bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biosolids amendment effects on nitrogen cycling gene expression by the soil prokaryotic community as revealed by metatranscriptomic analysis
Authors: D’Angelo Elisa Marie
Published: November 2023

Context Large quantities of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) are produced and beneficially applied to agricultural fields to improve soil fertility in many countries. Biosolids have extremely high concentrations of ammonium and organic matter that can be beneficial but also detrimental to the environment by promoting microbially-mediated reactions that contribute to eutrophication and greenhouse gas emission. Aims The hypothesis of the study was that high concentrations of ammonium and labile organic matter in biosolids would significantly affect nitrogen transformations and nitrogen-cycling gene expression by different members of the prokaryotic community in a biosolids-amended agricultural soil. Methods An organically-managed agricultural soil was amended with biosolids and monitored for changes in carbon dioxide and inorganic nitrogen species for 3 weeks under laboratory conditions. Then, RNA was extracted and compared for nitrogen-cycling gene expression levels in biosolids-amended and unamended soil. Key results Biosolids amendment significantly increased ammonium concentration and decreased oxygen and nitrate concentrations in soil zones near biosolid particles, which coincided with significant changes in expression levels of genes for catabolic glutamate dehydrogenase, nitrification enzymes, denitrifying enzymes, and numerous other enzymes by different members of the prokaryotic community. Conclusions The application of biosolids to soil set in motion a dynamic organic nitrogen mineralisation–nitrification–denitrification cycle between the anaerobic biosolids zone and aerobic soil zone. Implications Biosolids-induced changes in nitrogen transformations by different members of the microbial community have implications on nitrogen availability/toxicity to nitrifying populations and plants, ammonium and nitrate in surface runoff, and nitrous oxide greenhouse gas emission from biosolids-amended soil.
NMDAR antagonists suppress tumor progression by regulating tumor-associated macrophages
Authors: Yuan Dongchen , Hu Jing , Ju Xiaoman , Putz Eva Maria , Zheng Simin , Koda Stephane , Sun Guowei , Deng Xiaoran , Xu Zhipeng , Nie Wei , Zhao Yang , Li Xianyang , Dougall William C. , Shao Simin , Chen Yan , Tang Renxian , Zheng Kuiyang , Yan Juming
Published: November 2023

Neurotransmitter receptors are increasingly recognized to play important roles in anti-tumor immunity. The expression of the ion channel N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) on macrophages was reported, but the role of NMDAR on macrophages in the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unknown. Here, we show that the activation of NMDAR triggered calcium influx and reactive oxygen species production, which fueled immunosuppressive activities in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the hepatocellular sarcoma and fibrosarcoma tumor settings. NMDAR antagonists, MK-801, memantine, and magnesium, effectively suppressed these processes in TAMs. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed that blocking NMDAR functionally and metabolically altered TAM phenotypes, such that they could better promote T cell- and Natural killer (NK) cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Treatment with NMDAR antagonists in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody led to the elimination of the majority of established preclinical liver tumors. Thus, our study uncovered an unknown role for NMDAR in regulating macrophages in the TME of hepatocellular sarcoma and provided a rationale for targeting NMDAR for tumor immunotherapy.
Mitochondria-associated membrane collapse impairs TBK1-mediated proteostatic stress response in ALS
Authors: Watanabe Seiji , Murata Yuri , Oka Yasuyoshi , Oiwa Kotaro , Horiuchi Mai , Iguchi Yohei , Komine Okiru , Sobue Akira , Katsuno Masahisa , Ogi Tomoo , Yamanaka Koji
Published: November 2023

The organelle contact site of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, known as the mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM), is a multifunctional microdomain in cellular homeostasis. We previously reported that MAM disruption is a common pathological feature in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); however, the precise role of MAM in ALS was uncovered. Here, we show that the MAM is essential for TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) activation under proteostatic stress conditions. A MAM-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase, autocrine motility factor receptor, ubiquitinated nascent proteins to activate TBK1 at the MAM, which results in ribosomal protein degradation. MAM or TBK1 deficiency under proteostatic stress conditions resulted in increased cellular vulnerability in vitro and motor impairment in vivo. Thus, MAM disruption exacerbates proteostatic stress via TBK1 inactivation in ALS. Our study has revealed a proteostatic mechanism mediated by the MAM–TBK1 axis, highlighting the physiological importance of the organelle contact sites.
Performance Improvement of a Direct Carbon Fuel Cell through an Irreversible Vacuum Thermionic Generator
Authors: Wang 王 Yuan 远 , Su 苏 Shanhe 山河
Published: November 2023

A novel hybrid system consisting of a direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC), a thermionic generator (TIG), and a regenerator is developed to recover the exhaust heat from the fuel cell. Expressions for the power output and efficiency of subsystems and the hybrid system are derived. Based on the energy balance equation, the area matching problem between the DCFC and the TIG is discussed and solved. By considering the main irreversibilities, the influences of the DCFC’s current density and the TIG’s voltage on the performance of the hybrid system are revealed. The maximum power output density and the corresponding efficiency of the hybrid system are, respectively, equal to 379 W/m2 and 36%. To enhance the maximum power density of the single DCFC, the optimal regions of the main parameters are determined.
Chiral charge density wave induced by mirror symmetry breaking in kagome metal
Authors: Liu Jing , Wu Wen-Feng , Wang Qing-Wei , Bai Xiao-Cheng , Zeng Zhi , Zou Liang-Jian
Published: November 2023

