bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-site CT-derived cFFR in patients with suspected coronary artery disease: Feasibility on a 128-row CT scanner in everyday clinical practice
Authors: Baumeister Theresia , Kloth Christopher , Schmidt Stefan Andreas , Kloempken Steffen , Brunner Horst , Buckert Dominik , Bernhardt Peter , Panknin Christoph , Beer Meinrad
Published: October 2023

Purpose Technical feasibility of CT-based calculation of fractional flow reserve (cFFR) using a 128-row computed tomography scanner in an everyday routine setting. Post-processing and everyday practicability should be analyzed on the scanner on-site in connection with clinical parameters.

Materials and Methods This single-center retrospective analysis included 230 patients (74 female; mean age 63.8 years) with CCTA within 21 months between 01/2018 and 09/2019 without non-pathological examinations. cFFR values were obtained using a deep learning-based non-commercial research prototype (cFFR Version3.5.0; Siemens Healthineers GmbH, Erlangen). cFFR values were evaluated at two points: at the maximum point of the stenosis and 1.0 cm distal to the stenosis. Comparison with invasive coronary angiography in 57/230 patients (24.7 %) was performed. CT parameters and quality were evaluated. Further subgroup classification concerning criteria of technical postprocessing was performed: no changes necessary, minor corrections necessary, major corrections necessary, and no evaluation was possible. The required time from starting the software to the final result was evaluated.

Results A total of 116/448 (25.9 %) mild, 223/448 (49.8 %) moderate, and 109/448 (24.3 %) obstructive stenoses was found. The mean cFFR at the maximum point of the stenosis was 0.92 ± 0.09 and significantly higher than the cFRR value of 0.89 ± 0.13 distal to the stenosis (p < 0.001*). The mean degree of stenosis was 44.02 ± 26.99 % (range: 1–99 %) with an area of 5.39 ± 3.30 mm2. In a total of 45 patients (19.1 %), a relevant reduction in cFFR below 0.80 was determined. Overall, in 57/230 patients (24.8 %), catheter angiography was performed. No significant difference in the degree of maximal stenosis (CAD-RADS 0–2/3/4) was detected between the classification of CCTA and ICA (p = 0.171). The mean post-processing time varied significantly with 8.34 ± 4.66 min. in single-vessel CAD vs. 12.91 ± 3.92 min. in two-vessel CAD vs. 21.80 ± 5.94 min. in three-vessel CAD (each p < 0.001).

Conclusion Noninvasive onsite quantification of cFFR is feasible with minimal observer interaction in a routine real-world setting on a 128-row scanner. Deep learning-based algorithms allow a robust and semi-automatic on-site determination of cFFR based on data from standard CT scanners.

Key Points:
The use of a 4.7 mg deslorelin slow release implant in male dogs in
the field
Authors: Vasetska Anastasiia , Körber Hanna , Pilgram Caroline , Schuler Gerhard , Aslan Selim , Saral Gulsah , Binli Firdevs , Akal Eser , Selcuk Murat , Ay Serhan , Findik Murat , Fontaine Christelle Speiser , Goericke-Pesch Sandra
Published: October 2023

Objective Slow-release GnRH agonist implants (SRI) are used for reversible
medical downregulation of testicular function in male dogs as an alternative to
surgery. The 4.7 mg deslorelin SRI should reduce testosterone after
6–8 weeks and induce castration-like effects for 6 months (mon).
However, some individual variation is described in the field in regard to onset
and duration of effect. For this reason, we aimed to study the effects of the
4.7 mg deslorelin SRI in a larger cohort.

Material and methods In total 50 intact, healthy male dogs (12–48
months, mon; 9–40 kg) were treated with a 4.7 mg
deslorelin SRI into the umbilical area (TG, n=45) or served as untreated
controls (CG, n=5). CG dogs were surgically castrated after measurement
of testicular dimensions and blood sampling for testosterone. In TG, SRIs
remained for 5 mon in place and subsequently 3–7 male dogs were
surgically castrated at removal (week, W 0) or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 10
weeks later. Examination parameters were testicular dimensions (before
treatment, at 4, 8, 12 W, 5 mon, weekly until castration), testosterone
(before treatment, at 8 W, 5 mon, castration) and testicular histology
(castration).

Results Whereas examination parameters did not differ between CG and TG
before treatment, testicular volume and testosterone was significantly reduced
at all time points during treatment. In all but 3 (8 W) and 2 male dogs
(5 mon) testosterone was basal during treatment before removal, whereas the
parameters were significantly reduced compared to pre-treatment in the
respective dogs. After implant removal, testosterone and testicular volumes
increased. However, different to earlier studies, the „restart“
was more variable with individual basal testosterone until W7, but also
physiological testosterone concentrations in W2. Similarly, histological
testicular findings at castration were quite variable: besides an arrest on
spermatogonia and spermatocytes, elongated spermatids with normal
spermatogenesis were found in individual dogs.

Conclusion Our study confirms the efficacy of the deslorelin SRI, but also
individual variation especially regarding reversibility of effects on endocrine
and germinative testicular function.

