bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid energy storage systems for high power spacecraft missions
Authors: Marín-Coca S , Roibás-Millán E , Pindado S , de Miguel M A , Valente H
Published: March 2024

This work aims to analyze the feasibility of utilizing hybrid storage systems to enable the operation of high-power payloads during eclipse periods. The main objective of the study is to reach possible configurations with the same performance as traditional designs, but with reduced mass and/or volume, or to maintain the mass and volume while increasing the peak power capabilities. The proposed solution involves the use of supercapacitors and high-energy lithium-ion cells, with the former serving to meet peak loads and the latter supplying the mean power needs. Additionally, a simple architecture for the electrical power system is proposed, and the sizing equations for the supercapacitors and lithium-ion cells are derived from the governing power and energy balance equations. The results allow well-founded decision-making process on the suitability of the hybrid configuration based on the peak power demand and its duration, as well as the mean power demand during eclipse operations.
High-temperature stability, water stability, and ice melting properties of salt-storage bituminous mixture AC-13
Authors: Liu Huani , Chen Zhaoming , Wu Lidong , Wang Qingliang , Wang Yanmin
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the road performance and ice melting performance of the AC-13 bituminous mixture prepared with the equal volume replacement of mineral powder from a self-made salt-storage bitumen pavement additive. The results show that adding salt storage bitumen additive improves the bituminous mixture’s high-temperature stability and reduces the bituminous mixture’s water stability. When the replacement rates of the salt storage additive are 50%, 75%, and 100%, the Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) decreases by 3.35%, 5.95%, and 8.11%, respectively. The dynamic stability (DS) also increases by 4.21%, 7.30%, and 5.62%, respectively. The melting ice rate and salt precipitation tests demonstrate that the salt storage bituminous mixture with a replacement rate of 100% achieves a 36% ice melting rate and 0.3% salt precipitation at -5°C, meeting the standard requirements.
Design of superhydrophobic coatings fabricated by spraying for anti-icing
Authors: Fan Lei , He Jinhang , Li Bo , Bai Jie , Zhu Tao , Song Linbo , Hua Xujiang , Yuan Yuan
Published: March 2024

The icing of transmission lines has a serious impact on people’s lives and disrupts the secure and steady functioning of the power grid, causing huge economic losses. To retard the icing of transmission line glass insulators, we prepared coatings on a glass slide by spraying using epoxy resin, fluorosilicone resin, and hydrophobic silicon dioxide (SiO2). The study examined the microscopical morphology, wetting behaviour, and anti-icing and self-cleaning characteristics of coatings containing various SiO2 mass fractions. The findings indicated that the SiO2 mass fraction notably impacted the micro-nanostructure, anti-wettability, and anti-icing performance of coatings. In addition, the largest contact angle (168.2°), the smallest sliding angle (2.6°), and the longest freezing time (181.7 s) were measured for the superhydrophobic coating with SiO2 mass fraction of 34%, which was attributed to the most uniform microstructure. The superhydrophobic coatings fabricated through spraying exhibited good anti-icing and self-cleaning properties. This facilitates the anti-icing and anti-fouling of transmission line glass insulators.
Research and application of key technology of energy saving and capacity increasing for overhead conductors with carbon fiber composite core reinforced
Authors: Zeng Wei , Dang Peng
Published: March 2024

Aluminum conductor composite core (ACCC) has many excellent comprehensive properties and is gradually popularized and applied in overhead transmission lines. As an energy-saving and environmentally friendly capacitance-increasing conductor, ACCC gives full play to the advantages of carbon fiber materials. This article analyzes the test results of ACCC and compares them with traditional aluminum conductor steel reinforced (ACSR) in terms of mechanical and electrical properties and proposes the development trend of ACCC.
Additive manufacturing and performance research of aluminum-based ceramic cores
Authors: Song Haifeng , Tang Jinqiu , Zhang Hongchang
Published: March 2024

As a ceramic core for forming the cooling structure of the intrinsic cavern of turbine blades, the quality of tubular turbine blades is directly affected by their accuracy and performance. In this paper, based on the DLP photocuring technology, the 50% by volume alumina porcelain suspensions with low viscosity were successfully prepared. Secondly, the effects of printing parameters on the curing characteristics were explored to obtain the best printing parameters. The alumina porcelain properties were analyzed for the heating treatment process effect. As the temperature increases, its mechanical properties increase. In addition, the porosity of the patulous orifice reached 48%. The flexural strength of the alumina porcelain component was 26 MPa, which met the requirements of a high-temperature compound metal blade for the porcelain core.
Study on the effect of microstructure change of 20CrNiV5 high strength and toughness steel on hardenability
Authors: Li Dongyuan , Song Shupeng , Xia Wenbin , Zhou Yong , Lu Ze , Wu Run
Published: March 2024