Kagome lattice provides a distinctive platform to investigate various correlated electron orders. Recently, an unconventional charge density wave (CDW) with novel chirality is observed in the kagome metal AV3Sb5 (A = K, Rb, Cs), and the origin of which is still unclear. Here, using a tight-binding model and the mean-field method, we calculate the electron order in the quasi-two-dimensional kagome lattice with 1/3 electron filling, and show that the chiral CDW emerges under a set of parameters with

C
6

rotational symmetry but without mirror symmetry. Physically, the reason why we choose this set of parameters is based on the possible tangential distortion of the kagome lattice. Our results provide a fresh insight to understand the microscopic origin of the unconventional CDW in AV3Sb5.
A multi-layer feature fusion fault diagnosis method for train bearings under noise and variable load working conditions
Authors: He Changfu , He Deqiang , Jin Zhenzhen , Chen Yanjun , Shan Sheng
Published: November 2023

The working characteristics of noise and variable load conditions make it challenging to extract the feature of train bearing vibration signal. Therefore, a multi-layer feature fusion inverted residual network (MFIRN) is proposed. Firstly, a joint shrinkage denoising module (JSDM) is proposed, and an inverted residual denoising module (IRDM) is designed by combining the JSDM with the inverted residual network. The IRDM is used as the basic unit to improve the anti-noise performance of MFIRN. Then, a global interactive awareness module (GIAM) is designed to perceive the information of different layers, which can effectively extract the fault characteristics of bearing signals under variable load conditions. Finally, the fault diagnosis capabilities of the MFIRN under noisy and variable load conditions are tested using two cases, and the effectiveness of the JSDM, GIAM and IRDM is verified by ablation experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that, compared with seven recent models, the MFIRN can filter out the interference information more effectively under different noise conditions. Furthermore, MFIRN can effectively obtain the correlation characteristics between different load signals with better diagnostic accuracy and domain adaptability, showing potential for practical application.
Lattice thermal conductivity of embedded nanoparticle composites: the role of particle size distribution
Authors: Maranets Theodore , Cui Haoran , Wang Yan
Published: November 2023

Nanoparticles embedded within a crystalline solid serve as impurity phonon scattering centers that reduce lattice thermal conductivity, a desirable result for thermoelectric applications. Most studies of thermal transport in nanoparticle-laden composite materials have assumed the nanoparticles to possess a single size. If there is a distribution of nanoparticle sizes, how is thermal conductivity affected? Moreover, is there a best nanoparticle size distribution to minimize thermal conductivity? In this work, we study the thermal conductivity of nanoparticle-laden composites through a molecular dynamics approach which naturally captures phonon scattering processes more rigorously than previously used analytical theories. From thermal transport simulations of a systematic variety of nanoparticle configurations, we empirically formulate how nanoparticle size distribution, particle number density, and volume fraction affect the lattice thermal conductivity. We find at volume fractions below 10%, the particle number density is by far the most impactful factor on thermal conductivity and at fractions above 10%, the effect of the size distribution and number density is minimal compared to the volume fraction. In fact, upon comparisons of configurations with the same particle number density and volume fractions, the lattice thermal conductivity of a single nanoparticle size can be lower than that of a size distribution which contradicts intuitions that a single size would attenuate phonon transport less than a spectrum of sizes. The random alloy, which can be considered as a single size configuration of maximum particle number density where the nanoparticle size is equal to the lattice constant, is the most performant in thermal conductivity reduction at volume fractions below 10%. We conclude that nanoparticle size distribution only plays a minor role in affecting lattice thermal conductivity with the particle number density and volume fraction being the more significant factors that should be considered in fabrication of nanoparticle-laden composites for potential improved thermoelectric performance.
Quantum interferometric power versus quantum correlations in a graphene layer system with a scattering process under thermal noise
Authors: Bouafia Zakaria , Mansour Mostafa
Published: November 2023

Cutting-edge quantum processing technology is currently exploring the remarkable electronic properties of graphene layers, such as their high mobility and thermal conductivity. Our research is dedicated to investigating the behavior of quantum resources within a graphene layer system with a scattering process, specifically focusing on quantum interferometric power (QIP) and quantum correlations, while taking into account the influence of thermal noise. To quantify these correlations, we employ measures like local quantum uncertainty (LQU) and logarithmic negativity (LN). We examine how factors like temperature, inter-valley scattering processes strength, and other system parameters affect both QIP and quantum correlations. Our results reveal that higher temperatures lead to a reduction in QIP and non-classical correlations within graphene layers. Moreover, it is noteworthy that QIP and LQU respond similarly to changes in temperature, whereas LN is more sensitive to these variations. By optimizing system parameters such as band parameter, wavenumber operators and scattering processes strength, we can mitigate the impact of thermal noise and enhance the quantum advantages of graphene-based quantum processing
Solar side-pumped Nd-doped fiber laser based on a doughnut-shaped hollow reflector
Authors: Zhu Jing , Liu Yan , Lan Lanling , Tang Yulong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Ma Xiuhua
Published: November 2023