Clinical relevance Deslorelin SRIs offer a suitable alternative to
surgical castration with individual variation to be considered when used in
clinical practice.
The effect of Chinese vaccine diplomacy during COVID-19 in the Philippines and Vietnam: a multiple case study from a soft power perspective
Authors: van Dijk Remco Johan Leonard , Lo Catherine Yuk-ping
Published: October 2023

Vaccine diplomacy is a subset of global health diplomacy and refers to the use and delivery of vaccines to achieve a country’s global health goals and foreign policy objectives. Countries have used vaccine diplomacy to increase their soft power during the COVID-19 pandemic. China, an emerging world power, was no exception in this trend. By December 2022, China had dispatched 1.65 billion vaccines worldwide; approximately one-third of the Chinese vaccines were sent to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. China attempted to increase its soft power via vaccine diplomacy to appeal to its neighbours with which it has long-standing territorial disputes in the South China Sea (SCS). Focusing on two key claimants in the SCS, our study has the following research question: How effective was Chinese COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy in the Philippines and Vietnam from a soft power perspective? Through a qualitative multiple case study research design, we determined the effectiveness of Chinese vaccine diplomacy in the Philippines and Vietnam by using four indicators of soft power: public opinion, foreign policy, attractiveness, and business and trade. Data collection consisted of a literature search of academic literature and newspaper articles that were published between 26 May and 13 June 2022. A thematic analysis was conducted to analyse the data. Analysing the effectiveness of Chinese vaccine diplomacy based on the four indicators of soft power, our results show that only the indicators of attractiveness in Vietnam and business and trade in the Philippines have somewhat improved. In contrast, the indicators of public opinion and foreign policy showed neutral or negative results for China. This study concludes that Chinese vaccine diplomacy in the Philippines and Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic was unsuccessful from a soft power perspective. One reason is that China undermined its soft power approach by simultaneously using hard power tactics in Southeast Asia. Using vaccine diplomacy to increase soft power is not always desirable from a global health perspective. Instead, countries should focus on equitable vaccine access and address asymmetrical power relations.
Healthcare service delivery perception among NHIS-HMO enrollees in Lagos hospitals
Authors: Mkperedem Abigail Affiong , Ogunlade Peter , Igbolekwu Chisaa , Arisukwu Ogadimma , Afolabi Abiodun Olawale , Adedayo Ruth Adefunke
Published: October 2023

The National Health Insurance Scheme and Health Maintenance Organization partnership serves as a vital instrument in Nigeria’s government efforts to attain Universal Health Coverage, however, patients’ low-level satisfaction with health service quality has been reported across literatures. This study therefore aims to assess healthcare service delivery perception among NHIS-HMO enrollees in Lagos hospitals. Anchoring on the filter theory of attention, the study utilize the convergent parallel mixed method research design which involves the collection and analysis of both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (in-depth interviews (IDIs)) data. Using a simple random and convenient sampling techniques, a total of 252 retrieved questionnaires and 15 in-depth interviews were used to elicit data from selected respondents across 9 healthcare facilities in 3 local government areas. Enrollees’ perception was significantly affected by the tangible Healthcare facilities (HCFs) physical environment variable. Related to process variables, the quantitative study found positive response towards humane treatment, and prompt medical attention questions, however, the qualitative interviews had differing results. Both the quantitative and qualitative confirmed presence of long waiting queues. Quantitative result on outcome variable indicated HCFs competence in providing quality services, however, in-depth interview session revealed being an enrollee limits accessibility to HCFs competent service. The research concludes that healthcare enrollees’ perception may alter depending on the type of healthcare service accessed at the HCF. Therefore, to attain the Universal Health Coverage mission, the study recommends reduction or total removal of every form of challenge such that makes for NHIS-HMO enrollees spending too much time at the HCFs during healthcare access.
Integration and differentiation: comparison of photography behaviors using unmanned aerial vehicle data in China and Europe
Authors: Chen Xiliang , Li Gang , Mehmood Muhammad Sajid , Nie Qifan , Yu Jie
Published: October 2023

The continuous improvement in the design and manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has enabled them to assist humans in aerial tasks. At present, UAVs are not only used for environmental data collection, but also used by photographers to take photos. As the popularity of consumer UAVs rises, an increasing number of tourists are transitioning from the traditional perspectives of mobile phone and hand-held camera photography to the aerial perspective of UAV photography. Therefore this study examines UAV photos and related data uploaded by photographers within China and Europe to the UAV forum SkyPixel by using cloud-based data from Microsoft Azure vision, and sentiment, social network and spatial analyses. In addition, this paper also investigates the commonalities and differences between the behaviors and preferences of photographers who utilize UAV photography recreationally. The results indicate that the core content of UAV photography revolves around three major themes: natural landscapes, destination transportation facilities, and the daily behaviors of people. However, photographers in China mainly exhibit neutral emotions, while European photographers display mostly positive emotions. Hot spots are concentrated in mature tourist areas, especially top destinations near waterbodies. This study fosters a new understanding of the emerging group of UAV users.
Collective oscillations of systems of Xe atoms in a groove between two carbon nanotubes
Authors: Syvokon V. E. , Sokolov S. S.
Published: October 2023

