bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano Urea Fertilization for More Wheat Yield Under North Western Plains Zone for Irrigated Conditions Assessed by AMMI and BLUP Analysis
Authors: Meena R P , Tripathi S C , Gill S C , Verma Ajay , Singh Gyanendra
Published: January 2024

Highly significant variations due to treatments, locations and TxL interactions were observed for wheat yield by analysis of variance during field evaluation of nano urea formulations at number of locations in the north western plans zone of the country. First component of AMMI analysis shared of about 51.3% while second accounted for 29.9%. Significant variations due to locations, TxL interactions and treatments effects were observed for thousands grains weight. Around 82.9% of the interaction effects accounted by two significant components while total of significant components were up to 96.9%. Maximum yield was observed at Karnal followed by Hisar more over maximum yield for 56.1 was expressed by T3 treatment. ASV1 & ASV measures based on 81.3% of interaction effects selected T5, T8 and T8, T5 treatments. Average of thousands grains weight found T3, T8, T9 treatments as suitable for maximum realization and as per MASV1 and MASV settled T6, T2 treatments for thousands grains weight. Adaptability measures corresponding to BLUP estimates of yield i.e. PRVG, PRVG*Gu, HMPRVG*Gu, HMPRVG measures found T3, T4, T2 treatments for yield. Superiority index measures considering average thousands grains weight and stability in 65 and 35 ratios for weighted average settled for T3, T7, T8 treatments formulation of nano urea in the study. Biplot analysis observed Pantnagar center had expressed strong bondage with superiority index measures while considering mean, GAI and HM of treatments based on fixed and random effects of treatments. WAASB, W3, W2, W5 had maintained direct association with MASV, MASV1 on right hand side and with ASV1, W1, IPC4 on left side for yield. Treatments T13, T5 and T4 would express unstable yield as compared to T11, T6, T7 placed near to origin of biplot analysis. Thousands grains weight found that Karnal, Hisar centers with IPV2 formed the first cluster while Gurdaspur with Gwalior joined hands with superiority index measures in second cluster of biplot analysis. Next cluster was of adaptability measures PRVG, HMPRVG, PRVG*Gu, HMPRVG*Gu, mean, GAI, HM with Jammu, Delhi and Ludhiana centres. Next cluster of IPC4, IPC6 with Pantnagar observed near to large cluster of adaptability measures PRVG, HMPRVG, PRVG*Gu, HMPRVG*Gu.
Screening of Bacillus sp. (OQ654027) Mediated Seed Bio-priming Enhance Plant-Growth-Promotion for Sustainable Crop Production of Groundnut and Chickpea
Authors: Patel Shivani , Bhattacharya Chitra , Pandhi Neepa
Published: January 2024

Plant growth-promoting bacteria are valuable microbes that enhance the plant growth, development, and yield. Several seed priming methods are able to improvise seed germination, seedling potency, to overwhelmed abiotic stress and biotic stress management which gets prime attention. Generally, plant-growth promoting bacteria are utilized for biopriming technique that is able to survive under stress environmental conditions. The aims of the present investigation were to screening ofKC9bacterial isolate as PGPB in groundnut and chickpea and study the effects ofKC9 bacterial isolation seed, seedling germination and growth during the development of both seeds. In this study KC9 has been isolated from the soil sample of chickpea crop field at Saurashtra region. Preliminary screening was conducted based on their identification via morphological, biochemical i.e., catalase, starch hydrolysis, sugar utilization, motility, IMViC test, gram’s nature and by 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences and identified as Bacillus sp. that has been submitted to the NCBI for Accession number. Further examine the production of indole acetic acid (IAA), Ammonia (NH3), HCN, Siderophore and Phosphate solubilization. KC9 (Bacillus sp.) was recognized as most efficient plant-growth promoting bacteria. For the pot experiment seed biopriming method is employing to coat the seeds of chickpea and groundnut with Bacillus inoculant consider as treated and seeds sown with double distilled water as control. Bacillus coated seed biopriming also minimize the seed germination time period that takes only 3-4 days to proper seed radicle development. By the statistical approach of paired t-test of pot experiment on chickpea and groundnut seeds and seedlings were treated with Bacillus strain exhibited significantly higher levels at of seed germination, seedling growth via root length, shoot length and number of leaves in compared to non-treated control plants. In this present investigation , impact of seedling germination on the inoculated condition with KC9 of groundnut and chickpea, determining remarkable changes in total chlorophyll content (11.81 µg/g and 10.40 µg/g), relative water content(RWC) obtained 86% and 83%., total free amino acids (92.14±0.03µg/ml whereas 37.5±0.02µg/ml), total phenolic acid content (76.28±0.03mg GAE/100g and chickpea is 52.83±0.08 mg GAE/100g) and total flavonoid content increases with the treatment of KC9 (Bacillus sp.) 626±0.05QE/100g is recorded in groundnut seedlings and chickpea is 0.085±0.01QE/100g respectively.
Production of IAA by Endophytic Fungi as Phyllanthus emblica Linn.
Authors: D. A Dhale , Ankita Pansuriya , C. Rathod Mayuri
Published: January 2024

Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), a phytohormone, has been considered as the most important native auxin. The Amla (Phyllanthus emblica Linn.) serve as an abundance of IAA-producing sources fungus and produce significant quantities of IAA in tryptophan-added medium. Different concentration of L-tryptophan between 1, 2 and 5 mg/ml were chosen for the IAA production. The study shows that the corresponding L-tryptophan concentration was associated with a progressive rise in IAA generation. The impact on IAA production was anticipated to last up to 10 days, with the maximum IAA production being shown in an incubation period of 15 days. Four isolates in total were found to be IAA-producing strains; two of these produced IAA through medium components, and physical conditions were tuned for IAA production. The Amla stem and leaf tissues have the strongest growth-promoting effect in Aspergillus ustus (72 g/20 ml) among the isolates. The positive effects on crop development and yield are attributed to the presence of such growth-promoting fungus.
Evaluation of Different Treatments on the Management of Black Gram Powdery Mildew Disease Caused by Erysiphe Polygoni (De Candolle)
Authors: Lakshmanan Vengadeshkumar , Santhirakasan Sanjaygandhi , Thangaraj Meera , Kumar Vignesh
Published: January 2024

Black gram (Vigna mungo L.), is one of the most important short duration pulse crops grown in India. Powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe polygoni is a major destructive disease causing drastic economic yield loss upto 50 per cent. In this present study to evaluation of different treatments on the management of powdery mildew on Black gram. Among five mangrove species tested, the leaf extract of Rhiphora apiculata out performed well recording maximum inhibition of conidial germination. In case of fungicides, Azoxystrobin @ 0.1% significantly reduced the conidial germination. The bio-agent Ampelomyces quisqualis was found to be effective at 0.5 per cent concentration against the pathogen. The susceptible variety ADT-3 was raised in both pot and field for management practices. The treatment involving combination of bio-agent and botanical i.e., foliar spraying of A. quisqualis @ 0.5% on 43 DAS AND 53 DAS + foliar spraying of R. apiculata @ 15% on 43 DAS+ 53 DAS recorded minimum per cent disease index in both pot (18.94 %) and field trial (14.50%). The synergistic effect of A. quisqualis and R. apiculata significantly reduces the disease incidence and considerably improve the biometric of blackgram in both pot and field trials are approximately equal to fungicide application.
Femoral Metastasis in Bone Mineral Densitometry
Authors: Seo Han-Kyung , Choi Do-Cheol , Shim Cheol-Min , Jo Jin-Hyeong
Published: January 2024

A 50-year-old female patient referred by the Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery was recommended for orthopedic surgery because a lesion-like herniation pit was found in the left proximal femur in bone mineral densitometry (BMD). She was later diagnosed with bone metastasis based on a biopsy in orthopedic surgery. Pelvic X-ray and left thigh MRI were performed. An intramedullary nail was later inserted. The BMD is a diagnostic method based on numerical values, so it is inevitable that the bone shape may be neglected. This case report illustrates the importance of the radiotechnologist's observation of the bone shape. In our patient, it led to beneficial treatment.
Splenic Absorption of Radiopharmaceutical in Systemic Bone Scans Performed after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kil Sang-Hyeong , Jo Kyung-Nam , Lim Yung-Hyun
Published: January 2024

A technetium-labeled phosphate bone scan was found to detect bone fractures and bone metastasis in the early stages compared to general radiographs. Therefore, bone scans are among the most frequently performed nuclear medical imaging examinations. However, non-osseous radiopharmaceutical uptake on bone scans is unusual. Herein, we report a case of diffuse splenic absorption of Tc-99m dicarboxypropane diphosphonate in patients who underwent liver transplantation.
Evaluation of Variation Method to Improve the Sensitivity of Immunoradiometric Assay
Authors: Kwon Won-Hyun , Kang Mi-Ji , Kim Na-Kyung , Park Ji-Sol , Kim Jung-In , Lee Kyung-Jae
Published: January 2024

Purpose: The concentration of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) after radical prostatectomy in prostate cancer patients is a predictor of biochemical recurrence, and the AUA (American Urological Association) is defined as biochemical recurrence when the concentration of PSA is measured at 0.2 ng/mL or more, and when the concentration is measured at 0.2 ng/mL or more at the retest. This standard is also applied our hospital. In this laboratory, the PSA reagent using IRMA (Immunoradiometric Assay) is used, and the sensitivity at a very low value was not as good as the reagent used in the department of laboratory medicine. This study aims to increase the reliability of the results by improving the precision and sensitivity of very low values. Materials and Methods: As a reagent for the study, PSA reagent using IRMA was used. As a method to improve the precision and sensitivity of very low values, a variation method on the serum volume (25 uL, 50 uL, 100 uL, 200 uL) was studied, and variation usefulness evaluation was conducted. The evaluation items were compared the results of precision, analytical sensitivity, recovery rate, dilution test, high-dose hook effect test, parallel test and very low concentration values (n = 20). Results: The validation results were displayed in the order of 25 uL, 50 uL, 100 uL, 200 uL. As the serum volume increased, it was confirmed that CV (Coefficient of Variation)(%) improved. Analytical sensitivity (ng/mL) was 0.038, 0.041, 0.017, 0.015 and recovery rate (%) was 101±3, 101±3, 99±2, 97±4. very low concentration values (ng/mL) between each volume (n=20) were 0.135±0.068, 0.076±0.050, 0.048±0.034, 0.046±0.034. and high dose hook effect appeared as the serum volume increased. Conclusion: Through the variation usefulness evaluation, it was confirmed that as the serum volume increased, the precision and sensitivity improved at very low concentration values. However, it is necessary to pay special attention to the occurrence of high-dose hook effect as the serum volume increases. In the case of tests that requires very low concentration values, it is thought that the reliability of the result will be increased if the variation method is properly used after the variation usefulness evaluation.
Femoral Mass in Bone Mineral Densitometry
Authors: Seo Han-Kyung , Choi Do-Cheol , Shim Cheol-Min , Jo Jin-Hyeong
Published: January 2024