A high-power solar side-pumped Nd-doped fiber laser based on a doughnut-shaped hollow reflector (DHR) is proposed. The primary concentrator consists of twelve off-axis parabolic mirrors. The DHR coupled with an array of three-dimensional compound parabolic concentrators (3D-CPCs) functions as the secondary concentrator, inside which many cycles of Nd-doped fiber is coiled. After being reflected by the off-axis parabolic mirrors, the sunlight is launched into the DHR through the twelve 3D-CPCs, and experiences multiple-times reflection by the DHR, and finally is absorbed by the Nd-doped fiber for laser oscillation. Ray tracing shows that 173-W of solar power can be absorbed by the fiber. By solving the rate equations and power transmission equations, laser output power, slope efficiency and optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 10.3 W, 6.12% and 5.94%, respectively, are realized. This kind of solar-pumped fiber laser thus offers a new route for achieving high-power solar-pumped laser sources.
Precise learning curves and higher-order scaling limits for dot-product kernel regression
*
Authors: Xiao Lechao , Hu Hong , Misiakiewicz Theodor , Lu Yue M , Pennington Jeffrey
Published: November 2023

As modern machine learning models continue to advance the computational frontier, it has become increasingly important to develop precise estimates for expected performance improvements under different model and data scaling regimes. Currently, theoretical understanding of the learning curves (LCs) that characterize how the prediction error depends on the number of samples is restricted to either large-sample asymptotics (

m
→
∞

) or, for certain simple data distributions, to the high-dimensional asymptotics in which the number of samples scales linearly with the dimension (

m
∝
d

). There is a wide gulf between these two regimes, including all higher-order scaling relations

m
∝

d
r

, which are the subject of the present paper. We focus on the problem of kernel ridge regression for dot-product kernels and present precise formulas for the mean of the test error, bias and variance, for data drawn uniformly from the sphere with isotropic random labels in the rth-order asymptotic scaling regime

m
→
∞

with

m

/

d
r

held constant. We observe a peak in the LC whenever

m
≈

d
r

/

r
!

for any integer r, leading to multiple sample-wise descent and non-trivial behavior at multiple scales. We include a colab (available at: https://tinyurl.com/2nzym7ym) notebook that reproduces the essential results of the paper.
Multi-layer state evolution under random convolutional design
*
Authors: Daniels Max , Gerbelot Cédric , Krzakala Florent , Zdeborová Lenka
Published: November 2023

Signal recovery under generative neural network priors has emerged as a promising direction in statistical inference and computational imaging. Theoretical analysis of reconstruction algorithms under generative priors is, however, challenging. For generative priors with fully connected layers and Gaussian i.i.d. weights, this was achieved by the multi-layer approximate message (ML-AMP) algorithm via a rigorous state evolution. However, practical generative priors are typically convolutional, allowing for computational benefits and inductive biases, and so the Gaussian i.i.d. weight assumption is very limiting. In this paper, we overcome this limitation and establish the state evolution of ML-AMP for random convolutional layers. We prove in particular that random convolutional layers belong to the same universality class as Gaussian matrices. Our proof technique is of an independent interest as it establishes a mapping between convolutional matrices and spatially coupled sensing matrices used in coding theory.
Fluctuations, bias, variance and ensemble of learners: exact asymptotics for convex losses in high-dimension
*
Authors: Loureiro Bruno , Gerbelot Cédric , Refinetti Maria , Sicuro Gabriele , Krzakala Florent
Published: November 2023

From the sampling of data to the initialisation of parameters, randomness is ubiquitous in modern Machine Learning practice. Understanding the statistical fluctuations engendered by the different sources of randomness in prediction is therefore key to understanding robust generalisation. In this manuscript we develop a quantitative and rigorous theory for the study of fluctuations in an ensemble of generalised linear models trained on different, but correlated, features in high-dimensions. In particular, we provide a complete description of the asymptotic joint distribution of the empirical risk minimiser for generic convex loss and regularisation in the high-dimensional limit. Our result encompasses a rich set of classification and regression tasks, such as the lazy regime of overparametrised neural networks, or equivalently the random features approximation of kernels. While allowing to study directly the mitigating effect of ensembling (or bagging) on the bias-variance decomposition of the test error, our analysis also helps disentangle the contribution of statistical fluctuations, and the singular role played by the interpolation threshold that are at the roots of the ‘double-descent’ phenomenon.
Heart condition determination based on MET value to NYHA Classification and abnormal ST segment identification
Authors: Md Yassin Siti Norhayati , Othman Mohd Afzan , Samad Whomaira Abdul
Published: November 2023