The collective oscillations of systems of Xe atoms adsorbed in a groove between two carbon nanotubes have been studied by the method of molecular dynamics. The one-dimensional and three-chain structures of atoms that appear in such grooves are considered depending on the number of particles, temperature, and external potentials. It is shown that the infinite one-dimensional structures of Xe atoms are stable at finite temperatures only in the presence of such potentials acting in the direction normal to the axis of the structure. The oscillation spectrum is found, which is in accordance with theoretical calculations of the dispersion laws of collective modes. Collective oscillations of three-chain structures have been studied. The theoretical calculation of the laws of dispersion of modes, carried out by the method of equations of motion for small displacements of atoms from the equilibrium position, showed that the collective modes of the system show a great similarity with the corresponding dispersion laws of a one-dimensional chain of atoms. At the same time, it was found that a torsion mode arises, which is characteristic of a three-chain structure. The calculation agrees well with the spectrum of oscillations obtained by the molecular dynamics method. Using the established mode dispersion, the heat capacity of Xe chains is calculated within the framework of the Einstein model. The calculation results are in good agreement with the experimental data in the temperature range of up to 35–40 K, which can be explained if we assume the presence of both one-dimensional and three-chain structures of Xe atoms adsorbed in the grooves between carbon nanotubes. The effect of temperature on the stability of Xe atomic structures on nanotubes has been studied, and it has been shown that one-dimensional structures start to defragment at temperatures higher than 60 K, whereas three-chain structures defragment at temperatures higher than 90 K.
On the low-temperature isotropic point in Rb2SO4 crystals
Authors: Pryshko I. A. , Stadnyk V. Yo. , Salapak V. M.
Published: October 2023

In this work, Rb2SO4 single crystals of good optical quality were synthesized and the spectral (300–700 nm) and temperature (300–77 K) dependencies of birefringence were experimentally investigated. It was found that with a temperature decreasing, at a temperature of T = 85 K and a light wavelength of λ = 500 nm, the birefringence value in the Y direction is zero (Δny = nz – nх = 0), which testifies to the existence of a new isotropic point. The influence of uniaxial compression on changes in Δny (Т, λ) was studied, and their significant sensitivity was revealed. The temperature-baric and spectral-baric changes of the isotropic point position were analyzed, based on which the temperature-spectral-baric diagram of the isotropic state of the crystal was constructed, which will be of practical importance for the use of crystal as an active element in a crystal-optical temperature sensor for a low-temperature region. Based on the Δny (Т, λ, σ) dependencies, the combined piezo-optic coefficients of the crystal were estimated, and it was assumed that not only thermal but also mechanical deformation of the optical indicatrix takes place in the vicinity of the isotropic point.
Ab initio methods for polariton chemistry
Authors: Foley Jonathan J. , McTague Jonathan F. , DePrince A. Eugene
Published: October 2023

Polariton chemistry exploits the strong interaction between quantized excitations in molecules and quantized photon states in optical cavities to affect chemical reactivity. Molecular polaritons have been experimentally realized by the coupling of electronic, vibrational, and rovibrational transitions to photon modes, which has spurred a tremendous theoretical effort to model and explain how polariton formation can influence chemistry. This tutorial review focuses on computational approaches for the electronic strong coupling problem through the combination of familiar techniques from ab initio electronic structure theory and cavity quantum electrodynamics, toward the goal of supplying predictive theories for polariton chemistry. Our aim is to emphasize the relevant theoretical details with enough clarity for newcomers to the field to follow, and to present simple and practical code examples to catalyze further development work.
Bring memristive in-memory computing into general-purpose machine learning: A perspective
Authors: Zhou Houji , Chen Jia , Li Jiancong , Yang Ling , Li Yi , Miao Xiangshui
Published: October 2023

In-memory computing (IMC) using emerging nonvolatile devices has received considerable attention due to its great potential for accelerating artificial neural networks and machine learning tasks. As the basic concept and operation modes of IMC are now well established, there is growing interest in employing its wide and general application. In this perspective, the path that leads memristive IMC to general-purpose machine learning is discussed in detail. First, we reviewed the development timeline of machine learning algorithms that employ memristive devices, such as resistive random-access memory and phase-change memory. Then we summarized two typical aspects of realizing IMC-based general-purpose machine learning. One involves a heterogeneous computing system for algorithmic completeness. The other is to obtain the configurable precision techniques for the compromise of the precision-efficiency dilemma. Finally, the major directions and challenges of memristive IMC-based general-purpose machine learning are proposed from a cross-level design perspective.
An affine transform center line extraction and discontinuity deviation correction method for non-orthogonal grid laser
Authors: Wang Biao , Ma Yuhan , Zhang Yuxuan , Yang Yongyue , Wang Yonghong , Li Hongli
Published: October 2023