A 55-year-old female patient, referred by the endocrine metabolism department, was recommended for orthopedic surgery because a lesion was found in the proximal femur in the bone mineral densitometry (BMD). Pelvis AP and frog-leg images performed by the orthopedic department found an intraosseous mass (more likely a benign tumor) in the greater trochanter of the left femur. However, she did not need special treatment and decided to keep observing. The role of a radiologic technologist is important in BMD and it provides significant assistance in the treatment of patients.
Synthesis of Novel 18F-Labeled-Nitroimidazole-Based Imaging Agents for Hypoxia: Recent Advances
Authors: Nguyen Anh Thu , Kim Hee-Kwon
Published: January 2024

Hypoxia indicates the condition of low oxygen levels in tissues. In oncology, hypoxia can induce cancer progression and metastasis, as well as cause resistance to cancer therapies. The detection of hypoxia by using molecular imaging, particularly, positron emission tomography (PET) has been extensively studied due to many advantages. Nitroimidazoles, the moieties that can be trapped in hypoxic tissues due to selective reduction, have been used to design and synthesize of hypoxia-targeting radiopharmaceuticals. This review provides a summary of synthetic routes towards 18F-labeled-nitroimidazole radiotracers for PET imaging of hypoxia.
Usefulness of volumetric BMD measurement by using low dose CT image acquired on L-spine Bone SPECT/CT
Authors: Ko Hyunsoo , Park Soonki , Kim Eunhye , Choi Jongsook , Jung Wooyoung , Lee Dongyun
Published: January 2024

Purpose: CT scan makes up for the weak point of the nuclear medicine image having a low resolution and also were used for attenuation correction on image reconstruction. Recently, many studies try to make use of CT images additionally, one of them is to measure the bone mineral density(BMD) using Quantitative CT(QCT) software. BMD exams are performed to scan lumbar and femur with DXA(Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) in order to diagnose bone disease such as osteopenia, osteoporosis. The purpose of this study is to identify the usefulness of QCT_BMD analyzed with low dose CT images on L-spine Bone SPECT/CT comparing with DXA_BMD. Materials and Methods: Fifty five women over 50 years old (mean 66.4 ± 9.1) who took the both examinations(L-spine Bone SPECT/CT with SIEMENS Intevo 16 and DXA scan with GE Lunar prodigy advance) within 90 days from April 2017 to July 2022, BMD, T-score and disease classification were analyzed. Three-dimensional BMD was analyzed with low dose CT images acquired on L-spine Bone SPECT/CT scan on Mindways QCT PROTM software and two-dimensional BMD was analyzed on DXA scan. Basically, Lumbar 1-4 were analyzed and the patients who has lesion or spine implants on L-spine were excluded for this study. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed in BMD and T-score, chi-square test was performed in disease classification between QCT and DXA. Results: On 55 patients, the minimum of QCT_BMD was 18.10, maximum was 166.50, average was 82.71 ± 31.5 mg/cm3. And the minimum of DXA-BMD was 0.540, maximum was 1.302, average was 0.902 ± 0.201 g/cm2, respectively. The result shows a strong statistical correlation between QCT_BMD and DXA_BMD(p<0.001, r=0.76). The minimum of QCT_T-score was -5.7, maximum was-0.1, average was -3.2 ± 1.3 and the minimum of DXA_T-score was -5.0, maximum was 1.7, average was -2.0 ± 1.3, respectively. The result shows a statistical correlation between QCT T-score and DXA T-score (p<0.001, r=0.66). On the disease classification, normal was 5, osteopenia was 25, osteoporosis was 25 in QCT and normal was 10, osteopenia was 25, osteoporosis was 20 in DXA. There was under-estimation of bone decrease relatively on DXA than QCT, but there was no significant differences statistically by chi-square test between QCT and DXA. Conclusion: Through this study, we could identify that the QCT measurement with low dose CT images QCT from L-Spine Bone SPECT/CT was reliable because of a strong statistical correlation between QCT_BMD and DXA_BMD. Bone SPECT/CT scan can provide three-dimensional information also BMD measurement with CT images. In the future, rather than various exams such as CT, BMD, Bone scan are performed, it will be possible to provide multipurpose information via only SPECT/CT scan. In addition, it will be very helpful clinically in the sense that we can provide a diagnosis of potential osteoporosis, especially in middleaged patients.
Prolactin Monomeric Polyethylene Glycol Measurement Method and Study of Reference Value Verification
Authors: Ha Dong Hyuk , Ryu Hwa-Jin , Cho Hyun-Su , Shin Sun-Young
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Prolactin in the blood is separated into three types, and over 90% of prolactin presents as a double monomer (23 KDa). Rarely, it can exist in the size of big prolactin (150 KDa), which is called macroprolactin and is known as an autoantibody complex. When macroprolactin accounts for more than 60% of prolactin in the blood, it is called macroprolactinemia. The presence of such macroprolactin was first reported in a patient with hyperprolactinemia but without typical symptoms. Macroprolactinemia is emerging as an important cause of idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation method using the property of precipitating large-molecular-weight proteins is simple and recently has been widely used as a screening test. The results are in good agreement with the results of gel chromatography. The purpose of this study was to confirm the measurement method and reference value verification of monomeric prolactin in blood prolactin using the PEG precipitation method. Materials and Methods: For 40 examinees who visited the Gangnam Center of Seoul National University Hospital in 2021, the prolactin level was verified using radioimmunoassay (RIA). For macroprolactinemia PEG precipitation method, 25% PEG (molecular weight 6000kDa) solution and serum were mixed in equal amounts in a test tube, then left at room temperature for 20 minutes and centrifuged at 4℃ for 30 minutes (1500g). The prolactin level was measured in the supernatant. Results : After confirming that more than 90% of the 40 tested samples within the reference range <25 ng/mL, the same value as the reference value for prolactin was applied. Since the concentration of monomeric prolactin in serum from which macroprolactin has been removed from blood is diluted 1:1 with PEG, our laboratory is currently reporting the result by multiplying the result by a dilution factor of 2. Conclusion: Radioimmunoassay using PEG precipitation method using the property of precipitating large molecular weight proteins is simple and effective for quantitative measurement of monomeric prolactin in blood prolactin.
IoT-Based Beehive Monitoring System for Real-Time Monitoring of Apis cerana indica Colonies
Authors: Krishnasamy Venkateswaran , Sridhar N. , Niranjan L.
Published: January 2024

