bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dimensional synthesis of 6-DOF parallel robot for Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy
Authors: Peng Baoying , Zhu Yushuo , Niu Chuanmeng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In order to meet the kinematic requirements of large range of motion, payload, and stiffness of Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy robots, a 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) parallel platform is introduced and a dimensional synthesis study is carried out. The kinematic and static stiffness models of the 6-DOF parallel robot for Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy are derived around a virtual isocentric control point. Under the premise of ensuring the positional accuracy, the optimal dimensions of the initial rod length, the radius of the upper and lower platforms, and the circumferential angle of the 6-DOF parallel platform are obtained by using the multi-objective optimization method combining the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm and the global 4criterion with the working space, stiffness, and load as the optimization objectives.. A full-size prototype was built, and experiments on payload, range of motion, modality, and harmonic response were carried out. The results show that the theoretical stiffness model has high accuracy, and the dimensional synthesized 6-DOF parallel platform can meet the clinical requirements of Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy in terms of workspace, stiffness and payload, as well as position accuracy.
Self-powered visible-blind ultraviolet photodetectors based on SnO2 nanowire cotton synthesized using thermal chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Park Mijin , Kang Hyon Chol 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We report a simple method for fabricating a SnO2 nanowire (NW) cotton-based ultraviolet (UV) photodetector. SnO2 NW cotton was synthesized by thermal chemical vapor deposition with SnO powder. Ag paste was coated onto the surface of the SnO2 NW cotton to serve as the electrode. The performance of the photodetector was evaluated upon UV light exposure at a wavelength of 254 nm, with a photo-to-dark-current ratio of 7.9 × 105, photoresponsivity of 1.141 × 103 A/W, and specific detectivity of 9.0 × 1015 Jones. The spectral photoresponsivity was also determined in the 200–600 nm wavelength range. The results showed a maximum responsivity at 270 nm and a cut-off edge wavelength of 360 nm, exhibiting the characteristics of a visible-blind UV photodetector. In addition, self-powered capability with a photocurrent of 2.3 nA was demonstrated at a nominal zero bias.
Cost-effectiveness and benefit-risk of rotavirus vaccination in Afghanistan: a modelling analysis informed by post-licensure surveillance
Authors: Anwari Palwasha , Debellut Frédéric , Parwiz Sardar , Pecenka Clint , Clark Andrew 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Afghanistan added ROTARIX to the routine national immunization programme in 2018. We aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness and benefit-risk of ROTARIX and compare its continued use with other rotavirus vaccines that could be used in the future.
Methods
We used a static cohort model with a finely disaggregated age structure (weeks of age < 5 years) to assess the use of ROTARIX (1-dose vial) over a seven-year period (2018–2024) in Afghanistan. The primary outcome measure was the discounted cost (2022 US$) per Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) averted (from government and societal perspectives) compared to no vaccination. We also calculated the benefit-risk ratio i.e., the number of RVGE deaths prevented per one excess intussusception death. Model inputs were informed by pre- and post-licensure surveillance data, new analyses of household survey data, and updated estimates from the international literature. We ran a separate analysis to compare the potential cost-effectiveness and benefit-risk of ROTARIX (1-dose vial), ROTASIIL (1-dose vial), ROTASIIL (2-dose vial), and ROTAVAC (5-dose vial) over a ten-year period (2025–2034). Each product was compared to no rotavirus vaccination and each other. We ran deterministic and probabilistic uncertainty analyses and interpreted our results over a range of cost-effectiveness thresholds.
Findings
We estimated that routine use of ROTARIX between 2018 and 2024 has prevented 4,600 RVGE deaths (a 41% reduction), 86,400 hospital admissions, and 1.72 million outpatient visits. For every 1,493 RVGE deaths prevented by the vaccine, we estimated one potential excess intussusception death. With a heavily reduced vaccine dose cost (Gavi’s support) the net cost to the Afghanistan government vaccine programme was estimated to be US$ 4.4 million per year. The cost per DALY averted was US$ 125 (0.25 times the national GDP per capita) when using a Gavi-subsidised vaccine cost and including household costs averted by vaccination. This increased to US$ 471 (0.94 times the national GDP per capita) when incorporating the full vaccine price without Gavi's subsidy and excluding household costs averted by vaccination. When assuming continued Gavi support over the period 2025–2034, the dominant product would be ROTARIX. Without Gavi support, ROTASIIL (2-dose vial) dominates.