The extraction of the laser center line is one of the key steps of laser scanning, which is related to the accuracy of the coordinate calculation. Non - orthogonal grid laser scanning has the advantages of a large measuring range and small translation error. For the extraction of the center line of the laser cross region of non-orthogonal grid, the discontinuity and deviation of the results obtained by the existing methods will cause the error of center line coordinate extraction. To solve these problems, according to the properties of image affine, an improved method of laser center extraction for non-orthogonal grid is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the image is divided into sub-images by affine transformation according to slopes, and the orthogonal grid laser image is obtained. Secondly, in order to solve the problem of centerline discontinuity, the orthogonal grid laser image was rotated 0° and 90°, and the Steger method was used to process images. Inverse affine transformation is performed on the results. Finally, the sub-images are clipped and splicing according to slopes, and the two rotation results are union to get the complete laser center line. By comparing various methods and 3D reconstruction experiments, the accuracy of the proposed method is verified in the center line extraction of grid laser cross-region.
Traversable wormholes with static spherical symmetry and their stability in higher-curvature gravity
Authors: Ilyas M. , Bamba Kazuharu
Published: October 2023

The solutions of traversable wormholes and their geometries are investigated in higher-curvature gravity with boundary terms for each case under the presence of anisotropic, isotropic and barotropic fluids in detail. For each case, the effective energy-momentum tensor violates the null energy condition throughout the wormhole throat. The null and weak energy conditions are also analyzed for ordinary matters. The regions that physically viable wormhole solutions can exist are explicitly shown. Furthermore, it is found that the range of the viable regions exhibits an alternating pattern of expansion and contraction. The present analyses can reveal the regions in which traversable wormholes can be constructed for anisotropic, isotropic and barotropic fluids cases with incorporating realistic matter contents, leading to fundamental physics insights into the feasible construction of wormholes in higher-curvature gravity with boundary term. The main achievements of this work, in contrast to previous studies, are its thorough investigation of traversable wormholes within the framework of higher-curvature gravity with boundary terms, its extensive consideration of various fluid types, and the explicit identification of regions where stable wormhole solutions can exist.
Nuclear mass predictions based on a deep neural network and finite-range droplet model (2012)*
Authors: Yiu 姚 To Chung 道驄 , Liang 梁 Haozhao 豪兆 , Lee 李 Jenny 曉菁
Published: October 2023

A neural network with two hidden layers is developed for nuclear mass prediction, based on the finite-range droplet model (FRDM12). Different hyperparameters, including the number of hidden units, choice of activation functions, initializers, and learning rates, are adjusted explicitly and systematically. The resulting mass predictions are achieved by averaging the predictions given by several different sets of hyperparameters with different regularizers and seed numbers. This can provide not only the average values of mass predictions but also reliable estimations in the mass prediction uncertainties. The overall root-mean-square deviations of nuclear mass are reduced from 0.603 MeV for the FRDM12 model to 0.200 MeV and 0.232 MeV for the training and validation sets, respectively.
NEUTRA 2.0 – Upgrade of a pioneering instrument
Authors: Trtik P , Filges U , Bollhalder A , Ivanov A , Kalt A , Lehmann M , Mühlebach T , Schild M , Thürsam S , Welte J , Boillat P , Busi M , Hovind J , Kaestner A , Mannes D , Polatidis E , Strobl M
Published: October 2023

After more than 25 years of successful operation of the thermal neutron imaging instrument NEUTRA, the NEUTRA 2.0 upgrade project has been approved. This upgrade implies a complete reconstruction of the instrument including a redesign of the shielding bunker. The inner usable area of the bunker will be increased thus creating ample space required in modern neutron imaging instruments for complex set-ups with bulk sample environments. Likewise, full access to an upstream measuring position, MP1, of the beamline will allow utilizing about half an order and one order of magnitude higher flux than at the currently accessible measurement positions MP2 and MP3, respectively. These measures will enable higher temporal resolution neutron imaging investigations and the use of the Neutron Microscope detector at NEUTRA. Together with more available space the higher flexibility of the interior arrangement will enable accommodating components for advanced neutron imaging techniques such as in-situ simultaneous bimodal neutron/x-ray imaging, time-of-flight imaging and thermal neutron grating interferometry. While the upgrade will enable advanced neutron imaging capabilities at NEUTRA 2.0, the instrumentation and techniques that were pioneered at NEUTRA in the past, like the XTRA option for in-line bimodal neutron/X-ray imaging and the NEURAP insert for neutron imaging of highly radioactive samples will be retained in the suite of the available modalities at the beamline.
Development of a Neutron Imaging Facility at the Very Low Power Reactor VR-1
Authors: Matouskova J , Schillinger B , Sklenka L
Published: October 2023

The paper describes the design and construction of a new neutron imaging facility at the very low-power research reactor VR-1. Neutron imaging has been under development at the VR-1 reactor as a new possible field of utilisation since 2020. The paper describes the main parts of the NIFFLER – “Neutron Imaging Facility for Learning and Research”. The detector system was designed in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich. The radial beam line modifications include different collimation ratios L/D, additional moderator configurations and the basic concept and design of the instrumentation. The paper also includes calculations of thermal neutron flux at the detector position for different radial beamline configurations. The results achieved at the training reactor VR-1 showed the potential of using neutron imaging at other low and very-low-power research reactors worldwide.
Simulation framework for INFER neutron grating interferometry experiments
Authors: Kim Y , Wolf C M , Sathe P S , Daugherty M C , Robinson S M , Kienzle P A , Bajcsy P , LaManna J M , Jacobson D L , Baltic E , Weigandt K M , Murphy R P , Klimov N N , Huber M G , Hussey D S
Published: October 2023