A study was conducted to monitor the bee activity in the colonies of diferente strengths in real time using an IoT-based device. The in-hive temperature and relative humidity were measured in the colonies of Apis cerana indica Fabricius of different strengths using the sensor-laden IoT device that was correlated with the movement of foragers into and out of the hive. A significantly higher movement of foragers was recorded at an in-hive temperature and relative humidity of 27.84 ºC and 61.47% at 5-6 p.m. with an observed activity of 9,638 bees/hive/hour in the strong colonies. In the weak colonies, the mean forager activity was 1,436.3 bees/hive/hour, which was recorded at an in-hive temperature of 26.52 ºC and 61.42% relative humidity. The mean honey area in the strong and weak colonies were 1,300.80±177.61 cm2 and 508.80±156.84 cm2, respectively. Pollen area in the strong and weak colonies were 447.60±112.08 cm2 and 116.20±66.43 cm2, respectively. In the strong and weak colonies, the area under egg brood was 470±53.06 cm2 and 88.20±36.85 cm2, larvae brood was 583.40±11.04 cm2 and 80.00±24.67 cm2 and sealed brood was 684.20±57.98 cm2 and 102.80±16.59 cm2, respectively. The real-time data on the movement of foragers in the colonies of different strengths enabled us to undertake timely intervention in the maintenance of the bee colonies.
Searching for a congruent framework to teach sexuality in social work: a personal reflection
Authors: Poon Maurice Kwong-Lai
Published: January 2024

In this article, I discuss how I design a sexuality course using queer theory. Based on the key concepts of queer theory, I structure the course into eight areas: (1) problematizing the notion of sexuality, (2) rethinking sexuality through queer theory, (3) the historical and social construction of sexuality, (4) the social organization of sexuality, (5) managing sexuality institutionally, (6) the institutionalization of sexuality, (7) the fluidity of identities, and (8) forms of resistance. The goals are to help social work students (1) understand how social, cultural and political forces, as well as institutional practices (informed by sexual knowledge), shape and regulate sexual life that in turn produces privilege and oppression, and (2) engage them to rethink and develop social work practice that is socially transformative.
Equal in East and West? Regional anti-gender discourses and heterogeneity of the European Commission’s discursive protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and intersex rights
Authors: Overhaart Puck , van der Veer Reinout A.
Published: January 2024

Recent research shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and intersex (LGBTI) rights have become a core value of the European Union. Concurrently, hostility towards LGBTI rights is increasing across the European Union, including through anti-gender mobilisations, which reject ‘gender ideology’. This study employs sequential discourse analyses to discover: (1) the regional specificities in anti-gender discourse; and (2) whether the European Commission is discursively responsive to these differences. We find that the European Commission adapts its LGBTI discourse to actual and expected regional specificities, both in the issues discussed and in the frames employed. These conclusions are relevant because they show that European Union discourse on LGBTI rights is not homogeneous and may be strategically adapted to regional contexts, which has implications for the purported universal protection of LGBTI rights in the European Union. Additionally, these findings shed light on the important but neglected role that social mobilisations play in sensitising European Union actors to regional variation in political attitudes and values.
A Calf from a Tree-Trunk: From a Rustic Proverb to a Standard Scholastic Argument
Authors: Ivanov Sergey
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The paper deals with the expression "God is able to make a calf from a tree-trunk"—a very popular phrase in medieval treatises, especially in the context of God's omnipotence. Its attestations are thoroughly documented and considered, contexts discussed, and attributions examined. It is argued that the attribution to Anselm of Canterbury is false and late. It is claimed that the phrase goes back to a popular saying as attested by William of Conches, Peter Comestor, and ps.-Bonaventurian Ars concionandi. Thus, it is a rare example of a rustic proverb used in scholastic debates as a standard scholarly argument.
Alternate Edens: History, Evolution, and Origins in UNESCO's Cultural and Scientific History of Mankind
Authors: Kern Emily M.
Published: January 2024

