bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
True random number generation using the spin crossover in LaCoO3
Authors: Woo Kyung Seok , Zhang Alan , Arabelo Allison , Brown Timothy D. , Park Minseong , Talin A. Alec , Fuller Elliot J. , Bisht Ravindra Singh , Qian Xiaofeng , Arroyave Raymundo , Ramanathan Shriram , Thomas Luke , Williams R. Stanley , Kumar Suhas 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhile digital computers rely on software-generated pseudo-random number generators, hardware-based true random number generators (TRNGs), which employ the natural physics of the underlying hardware, provide true stochasticity, and power and area efficiency. Research into TRNGs has extensively relied on the unpredictability in phase transitions, but such phase transitions are difficult to control given their often abrupt and narrow parameter ranges (e.g., occurring in a small temperature window). Here we demonstrate a TRNG based on self-oscillations in LaCoO3 that is electrically biased within its spin crossover regime. The LaCoO3 TRNG passes all standard tests of true stochasticity and uses only half the number of components compared to prior TRNGs. Assisted by phase field modeling, we show how spin crossovers are fundamentally better in producing true stochasticity compared to traditional phase transitions. As a validation, by probabilistically solving the NP-hard max-cut problem in a memristor crossbar array using our TRNG as a source of the required stochasticity, we demonstrate solution quality exceeding that using software-generated randomness.
Neoantigen-augmented iPSC cancer vaccine combined with radiotherapy promotes antitumor immunity in poorly immunogenic cancers
Authors: Huang Kevin Chih-Yang , Chen William Tzu-Liang , Chen Jia-Yi , Lee Chien-Yueh , Wu Chia-Hsin , Lai Chia-Ying , Yang Pei-Chen , Liang Ji-An , Shiau An‑Cheng , Chao K. S. Clifford , Ke Tao-Wei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAlthough irradiated induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a prophylactic cancer vaccine elicit an antitumor immune response, the therapeutic efficacy of iPSC-based cancer vaccines is not promising due to their insufficient antigenicity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Here, we found that neoantigen-engineered iPSC cancer vaccines can trigger neoantigen-specific T cell responses to eradicate cancer cells and increase the therapeutic efficacy of RT in poorly immunogenic colorectal cancer (CRC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We generated neoantigen-augmented iPSCs (NA-iPSCs) by engineering AAV2 vector carrying murine neoantigens and evaluated their therapeutic efficacy in combination with radiotherapy. After administration of NA-iPSC cancer vaccine and radiotherapy, we found that ~60% of tumor-bearing mice achieved a complete response in microsatellite-stable CRC model. Furthermore, splenocytes from mice treated with NA-iPSC plus RT produced high levels of IFNγ secretion in response to neoantigens and had a greater cytotoxicity to cancer cells, suggesting that the NA-iPSC vaccine combined with radiotherapy elicited a superior neoantigen-specific T-cell response to eradicate cancer cells. The superior therapeutic efficacy of NA-iPSCs engineered by mouse TNBC neoantigens was also observed in the syngeneic immunocompetent TNBC mouse model. We found that the risk of spontaneous lung and liver metastasis was dramatically decreased by NA-iPSCs plus RT in the TNBC animal model. Altogether, these results indicated that autologous iPSC cancer vaccines engineered by neoantigens can elicit a high neoantigen-specific T-cell response, promote tumor regression, and reduce the risk of distant metastasis in combination with local radiotherapy.