High-pressure and high-load drilling environment in the deep soil requires high strength and toughness of the oil well pipe, so the oil well pipe steel must be heat-treated, and the hardenability of the steel is particularly important in manufacturing. In this paper, Gleeble-3500 thermal simulator is used to measure the CCT curves of 20CrNiV5 steel, and the influence of microstructure on hardenability is studied. Deformation inhibits the martensitic transformation of the steel and leads to the decrease of its hardenability; the inhomogeneity of the steel pipe after hot forming also has an important impact on the hardenability, and the multiphase microstructure of bainite and ferrite after hot rolling leads to austenitic heating. Austenite grains are small and uneven, which reduces the hardenability of the steel. The microstructure of the inner and outer layers of the hot-formed steel pipe is smaller than that of the middle layer. After heat treatment, its smaller austenite results in weak hardenability.
Imprinted CNTs field emission cathode for electron brushing
Authors: Wang Zhanliang , Lin Zhanpeng , Yan Lei , Xu Zhifeng , Liu Jianlong , He Zhiyuan , Jianmucuo Dongzhi , Jiang Ruirui , Gong Yubin
Published: March 2024

Microchannel plates (MCPs) are the key components for low-level light night vision systems. Electron brushing is a crucial processing for MCPs manufacturing. In this paper, an imprinted carbon nanotubes (CNTs) field emission cathode is fabricated and tested. And the electron brushing experiment based on this cathode is carried out. The result shows that the imprinted CNTs cathode has some advantages and can be used in electron brushing. This research lays the foundation for massive, low cost and highly efficient electron brushing applications in the future.
Supercritical CO2 recompression Brayton power cycle for hybrid concentrating solar and biomass power plant
Authors: Liu C L , Li Z Y , Hao N , Bian W J , Chen Q
Published: March 2024

The supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle has great potential in various renewable energy systems. The supercritical CO2 recompression Brayton power cycle for hybrid concentrating solar and biomass power plant is proposed and analyzed in this paper. The supercritical CO2 is heated by both the molten salt and flue gas from the biomass boiler. The inlet temperature of the turbine in the supercritical CO2 recompression Brayton power cycle for hybrid power plant rises to 620 °C. The waste heat from the system is recovered by the steam turbine to improve energy utilization efficiency. The efficiency of the supercritical CO2 recompression Brayton power cycle increases from 0.382 to 0.41. The efficiency of the steam cycle is 0.46, and the efficiency of the combined cycle is 0.427.
A multipurpose numerical method for imaging studies and tomographic reconstruction
Authors: Celora A. , Guiotto F. , Caruggi F. , Croci G. , Gorini G. , Grosso G. , Hu Z. , Lazzaro E. , Marcer G. , Nocente M. , Putignano O. , Scionti J. , Scioscioli F. , Tardocchi M. , Muraro A.
Published: March 2024

A multipurpose software, called Revolt, has been developed to fully exploit the imaging
capabilities of Triple-GEM 2D cameras for X-rays and neutrons detection. Both tomographic
inversion techniques and synthetic data production methods are based on the modeling of a
transport matrix between the 2D spatially resolved signal on a detector and the 3D signal emission
in the experimental space.

The core task of the Revolt software is to provide a transport
matrix between the two quantities via a numerical-geometrical approach. The method is based on the
analytical evaluation of detector pixels Line Of Sight generated via a Monte Carlo method to
include obstacle shading on the detector image.

The Revolt implementation and validation are
described in this work, which provides a solid base for future application of tomographic
inversion techniques in the context of fusion plasma physics.
Test measurements of an ASIC for X-ray material discrimination by using on-chip time domain integration and a CdTe sensor
Authors: Zoladz M. , Grybos P. , Choręgiewicz K.
Published: March 2024

Using time-domain integration (TDI) and a two-dimensional sensor is beneficial for X-ray imaging of moving objects. Applying on-chip instead off-chip TDI decreases the required data throughput between an ASIC and the backend several times [1]. This, in turn, allows us to significantly simplify the ASIC itself as well as the backend.

We present the results of test measurements of an ASIC dedicated for X-ray material discrimination by using on-chip TDI and a CdTe sensor.

The main part of the ASIC is an 192 × 64 pixel matrix. The pixel size is 100 μm × 100 μm, so the chip size is approximately 6.7 mm × 2 cm. The chip is manufactured in a 130 nm CMOS technology with 8 metal layers. A single pixel analog front-end consists of a charge-sensitive amplifier, a shaper, and three discriminators followed by counters. The test was conducted with a 0.75 mm thick CdTe sensor.

First, we show the results of the discriminator offset correction followed by the evaluation of the pixel analog front-end gain and noise conducted with single energy radiation. Next, the results of moving objects imaging are obtained by using an industrial X-ray machine for food inspection (continuous energy spectrum). This is carried out to present an example of the image and evaluate the image signal to noise ratio for different energy discriminator thresholds, sensor bias voltages, detector module temperatures and object speeds.
Evaluation of staining betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) using natural and synthetic dyes with and without the addition of preservatives
Authors: Al’Afifah J A , Sumardi I , Darwis A , Melani L , Suhaya Y
Published: March 2024