Abstract: In 1963, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) published the first volume of its long-awaited cultural and scientific history of mankind. First announced in 1948, the History of Mankind was envisioned as a comprehensive, universal human history, from the evolution of Homo sapiens to the middle of the twentieth century. This article uses editorial conflicts over the site of the cradle of the human species to explore the position of scientific knowledge in world history writing and to examine tensions between different national traditions of expertise at a moment of political and scientific transition.
Three stage HCF fabrication technique for high yield, broadband UV-visible fibers
Authors: Jackson Gregory , Jasion Gregory T. , Bradley Thomas D. , Poletti Francesco , Davidson Ian A.
Published: January 2024

Hollow-core optical fibers can offer broadband, single mode guidance in the UV-visible-NIR wavelength range, with the potential for low-loss, solarization-free operation, making them desirable and potentially disruptive for a wide range of applications. To achieve this requires the fabrication of fibers with <300nm anti-resonant membranes, which is technically challenging. Here we investigate the underlying fluid dynamics of the fiber fabrication process and demonstrate a new three-stage fabrication approach, capable of delivering long (∼350m) lengths of fiber with the desired thin-membranes.
Dynamic budget analysis of multiple parameters in a lithography system based on the superposition of light intensity fluctuations
Authors: Wang Jiashuo , Su Xiaojing , Dong Lisong , Fan Taian , Wei Yayi
Published: January 2024

Lithography is one of the most critical processes in the manufacturing of micro- and nano-devices. As device critical dimensions continue to shrink, variations in system parameters during the lithography process often result in heavy deviations from the intended targets, making control of these parameters crucial to ensure that lithography results meet process requirements. Gaining a thorough comprehension of how various parameters interact and contribute to lithography errors is significant, and it is equally important to offer precise suggestions for managing these parameters in extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) scanners. This paper analyzes the key physical factors in the light source, illumination system and projection system of EUVL scanners and proposes what we believe to be a new methodology of budget analysis utilizing the superposition of light intensity fluctuations. Then the corresponding characteristics of light intensity fluctuations are analyzed when these parameters have fluctuated through theoretical formula derivation. A mapping model was established between parameter fluctuations and imaging outcomes through the distribution of light intensity. The yield requirements for critical dimension and pattern shift in EUVL are used to determine the exact budget range for each parameter in the proposed methodology. By controlling the parameters according to the budget analysis method proposed in this paper, the deviation between the experimental results from the yield requirements is no more than 0.1% in average. This approach allows for dynamic updating of the control range of relevant parameters based on their distinct characteristics to accommodate the unique fingerprints of various EUVL scanners. Furthermore, based on this adaptive budget range of multiple parameters, it can offer distinct direction for the development of lithography equipment or serve as a clear indication for parameter monitoring.
High-precision multi-spectral radiation thermometry method based on the improved grey wolf optimization algorithm inversion
Authors: Zhao Zhijun , Chen Danyuan , Dong Jingzheng , Zhou Haijing
Published: January 2024

In this paper, in order to rapidly measure the temperature of a high-temperature target in real time without emissivity data, a high-precision multispectral radiation temperature measurement method based on the improved grey wolf optimization (IGWO) algorithm is proposed. The method can automatically identify the emissivity models of different trends and realize the simultaneous estimation of temperature and emissivity without the emissivity hypothesis model. The IGWO algorithm is applied to the temperature test of a silicon carbide and tungsten material. The temperature test results show that the absolute and relative errors of the silicon carbide (the tungsten) are less than 3 K (4.5 K) and 0.25% (0.18%), respectively. The average time of the algorithm is 0.28 s. The IGWO algorithm can be expected to be applied to some high-precision temperature measurement scenarios.
An On-demand Photonic Ising Machine with Simplified Hamiltonian Calculation by Phase Encoding and Intensity Detection
Authors: Ouyang Jiayi , Liao Yuxuan , Ma Zhiyao , Kong Deyang , Feng Xue , Zhang Xiang , Dong Xiaowen , Cui Kaiyu , Liu Fang , Zhang Wei , Huang Yidong
Published: January 2024

The photonic Ising machine is a new paradigm of optical computing that takes advantage of the unique properties of light wave propagation, parallel processing, and low-loss transmission. Thus, the process of solving combinatorial optimization problems can be accelerated through photonic/optoelectronic devices. In this work, we have proposed and demonstrated the Phase Encoding and Intensity Detection Ising Annealer (PEIDIA) capable of solving arbitrary Ising problems on demand. The PEIDIA employs the heuristic algorithm and requires only one step of optical linear transformation with simplified Hamiltonian calculation by encoding the Ising spins on the phase term of the optical field and performing intensity detection during the solving process. As a proof of principle, several 20 and 30-spin Ising problems have been solved with high ground state probability (≥0.97/0.85 for the 20/30-spin Ising model).
Controlling target brain regions by optimal selection of input nodes
Authors: Manjunatha Karan Kabbur Hanumanthappa , Baron Giorgia , Benozzo Danilo , Silvestri Erica , Corbetta Maurizio , Chiuso Alessandro , Bertoldo Alessandra , Suweis Samir , Allegra Michele
Published: January 2024