Dark-field imaging probes the projected autocorrelation function at the autocorrelation length of the grating interferometer and quantitatively accesses the parameters of a microstructure model. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has developed a novel far-field grating interferometer to study hierarchical materials in various fields such as polymer science, geology, additive manufacturing under the INFER project. In this work, we detail the simulation of dark-field imaging which is one of the goals of INFER.
Joint Bi-Modal Tomographic Reconstruction from Observations with Missing Data
Authors: Leatherland A , Bazin N , Aldrich-Smith G , Boardman R , Blumensath T
Published: October 2023

A method for tomographic reconstruction of bi-modal data sets using cross modal regularization was developed. The method constrains the Simultaneous Algebraic Reconstruction Technique by using clustering-based segmented images and quality controlled fused images, to jointly regularize the reconstruction of structures imaged with different methods. The joint regularized reconstruction method was tested using a synthetic X-Ray and neutron data set with a mix of attenuation driven data starvation. Assuming consistent material boundaries in the different imaging modalities, it was shown that improvements in terms of the Feature Similarity Index Measure are made compared to a traditional SART-TV reconstruction. UK Ministry of Defence ©Crown Owned Copyright 2023/AWE
Time-of-flight polarization contrast neutron imaging for enhanced characterization of ferritic phase fractions in Fe-Mn-Si shape memory alloys
Authors: Busi Matteo , Ferretto Irene , Malamud Florencia , Leinenbach Christian , Strobl Markus
Published: October 2023

The determination of the amount and distribution of different phase fractions in additively manufactured shape memory alloys processed with laser powder bed fusion is crucial for understanding the correlation between processing parameters, microstructure, and mechanical properties. Neutron imaging techniques, such as Bragg edge imaging and polarization contrast neutron imaging (PNI), have been introduced to complement and overcome the limitations of traditional characterization methods, which are often destructive and limited to surface analyses and small-sized specimens. Bragg edge imaging can distinguish and quantify crystallographic phase fractions with spatial resolutions of a few tens of micrometers, while PNI is highly sensitive to crystallographic phases and is particularly suited for sub-percent phase fractions and in-situ, time-resolved, and tomographic analyses. In this work, we present a time-of-flight PNI method that enables simultaneous measurements of phase fractions.
Development of Tracer Particles for Thermal Hydraulic Experiment by Neutron Imaging
Authors: Saito Y , Ito D , Odaira N , Kurita K , Iikura H
Published: October 2023

To observe flow velocity distributions by Neutron Imaging, suitable tracers are necessary. Their performance is highly dependent on their density, visibility, and wettability (if applied to liquid metal). Gold cadmium tracers have been developed for the Pb-Bi two-phase flow, however the visibility have not been verified depending on the particle size and the measurement system. As the candidates of tracer particles, Ag, Cd, Au-Cd, and Ag-Cd have been tested by varying its compositions and their diameters. Results show enough visibility if the particles size is larger than 1mm. In addition, Cd tracer particles were applied to the fluidized bed, where the bed materials are metallic particle made of stainless steel, with 1mm diameter. The diameter of Cd trace is about 1.5 mm. From the neutron imaging, the visibility of the tracers is enough to measure the velocity distributions in the fluidized bed.
Hydrogen diffusion in Zr-2.5Nb pressure tubes specimens between 300°C-400°C by in-situ neutron imaging experiments
Authors: Stella V.M. , Soria S.R. , Gomez A. , Grosse M. , Schulz M. , Santisteban J. R.
Published: October 2023

Zirconium (Zr) alloys are widely used in nuclear power plants as fuel cladding and are susceptible to hydrogen (H) degradation. For long operational service, Zr-based components can suffer a mechanism known as Delayed Hydride Cracking (DHC) associated to an increase of the crack propagation velocity by the re-orientation and precipitation of Zr hydride. In this process, the H mobility has a great influence. In the present work, the isothermal diffusion of H in Zr-2.5%Nb specimens obtained from a CANDU pressure tube were studied at consecutive temperatures of 300°C, 350°C, 375°C and 400°C. H content and mobility were quantified by in-situ neutron imaging experiments performed on ANTARES, the cold neutron imaging facility of FRM II. The time evolution of the H concentration across the specimen allowed the determination of diffusion coefficients, and an assessment of the limitations of existing models commonly used to describe H diffusion.
Synthesis of copper-reduced graphene oxide nanomaterials using glucose and study of its antibacterial and anticancer activities
Authors: Singh Anu , Gautam Akanksha , Banerjee Sagarika , Singh Awantika , Kushwaha Hemant R
Published: October 2023