Nanoparticle display of neuraminidase elicits enhanced antibody responses and protection against influenza A virus challenge
Authors: Pascha M. N. , Ballegeer M. , Roelofs M. C. , Meuris L. , Albulescu I. C. , van Kuppeveld F. J. M. , Hurdiss D. L. , Bosch B. J. , Zeev-Ben-Mordehai T. , Saelens X. , de Haan C. A. M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCurrent Influenza virus vaccines primarily induce antibody responses against variable epitopes in hemagglutinin (HA), necessitating frequent updates. However, antibodies against neuraminidase (NA) can also confer protection against influenza, making NA an attractive target for the development of novel vaccines. In this study, we aimed to enhance the immunogenicity of recombinant NA antigens by presenting them multivalently on a nanoparticle carrier. Soluble tetrameric NA antigens of the N1 and N2 subtypes, confirmed to be correctly folded by cryo-electron microscopy structural analysis, were conjugated to Mi3 self-assembling protein nanoparticles using the SpyTag-SpyCatcher system. Immunization of mice with NA-Mi3 nanoparticles induced higher titers of NA-binding and -inhibiting antibodies and improved protection against a lethal challenge compared to unconjugated NA. Additionally, we explored the co-presentation of N1 and N2 antigens on the same Mi3 particles to create a mosaic vaccine candidate. These mosaic nanoparticles elicited antibody titers that were similar or superior to the homotypic nanoparticles and effectively protected against H1N1 and H3N2 challenge viruses. The NA-Mi3 nanoparticles represent a promising vaccine candidate that could complement HA-directed approaches for enhanced potency and broadened protection against influenza A virus.
Precipitation data in Seoul, Korea during 1778–1907
Authors: Lee Jae-Won , Shin Ho-Jeong , Hong Jinkyu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPrecipitation plays a crucial role in the global energy and water cycle and has important implications for food, water, and energy security. To enhance our understanding of the water cycle, it is invaluable to have a comprehensive historical record of precipitation. However, obtaining such records, especially for the period before the Industrial Revolution, can be challenging. During the Joseon Dynasty, Korea established a network for measuring rainfall and recorded this information in historical documents known as Seungjeongwon Ilgi and Ilseongnok. Recently, these documents have been digitized, providing us with daily precipitation data for Seoul spanning 130 years, from 1778 to 1907. By combining and analyzing these two documents, we were able to address inconsistencies found in previous studies and improve the quality of the data. Notably, this dataset is free of any missing values, making it the longest daily precipitation record in the world before the Industrial Revolution. Its availability to the public holds great potential for climate research in East Asia during the late Little Ice Age.
Observational evidence of the association between physical and psychological determinants of aging with cognition in older adults
Authors: Martins Valéria Feijó , Peyré-Tartaruga Leonardo Alexandre , Haas Aline Nogueira , Kanitz Ana Carolina , Martinez Flávia Gomes , Gonçalves Andréa Kruger 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAging involves physical and cognitive deterioration in older adults. Detecting predictors of dementia early is crucial to identify its onset. This study aimed to associate physical and psychological determinants with cognitive performance in older adults. Observational study with 221 older adults, classified according to cognitive impairment. We evaluated cognitive function by Mini-Mental State Examination. Physical determinants encompassed muscle strength, functional mobility, and cardiorespiratory fitness, while psychological consisted of quality of life and activities of daily living. Multiple linear regression was performed to investigate this relationship. Physical and psychological determinants were significantly linked to cognitive impairment, including lower muscle strength, reduced functional mobility and of cardiorespiratory fitness. The influence of environment, autonomy, and engagement in daily activities on cognitive impairment was also observed. The analysis of physical and psychological determinants could help to aid in distinguishing individuals with cognitive impairment.