The network control theory framework holds great potential to inform neurostimulation experiments aimed at inducing desired activity states in the brain. However, the current applicability of the framework is limited by inappropriate modeling of brain dynamics, and an overly ambitious focus on whole-brain activity control. In this work, we leverage recent progress in linear modeling of brain dynamics (effective connectivity) and we exploit the concept of target controllability to focus on the control of a single region or a small subnetwork of nodes. We discuss when control may be possible with a reasonably low energy cost and few stimulation loci, and give general predictions on where to stimulate depending on the subset of regions one wishes to control. Importantly, using the robustly asymmetric effective connectome instead of the symmetric structural connectome (as in previous research), we highlight the fundamentally different roles in- and out-hubs have in the control problem, and the relevance of inhibitory connections. The large degree of inter-individual variation in the effective connectome implies that the control problem is best formulated at the individual level, but we discuss to what extent group results may still prove useful.
A Phone Pal to overcome social isolation in patients with psychosis—Findings from a feasibility trial
Authors: Pinto da Costa Mariana , Virdi Kirat , Kouroupa Athanasia
Published: January 2024

People with psychosis often experience social isolation due to stigma. Several volunteering programmes that exist in the community to support patients expect in-person meetings, requiring greater availability and commitment. This study investigated the acceptability and feasibility of remote volunteering over a smartphone for people with psychosis over 12 weeks, exploring its potential impact on both patients and volunteers. A total of 36 participants took part in the study. In the first phase, six participants were recruited in less than three weeks in London. All established contact with their match, and there were no study withdrawals. In the second phase, 30 additional participants were recruited in four weeks, across the United Kingdom. Most patients and volunteers reported that they primarily used audio calls to make contact, followed by text messages, WhatsApp messages and video calls. There were improvements in patients’ scores of quality of life, self-esteem, social contacts and symptoms, and in volunteers’ ratings of quality of life, physical activity, self-esteem, social comparison, and social distance towards people with mental illness. This study demonstrates that it is feasible, acceptable and safe to remotely connect volunteers and people with psychosis who are afar.

Trial registration: ISRCTN17586238 (registration date: 28/09/2018).
Autism Caregiver Coaching in Africa (ACACIA): Protocol for a type 1-hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial
Authors: Franz Lauren , Viljoen Marisa , Askew Sandy , Brown Musaddiqah , Dawson Geraldine , Di Martino J. Matias , Sapiro Guillermo , Sebolai Katlego , Seris Noleen , Shabalala Nokuthula , Stahmer Aubyn , Turner Elizabeth L. , de Vries Petrus J.
Published: January 2024

Background

While early autism intervention can significantly improve outcomes, gaps in implementation exist globally. These gaps are clearest in Africa, where forty percent of the world’s children will live by 2050. Task-sharing early intervention to non-specialists is a key implementation strategy, given the lack of specialists in Africa. Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) are a class of early autism intervention that can be delivered by caregivers. As a foundational step to address the early autism intervention gap, we adapted a non-specialist delivered caregiver coaching NDBI for the South African context, and pre-piloted this cascaded task-sharing approach in an existing system of care.

Objectives

First, we will test the effectiveness of the caregiver coaching NDBI compared to usual care. Second, we will describe coaching implementation factors within the Western Cape Department of Education in South Africa.

Methods

This is a type 1 effectiveness-implementation hybrid design; assessor-blinded, group randomized controlled trial. Participants include 150 autistic children (18–72 months) and their caregivers who live in Cape Town, South Africa, and those involved in intervention implementation. Early Childhood Development practitioners, employed by the Department of Education, will deliver 12, one hour, coaching sessions to the intervention group. The control group will receive usual care. Distal co-primary outcomes include the Communication Domain Standard Score (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition) and the Language and Communication Developmental Quotient (Griffiths Scales of Child Development, Third Edition). Proximal secondary outcome include caregiver strategies measured by the sum of five items from the Joint Engagement Rating Inventory. We will describe key implementation determinants.

Results

Participant enrolment started in April 2023. Estimated primary completion date is March 2027.

Conclusion

The ACACIA trial will determine whether a cascaded task-sharing intervention delivered in an educational setting leads to meaningful improvements in communication abilities of autistic children, and identify implementation barriers and facilitators.

Trial registration

NCT05551728 in Clinical Trial Registry (https://clinicaltrials.gov).
Clarification of adverse drug reactions by a pharmacovigilance team results in increased antibiotic re-prescribing at a freestanding United States children’s hospital
Authors: Feldman Keith , Suppes Sarah L. , Goldman Jennifer L.
Published: January 2024