In this work, glucose-capped copper nanoparticles decorated reduced graphene oxide nanomaterial are synthesized at 100 °C and 200 °C via chemical reduction method and studied for their antibacterial and anticancer activities. Synthesized nanomaterials were characterized using x-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared, transmission electron microscope, and RAMAN. It is observed in transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction studies that copper nanoparticles deposited onto reduced graphene oxide are smaller than nanoparticles generated in the absence of reduced graphene oxide. Also, the size of copper nanoparticles synthesized at 200 °C is smaller than at 100 °C. Results suggest that Cu/Glu/rGO synthesized at both temperatures showed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus anthracis, similarly, showed significant cell death in cancer cell lines [Cal33 and HCT-116 p53 (+/+)]. Interestingly, the nanomaterials were seen to be more effective against the cancer cell lines harboring aggregating mutant p53. Tumors with aggregating mutants of p53 are difficult to treat hence, Cu/Glu/rGO can be promising therapeutic agents against these difficult cancers. However, the antibacterial and anticancer activity of Cu/Glu/rGO synthesized at 100 °C where Cu2O form is obtained was found to be more effective compared to Cu/Glu/rGO synthesized at 200 °C where Cu form is obtained. Though fine-tuning of the material may be required for its commercial applications.
Optimal reservoir operation for transport timescales using an integrated methodology
Authors: Xiong Guanle , Mao Jingqiao , Cai Haibin , Zhang Hongqing
Published: October 2023

Dam construction hinders the transport process of water constituents, resulting in various water quality issues in reservoir areas that impede the sustainable development of hydropower. Conventional reservoir operation optimizations to address these issues face challenges in mathematizing multiple water quality objectives and solving high-dimensional computational problems. Taking a comprehensive perspective, we propose a methodology that incorporates the concept of transport timescales into optimal reservoir operation. Firstly, a specific transport timescale is estimated through numerical tracer experiments using a 3D hydrodynamic model. Subsequently, a surrogate model is developed to approximate the hydrodynamic model for computationally efficient estimation. Finally, we employ a non-dominated ranking genetic algorithm, combined with the surrogate model, to search for a Pareto-optimal solution for multiple objectives. As a case study, we selected flushing time as the representation of transport timescales and applied it to Xiangxi Bay (XXB) in the Three Gorges Reservoir, which has experienced serious water quality problems since dam construction. Our results show that under the optimal operation scheme, the average flushing time for the entire XXB is 23.991 d, which represents a 10.9% reduction compared to the practical operation scheme. The reduction rate of flushing time along XXB shows a monotonically increasing trend towards the reservoir mainstream, with a maximum reduction of 90.9%. The proposed methodology provides a heuristic tool that links optimal reservoir operation and the transport process of holistic water constituents for comprehensive water quality management in reservoirs.
Stokesian processes : inferring Stokes flows using physics-informed Gaussian processes
Authors: Molina John J , Ogawa Kenta , Taniguchi Takashi
Published: October 2023

We develop a probabilistic Stokes flow framework, using physics informed Gaussian processes, which can be used to solve both forward/inverse flow problems with missing and/or noisy data. The physics of the problem, specified by the Stokes and continuity equations, is exactly encoded into the inference framework. Crucially, this means that we do not need to explicitly solve the Poisson equation for the pressure field, as a physically meaningful (divergence-free) velocity field will automatically be selected. We test our method on a simple pressure driven flow problem, i.e. flow through a sinusoidal channel, and compare against standard numerical methods (Finite Element and Direct Numerical Simulations). We obtain excellent agreement, even when solving inverse problems given only sub-sampled velocity data on low dimensional sub-spaces (i.e. 1 component of the velocity on 1D domains to reconstruct 2D flows). The proposed method will be a valuable tool for analyzing experimental data, where noisy/missing data is the norm.
Ensuring continuity and impact in Arctic monitoring: a solution-orientated model for community-based environmental research
Authors: Mercer Louise , Whalen Dustin , Pokiak Deva-Lynn , Lim Michael , Mann Paul J
Published: October 2023

Community-based monitoring (CBM) is increasingly cited as a means of collecting valuable baseline data that can contribute to our understanding of environmental change whilst supporting Indigenous governance and self-determination in research. However, current environmental CBM models have specific limitations that impact program effectiveness and the progression of research stages beyond data collection. Here, we highlight key aspects that limit the progression of Arctic CBM programs which include funding constraints, organisational structures, and operational processes. Exemplars from collaborative environmental research conducted in the acutely climate change impacted Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk, Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR), Canada, are used to identify co-developed solutions to address these challenges. These learnings from experience-based collaborations feed into a new solution-orientated model of environmental community-based research (CBR) that emphasises continuity between and community ownership in all research stages to enable a more complete research workflow. Clear recommendations are provided to develop a more coherent approach to achieving this model, which can be adapted to guide the development of successful environmental CBR programs in different research and place-based contexts.
Restricting the splitting types of a positive density set of places in number field extensions
Authors: Alberts Brandon
Published: October 2023

We prove necessary and sufficient conditions for a finite group

G
G

with an ordering of

G
G

-extensions to satisfy the following property: for every positive density set of places