Harnessing the power of native biocontrol agents against wilt disease of Pigeonpea incited by Fusarium udum
Authors: Reddy B. Deepak , Kumar Birendra , Sahni Sangita , Yashaswini G. , Karthik Somala , Reddy M. S. Sai , Kumar Rajeev , Mukherjee U. , Krishna K. Sai 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFusarium wilt, caused by (Fusarium udum Butler), is a significant threat to pigeonpea crops worldwide, leading to substantial yield losses. Traditional approaches like fungicides and resistant cultivars are not practical due to the persistent and evolving nature of the pathogen. Therefore, native biocontrol agents are considered to be more sustainable solution, as they adapt well to local soil and climatic conditions. In this study, five isolates of F. udum infecting pigeonpea were isolated from various cultivars and characterized morphologically and molecularly. The isolate from the ICP 8858 cultivar displayed the highest virulence of 90%. Besides, 100 endophytic bacteria, 100 rhizosphere bacteria and three Trichoderma spp. were isolated and tested against F. udum isolated from ICP 8858 under in vitro conditions. Out of the 200 bacteria tested, nine showed highest inhibition, including Rb-4 (Bacillus sp.), Rb-11 (B. subtilis), Rb-14 (B. megaterium), Rb-18 (B. subtilis), Rb-19 (B. velezensis), Eb-8 (Bacillus sp.), Eb-11 (B. subtilis), Eb-13 (P. aeruginosa), and Eb-21 (P. aeruginosa). Similarly, Trichoderma spp. were identified as T. harzianum, T. asperellum and Trichoderma sp. Notably, Rb-18 (B. subtilis) and Eb-21 (P. aeruginosa) exhibited promising characteristics such as the production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), cellulase, siderophores, ammonia and nutrient solubilization. Furthermore, treating pigeonpea seedlings with these beneficial microorganisms led to increased levels of key enzymes (POD, PPO, and PAL) associated with resistance to Fusarium wilt, compared to untreated controls. In field trials conducted for four seasons, the application of these potential biocontrol agents as seed treatments on the susceptible ICP2376 cultivar led to the lowest disease incidence. Specifically, treatments T2 (33.33) (P. aeruginosa) and T3 (35.41) (T. harzianium) exhibited the lowest disease incidence, followed by T6 (36.5) (Carbendizim), T1 (36.66) (B. subtilis), T4 (52.91) (T. asperellum) and T5 (53.33) (Trichoderma sp.). Results of this study revealed that, P. aeruginosa (Eb-21), B. subtilis (Rb-18) and T. harzianum can be used for plant growth promotion and management of Fusarium wilt of pigeonpea.
Physiological mechanisms behind respiratory variations in right atrial pressure in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Yogeswaran Athiththan , da Rocha Bruno Brito , Rako Zvonimir A. , Kaufmann Samuel J. , Schäfer Simon , Kremer Nils , Ghofrani Hossein Ardeschir , Seeger Werner , Tello Khodr 
Published: May 2024

AbstractImpaired respiratory variation of right atrial pressure (RAP) in severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) suggests difficulty tolerating increased preload during inspiration. Our study explores whether this impairment links to specific factors: right ventricular (RV) diastolic function, elevated RV afterload, systolic RV function, or RV-pulmonary arterial (PA) coupling. We retrospectively evaluated respiratory RAP variation in all participants enrolled in the EXERTION study. Impaired respiratory variation was defined as end-expiratory RAP − end-inspiratory RAP ≤ 2 mm Hg. RV function and afterload were evaluated using conductance catheterization. Impaired diastolic RV function was defined as end-diastolic elastance (Eed) ≥ median (0.19 mm Hg/mL). Seventy-five patients were included; PH was diagnosed in 57 patients and invasively excluded in 18 patients. Of the 75 patients, 31 (41%) had impaired RAP variation, which was linked with impaired RV systolic function and RV-PA coupling and increased tricuspid regurgitation and Eed as compared to patients with preserved RAP variation. In backward regression, RAP variation associated only with Eed. RAP variation but not simple RAP identified impaired diastolic RV function (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [95% confidence interval]: 0.712 [0.592, 0.832] and 0.496 [0.358, 0.634], respectively). During exercise, patients with impaired RAP variation experienced greater RV dilatation and reduced diastolic reserve and cardiac output/index compared with patients with preserved RAP variation. Preserved RAP variation was associated with a better prognosis than impaired RAP variation based on the 2022 European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society risk score (chi-square P = 0.025) and survival free from clinical worsening (91% vs 71% at 1 year and 79% vs 50% at 2 years [log-rank P = 0.020]; hazard ratio: 0.397 [95% confidence interval: 0.178, 0.884]). Subgroup analyses in patients with group 1 and group 4 PH demonstrated consistent findings with those observed in the overall study cohort. Respiratory RAP variations reflect RV diastolic function, are independent of RV-PA coupling or tricuspid regurgitation, are associated with exercise-induced haemodynamic changes, and are prognostic in PH.Trial registration. NCT04663217.
