biopsy service from 2004 to 2023 inclusive. Cases with a microscopic description that included cystic plexiform epithelial proliferation were retrieved for review of histopathologic features and associated clinical and radiographic information.
Results We identified a rare subset of ameloblastoma (3.7%, 7 of 188 ameloblastoma cases) that presented exclusively the cystic plexiform pattern, with absent or inconspicuous ameloblast-like features (CP-AM). The histologic appearance was characteristically uniform throughout the incisional biopsy and differed from the plexiform subtype of conventional ameloblastoma and plexiform unicystic ameloblastoma. Careful clinical and radiographic correlation with histologic findings was essential for a definitive diagnosis to guide treatment. Immunohistochemical staining for the BRAF p.V600E mutation was performed retrospectively and shown to be a useful adjunct for diagnosis that should be considered for future cases of CP-AM.
Conclusion Our study highlighted an uncommon and challenging histologic pattern of ameloblastoma. A coordinated approach using clinical, radiographic, histologic, and molecular studies are needed for a timely and accurate diagnosis.