Bamboo is a widely utilized product. The use of dyes in coloring is now becoming important in bamboo dyeing as color can provide consumer appeal and improve aesthetics. Unlike wood, bamboo has a relatively uniform color, which is beige on the inside and green on the outside. Another important step in bamboo processing is preservation. This research examines bamboo colored using synthetic dyes using textile dyes which are azo group, natural dyes derived from the extraction of sappan wood, and examines the addition of borax boric preservatives. There are four treatments: natural dyes with preservatives, natural dyes only, synthetic dyes with preservative, and synthetic dyes only. Several tests were carried out, namely retention, penetration, staining evaluation using the CIELab method, and color change tests. It was found that natural dyes exhibited higher retention than synthetic ones, and both dyes without preservatives surpassed those with preservatives. Penetration was higher in natural dyes and those with preservatives. In comparison to the natural dyes, the color produced from synthetic dyes has a higher red intensity and a darker brightness level. While the addition of preservatives produces a lighter color with a higher brightness value. All treatments showed discoloration due to UV light exposure.
Microwave drying vs hot-steam-air drying of seedless noni fruit: drying performance and post-drying quality
Authors: Yuniarti K , Setiadi A , Basri E , Fahriansyah  , Saefudin
Published: March 2024

Noni fruit contains several beneficial compounds for health, including scopoletin as its active component. The fruits contain a high moisture content, generally above 80%, rendering them to rot quickly. The drying process can potentially increase the fruit’s shelf life as it reduces the moisture content, stop the enzymatic reactions/microorganism activities and inhibit the quality degradation. This study compared the drying performance and post-process quality of noni fruit slices from the microwave and hot-steam-air drying at 50°C and 60°C. The drying performance parameters were time and rate. Several post-drying quality parameters stipulated in Indonesia pharmacopoea standard, such as scopoletin, total ash, and insoluble-acid ash contents, were observed. The results show the drying rate of noni fruit ranged from -3.51 x 10−3 % min−1 (for microwave-drying) to -2.45 x 10-5 % min−1 (for hot-steam-air drying at 50°C). Noni fruits from hot-steam-air drying at 60°C had the highest scopoletin content (22.47 mg kg−1) and the lowest total ash content (4.78%). Microwave-dried noni fruit had the lowest insoluble-acid ash content (0.02%). Drying methods significantly affected the drying rate, total ash content, and insoluble-acid ash content of noni fruit. Treatment scoring shows microwave- and hot-steam-air drying at 60°C are potential options for drying noni fruit.
Recent major advancements in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xu Lijia , Wang Si , Pu Mingbo , Guo Yinghui , Li Xiong , Luo Xiangang
Published: March 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained intensive attention as promising next-generation photovoltaic technologies because of their ever-increasing power conversion efficiency, inexpensive material components, and simple fabrication method of solution processing. The efficiency and long-term stability of PSCs have gradually grown in recent years, and steady progress has been made towards the large area perovskite solar modules. This review summarizes the representative works on PSCs that were globally published recently from the viewpoints of efficiency, stability, and large-scale production. Further, we emphasize the current main obstacles in high-throughput manufacturing and provide a quick overview of several prospective next-generation researches.
Sufficient conditions for a problem of Polya
Authors: Bharadwaj Abhishek , Pal Aprameyo , Kumar Veekesh , Thangadurai R.
Published: March 2024

Let

α
\alpha

be a non-zero algebraic number. Let

K
K

be the Galois closure of

Q

(
α
)

\mathbb {Q}(\alpha )

with Galois group

G
G

and

Q

¯

\bar {\mathbb {Q}}

be the algebraic closure of

Q

\mathbb {Q}

. In this article, among the other results, we prove the following. If

f
∈

Q

¯

[
G
]

f\in \bar {\mathbb {Q}}[G]

is a non-zero element of the group ring

Q

¯

[
G
]

\bar {\mathbb {Q}}[G]

and

α
\alpha

is a given algebraic number such that

f
(

α
n

)

f(\alpha ^n)

is a non-zero algebraic integer for infinitely many natural numbers

n
n

, then

α
\alpha

is an algebraic integer. This result generalises the result of Polya [Rend. Circ Mat. Palermo, 40 (1915), pp. 1–16], Corvaja and Zannier [Acta Math. 193 (2004), pp. 175–191] and Philippon and Rath [J. Number Theory 219 (2021), pp. 198–211]. We also prove the analogue of this result for rational functions with algebraic coefficients. Inspired by a result of B. de Smit [J. Number Theory 45 (1993), pp. 112–116], we prove a finite version of the Polya type result for a binary recurrence sequences of non-zero algebraic numbers. In order to prove these results, we apply the techniques of Corvaja and Zannier along with the results of Kulkarni et al. [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 371 (2019), pp. 3787–3804], which are applications of the Schmidt subspace theorem.
Population, Urbanization, and Settlement Patterns in the Early Empire
Authors: Sinner Alejandro , Carreras Cèsar , Houten Pieter
Published: March 2024

The chapter provides an in-depth study of the urban and rural population of Hispania Tarraconensis in the first century ce, comparing it with other provinces of the Roman Empire and earlier and later periods. A nuanced diachronic evolution of the population and urbanization in the province that aims to create a comprehensive overview of the urban centres of the Iberian peninsula is presented. The chapter also looks into the urbanism and different settlement typologies in the province, paying especial attention to secondary agglomerations. The rank-size analysis is employed to assess the settlement systems, allowing for a comparison between the Iron Age and Roman periods, and showing that the pre-existing urban framework, road network, and navigable rivers heavily influence the settlement pattern in the Early Empire.
Connectivity, Migrations, Mobility, and Networks
Authors: Sinner Alejandro , Carreras Cèsar , Houten Pieter
Published: March 2024