Conclusion
Our study supports the sustained use of rotavirus vaccination in Afghanistan. The rotavirus vaccine is cost-effective and is health benefits greatly exceed its potential health risks.
Unveiling Hidden Vulnerabilities in Quantum Systems by Expanding Attack Vectors through Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
Authors: Bustos Jose Rosas , Thé Jesse Van Griensven , Frayser Roydon 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study uncovers novel vulnerabilities within Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols that extend beyond traditional implementation flaws, such as loopholes. These newly identified vulnerabilities arise from the complex interaction between Bell Inequalities (BIs) and Hidden Variable Theories (HVTs), further exacerbated by the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP). Through a combination of theoretical analysis, simulations, and quantum experiments, we reveal critical security weaknesses that challenge the core assumptions of today's quantum cryptography. While these vulnerabilities differ from known loopholes, when considered alongside them and traditional cyberattacks, they present a significant threat to the robustness of QKD and quantum integrity systems. These results provide a new perspective to rethink current quantum security frameworks to ensure the robustness of future quantum cryptographic and quantum integrity protocols.
Weakened effectiveness of short-term emission controls for major events in Chinese cities
Authors: Zhao Yu , WANG YING , He Qin , Kong Hao , Qin Kai , Zheng Bo , Lin Jintai 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Short-term measures on air quality improvement have been commonly conducted for major events held in China, while their effectiveness was insufficiently analyzed due to deficient capability of tracking the fast-changing emissions of cities. Here we combined a machine learning algorithm, multiple satellite measurements, and an air quality model, and deduced 7-day moving averages of NOX emissions for host and neighboring cities of 11 events held from 2010 to 2023 in Yangtze River Delta (YRD). We find the benefits of short-term controls on emissions for these events have been weakened over time, due to the gradually tightened long-term controls and to a more cautious strategy of air quality improvement for recent events. The main sector of emission abatement for events shifted from power to industry and transportation, reflecting the diverse progresses of regular controls for different sectors. As a legacy, short-term controls supported better design of long-term air quality policies.
The novel target, mechanism and agonist of α-Ketoglutaric acid in delaying mesenchymal stem cell senescence
Authors: Chen Peng , Cui Zhao , Li Caifeng , Deng Shiwen , Liu Wei , Li Jiameng , Lei Tong , Cao Junxian , Wang Ziyi , wang xiaowu , Ma Shuhua , Yang Hongjun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

α-Ketoglutaric acid (aKG) participates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle in the process of cell aerobic metabolism and is of significant physiological importance. Although aKG is genetically associated with human longevity and decreased fertility, its anti-aging mechanism remain largely unknown. Here, we used interdisciplinary techniques such as metabolomics, chemical biology, and organoid microfluidic devices to explore the regulatory effect of aKG on senescence in a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) model. We found that the expression of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) in MSCs decreased after senescence, leading to reduced production of the active product aKG. Increasing intracellular aKG by supplementation with exogenous aKG or overexpression of IDH1 can promote MSC proliferation and delay MSC senescence, while inhibiting aKG production by knocking down IDH1 can induce premature MSC senescence. Specifically, aKG facilitates the interaction of ribosomal protein S23 (RPS23) with 2-oxoglutarate and Fe(II)-dependent oxygenase domain containing protein 1 (OGFOD1), and subsequently enhancing the hydroxylation of RPS23. This modulation of the RPS23–OGFOD1 complex contributes to the augmentation of protein translational fidelity. Finally, we attempted to activate IDH1 as a new anti-aging strategy. IDH1 is activated by the natural active molecule scutellarin (Scu), which not only increases the production of aKG but also delays the senescence of MSCs and ameliorates the aging phenotype of aged mouse. In summary, our study elucidates the effect of aKG on protein translation accuracy during MSC senescence and provides a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of aging-related diseases.