Cardiovascular diseases have always been among the top causes of death. Thus, there were variety of research focuses on cardiac stress test and on self-stress test as well. However, the portable device existed for heart monitoring were still insufficient where most device are for fitness monitoring rather than functional capacity. Thus, this paper determines heart condition based on New York Heart Classification (NYHA) for The Rockport Walking Fitness Test (TRWFT). TRWFT gave out parameters to calculate maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) to find metabolic equivalent (MET) value. The MET values were compared with NYHA functional capacity classes. Hence, the comparison simplified the heart condition to the urgency to visit hospitals. Plus, ST segments of MIT-BIH ECG database were extracted and assessed for abnormality. Accordingly, a mobile application was developed. The prototype is built using Genuino 101 microcontroller, an AD8232 ECG module with leads to sense heart pulse, and a SD card module. Meanwhile, simulation test on the prototype shows that the prototype succeeds in produce the same values with manual calculation and managed to assess ST segments as programmed. In conclusion, a prototype to demonstrate the implementation of TRFWT and prediction of cardiac condition based on MET value is successful.
Electronic Structure and Hole Concentration of Ce1-xSrxNiO2 and Nd1-xSrxNiO2 by Density Functional Theory
Authors: Cheong Choon Min , Chen Soo Kien
Published: November 2023

Recently, superconductivity was discovered in nickelate Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2. It is predicted to be a cuprate-like superconductor. Cerium, with its natural oxidation states 3+ and 4+, has a stronger effect on the modification of the Ni electronic structure near the Fermi level than neodymium. This work investigates the electronic states and the charge distribution of CeNiO2 and NdNiO2 compounds. Hole concentration and holes doped relative to the parent compound of Ce1-xSrxNiO2 and Nd1-xSrxNiO2 with x = 0, 0.2, 0.33 are calculated. The results shown that the Ni ion in NdNiO2 have half-filled 3dx2-y2 orbital with ionic charge of Ni+, while Ni ion in CeNiO2 is in mixed charges of Ni+ and Ni2+. The undoped CeNiO2 has almost the same hole concentration as that of 20% Sr-doped NdNiO2.
Optical Properties of TiO2 Doped ZnO-PVA Nanocomposites
Authors: Ismardi Abrar , Nasir Muhamad , Khoiri Miftahul , Abdullah Nor Hakimin , Gunawan Luthfi Aprilio , Rafsanjani Mukhammad Fahlevi Ali , Mayundri Siti Ashila Farikha , Gunawan Theresia Deviyana
Published: November 2023

One of the materials with the greatest potential for use in flexible devices is semiconductor nanocomposite material. In this paper, we report the synthesis of ZnO-PVA-TiO2 nanocomposite to be applied as a flexible optical sensor device. The optical property of ZnO-PVA nanocomposite is improved by the addition of TiO2 in this work. The optical characteristics of the ZnO-PVA nanocomposite depend on the concentration of TiO2. Spin coating method was successfully used to synthesize ZnO-PVA-TiO2 with various TiO2 concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3% w/v, respectively. The absorbance spectrum of ZnO-PVA-TiO2 nanocomposite changes with the addition of TiO2. The absorbance peaks of ZnO-PVA-TiO2 nanocomposites were shifting to a lower wavelength, resulting in increasing the nanocomposite band gap energy. According to this result, future applications of the flexible optical sensor are one of the potential devices based on this study.
Simulation on the Effect of Channel Thickness on the Performance of Multi-Bridge Channel Field-Effect Transistor
Authors: Xin Tee Mei , Sultan Suhana Mohamed , Hussin Hanim
Published: November 2023

A Multi-Bridge Channel Field-Effect Transistor (MBCFET) structure has been designed and simulated to characterize its electrical performance. An MBCFET is a device designed to bridge single-channel FETs, allowing more flexibility with signal routing and power management in complex designs. However, MBCFET suffers from Short Channel Effects which degrade its performance. Channel thickness is another important parameter that affect the performance of MBCFETs. Thus, the impact of channel thickness variation on MBCFET performance is investigated in this project. The electrical characteristic of MBCFET such as its threshold voltage (Vth), subthreshold swing (SS), on-state current (Ion), and off-state current (Ioff) were obtained and analyzed by using the TCAD simulation tool. Comparing the simulation results to published results indicated that the difference between the results was less than 5% for various parameters. The second part of the simulation work shows that as the channel thickness of an MBCFET increases, Vth decreases, Ion increases, and SS decreases. However, when the channel thickness is too thin, SS increases significantly, which leads to the device consuming higher power with lower performance.
ASIC Implementation for Multiple Scan at Register Transfer Level
Authors: Radzri Muhammad Luqman Mohd , Paraman Norlina , Rusli Mohd Shahrizal
Published: November 2023