A
A

of a number field

K
K

and every splitting type given by a conjugacy class

c
c

in

G
G

,

0
0%

of

G
G

-extensions avoid this splitting type for each

p
∈
A

p\in A

.
Multiple quality control mechanisms monitor yeast chitin synthase folding in the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Sanchez Noelia , de Leon Nagore , Valle Rosario , Fung Jia Jun , Khmelinskii Anton , Roncero Cesar
Published: October 2023

The chitin synthase Chs3 is a multipass membrane protein whose trafficking is tightly controlled. Accordingly, its exit from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) depends on several complementary mechanisms that ensure its correct folding. Despite its potential failure on its exit, Chs3 is very stable in this compartment, which suggests its poor recognition by ER quality control mechanisms such as endoplasmic reticulum–associated degradation (ERAD). Here we show that proper N-glycosylation of its luminal domain is essential to prevent the aggregation of the protein and its subsequent recognition by the Hrd1-dependent ERAD-L machinery. In addition, the interaction of Chs3 with its chaperone Chs7 seems to mask additional cytosolic degrons, thereby avoiding their recognition by the ERAD-C pathway. On top of that, Chs3 molecules that are not degraded by conventional ERAD can move along the ER membrane to reach the inner nuclear membrane, where they are degraded by the inner nuclear membrane–associated degradation (INMAD) system, which contributes to the intracellular homeostasis of Chs3. These results indicate that Chs3 is an excellent model to study quality control mechanisms in the cell and reinforce its role as a paradigm in intracellular trafficking research.
The Matter of Personae in Medieval Italy
Authors: Vise Melissa
Published: October 2023

This article hunts for the medieval understanding of juridical persona in the courtrooms of communal Italy (c.1250–1450). While corporate personae have been the long-favored subject of inquiry for both medieval and modern scholars, the ontological predecessor of the corporate persona, the juridical persona, remains undertheorized. The gap is surprising given that (i) the concept is central to other formative legal notions of standing, status, and identity and (ii) medieval legal practice’s erstwhile penchant was to gloss and re-gloss every word of its central texts. By considering cases of gestural blasphemy brought before both civic and ecclesiastical courts, this article discovers the multiple and context-specific meanings for persona at law. These shifting definitions hover around a theological impossibility: a material quality to divine persons that could render them subject to injury and defendable in court. I contend that the legal utility of the term persona rested in its ability to bridge conceptual gaps like that created in the prosecution of blasphemy. Persona was left definitionally both one and many for good legal reason.
LOCATOR: feature extraction and spatial analysis of the cancer tissue microenvironment using mass cytometry imaging technologies
Authors: Ehsani Rezvan , Jonassen Inge , Akslen Lars A , Kleftogiannis Dimitrios
Published: October 2023

Motivation

Recent advances in highly multiplexed imaging have provided unprecedented insights into the complex cellular organization of tissues, with many applications in translational medicine. However, downstream analyses of multiplexed imaging data face several technical limitations, and although some computational methods and bioinformatics tools are available, deciphering the complex spatial organization of cellular ecosystems remains a challenging problem.

Results

To mitigate this problem, we develop a novel computational tool, LOCATOR (anaLysis Of CAncer Tissue micrOenviRonment), for spatial analysis of cancer tissue microenvironments using data acquired from mass cytometry imaging technologies. LOCATOR introduces a graph-based representation of tissue images to describe features of the cellular organization and deploys downstream analysis and visualization utilities that can be used for data-driven patient-risk stratification. Our case studies using mass cytometry imaging data from two well-annotated breast cancer cohorts re-confirmed that the spatial organization of the tumour-immune microenvironment is strongly associated with the clinical outcome in breast cancer. In addition, we report interesting potential associations between the spatial organization of macrophages and patients’ survival. Our work introduces an automated and versatile analysis tool for mass cytometry imaging data with many applications in future cancer research projects.

Availability and implementation

Datasets and codes of LOCATOR are publicly available at https://github.com/RezvanEhsani/LOCATOR.
The landscape of microRNA interaction annotation: analysis of three rare disorders as a case study
Authors: Panni Simona , Panneerselvam Kalpana , Porras Pablo , Duesbury Margaret , Perfetto Livia , Licata Luana , Hermjakob Henning , Orchard Sandra
Published: October 2023

In recent years, a huge amount of data on ncRNA interactions has been described in scientific papers and databases. Although considerable effort has been made to annotate the available knowledge in public repositories, there are still significant discrepancies in how different resources capture and interpret data on ncRNA functional and physical associations. In the present paper, we present a collection of microRNA–mRNA interactions annotated from the scientific literature following recognized standard criteria and focused on microRNAs, which regulate genes associated with rare diseases as a case study. The list of protein-coding genes with a known role in specific rare diseases was retrieved from the Genome England PanelApp, and associated microRNA–mRNA interactions were annotated in the IntAct database and compared with other datasets. RNAcentral identifiers were used for unambiguous, stable identification of ncRNAs. The information about the interaction was enhanced by a detailed description of the cell types and experimental conditions, providing a computer-interpretable summary of the published data, integrated with the huge amount of protein interactions already gathered in the database. Furthermore, for each interaction, the binding sites of the microRNA are precisely mapped on a well-defined mRNA transcript of the target gene. This information is crucial to conceive and design optimal microRNA mimics or inhibitors to interfere in vivo with a deregulated process. As these approaches become more feasible, high-quality, reliable networks of microRNA interactions are needed to help, for instance, in the selection of the best target to be inhibited and to predict potential secondary off-target effects.