Subglacial Water Amplifies Antarctic Contributions to Sea-Level Rise
Authors: Zhao Chen , Gladstone Rupert , Zwinger Thomas , Gillet-Chaulet Fabien , Wang Yu , Caillet Justine , Mathiot Pierre , Saraste Leopekka , Jager Eliot , Galton-Fenzi Benjamin , Christoffersen Poul , King Matt 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Antarctica's contribution to global sea-level rise (SLR) is deeply uncertain, with subglacial water suspected to play a critical role, yet its impact remains unclear. We demonstrate that water at the base of ice sheets influences sliding behavior and that its exclusion from models can underestimate SLR projections and delay the predicted onset of tipping points. Here we use the Antarctic Ice Sheet model (Elmer/Ice) to explore how different pressure determination methods at the ice base, with subglacial water present, affect SLR projections from 2015 to 2300. Our results indicate that incorporating subglacial water can amplify ice discharge across the Antarctic Ice Sheet by up to threefold above the standard approach, potentially contributing an additional $~$2.2 metres to SLR by 2300. Basin-specific responses vary significantly, with some scenarios advancing tipping points by up to 40 years. These findings underscore the critical need for integrating evolving subglacial hydrology into ice sheet models.
Systematic identification of cancer-type specific drugs based on essential genes and validations in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lian Xiang , Kuang Xia , Zhang Dong-Dong , Xu Qian , Ye Anqiang , Wang Cheng-Yu , Cui Hong-Tu , Guo Hai-Xia , Zhang Ji-Yun , Liu Yuan , Deng Zi-Xin , Cheng Zhenshun , Guo Feng-Biao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background Depicting a global landscape of essential gene-targeting drugs would provide more opportunities for cancer therapy. Essential genes have been determined in many cancer cell lines. However, systematic investigation on drugs targeting essential genes still has not been reported.
Methods We suppose that drugs targeting cancer-type specific essential genes would generally have less toxicity than those targeting pan-caner essential genes. A scoring function-based strategy was developed to identify cancer-type specific targets and drugs. The EssentialitySpecificityScore ranked the essential genes in 19 cancer types, and 1151 top genes were identified as cancer-type specific targets. Combining target-drug interaction database records with drug research/marketing status, 370 cancer-type specific drugs were identified, bound to 100 out of all identified targets. Cell-inhibiting experiments evaluated the seven chosen drugs’ toxicity on normal and cancer cells. Student’s t-test was used to compare the difference in inhibiting rates. Pearson’s correlation analysis measures the association of targets’ pan-cancer essentialities and drugs’ inhibiting rates on normal cells.
Results Profiles of applied cancer types of identified targets and drugs illustrate the effectiveness of the scoring strategy and most of them apply to cancer types less than 10. Seven drugs with no previous anti-cancer evidence were validated in 11 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, and lower inhibition rates (from 9.4% to 44.0%) were observed in 10 normal cell lines. This difference is statistically significant (Student’s t-test, p = 0.0001). We also found that the aggregative essentiality values of potentially bound targets are correlated (Pearson's correlation analysis, p = 0.062) with the inhibiting rate of seven tested drugs on normal cells, further confirming the rationality of our supposition.
Conclusions Our work, for the first time, systematically identified drugs targeting cancer-type-specific essential genes and validated the safety of such drugs to normal cells compared to lung adenocarcinoma cells. The EGKG forms a computational basis to uncover essential gene targets and drugs for specific cancer types. Also, our cell experimental result suggests that combining drugs with orthogonal essentiality may be an alternative way to improve anti-cancer effects while maintaining biocompatibility.