Design for testability (DFT) is introduced to reduce the complexity of testing integrated circuit and help improve fault coverage. However, conventional DFT with additional 2-to-1 multiplexer (MUX) might add an increasing amount of delay and area overhead. Therefore, register transfer level (RTL) scan design is introduced to overcome this problem. This paper aims to present the development of an ASIC with RTL scan design by using multiple scan paths instead of the conventional technique, which is gate-level (GL) scan insertion to insert scan cells. This method inserts multiple scan cells by utilizing the existing multiplexer and operational units in order to reduce area overhead and delay. Besides, multiple scan paths are implemented instead of a single scan chain to reduce the complexity of the testing process, where a single scan chain has long test application times due to the high number of clock cycles for the scan chain process. RTL design is also modified by adding an extra gate for multiple scan chain insertion. The graph is derived in order to analyse the connection between registers such that the multiple scan paths can be determined accordingly. Synopsys tool is used for synthesized, placement and routing and performing automatic test pattern generation while static timing analysis is used to verify the results of the setup slack time for ASIC design. The simulation result shows that multiple scan paths insertion at RTL level has an area overhead and slack time of about 3.79% and 0.44ns less compared to multiple scan paths insertion at GL for a finite impulse response circuit with comparable high fault coverage and small delay. A comparison of the performance metrics such as area, setup slack time, and fault coverage of the multiple scan chain is done between the RTL scan and GL scan.
3D2: Three Decades of Three-Dimensional Dosimetry
Authors: Schreiner L J
Published: November 2023

The development of three-dimensional (3D) dosimetry was motivated by its promise as an effective methodology for the validation of the complex dose distributions achieved by modern techniques such as Intensity Modulated and Volumetric Arc Radiation Therapy. 3D techniques were first proposed in the 1980s when clinics were just starting to move from two-dimensional contour plan based delivery to more conformal techniques. Advances in dosimeter materials, readout systems, and workflow and software systems for the registration and analysis of the volumetric dose data have made 3D dosimetry more attainable, yet to date it has not made major inroads into the clinic. This keynote address will highlight some 3D dosimetry developments over the years, many of which were first revealed through the past twelve International Conferences on 3D and Advanced Radiation Dosimetry (IC3Ddose). These conferences resulted in the publication of more than 130 didactic review articles and over 650 proffered research papers, the majority openly available on the internet (years before the current drive to publishing in open access journals). In this joint keynote address to the IC3Ddose community (at the end of its conference) and to attendees of the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists annual scientific meeting (at its start), I will briefly review the radiation sensitive materials used for 3D dosimetry, the imaging systems required to read out the volumetric dose information, the workflows and systems required for efficient analysis, and the protocols required for reproducible dosimetry, and how the dosimetry has come into the clinic. The address includes some personal reflections of the motivational and practical changes in 3D dosimetry over time. And as we are all meeting in person for the first time in over two years, the address will end with some observations on the importance of conferences for the exchange of ideas and associated debate necessary for scientific advancement.
A characterization of dye gel dosimeters for boron neutron capture therapy - dose response to gamma rays
Authors: Narita Ryosuke , Sakurai Yoshinori
Published: November 2023

A three-dimensional verification method using dye gel dosimeters is studied for the external exposure in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). The characterization experiments of the dye gel dosimeters were performed for the dose response to gamma rays. As the dye gel dosimeters, leucomalite-green, leucocrystal-violet and genipin gels, which have different coloration characteristics, were selected. The results for the dose response to gamma rays showed linearity up to 100 Gy. However, it was found that the correction for auto-oxidation and dose rate dependency were necessary.
Preliminary research on the dose response of polymer gel dosimeter with carbon beam irradiation
Authors: Zhu Libing , Xiang Xincheng , Wang Xiangang
Published: November 2023

This paper is to investigate dose response of polymer gel dosimeter after carbon irradiation. We employed polymer gel dosimeter, MAGAT-f to measure the dose response curve, single spot shape and Bragg peak range of carbon beam. Irradiation energy was 80.55 MeV/u. In order to characterize the dose response, R2-dose curve and absorbance-dose curve were built up. An approximate linearity is found for R2-dose relationship. Saturation is found for the absorbance of the gel after 10 Gy. The results illustrate the feasibility of utilizing polymer gel dosimeter for Bragg peak and spot shape measurement of carbon ion beam.
Investigation of the dose rate and linear-energy-transfer of the signal quenching of radiochromic silicone-based dosimeters for different curing times and compositions
Authors: Valdetaro Lia Barbosa , Muren Ludvig Paul , Skyt Peter Sandegaard , Petersen Jørgen Breede Baltzer , Balling Peter
Published: November 2023

The response of radiochromic dosimeters based on silicone is influenced by the dose-rate quenching and also the linear energy transfer (LET). However, the impact of curing time and composition on quenching has not been fully characterized. We investigated two dosimeter compositions, with 5% and 9% curing agent, which cured for 1, 3 or 5 days and that subsequently were irradiated with an 80 MeV proton beam with three different beam currents. Monte Carlo simulations were utilised for the estimation of dose, dose rate and LET profiles. We found a significant decrease in LET-dependent quenching with curing time, but no significant decrease in dose-rate-dependent quenching.
Rheology modifiers in Fricke – gelatin dosimeters
Authors: Penev Kalin I. , Mequanint Kibret
Published: November 2023