Chapter 7 explores how transport networks and infrastructure, and their change over time, are fundamental to understand population movements, and the supply of cities and their costs. Besides, transport infrastructures are proxies for population settlement. The first part of the chapter studies whether communications in Hispania were adequate for the economic and demographic needs of its population and how they changed over time from the pre-Roman to Roman period. To do so, GIS is employed to carry out a network analysis of the maritime and road networks of the different periods. The use of macro- and micro-scale analyses provides a clearer picture of the development of the urbanization rate and demographic movements. The second part of the chapter looks at who migrated towards the province and why over time , l ooking not only at permanent mobility, but also at the many temporary and seasonal movements that occurred within the province. Certain tasks, such as those related to agriculture, trade, construction, and harbours, were only possible during the spring and summer seasons. Similarly, some professions, such as military service and domestic work, occupied young people who would move to urban or military sites for a limited period and then return to their hometowns as adults.
Conclusions
Authors: Sinner Alejandro , Carreras Cèsar , Houten Pieter
Published: March 2024

Chapter 9 wraps up the volume by summarizing the main ideas discussed in the previous eight chapters. It emphasizes the significance and necessity of collaborative efforts among geneticists, archaeologists, historians, anthropologists, and other experts in exploring ancient demography in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of ancient populations and their evolution over time. It also shows how in re-evaluating population estimates and presenting new data-backed findings, our research sheds light on the crucial role of demographics in cultural, economic, and social changes during the Roman conquest and subsequent colonial processes, up to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the region. Lastly, our conclusions point out that there is still much work to do, and further research and expansion of datasets and sources are necessary. The book aims to initiate the demographic debate for Hispania Citerior/Tarraconensis and the Iberian peninsula, paving the way for future studies and nuanced interpretations.
A scalar-on-quantile-function approach for estimating short-term health effects of environmental exposures
Authors: Zhang Yuzi , Chang Howard H , Warren Joshua L , Ebelt Stefanie T
Published: March 2024

Environmental epidemiologic studies routinely utilize aggregate health outcomes to estimate effects of short-term (eg, daily) exposures that are available at increasingly fine spatial resolutions. However, areal averages are typically used to derive population-level exposure, which cannot capture the spatial variation and individual heterogeneity in exposures that may occur within the spatial and temporal unit of interest (eg, within a day or ZIP code). We propose a general modeling approach to incorporate within-unit exposure heterogeneity in health analyses via exposure quantile functions. Furthermore, by viewing the exposure quantile function as a functional covariate, our approach provides additional flexibility in characterizing associations at different quantile levels. We apply the proposed approach to an analysis of air pollution and emergency department (ED) visits in Atlanta over 4 years. The analysis utilizes daily ZIP code-level distributions of personal exposures to 4 traffic-related ambient air pollutants simulated from the Stochastic Human Exposure and Dose Simulator. Our analyses find that effects of carbon monoxide on respiratory and cardiovascular disease ED visits are more pronounced with changes in lower quantiles of the population’s exposure. Software for implement is provided in the R package nbRegQF.
Imaging of congenital anomalies and defects of the skull base and calvarium
Authors: Wang Wen , Patel Jeet
Published: March 2024

Congenital anomalies and defects of the skull base and calvarium encompass a broad and complex spectrum of pathologies. The clinical presentation is highly variable, and these anomalies may be discovered incidentally in asymptomatic individuals. Radiological assessment plays a pivotal role in precisely characterizing these abnormalities, facilitating the diagnostic process, and assisting in any preoperative preparation.
Dominant CST3 variants cause adult onset leukodystrophy without amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Bergner Caroline G , Breur Marjolein , Soto-Bernardini M Clara , Schäfer Lisa , Lier Julia , Le Duc Diana , Bundalian Linnaeus , Schubert Susanna , Brenner David , Kreuz Friedmar R , Schulte Björn , Waisfisz Quinten , Bugiani Marianna , Köhler Wolfgang , Sticht Heinrich , Abou Jamra Rami , van der Knaap Marjo S
Published: March 2024

Leukodystrophies are rare genetic white matter disorders that have been regarded as mainly occurring in childhood. This perception has been altered in recent years, as a growing number of leukodystrophies have been described as having an onset in adulthood. Still, many adult patients presenting with white matter changes remain without a specific molecular diagnosis.

We describe a novel adult onset leukodystrophy in 16 patients from eight families carrying one of four different stop-gain or frameshift dominant variants in the CST3 gene. Clinical and radiological features differ markedly from the previously described Icelandic cerebral amyloid angiopathy found in patients carrying p.Leu68Asn substitution in CST3. The clinical phenotype consists of recurrent episodes of hemiplegic migraine associated with transient unilateral focal deficits and slowly progressing motor symptoms and cognitive decline in mid to older adult ages. In addition, in some cases acute onset clinical deterioration led to a prolonged episode with reduced consciousness and even early death. Radiologically, pathognomonic changes are found at typical predilection sites involving the deep cerebral white matter sparing a periventricular and directly subcortical rim, the middle blade of corpus callosum, posterior limb of the internal capsule, middle cerebellar peduncles, cerebral peduncles and specifically the globus pallidus. Histopathologic characterization in two autopsy cases did not reveal angiopathy, but instead micro- to macrocystic degeneration of the white matter. Astrocytes were activated at early stages and later displayed severe degeneration and loss. In addition, despite the loss of myelin, elevated numbers of partly apoptotic oligodendrocytes were observed.