Structural insights into the opening mechanism of human Cx43/GJA1 gap junction channel
Authors: Woo Jae-Sung , Lee Hyuk-Joon , Oh Jeong-Seok , Cha Hyung Jin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Gating of the gap junction intercellular channel (GJCh) is tightly regulated by several cellular factors; however, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. A cryo-EM study of human Cx43 GJCh revealed detailed structural changes induced by PIP2. Cx43 protomers in a phospholipid environment show dynamic equilibrium among several N-terminal helix (NTH) conformations, including gate-covering NTH (GCN) and pore-lining NTH (PLN). Upon treatment with a water-soluble PIP2 analog, the conformational equilibrium shifted from GCN to PLN in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in a decrease in the pore-occluding density and an increase in the open probability. The PIP2 head interacts closely with basic residues in the membrane opening between neighboring protomers and the cytoplasmic loop (CL). These ionic interactions strengthen the binding of CL to a transmembrane helix, which consequently inhibits the GCN conformation through steric hindrance. This study provides structural insights into the mechanisms underlying the opening of Cx43 GJCh.
ICTs and Industrial Efficiency under Borrowing Constraints in South Africa
Authors: Mazorodze Brian 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In theory, borrowing constraints improve long run industrial efficiency through driving out inefficient firms and retaining efficient ones. The short run explanation is unclear at best since the exiting of inefficient firms can be matched by the entrance of similarly inefficient ones. How do borrowing constraints relate with industrial efficiency under these circumstances? This paper proposes that borrowing constraints can enhance industrial efficiency in the short run through encouraging the use of ICTs to improve labour productivity. Results from 42 manufacturing industries observed between 2009 and 2022 in South Africa support this proposition. ICTs increase the efficiency of inefficient and credit constrained industries. The effect increases with labour productivity, underscoring the importance of intensifying the use of ICTs in credit constrained, labour intensive and low performing industries facing binding borrowing constraints. Credit-constrained industries that stand to benefit more from ICTs are mostly labour-intensive, and they include textiles, paper and paper products, plastic products, meat and grain mill products. These results not only inform industrial policy, given the currently small share of ICT stock, but also set the groundwork for future research exploring the underlying mechanisms through which ICTs affect industrial efficiency in the short run under credit market rigidities.
JEL Codes: G14, G20, L16, L52, O3
Fish waste valorization: protein hydrolysate as sustainable nitrogen and nutrients for production of carotenogenic yeasts biomass.
Authors: Palma Andres Arruebarrena Di , Turina Yanina , Naveira Rocío Isla , Kulisz Neonila , Pereyra Cintia Mariana , Casalongué Claudia Anahí , Massa Agueda Elena 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a record of 178 Mt in 2020. It is forecast that production will rise to 200 Mt by 2029, representing an increase of 25 Mt (14%). However, challenges arise with this increase like fish waste that comprising about two-thirds of total fish production and leading to economic and environmental concerns. The emergence of the bio-based circular economy is explored as a solution to manage fish wastes sustainably and biorefinery approach plays a central role in transforming industrial by-products into value-added products. An alternative to managing fish wastes is the production of fish protein hydrolysates, which contain proteins, oligopeptides and free amino acid, among other nutritional and functional compounds, with many technological applications. The species utilized in this study to produce fish protein hydrolysates was the chondrichthyan Mustelus schmitti, a specie caught by both artisanal and commercial fisheries in Argentina and Uruguay but in vulnerable exploitation due to its life cycle which compromised its fishery sustainability. In this scenario, complete biomass utilization of the already harvested individuals has been proposed encouraging maximal and sustainable use of M. schmitti fishing resources. Fish protein hydrolysates supplemented with dextrose was used as the sole nutrition source for the growth of a carotenogenic red yeast Rhodotorula glutinis capable of producing carotenoids tolurene and torularhodin. Our results indicate that fish protein hydrolysates from M. schmitti is able to support the growth of R. glutinis as the sole nutritional source and enhance carotenoid production compared with laboratory reference culture media.