Documentation of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is a key factor in guiding future prescribing. However, incomplete documentation is common and often fails to distinguish implicated drugs as true allergies. This in turn leads to unnecessary avoidance of implicated drug classes and may result in sub-optimal prescribing. Pharmacovigilance (PV) programs utilize a systematic approach to clarify ADR documentation and are known to improve patient safety. Yet it remains unclear if PV alters prescribing. Or, if the existence of the ADR documentation itself continues to prompt avoidance of implicated drugs. To address this, our work presents a retrospective cohort study assessing if clarification of antibiotic ADRs by a hospital-wide PV team was associated with future, safe, re-prescribing at a freestanding pediatric hospital in the midwestern United States. First, we compared the likelihood of future prescribing in an antibiotic class with an active ADR, as compared to alternative drug classes, between PV-clarified and non-clarified patients. Second, we assessed differences in adverse event rates 30-days after future prescribing based on PV clarification status. For robustness, analyses were performed on patients with ADRs in four antibiotic classes: penicillin-based beta-lactams (n = 45,642), sulfonamides/trimethoprim (n = 5,329), macrolides (n = 3,959), and glycopeptides (n = 622). Results illustrate that clarification of an ADR by PV was associated with an increased odds of future prescribing in the same drug class (Odds Ratio [95%-CI]): penicillin-based beta-lactams (1.59 [1.36–1.89]), sulfonamides/trimethoprim (2.29 [0.89–4.91]), macrolides (0.77 [0.33–1.61]), and glycopeptide (1.85 [1.12–3.20]). Notably, patients clarified by PV experienced no increase in the rate of adverse events within 30-days following the prescribing of antibiotics in the same class as an active ADR. Overall, this study provides strong evidence that PV reviews safely increase the rate of re-prescribing antibiotics even in the presence of an existing implicated drug ADR.
AGO2-RIP-Seq reveals miR-34/miR-449 cluster targetome in sinonasal cancers
Authors: Tomasetti Marco , Monaco Federica , Rubini Corrado , Rossato Marzia , De Quattro Concetta , Beltrami Cristina , Sollini Giacomo , Pasquini Ernesto , Amati Monica , Goteri Gaia , Santarelli Lory , Re Massimo
Published: January 2024

Sinonasal tumours are heterogeneous malignancies, presenting different histological features and clinical behaviour. Many studies emphasize the role of specific miRNA in the development and progression of cancer, and their expression profiles could be used as prognostic biomarkers to predict the survival. Recently, using the next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based miRNome analysis the miR-34/miR-449 cluster was identified as miRNA superfamily involved in the pathogenesis of sinonasal cancers (SNCs). In the present study, we established an Argonaute-2 (AGO2): mRNA immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing to analyse the regulatory role of miR-34/miR-449 in SNCs. Using this approach, we identified direct target genes (targetome), which were involved in regulation of RNA-DNA metabolic, transcript and epigenetic processes. In particular, the STK3, C9orf78 and STRN3 genes were the direct targets of both miR-34c and miR-449a, and their regulation are predictive of tumour progression. This study provides the first evidence that miR-34/miR-449 and their targets are deregulated in SNCs and could be proposed as valuable prognostic biomarkers.
Identification of broken conductor faults in interconnected transmission systems based on discrete wavelet transform
Authors: Rashad Basem Abd-Elhamed , Ibrahim Doaa K. , Gilany Mahmoud I. , Abdelhamid Ahmed Sayed , Abdelfattah Wael
Published: January 2024

Interconnected transmission systems are increasingly spreading out in HV networks to enhance system efficiency, decrease reserve capacity, and improve service reliability. However, the protection of multi-terminal lines against Broken Conductor Fault (BCF) imposes significant difficulties in such networks as the conventional distance relays cannot detect BCF, as the BCF is not associated with a significant increase in current or reduction in voltage Traditionally, the earth fault relays in transmission lines may detect such fault; Nonetheless, it suffers from a long delay time. Moreover, many of the nearby earth fault relays detect the BCF causing unnecessary trips and badly affecting the system stability. In this article, a novel single-end scheme based on extracting transient features from current signals by discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is proposed for detecting BCFs in interconnected HV transmission systems. The suggested scheme unit (SSU) is capable of accurately detecting all types of BCFs and shunt high impedance faults (SHIFs). It also adaptively calculates the applied threshold values. The accurate selectivity in multi-terminal lines is achieved based on a fault directional element by analyzing transient power polarity. The SSU discriminates between internal/external faults effectively utilizing the time difference observed between the first spikes of aerial and ground modes in the current signals. Different fault scenarios have been simulated on the IEEE 9-Bus, 230 kV interconnected system. The achieved results confirm the effectiveness, robustness, and reliability of SSU in detecting correctly BCFs as well as the SHIFs within only 24.5 ms. The SSU has confirmed its capability to be implemented in interconnected systems without any requirement for communication or synchronization between the SSU installed in multi-terminal lines.
Bruceine D and Narclasine inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the prediction of potential drug targets
Authors: Chen Xinhao , Li Hua
Published: January 2024

Background

Breast cancer is one of the most common female malignancies. This study explored the underlying mechanism through which the two plant compounds (Brucaine D and Narclasine) inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of Brucaine D and Narclasine on breast cancer development and their potential drug targets.

Methods

GSE85871 dataset containing 212 samples and the hallmark gene set “h.all.v2023.1.Hs.symbols.gmt” were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) database, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to classify clusters showing similar gene expression pattern. Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to calculate the hallmark score for different drug treatment groups. The expressions of genes related to angiogenesis, glycolysis and cell cycle were detected. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed to study the interaction of the hub genes. Then, HERB database was employed to identify potential target genes for Narclasine and Bruceine D. Finally, in vitro experiments were conducted to validate partial drug-target pair.