A structural comparison of the variants in CST3 suggests that specific truncations of cystatin C result in an abnormal function, possibly by rendering the protein more prone to aggregation. Future studies are required to confirm the assumed effect on the protein and to determine pathophysiologic downstream events at the cellular level.
Exploring Public Schools as a Primary Setting for Early Prevention in Rural Areas: A Qualitative Approach to Strengthening the Trauma-Informed Elementary Schools (TIES) Program
Authors: Tabone Jiyoung K , Kang Katie K , Rishel Carrie W
Published: March 2024

Trauma-Informed Elementary Schools (TIES) is a pilot program designed to bring trauma-informed services to early elementary schools in a rural state. Although two sequential TIES pilot studies found significantly positive outcomes in cultivating a trauma-sensitive school climate and culture, the program has been limited to a few schools and has not yet been assessed for broader impact on primary stakeholders. The current study explored stakeholders’ input in development of a comprehensive intervention plan by identifying the benefits and challenges of implementing the program and contributing their perspectives on strengthening the program. The study also explored the challenges of implementing the TIES program during the COVID-19 pandemic to optimize the program for its unique rural environment. Fourteen semistructured interviews were conducted via Zoom or in person. Two coauthors primarily used thematic analysis to categorize findings from transcribed interviews with NVivo. The participants identified positive impact of the program on children’s socioemotional learning and support with special attention to children in need and the overall improvement of general educational tasks for all children as a whole classroom. The results highlight the importance of the program as perceived by primary stakeholders and provide specific suggestions for improvement.
A Cliché to Be Avoided Like the Plague: The ‘People’s War’ in the History and Historiography of the British Second World War
Authors: Edgerton David
Published: March 2024

The forum shows that I correctly diagnosed the place that ‘people’s war’ has in the historiography of the Second World War; that, if anything, I underestimated the grip that the connected series of beliefs about ‘people’s war’ have come to have over some historians of the British Second World War; and how difficult it is to start a conversation about framing assumptions and the nature of the historiography of the war. In this response I aim to get above the din of detail and try to understand the underlying positions being taken by the respondents. I will try to tease out their rather hidden assumptions, in order to clarify better what is at issue and at stake, thereby making a fresh attempt to take this discussion forward. I will also extend the discussion by considering works that have already rejected the conceptualisation of ‘people’s war’ defended in this forum. I hope that my original paper and the forum itself will together make the case that we need fresh ways of thinking about the British Second World War, as well as suggest that new ways are already in being and that the concept of ‘people’s war’ as currently used by many historians needs to be abandoned.
Giving with a warm hand: evidence on estate planning and inter-vivos transfers
Authors: Suari-Andreu Eduard , Alessie Rob J M , Angelini Viola , van Ooijen Raun
Published: March 2024

In this study, we examine the importance of estate planning and inter-vivos transfers towards the end of life. To that end, we use administrative data on all deaths taking place in the Netherlands between 2006 and 2013. We link these to wealth and income tax records and the hospital discharge register. Employing these unique data, we distinguish between sudden and non-sudden deaths and study how they compare in terms of wealth at death. Our results show that non-sudden deaths are associated with significantly less financial wealth at the time of death. We interpret this difference as the result of inter-vivos transfers that result from estate planning towards the end of life. We find significant effects not only at the top of the wealth distribution but along the entire upper half of the distribution. Diseases with a relatively low survival rate that do not affect cognitive abilities appear as the most likely to trigger estate planning. These results have important implication for gift and inheritance tax schedules that allow for tax avoidance via exemptions and the progressivity of the tax rate.
Deportations of Roma from Hungary and the Mass Killing at Kamianets-Podilskyi in 1941
Authors: Blomqvist Anders E B
Published: March 2024

At the end of August 1941, the Nazi German Einsatzgruppe, together with German Police Battalion 320 and Ukrainian auxiliaries, killed approximately 23,600 persons (mainly Jews) at Kamianets-Podilskyi. While some researchers assert that Roma were deported from Hungary and Hungarian-occupied Transcarpathia (present-day Ukraine) despite the absence of official reports, other scholars argue that Hungarian leaders may have planned to ethnically “cleanse” the area of Roma, but the plan was never executed, resulting in no deportations or deaths. This article presents new findings that support the former position, and argues that roughly one thousand Roma were expelled from Transcarpathia. New evidence includes a report detailing the ongoing operation to expel Roma, census data indicating a significant reduction in the Roma population near the border, as well as indications that individuals other than Jews were expelled, likely Roma. Only circumstantial evidence—verbal orders to eliminate Roma and reports of Roma killings by the same special commando in different locations—supports the claim that Roma were killed in the August 1941 massacre, though later reports from 1942 explicitly identify Roma victims. After analyzing this new evidence, the author supports the claim that Roma were deported and potentially killed earlier than had previously been known.
CD40 Expression by B Cells Is Required for Optimal Immunity to Murine Pneumocystis Infection
Authors: Sassi Monica , Curran Shelly J , Bishop Lisa R , Liu Yueqin , Kovacs Joseph A
Published: March 2024