Fricke gel dosimeters, while very sensitive and versatile, continue to suffer from one major issue – the diffusion of the dose signal. To tackle that problem, here we present the use of inert, linear polymers with very high molecular weights as rheology modifiers that can slow the diffusion in weak gels, based on 4% gelatin. At 0.2% loading of polyacrylamide (with mol. wt. 5×106 Da), a moderate, 20% decrease of the diffusion coefficient was achieved. This effect is compared to that of adding a crosslinker, such as glyoxal or increasing the concentration of gelatin by 1%.
Loss and reintroduction of the radical initiator into the FlexyDos3D silicone dosimeter for 3D printing
Authors: Wheatley M J , De Deene Y
Published: November 2023

3D printers allow for the rapid construction of complex 3D objects that would be very time-consuming with traditional casting techniques. Patient-specific objects have been created for years in the fields of dentistry, prosthetics, and surgical guides. However, 3D printed objects using materials that also serve a functional purpose, biologically or chemically, are now finding bio-medical applications. A custom 3D printer has been made that is able to print the FlexyDos3D silicone dosimeter, but the dosimeter’s sensitivity is severely decreased after printing. Testing was performed to determine if chloroform is lost during printing and techniques were tested to reintroduce chloroform into the dosimeter after printing to improve the dose response of the dosimeter. Results showed that the chloroform was completely evaporated from the dosimeter when exposed to conditions similar to that during printing and that chloroform could be reintroduced by soaking or exposure to chloroform vapours which led to an increase in the dose sensitivity. Further testing of the reintroduction of chloroform into the dosimeter is ongoing.
Polymer gel dosimetry for experimental verification of conformal small animal irradiation at a preclinical research platform
Authors: Konradsson E , Blomstedt M , Gustafsson C Jamtheim , Bäck S Å J , Ceberg C , Ceberg S
Published: November 2023

In translational research, there is a need for preclinical studies of high quality that corresponds to the conformal dose distributions conventionally delivered to humans in the modern radiotherapy clinic. To facilitate this need, novel preclinical systems consist of preclinical radiation platforms and small animal treatment planning systems. However, small-field dosimetry is challenging and requires dosimeters with high spatial resolution. In this study we demonstrate the feasibility of experimentally validating the dose distribution in small fields at a preclinical X-ray research platform using a polymer gel dosimeter and MRI-readout.
Developing a 3D-printing-based method to create anthropomorphic dosimeters for radiotherapy-delivery verification
Authors: Jensen S V , Erichsen T B , Jensen M B , Worm E , Poulsen P R , Petersen J B B , Balling P , Le D Q S , Muren L P
Published: November 2023

Anthropomorphic three-dimensional (3D) dosimeters can be useful for verification of radiotherapy delivery. The aim of this study was to develop a 3D-printing-based method for creating anthropomorphic 3D dosimeters. Internal structures were created using water dissolvable 3D prints as negatives. External structures were 3D-printed, and a mould was produced using silicone rubber. Realistic liver and trachea dosimeters with both internal and external anthropomorphism were produced and subsequently irradiated with photons and protons. A 3%/3 mm gamma analysis resulted in 87% and 86% pass rates. The limiting factor to the resolution of the dosimeters was the 3D prints detail.
Production and characteristics of stabilised interlocking mud blocks
Authors: Vivek Prasad H.G. , Keshava Mangala , Raghu Prasad P.S. , Jagadish K.S.
Published: November 2023

This paper presents an ideology over physical and mechanical properties of interlocking and non interlocking stabilised mud blocks. These properties are useful to assess the performance and behaviour of load bearing masonry structures. This paper also compares the results of both non interlocking solid stabilised mud blocks (NSMB) of size 230 X 190 X 100 mm and interlocking solid stabilised mud blocks (ISMB) of sizes 230 X 190 X 80 and 230 X 190 X 70 mm. These blocks are tested for block density, Initial rate of water absorption, water absorption, wet compressive strength, flexural strength and Modulus of Elasticity. From the results obtained it has been found that shape and depth of interlocking has significant effect on properties of blocks. Flexural strength of 20mm (ISMB 20) and 30mm (ISMB 30) depth interlocking solid stabilised mud blocks produced are very much comparable with NSMB. Flexural strength of ISMB’s has been tested in both the directions of interlocking effects of blocks which has given satisfactory results. This test shows that Shape considered for interlocking blocks do bond well with filler materials. Mechanical and physical properties of both ISMB and NSMB have exceeded the minimum requirements of blocks as per codal provisions.
Stability Analysis of Homogenous Embankment using Statistical Method
Authors: Taipodia Pori , Kalita Nabajyoti , Pradhan Roshan , Raj Shubham , Pandey Adarsh , Chautang Chau Kintana , Chakraborty Arunav
Published: November 2023

Homogeneous earth embankments are man-made or artificial structure whose construction is an important part of highway, railway and flood structure projects. Soil exhibits different properties in different places. Reinforcing the soil with Geogrid can be effectively used for improving the durability and stability of embankment, this ensures uniform settlement of embankment and result in cost effective solution. This paper aims to develop two-dimensional stability charts and correlation for slope failure (slip circle) in homogeneous soil embankment. Sensitivity analysis is also done to determine the contribution of different soil parameter. The chart and correlation developed for stability analysis can be a convenient tool for preliminary estimation of factor of safety (FOS) and possibility of failure.
An experimental study on the effect of particle size and non-homogeneity on the shear strength of soil
Authors: Shabong R A , Sonowal A J , Pukhrambam A , Das R , Anand A , Bobing S , Deka S
Published: November 2023