Results

PCA analysis showed that the significant changes in gene expression patterns took place in 6 drugs treatment groups (Narciclasine, Bruceine D, Japonicone A, 1beta-hydroxyalatolactone, Britanin, and four mixture drugs) in comparison to the remaining drug treatment groups. The ssGSEA pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that Narciclasine and Bruceine treatments had similar enriched pathways, for instance, suppressed pathways related to angiogenesis, Glycolysis, and cell cycle, etc.. Further gene expression analysis confirmed that Narciclasine and Bruceine had a strong ability to inhibit these cell cycle genes, and that MYC, CHEK2, MELK, CDK4 and EZH2 were closely interacted with each other in the PPI analysis. Drug target prediction revealed that Androgen Receptor (AR) and Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) were the targets for Bruceine D, and Cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme (CYP3A4) was the target for Narciclasine. Cell experiments also confirmed the connections between Narciclasine and CYP3A4.

Conclusion

The present study uncovered that Narciclasine and Bruceine D could inhibit the growth of breast cancer and also predicted the potential targets for these two drugs, providing a new therapeutic direction for breast cancer patients.
Non-canonical regulation of the reactivation of an oncogenic herpesvirus by the OTUD4-USP7 deubiquitinases
Authors: Wang Shaowei , Tian Xuezhang , Zhou Yaru , Xie Jun , Gao Ming , Zhong Yunhong , Zhang Chuchu , Yu Keying , Bai Lei , Qin Qingsong , Zhong Bo , Lin Dandan , Feng Pinghui , Lan Ke , Zhang Junjie
Published: January 2024

Deubiquitinases (DUBs) remove ubiquitin from substrates and play crucial roles in diverse biological processes. However, our understanding of deubiquitination in viral replication remains limited. Employing an oncogenic human herpesvirus Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) to probe the role of protein deubiquitination, we found that Ovarian tumor family deubiquitinase 4 (OTUD4) promotes KSHV reactivation. OTUD4 interacts with the replication and transcription activator (K-RTA), a key transcription factor that controls KSHV reactivation, and enhances K-RTA stability by promoting its deubiquitination. Notably, the DUB activity of OTUD4 is not required for K-RTA stabilization; instead, OTUD4 functions as an adaptor protein to recruit another DUB, USP7, to deubiquitinate K-RTA and facilitate KSHV lytic reactivation. Our study has revealed a novel mechanism whereby KSHV hijacks OTUD4-USP7 deubiquitinases to promote lytic reactivation, which could be potentially harnessed for the development of new antiviral therapies.
Especulações artísticas no Antropoceno
Authors: Nolasco Ana
Published: January 2024

No contexto do fenómeno das alterações climáticas e geológicas causadas pela ação do ser humano – denominado de “Antropoceno”, “Capitaloceno” ou “Novo Regime Climático”, entre outros - este texto procura analisar as diferentes propostas artísticas contemporâneas a partir de três eixos estruturantes: um primeiro eixo explora a memória procurando descolonizar o modo de historização antropocêntrica e eurocêntrica; um segundo adopta uma abordagem fenomenológica através de práticas relacionais que exploram a dimensão sensorial do presente e, por fim, um terceiro, mais experimental, procura explorar criativamente as novas tecnologias, especulando sobre possíveis visões do futuro através de linguagens poéticas pautadas pela ironia.
O Extrativismo Humano em Cabo Verde. Notas sobre algumas continuidades coloniais após a independência
Authors: Barros-Varela Odair
Published: January 2024

As Cartas Régias de 1466 e de 1472 inauguram uma política colonial nas ilhas de Cabo Verde que se apelida de extrativismo humano, no âmbito do capitalismo comercial e mercantil que emerge na altura. A cidade de Ribeira Grande Santiago irá ser protagonista de uma “máquina burocrática” ao serviço da modernidade colonial que irá ser exportada para as Américas. Os processos de ladinização (batismo) dos escravizados, de criação e consolidação das categorias “brancos da terra” e dos “lançados”, constituem exemplos que paradoxalmente confirmam o extrativismo humano no seio da sociedade escravocrata ilhéu e a transformação inédita do ser humano num produto de exploração e exportação e, por outro lado, motivando uma secular resistência do mesmo. O trabalho visa, igualmente, analisar, para além de ruturas e transformações, algumas continuidades dessa máquina burocrática após a independência, nomeadamente nos campos político e imigratório.
Construção Civil e Arquitetura na era do Antropoceno: trabalho expropriado e natureza espoliada
Authors: De Cássia Pereira Saramago Rita , De Almeida Lopes João Marcos
Published: January 2024

Este trabalho traz algumas reflexões de uma pesquisa que investiga a relação entre Sociedade e Natureza, especialmente conflituosa no campo da Construção Civil – aquele em que a Arquitetura é praticada. Partimos do seguinte argumento: apesar de continuarmos apostando na sustentabilidade como solução para as problemáticas socioambientais no Antropoceno, o modo de produção e de reprodução capitalista – o qual rege nossa civilização termofóssil –é insustentável por sua própria natureza, uma vez que depende da exploração demasiada dos recursos naturais eda força de trabalho para fins de acumulação. Neste artigo, discutimos também a importância da dimensão da produção espacial – e, portanto, do ambiente construído – para a expansão e a continuidade da insustentável dinâmicacapitalista. Por fim, insistimos na urgente mudança de nossos modos de produzir e de construir, visando enfrentar oiminente quadro de colapso socioambiental.