Database URL:  https://www.ebi.ac.uk/intact
Enterococcus faecalissuppressesStaphylococcus aureus-induced NETosis and promotes bacterial survival in polymicrobial infections
Authors: Kao Patrick Hsien-Neng , Ch'ng Jun-Hong , Chong Kelvin K L , Stocks Claudia J , Wong Siu Ling , Kline Kimberly A
Published: October 2023

Enterococcus faecalis is an opportunistic pathogen that is frequently co-isolated with other microbes in wound infections. While E. faecalis can subvert the host immune response and promote the survival of other microbes via interbacterial synergy, little is known about the impact of E. faecalis-mediated immune suppression on co-infecting microbes. We hypothesized that E. faecalis can attenuate neutrophil-mediated responses in mixed-species infection to promote survival of the co-infecting species. We found that neutrophils control E. faecalis infection via phagocytosis, ROS production, and degranulation of azurophilic granules, but it does not trigger neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis). However, E. faecalis attenuates Staphylococcus aureus-induced NETosis in polymicrobial infection by interfering with citrullination of histone, suggesting E. faecalis can actively suppress NETosis in neutrophils. Residual S. aureus-induced NETs that remain during co-infection do not impact E. faecalis, further suggesting that E. faecalis possess mechanisms to evade or survive NET-associated killing mechanisms. E. faecalis-driven reduction of NETosis corresponds with higher S. aureus survival, indicating that this immunomodulating effect could be a risk factor in promoting the virulence polymicrobial infection. These findings highlight the complexity of the immune response to polymicrobial infections and suggest that attenuated pathogen-specific immune responses contribute to pathogenesis in the mammalian host.
Colony morphotype diversification as a signature of bacterial evolution
Authors: Kovács Ákos T
Published: October 2023

The appearance of colony morphotypes is a signature of genetic diversification in evolving bacterial populations. Colony structure highly depends on the cell–cell interactions and polymer production that are adjusted during evolution in an environment that allows the development of spatial structures. Nucci and colleagues describe the emergence of a rough and dry morphotype of a noncapsulated Klebsiella variicola strain during a laboratory evolution study, resembling genetic changes observed in clinical isolates.
The impact of paramutations on the invasion dynamics of transposable elements
Authors: Scarpa Almorò , Kofler Robert
Published: October 2023

According to the prevailing view, the trap model, the activity of invading transposable elements (TEs) is greatly reduced when a TE copy jumps into a piRNA cluster, which triggers the emergence of piRNAs that silence the TE. One crucial component in the host defence are paramutations. Mediated by maternally deposited piRNAs, paramutations convert TE insertions into piRNA producing loci, thereby transforming selfish TEs into agents of the host defence. Despite this significant effect, the impact of paramutations on the dynamics of TE invasions remains unknown. To address this issue, we performed extensive forward simulations of TE invasions with piRNA clusters and paramutations. We found that paramutations significantly affect TE dynamics, by accelerating the silencing of TE invasions, reducing the number of insertions accumulating during the invasions and mitigating the fitness cost of TEs. We also demonstrate that piRNA production induced by paramutations, an epigenetically inherited trait, may be positively selected. Finally, we show that paramutations may account for three important open problems with the trap model. Firstly, paramutated TE insertions may compensate for the insufficient number of insertions in piRNA clusters observed in previous studies. Secondly, paramutations may explain the discrepancy between the observed and the expected abundance of different TE families in Drosophila melanogaster. Thirdly, piRNA clusters may be crucial to trigger the host defence, but paramutations render the clusters dispensable once the defence has been established. This could account for the lack of TE activation when three major piRNA clusters were deleted in a previous study.
The Swiss Federal Supreme Court’s Fire Ring Decision and the Evaluation of Works of Applied Art Under Copyright Law – A Burning Topic
Authors: Rauch Gregor
Published: October 2023

In its most recent Fire Ring decision, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court had to rule on the copyright protection of works of applied art for the first time in several years. Works of applied art are included in the Swiss Copyright Act in Art. 2(2)(f) as a separate category of protected works, distinguished from other categories of works because they serve a utilitarian purpose and combine practical applicability with an additional aesthetic appeal. In light of the most recent CJEU decisions regarding copyright protection of works of applied art and industrial design, specifically its decisions in Brompton (GRUR International 2020, 969) and Cofemel (GRUR International 2020, 322) the Swiss Federal Supreme Court had the opportunity – not being directly bound by Union law – to position itself with regard to EU judicial practice and at the same time update its own sparse and partly outdated case law. However, it clearly failed to do so, not only from a legal-theoretical perspective but also from a case-specific perspective, and this raises some additional questions that deserve to be addressed.