Soil deposits available in nature are often present as homogeneous mixtures of particles of different sizes and base minerals or as a combination of soils in different layers forming a non-homogeneous configuration. This variability in soil has great influence on the shear strength behaviour. In this study, different naturally occurring soil particle sizes and shapes (angular and flaky) have been utilized as reinforcements in the form of layers to determine their influence on the soil shear strength. Therefore, triaxial tests have been conducted on homogeneous sand (where particles are mixed proportionately), and on non-homogeneous sand (different layer combinations of different particle sizes as well as the inclusion of angular and flaky particles). It has been observed that there was a substantial increase in the shear strength for non-homogeneous arrangement compared to homogeneous sand sample. Furthermore, the addition of flaky particles from 10% to 30% by weight of fine grained sand increased the angle of internal friction (ϕ) and cohesion (c) values thereby increasing the shear strength. However, for angular-fine sand layer combination, the addition of 10-20% of angular particles by weight shows a significant increase in shear strength in comparison to 30-100% of angular particles.
Toward a three-dimensional counterpart of Cruse’s theorem
Authors: Bahmanian Amin
Published: November 2023

Completing partial latin squares is NP-complete. Motivated by Ryser’s theorem for latin rectangles, in 1974, Cruse found conditions that ensure a partial symmetric latin square of order

m
m

can be embedded in a symmetric latin square of order

n
n

. Loosely speaking, this results asserts that an

n
n

-coloring of the edges of the complete

m
m

-vertex graph

K
m

K_m

can be embedded in a one-factorization of

K
n

K_n

if and only if

n
n

is even and the number of edges of each color is at least

m
−
n

/

2

m-n/2

. We establish necessary and sufficient conditions under which an edge-coloring of the complete

λ
\lambda

-fold

m
m

-vertex 3-graph

λ

K
m
3

\lambda K_m^3

can be embedded in a one-factorization of

λ

K
n
3

\lambda K_n^3

. In particular, we prove the first known Ryser type theorem for hypergraphs by showing that if

n
≡
0
 
(

m
o
d

 
3
)

n\equiv 0\ (\mathrm {mod}\ 3)

, any edge-coloring of

λ

K
m
3

\lambda K_m^3

where the number of triples of each color is at least

m

/

2
−
n

/

6

m/2-n/6

, can be embedded in a one-factorization of

λ

K
n
3

\lambda K_n^3

. Finally we prove an Evans type result by showing that if

n
≡
0
 
(

m
o
d

 
3
)

n\equiv 0\ (\mathrm {mod}\ 3)

and

n
≥
3
m

n\geq 3m

, then any

q
q

-coloring of the edges of any

F
⊆
λ

K
m
3

F\subseteq \lambda K_m^3

can be embedded in a one-factorization of

λ

K
n
3

\lambda K_n^3

as long as

q
≤
λ

(

n
−
1

2

)

−
λ

(

m
3

)

/

⌊
m

/

3
⌋

q\leq \lambda \binom {n-1}{2}-\lambda \binom {m}{3}/\left \lfloor m/3\right \rfloor

.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment—where are we now, where do we need to be in the context of global ageing?
Authors: Naughton Corina , Galvin Rose , McCullagh Ruth , Horgan Frances
Published: November 2023

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is the cornerstone of modern geriatric medicine and the framework around which conventional and new models of care for older people are developed. Whilst there are a substantial number of reviews synthesising the evidence on patient and service outcomes from CGA, as an intervention it remains poorly described. There is a lack of detail on how a CGA plan is coordinated, delivered and followed up, especially outside of acute care. This commentary reflects on the authors’ experience of extracting data from 57 published studies on CGA. CGA as an intervention is akin to a ‘black box’ in terms of describing and measuring participants’ interactions with CGA activity in terms of time, frequency and amount (dose) received. There is also a lack of detail on how newly established CGA teams become effective, interdisciplinary, high functioning and sustainable teams. The CGA knowledge-do gap persists with a need to draw from complex system theory and implementation science frameworks to better describe the intervention and understand the influence of the organisation and health service within which CGA is operationalised. Equally, the voice of older people, families and staff is critical in the conduct and evaluation of CGA, and how it evolves as a model to meet the growing needs of ageing populations.
A Plantation Illogic: Narrating Proslavery’s Imagined Futures
Authors: Hughes Tomos
Published: November 2023