CD40–CD40 ligand interactions are critical for controlling Pneumocystis infection. However, which CD40-expressing cell populations are important for this interaction have not been well defined. We used a cohousing mouse model of Pneumocystis infection, combined with flow cytometry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, to examine the ability of different populations of cells from C57BL/6 mice to reconstitute immunity in CD40 knockout mice. Unfractionated splenocytes, as well as purified B cells, were able to control Pneumocystis infection, while B cell–depleted splenocytes and unstimulated bone marrow–derived dendritic cells were unable to control infection in CD40 knockout mice. Pneumocystis antigen–pulsed bone marrow–derived dendritic cells showed early but limited control of infection. Additional findings were consistent with recent studies that suggested a role for antigen presentation by B cells; specifically, by using cells from immunized animals, B cells were able to present Pneumocystis antigens to induce proliferation of T cells. Thus, CD40 expression by B cells appears necessary for robust immunity to Pneumocystis.
In vivo evolution of antimicrobial resistance in a biofilm model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection
Authors: Higazy Doaa , Pham Anh Duc , van Hasselt Coen , Høiby Niels , Jelsbak Lars , Moser Claus , Ciofu Oana
Published: March 2024

The evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in biofilms has been repeatedly studied by experimental evolution in vitro, but rarely in vivo. The complex microenvironment at the infection site imposes selective pressures on the bacterial biofilms, potentially influencing the development of AMR. We report here the development of AMR in an in vivo mouse model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm lung infection. The P. aeruginosa embedded in seaweed alginate beads underwent four successive lung infection passages with or without ciprofloxacin (CIP) exposure. The development of CIP resistance was assessed at each passage by population analysis of the bacterial populations recovered from the lungs of CIP-treated and control mice, with subsequent whole-genome sequencing of selected isolates. As inflammation plays a crucial role in shaping the microenvironment at the infection site, its impact was explored through the measurement of cytokine levels in the lung homogenate. A rapid development of AMR was observed starting from the second passage in the CIP-treated mice. Genetic analysis revealed mutations in nfxB, efflux pumps (mexZ), and two-component systems (parS) contribution to CIP resistance. The control group isolates exhibited mutations in the dipA gene, likely associated with biofilm dispersion. In the initial two passages, the CIP-treated group exhibited an elevated inflammatory response compared to the control group. This increase may potentially contribute to the release of mutagenic reactive oxygen species and the development of AMR. In conclusion, this study illustrates the complex relationship between infection, antibiotic treatment, and immune response.
Lightweight model-based sheep face recognition via face image recording channel
Authors: Zhang Xiwen , Xuan Chuanzhong , Ma Yanhua , Liu Haiyang , Xue Jing
Published: March 2024

The accurate identification of individual sheep is a crucial prerequisite for establishing digital sheep farms and precision livestock farming. Currently, deep learning technology provides an efficient and non-contact method for sheep identity recognition. In particular, convolutional neural networks can be used to learn features of sheep faces to determine their corresponding identities. However, the existing sheep face recognition models face problems such as large model size, and high computational costs, making it difficult to meet the requirements of practical applications. In response to these issues, we introduce a lightweight sheep face recognition model called YOLOv7-Sheep Face Recognition (YOLOv7-SFR). Considering the labor-intensive nature associated with manually capturing sheep face images, we developed a face image recording channel to streamline the process and improve efficiency. This study collected facial images of 50 Small-tailed Han sheep through a recording channel. The experimental sheep ranged in age from 1 to 3 yr, with an average weight of 63.1 kg. Employing data augmentation methods further enhanced the original images, resulting in a total of 22,000 sheep face images. Ultimately, a sheep face dataset was established. To achieve lightweight improvement and improve the performance of the recognition model, a variety of improvement strategies were adopted. Specifically, we introduced the shuffle attention module into the backbone and fused the Dyhead module with the model's detection head. By combining multiple attention mechanisms, we improved the model's ability to learn target features. Additionally, the traditional convolutions in the backbone and neck were replaced with depthwise separable convolutions. Finally, leveraging knowledge distillation, we enhanced its performance further by employing You Only Look Once version 7 (YOLOv7) as the teacher model and YOLOv7-SFR as the student model. The training results indicate that our proposed approach achieved the best performance on the sheep face dataset, with a mean average precision@0.5 of 96.9%. The model size and average recognition time were 11.3 MB and 3.6 ms, respectively. Compared to YOLOv7-tiny, YOLOv7-SFR showed a 2.1% improvement in mean average precision@0.5, along with a 5.8% reduction in model size and a 42.9% reduction in average recognition time. The research results are expected to drive the practical applications of sheep face recognition technology.
Potassium ion channel Kir2.1 negatively regulates protective responses to Mycobacterium bovis BCG
Authors: Sinha Vishal , Singh Akshita , Singh Aarti , Saraswati Shakuntala Surender Kumar , Rana Ankush Kumar , Kalra Kanika , Natarajan Krishnamurthy
Published: March 2024