Shaking table test on damage mechanism of bedrock and overburden layer slope based on the time–frequency analysis method
Authors: Yang Changwei , Chen Guangpeng , Yue Mao , Xu Xianqing , Su Ke , Li Zhuqing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTo systematically analyze the damage caused by bedrock and overburden layer slope under seismic action, a set of large-scale shaking table test was designed and completed. Interpolation of the acceleration amplification coefficient, Hilbert–Huang transform and transfer function was adopted. The damage mechanisms of the bedrock and overburden layer slopes under seismic action are systematically summarized in terms of slope displacement, acceleration field, vibration amplitude, energy, vibration frequency, and damage level. The results show a significant acceleration amplification effect within the slope under seismic action and a localized amplification effect at the top and trailing edges of the slope. With an increase in the input seismic intensity, the difference in the vibration amplitude between the overburden layer and bedrock increased, low-frequency energy of the overburden layer was higher than that of the bedrock, and the vibration frequency of the overburden layer was smaller than that of the bedrock. These differences cause the interface to experience cyclic loading continuously, resulting in the damage degree of the overburden layer at the interface being larger than that of the bedrock, reduction of the shear strength, and eventual formation of landslides. The displacement in the middle of the overburden is always greater than that at the top. Therefore, under the action of an earthquake and gravity, the damage mode of the bedrock and overburden layer slope is such that the leading edge of the critical part pulls and slides at the trailing edge, and multiple tensile cracks are formed on the slope surface.
Predictive modeling of wide-shallow RC beams shear strength considering stirrups effect using (FEM-ML) approach
Authors: Soliman Ahmed A. , Mansour Dina M. , Khalil Ayman H. , Ebid Ahmed 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper presents an analysis and prediction of the shear strength of wide-shallow reinforced concrete beams, utilizing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and machine learning techniques. The methodology involves validating a detailed Finite Element Model (FEM) against experimental results, conducting a parametric study, and developing three Machine Learning prediction equations. The FEM captures concrete and steel behaviors, including cracking and crushing for concrete and linear isotropic properties for steel reinforcement. Loading and boundary conditions are defined for accuracy and validated against 13 experimental specimens, exhibiting a maximum 8% and 12% difference in loads and deflections, respectively. A parametric study generates a dataset of 77 wide beam configurations, exploring variations in beam widths, concrete strengths, compression rebars, and shear reinforcement. This dataset is used to develop machine learning models, including “Genetic Programming (GP)”, “Evolutionary Polynomial Regression (EPR)”, and “Artificial Neural Network (ANN)”. Comparative analysis reveals GP and EPR models with over 95% correlation, while the ANN model outperforms with 99% accuracy. Sensitivity analysis underscores the significant influence of concrete strength and beam aspect ratio on shear strength. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the potential of FEA and machine learning models to predict shear strength in wide-shallow reinforced concrete beams, providing valuable insights for architectural design and engineering practices and emphasizing the role of concrete strength and beam geometry in shear behavior.
Reservoir damage mechanism and “Double protection” drilling fluid of tight sandstone gas reservoir in central SiChuan Basin
Authors: Fan Yu , Huang Weian , Guo Jianhua , Bai Ruiyv , Jiang Lin , Wang Zengbao 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIt is very important to clarify the reservoir damage characteristics and damage characteristics and damage mechanism of tight sandstone gas reservoirs in Jinhua-Zhongtai mountain area of central SiChuan Basin, and put forward the technical countermeasures of “Double protection” drilling fluid to protect the reservoir and the environment, which is very important for the efficient well construction in this area. Through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, casting thin sections and other testing methods, the mineral composition and microstructure characteristics of the block were analyzed, and the potential damage factors of the reservoir were clarified. Based on the sensitivity evaluation, it was revealed that the overall sensitivity damage of the block was weak. The main damage type was salt-sensitive damage, and the critical salinity was 9472.5 mg/L. On the basis of the environmental protection drilling fluid system used in this block, the surfactant which can effectively prevent gas invasion and reduce surface tension is selected, and the “Double protection” drilling fluid system is constructed. Through comprehensive performance test and reservoir protection performance evaluation, the core permeability damage rate of the optimized drilling fluid system is reduced from 88.77 to 18.66%, and the cuttings recovery rate is increased to more than 66%, and the cuttings expansion rate is reduced to less than 3.2%, which can effectively solve the problem of reservoir damage in drilling in Jinhua-Zhongtai mountain block in central Sichuan.