This essay explores the temporal and narrative dimensions of speculative proslavery thought, considering proslavery political economy in particular as a genre that articulates a vision of capitalist modernity unbound by liberal accounts of national futurity. This defense of slavery has its formal correlate in an ambivalent embrace of the speculative novel as a means for imagining slavery’s extension through time and space. Taking as its literary examples Edgar Allan Poe’s The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym (1838), Nathaniel Beverley Tucker’s The Partisan Leader (1836), and Edmund Ruffin’s Anticipations of the Future (1860), the essay argues that proslavery’s imagined futures are characterized by exhaustion, both of narrative and social reproduction. Considering exhaustion as the temporality that characterizes slavery’s modernity leads us to question the idea that the latter is best articulated in terms of the institution’s disavowed centrality to capitalism.Proslavery theorists made slavery central to capital by tying capital to the conditions of its hinterland; imagining the world the slaveholders could make, they got stuck in the one the plantation made.
STUN: forward-time simulation on TUnable fitNess landscapes in recombining populations
Authors: Amado André , Li Juan , Bank Claudia
Published: November 2023

Motivation

Understanding the population genetics of complex polygenic traits during adaptation is challenging.

Results

Here, we implement a forward-in-time population-genetic simulator (STUN) based on Wright-Fisher dynamics. STUN is a flexible and user-friendly software package for simulating the polygenic adaptation of recombining haploid populations using either new mutations or standing genetic variation. STUN assumes that populations adapt to sudden environmental changes by undergoing selection on a new fitness landscape. With pre-implemented fitness landscape models like Rough Mount Fuji, NK, Block, additive, and House-of-Cards, users can explore the effect of different levels of epistasis (ruggedness of the fitness landscape). Custom fitness landscapes and recombination maps can also be defined. STUN empowers both experimentalists and advanced programmers to study the evolution of complex polygenic traits and to dissect the adaptation process.

Availability and implementation

STUN is implemented in Rust. Its source code is available at https://github.com/banklab/STUN and archived on Zenodo under doi: 10.5281/zenodo.10246377. The repository includes a link to the software’s manual and binary files for Linux, macOS and Windows.
Integration of multiple terminology bases: a multi-view alignment method using the hierarchical structure
Authors: Hu Peihong , Ye Qi , Zhang Weiyan , Liu Jingping , Ruan Tong
Published: November 2023

Motivation

In the medical field, multiple terminology bases coexist across different institutions and contexts, often resulting in the presence of redundant terms. The identification of overlapping terms among these bases holds significant potential for harmonizing multiple standards and establishing unified framework, which enhances user access to comprehensive and well-structured medical information. However, the majority of terminology bases exhibit differences not only in semantic aspects but also in the hierarchy of their classification systems. The conventional approaches that rely on neighborhood-based methods such as GCN may introduce errors due to the presence of different superordinate and subordinate terms. Therefore, it is imperative to explore novel methods to tackle this structural challenge.

Results

To address this heterogeneity issue, this paper proposes a multi-view alignment approach that incorporates the hierarchical structure of terminologies. We utilize BERT-based model to capture the recursive relationships among different levels of hierarchy and consider the interaction information of name, neighbors, and hierarchy between different terminologies. We test our method on mapping files of three medical open terminologies, and the experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms baseline methods in terms of Hits@1 and Hits@10 metrics by 2%.

Availability and implementation

The source code will be available at https://github.com/Ulricab/Bert-Path upon publication.
Global consensus process to establish a core dataset for hidradenitis suppurativa registries
Authors: Wainman Hannah E , Chandran Nisha S , Frew John W , Garg Amit , Gibbons Angela , Gierbolini Athena , Horvath Barbara , Jemec Gregor B , Kirby Brian , Kirby Joselyn , Lowes Michelle A , Martorell Antonio , McGrath Barry M , Naik Haley B , Oon Hazel H , Prens Errol , Sayed Christopher J , Thorlacius Linnea , Van der Zee Hessel H , Villumsen Bente , Ingram John R
Published: November 2023

Background

Several registries for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) already exist in Europe and the USA. There is currently no global consensus on a core dataset (CDS) for these registries. Creating a global HS registry is challenging, owing to logistical and regulatory constraints, which could limit opportunities for global collaboration as a result of differences in the dataset collected. The solution is to encourage all HS registries to collect the same CDS of information, allowing registries to collaborate.

Objectives

To establish a core set of items to be collected by all HS registries globally. The core set will cover demographic details, comorbidities, clinical examination findings, patient-reported outcome measures and treatments.

Methods

Beginning in September 2022, 20 participants – including both clinicians with expertise in HS and patient advocates – from eight countries across three continents participated in a Delphi process consisting of four rounds of voting, with all participants completing each round. A list of potential items for inclusion in the core set was generated from the relevant published literature, including systematic reviews of comorbidities in HS, clinical and examination findings, and epidemiology. For disease severity and progression items, the Hidradenitis SuppuraTiva Core outcome set International Collaboration (HiSTORIC) core set and other relevant instruments were considered for inclusion. This resulted in 47 initial items. Participants were invited to suggest additional items to include during the first round. Anonymous feedback was provided to inform each subsequent round of voting to encourage consensus.

Results

The eDelphi process established a CDS of 48 items recommended for inclusion in all HS registries globally.

Conclusions

The routine adoption of this CDS in current and future HS registries should allow registries in different parts of the world to collaborate, enabling research requiring large numbers of participants.