Tuberculosis caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis leads to increased mortality and morbidity worldwide. The prevalence of highly drug-resistant strains has reinforced the need for greater understanding of host-pathogen interactions at the cellular and molecular levels. Our previous work demonstrated critical roles of calcium ion channels in regulating protective responses to mycobacteria. In this report, we deciphered the roles of inwardly rectifying K+ ion channel Kir2.1 in epithelial cells. Data showed that infection of epithelial cells (and macrophages) increases the surface expression of Kir2.1. This increased expression of Kir2.1 results in higher intracellular mycobacterial survival, as either inhibiting or knocking down Kir2.1 results in mounting of a higher oxidative burst leading to a significant attenuation of mycobacterial survival. Further, inhibiting Kir2.1 also led to increased expression of T cell costimulatory molecules accompanied with increased activation of MAP kinases and transcription factors nuclear factor κB and phosphorylated CREB. Furthermore, inhibiting Kir2.1 induced increased autophagy and apoptosis that could also contribute to decreased bacterial survival. Interestingly, an increased association of heat shock protein 70 kDa with Kir2.1 was observed. These results showed that mycobacteria modulate the expression and function of Kir2.1 in epithelial cells to its advantage.
Development and validation of 3-dimensional simulators for penile prosthesis surgery
Authors: Reisman Yacov , van Renterghem Koen , Meijer Boaz , Ricapito Anna , Fode Mikkel , Bettocchi Carlo
Published: March 2024

Background

The acquisition of skills in penile prosthesis surgery has many limitations mainly due to the absence of simulators and models for training. Three-dimensional (3D) printed models can be utilized for surgical simulations, as they provide an opportunity to practice before entering the operating room and provide better understanding of the surgical approach.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate and validate a 3D model of human male genitalia for penile prosthesis surgery.

Methods

This study included 3 evaluation and validation stages. The first stage involved verification of the 3D prototype model for anatomic landmarks compared with a cadaveric pelvis. The second stage involved validation of the improved model for anatomic accuracy and teaching purposes with the Rochester evaluation score. The third stage comprised validation of the suitability of the 3D prototype model as a surgical simulator and for skill acquisition. The third stage was performed at 3 centers using a modified version of a pre-existing, validated questionnaire and correlated with the Rochester evaluation score.

Outcome

We sought to determine the suitability of 3D model for training in penile prosthesis surgery in comparison with the available cadaveric model.

Results

The evaluation revealed a high Pearson correlation coefficient (0.86) between questions of the Rochester evaluation score and modified validated questionnaire. The 3D model scored 4.33 ± 0.57 (on a Likert scale from 1 to 5) regarding replication of the relevant human anatomy for the penile prosthesis surgery procedure. The 3D model scored 4.33 ± 0.57 (on a Likert scale from 1 to 5) regarding its ability to improve technical skills, teach and practice the procedure, and assess a surgeon’s ability. Furthermore, the experts stated that compared with the cadaver, the 3D model presented greater ethical suitability, reduced costs, and easier accessibility.

Clinical implications

A validated 3D model is a suitable alternative for penile prosthesis surgery training.

Strengths and limitations

This is the first validated 3D hydrogel model for penile prosthesis surgery teaching and training that experts consider suitable for skill acquisition. Because specific validated guidelines and questionnaires for the validation and verifications of 3D simulators for penile surgery are not available, a modified questionnaire was used.

Conclusion

The current 3D model for penile prosthesis surgery shows promising results regarding anatomic properties and suitability to train surgeons to perform penile implant surgery. The possibility of having an ethical, easy-to-use model with lower costs and limited consequences for the environment is encouraging for further development of the models.
A word of caution: T-DNA-associated mutagenesis in plant reproduction research
Authors: Raabe Karel , Sun Limin , Schindfessel Cédric , Honys David , Geelen Danny
Published: March 2024

T-DNA transformation is prevalent in Arabidopsis research and has expanded to a broad range of crops and model plants. While major progress has been made in optimizing the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation process for various species, a variety of pitfalls associated with the T-DNA insertion may lead to the misinterpretation of T-DNA mutant analysis. Indeed, secondary mutagenesis either on the integration site or elsewhere in the genome, together with epigenetic interactions between T-DNA inserts or frequent genomic rearrangements, can be tricky to differentiate from the effect of the knockout of the gene of interest. These are mainly the case for genomic rearrangements that become balanced in filial generations without consequential phenotypical defects, which may be confusing particularly for studies that aim to investigate fertility and gametogenesis. As a cautionary note to the plant research community studying gametogenesis, we here report an overview of the consequences of T-DNA-induced secondary mutagenesis with emphasis on the genomic imbalance on gametogenesis. Additionally, we present a simple guideline to evaluate the T-DNA-mutagenized transgenic lines to decrease the risk of faulty analysis with minimal experimental effort.
An anticodon-sensing T-boxzyme generates the elongator nonproteinogenic aminoacyl-tRNA in situ of a custom-made translation system for incorporation
Authors: Lu Wei , Terasaka Naohiro , Sakaguchi Yuriko , Suzuki Takeo , Suzuki Tsutomu , Suga Hiroaki
Published: March 2024