Identification and prioritization of risks for new entrants in automobile sector using Monte Carlo based approach
Authors: Farooq Sarmad , Naseem Afshan , Ahmad Yasir , Awais Akbar Muhammad , Ullah Mehran 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe automotive industry serves as a crucial support system for the economies of industrialized nations in their pursuit of international market competitiveness. Despite this industry's importance, most developing countries face the challenge of acquiring a reasonable economic position at the global level in the automotive sector for various reasons. The most salient reasons include inconsistent government policies, multiple taxes, investor insecurity, political instability, and currency devaluation. Identifying risks is crucial for a new entrant in the already-established automotive industry. The researchers have used multiple (qualitative and quantitative) techniques to identify and prioritize risks in setting up manufacturing plants. The efforts to tackle these identified risks are undertaken at the domestic and government levels to smoothen the establishment of industry. The risks are first identified, in the current study, by reviewing the previous literature and conducting interviews of the various stakeholders (automotive dealers, managers, and customers). Then this study uses Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) approach and develops a risk exposure (high, medium, or low) matrix for the automotive industry of Pakistan. The findings reveal that the depreciation of local currency against the foreign exchange, oligopoly nature of competition, and low market acceptability of new entrants due to their products' image are the most critical risks the automobile industry faces. These findings will help automotive research institutes in developing national policies that specifically aim to support new players in the automotive industry, particularly in addressing high-priority hazards. The results may also provide valuable insights for new participants seeking to identify and address the key challenges in the Pakistani automotive industry before entering it.
Resource partitioning of a Mexican clam in species-poor Baltic Sea sediments indicates the existence of a vacant trophic niche
Authors: Karlson Agnes M. L. , Kautsky Nils , Granberg Matilda , Garbaras Andrius , Lim Hwanmi , Liénart Camilla 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInvasive species are often generalists that can take advantage of formerly unexploited resources. The existence of such vacant niches is more likely in species-poor systems like the Baltic Sea. The suspension feeding wedge clam, Rangia cuneata, native to estuarine environments in the Gulf of Mexico, was sighted for the first time in the southeastern Baltic in 2010 and a few years later in the northern Baltic along the Swedish coast. To explore possible competition for food resources between R. cuneata and the three native clams inhabiting Baltic shallow soft bottoms, stable isotope and fatty acid analyses were conducted. There was no overlap between R. cuneata and any of the native species in either stable isotope or fatty acid niches. This suggests efficient partitioning of resources; multivariate analyses indicate that separation was driven mainly by δ13C and by fatty acids reflecting diatoms and cyanobacteria, respectively (e.g. 16:1ω7 and 18:3ω3). R. cuneata reflected seasonal variation in phytoplankton more than other clams reflecting higher trophic plasticity. In conclusion, the addition of R. cuneata to the Baltic shallow soft bottoms suggests the existence of a vacant trophic niche in these sediment habitats, however the long-term effects on other species and nutrient cycling requires further studies focusing on the population dynamics of R. cuneata and its impact on the Baltic Sea ecosystem.
Nowcasting methods to improve the performance of respiratory sentinel surveillance: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Flores-Alvarado Sandra , Olivares María Fernanda , Vergara Natalia , García Christian , Canals Mauricio , Cuadrado Cristóbal 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRespiratory diseases, including influenza and coronaviruses, pose recurrent global threats. This study delves into the respiratory surveillance systems, focusing on the effectiveness of SARI sentinel surveillance for total and severe cases incidence estimation. Leveraging data from the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile, we examined 2020–2023 data (a 159-week period) comparing census surveillance results of confirmed cases and hospitalizations, with sentinel surveillance. Our analyses revealed a consistent underestimation of total cases and an overestimation of severe cases of sentinel surveillance. To address these limitations, we introduce a nowcasting model, improving the precision and accuracy of incidence estimates. Furthermore, the integration of genomic surveillance data significantly enhances model predictions. While our findings are primarily focused on COVID-19, they have implications for respiratory virus surveillance and early detection of respiratory epidemics. The nowcasting model offers real-time insights into an outbreak for public health decision-making, using the same surveillance data that is routinely collected. This approach enhances preparedness for emerging respiratory diseases by the development of practical solutions with applications in public health.