Phylogeny, historical biogeography and climate niche differentiation in extant species of Ceratophryidae (Anura, Hyloidea) frogs in South America
Authors: van der Kamp Arjen A. W. , Ortega-Andrade H. Mauricio 
Published: September 2024

Ceratophryidae
is a family of frogs containing twelve extant species distributed in South America. Several studies have been carried out concerning the systematics, morphology, karyotypes, and behaviour within this monophyletic family. However, little is known about the historical biogeography and the divergence in time of this group. Here, we present an updated phylogeny, along with a calibrated chronogram, to analyse the historical biogeographical pattern and climate niche differentiation among extant species of Ceratophryidae (Anura: Hyloidea) frogs in South America. A phylogeny based on morphological and genetic data was obtained from 256 morphological characters, six mitochondrial and eight nuclear genes for up to a total of 8428 characters in the homological matrix. Our results indicate that the genus Ceratophrys is sister to the clade Chacophrys + Lepidobatrachus. The divergence of the crown group of Ceratophryidae is estimated to have occurred 19.2 Ma at the beginning of the Miocene, with recent cladogenetic events related to the late Miocene (10.18–13.70 Ma) and the Pliocene (~5.3–2.6 Ma). Moreover, the Cerrado region is estimated to be the ancestral area of the family, as well for the genera Chacophrys and Lepidobatrachus. In addition, temperature seasonality and annual precipitation play a major role in the niche differentiation of extant species within Ceratophryidae. In conclusion, our data suggest multiple dispersal and vicariance events originating from the Cerrado region in the early Miocene, and recognize the role of the environment in the differentiation of the ecological niches among extant species of this family in South America.

Ceratophryidae
is hypothesized to have originated in the semi-arid Cerrado region in the early Miocene (~19.2 million years ago), from where species have diversified by independent dispersal and vicariance events across other South American regions.

Ceratophrys
frogs are phylogenetically recovered as the sister taxon to the clade comprising Chacophrys and Lepidobatrachus.
Three lineages of Lepidobatrachus and four lineages from Ceratophrys diverged in the Pliocene, around 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago.
Niche differentiation among extant species of Ceratophryidae appears to reflect roles for temperature seasonality and annual precipitation.
Effect of different set of electrodes for degradation of distillery spent wash promoted by electrocoagulation
Authors: Shanmukha N. T. , Vinayaka M. , Lokeshappa B. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

One of the most polluting industries in the world is the distillery industry, which produces strong distillery wastewater that has an adverse impact on the environment since it contains high organic matter. Using various combinations of electrodes in the electrocoagulation process, to examined the operational variables, viz., total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and turbidity from the distillery spent wash. With a constant pH of 7, an agitation speed of 500 RPM, and optimizing the operating parameters, viz., varying the electrode distance (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 cm), voltage (5–25 volts) current density of 1.5 A/cm2, and electrolysis time (30–150 min). Aluminium (Al) electrodes were observed to perform slightly better than iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) electrodes, with punched Al electrodes outperforming plane Al electrodes. The highest removal efficiencies were achieved with punched Al electrodes in an optimized condition of voltage 25 volts, electrode distance (2 cm), and electrolysis time 150 minutes, with removal efficiencies of 91% for TDS, 92% for EC and 92% for turbidity. This study highlights the potential of electrocoagulation with optimized parameters for improving the purification of distillery spent wash and enhancing the removal of TDS, EC, and turbidity.
Multiplex PCR System for the Diagnosis of Plague
Authors: Wang Wenfang , Zhang Xiaoxue , Yu Hui , Wang Zhanli 
Published: September 2024

Abstract:
The plague caused by Yersinia pestis has a high case fatality rate. It is often
transmitted from person to person through mosquito bites, causing serious disease
transmission. Due to its clinical symptoms being very similar to influenza, it is difficult
to detect by people. Traditional detection methods for Y. pestis mainly include bacterial
culture and serological identification, which are cumbersome and require high
experimental conditions. Therefore, a fast and effective detection method is very
important. At present, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of the methods for rapid
detection of Y. pestis. In this review, we focus on the application, advantages, and
disadvantages of multiplex PCR technology in clinical detection.