In the hypothetical RNA world, ribozymes could have acted as modern aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) to charge tRNAs, thus giving rise to the peptide synthesis along with the evolution of a primitive translation apparatus. We previously reported a T-boxzyme, Tx2.1, which selectively charges initiator tRNA with N-biotinyl-phenylalanine (BioPhe) in situ in a Flexible In-vitro Translation (FIT) system to produce BioPhe-initiating peptides. Here, we performed in vitro selection of elongation-capable T-boxzymes (elT-boxzymes), using para-azido-l-phenylalanine (PheAZ) as an acyl-donor. We implemented a new strategy to enrich elT-boxzyme-tRNA conjugates that self-aminoacylated on the 3′-terminus selectively. One of them, elT32, can charge PheAZ onto tRNA in trans in response to its cognate anticodon. Further evolution of elT32 resulted in elT49, with enhanced aminoacylation activity. We have demonstrated the translation of a PheAZ-containing peptide in an elT-boxzyme-integrated FIT system, revealing that elT-boxzymes are able to generate the PheAZ-tRNA in response to the cognate anticodon in situ of a custom-made translation system. This study, together with Tx2.1, illustrates a scenario where a series of ribozymes could have overseen aminoacylation and co-evolved with a primitive RNA-based translation system.
Structural basis of how MGME1 processes DNA 5′ ends to maintain mitochondrial genome integrity
Authors: Mao Eric Y C , Yen Han-Yi , Wu Chyuan-Chuan
Published: March 2024

Mitochondrial genome maintenance exonuclease 1 (MGME1) helps to ensure mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity by serving as an ancillary 5′-exonuclease for DNA polymerase γ. Curiously, MGME1 exhibits unique bidirectionality in vitro, being capable of degrading DNA from either the 5′ or 3′ end. The structural basis of this bidirectionally and, particularly, how it processes DNA from the 5′ end to assist in mtDNA maintenance remain unclear. Here, we present a crystal structure of human MGME1 in complex with a 5′-overhang DNA, revealing that MGME1 functions as a rigid DNA clamp equipped with a single-strand (ss)-selective arch, allowing it to slide on single-stranded DNA in either the 5′-to-3′ or 3′-to-5′ direction. Using a nuclease activity assay, we have dissected the structural basis of MGME1-derived DNA cleavage patterns in which the arch serves as a ruler to determine the cleavage site. We also reveal that MGME1 displays partial DNA-unwinding ability that helps it to better resolve 5′-DNA flaps, providing insights into MGME1-mediated 5′-end processing of nascent mtDNA. Our study builds on previously solved MGME1–DNA complex structures, finally providing the comprehensive functional mechanism of this bidirectional, ss-specific exonuclease.
Uncovering the GacS-mediated role in evolutionary progression through trajectory reconstruction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Jiang Bo , Qiu Huifang , Lu Chenghui , Lu Mingqi , Li Yuanhao , Dai Weijun
Published: March 2024

The genetic diversities of subpopulations drive the evolution of pathogens and affect their ability to infect hosts and cause diseases. However, most studies to date have focused on the identification and characterization of adaptive mutations in single colonies, which do not accurately reflect the phenotypes of an entire population. Here, to identify the composition of variant subpopulations within a pathogen population, we developed a streamlined approach that combines high-throughput sequencing of the entire population cells with genotyping of single colonies. Using this method, we reconstructed a detailed quorum-sensing (QS) evolutionary trajectory in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our results revealed a new adaptive mutation in the gacS gene, which codes for a histidine kinase sensor of a two-component system (TCS), during QS evolution. This mutation reduced QS activity, allowing the variant to sweep throughout the whole population, while still being vulnerable to invasion by the emerging QS master regulator LasR-null mutants. By tracking the evolutionary trajectory, we found that mutations in gacS facilitated QS-rewiring in the LasR-null mutant. This rapid QS revertant caused by inactive GacS was found to be associated with the promotion of ribosome biogenesis and accompanied by a trade-off of reduced bacterial virulence on host cells. In conclusion, our findings highlight the crucial role of the global regulator GacS in modulating the progression of QS evolution and the virulence of the pathogen population.
Ketogenic diet combined with intermittent fasting: an option for type 2 diabetes remission?
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Ying , Guo Kai-Heng , Huang Shao-Feng , Liu Rui-Ke , Zeng Chun-Ping
Published: March 2024

With increasing attention to diabetes remission, various special dietary patterns have been found to be effective in achieving diabetes remission. The effect of a single dietary pattern on lowering blood glucose is clear, but studies on the synergistic effects of different dietary patterns are limited. This article describes the types of intermittent fasting and ketogenic diets, potential mechanisms, contraindications of combination diets, recommendations for combination diets, and their health outcomes. This paper aims to illustrate the evidence for intermittent fasting combined with a ketogenic diet on outcomes of diabetes remission and effect on blood glucose control. Knowledge of these findings can help doctors and patients determine dietary patterns for achieving diabetes remission and understanding their application.