bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal design of optomechanical uncooled infrared focal plane array with integrated metalens
Authors: Luo Zhendong , Hou Huwang , Zhang Yiyuan , Li Wenlan , Zhang Peng , Zhao Yang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Optomechanical uncooled infrared (IR) detectors based on the thermal deformation of bi-material micro-cantilever have proved of significant potential in the IR imaging fields. However, compared to other uncooled infrared detectors, the optomechanical type relies on the mechanical deformation of the thermomechanical cantilevers, which compete for space with the absorbers and isolation beams, resulting in limited sensitivity. By integrating a designed metalens, large deformation, high thermal isolation, and high effective fill factor can be achieved simultaneously. Several pixel designs of optomechanical uncooled IR focal plane array (FPA) with designed integrated metalens are evaluated and optimized through numerical simulation. High thermal conversion efficiency

H
=
0.016

and thermomechanical sensitivity

S

T

=
0.264

μm K−1 are simultaneously achieved with an inherent noise-equivalent temperature difference(NETD) value of

3.9

mK at the preset

60
μ
m

×

60
μ
m

pixels. Using Figure of Merit(FOM) as a comprehensive evaluation of NETD and response time, the optimized structure can be improved by up to 40% over the original structure.
Formation of plasma channel under high-voltage electric pulse and simulation of rock-breaking process
Authors: Rao Pingping , Feng Weikang , Ouyang Peihao , Cui Jifei , Nimbalkar Sanjay , Chen Qingsheng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In the context of rock fragmentation, the application of high voltage electric pulses results in the transfer of electrical energy onto the surface of the rock material, leading to a rapid electrical breakdown and the formation of a plasma channel. The ionized plasma expands at a fast velocity, generating a shock wave that causes significant damage to the rock’s integrity. In this study, we develope a numerical model that couples electrical, thermal, and mechanical forces to simulate the formation of plasma channels within rocks due to high-voltage electric pulses. The model’s accuracy is verified through field tests, and the results indicate that the configuration of the high-voltage pulse waveform, electrode spacing, and conductor particles within the rock impact the pathway of plasma channel formation. Prior to the formation of the plasma channel, minimal changes are observed in temperature and stress levels, with the majority of electric pulse energy dedicated to the creation of the plasma channel. Following the establishment of the plasma channel, the application of the electric pulse continues, resulting in notable alterations in temperature and stress levels. When the duration of the action reaches 105 ns, the temperature and stress levels surpass 104 K and 50 MPa, respectively, leading to fracture and extensive damage to the rock. The outcomes derived from the numerical model’s calculations can help to facilitate the cross-integration between physics and civil engineering and contribute to a deeper understanding of the rock fragmentation process under high voltage electric pulses.
Gravitational lensing of Schwarzschild and charged black holes immersed in perfect fluid dark matter halo
Authors: Qiao Chen-Kai , Zhou Mi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Dark matter and dark energy dominate the behavior of our universe. The dark matter usually forms halo structures in large number of galaxies. Properties of dark matter halo can be revealed and understood from the gravitational lensing observations. In this work, a comprehensive study on the gravitational lensing of black holes immersed in dark matter halos is presented. To effectively model the supermassive black hole in a galaxy center (which is surrounded by dark matter halo) in a simple way, we investigate the Schwarzschild black hole and charged Reissner-Nordström black hole immersed in a perfect fluid dark matter halo. In the present work, several basic quantities in gravitational lensing (the gravitational deflection angle of light, photon sphere, black hole shadow radius, gravitational lens equation and Einstein ring) are calculated and analyzed analytically and numerically. A second order analytical expansion of gravitational deflection angle is obtained in the weak deflection limit, and the full gravitational deflection angle (including all order perturbation contributions applicable to both weak and strong deflection limits) is also calculated numerically as comparisons. It enables us to analyze the perfect fluid dark matter influences on gravitational deflection angle and gravitational lensing beyond the leading order, which were not sufficiently studied in previous works. Assuming M ∼ λDM ∼ Q, our results show that dark matter can greatly influence the gravitational lensing of central black holes.
The acrylic vessel for JSNS2-II neutrino target
Authors: Shin C.D. , Ajimura S. , Cheoun M.K. , Choi J.H. , Choi J.Y. , Dodo T. , Goh J. , Haga K. , Harada M. , Hasegawa S. , Hiraiwa T. , Hwang W. , Iida T. , Jang H.I. , Jang J.S. , Jeon H. , Jeon S. , Joo K.K. , Jung D.E. , Kang S.K. , Kasugai Y. , Kawasaki T. , Kim E.J. , Kim J.Y. , Kim S.B. , Kim W. , Kinoshita H. , Konno T. , Lee D.H. , Lim I.T. , Little C. , Marzec E. , Maruyama T. , Masuda S. , Meigo S. , Monjushiro S. , Moon D.H. , Nakano T. , Niiyama M. , Nishikawa K. , Pac M.Y. , Park H.W. , Park J.S. , Park R.G. , Peeters S.J.M. , Rott C. , Sakai K. , Sakamoto S. , Shima T. , Spitz J. , Suekane F. , Sugaya Y. , Suzuya K. , Taira M. , Takeuchi Y. , Yamaguchi Y. , Yeh M. , Yeo I.S. , Yoo C. , Yu I. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The JSNS2 (J-PARC Sterile Neutrino Search at J-PARC
Spallation Neutron Source) is an experiment designed for the search
for sterile neutrinos. The experiment is currently at the stage of
the second phase named JSNS2-II with two detectors at near and
far locations from the neutrino source. One of the key components of
the experiment is an acrylic vessel, that is used for the target
volume for the detection of the anti-neutrinos. The specifications,
design, and measured properties of the acrylic vessel are
described.
Evaluation of palm kernel oil as lubricants in cylindrical turning of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel using Taguchi-grey relational methodology
Authors: Kazeem R A , Enobun I O , Akande I G , Jen T-C , Akinlabi S A , Ikumapayi O M , Akinlabi E T 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The disadvantages of the conventional cutting fluids such as mineral oil have prompted the search for eco-friendly cutting fluids. Vegetable oils have often been recommended as environmentally friendly substitutes for traditional mineral oil. The current study examined the performance of palm kernel oil (PKO) and its mineral oil during the turning of AISI 304 steel using the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) technique. Six litres of crude PKO were extracted from palm kernel seeds through a mechanical extraction technique. Taguchi L9 (3)3 orthogonal array was considered for the experiment. The depth of cut (DC), feed rate (FR), and spindle speed (SS) are the cutting parameters while cutting temperature (CT) and surface roughness (SR) are the response characteristics. Experimental results showed that the mineral oil outperformed the PKO in terms of SR with an improvement of 48.2%. The improvement of PKO over mineral oil is approximately 0.89% in terms of cutting temperature. The highest turning temperature of mineral oil was 67.333 °C, while that of PKO was 67.8 °C. In general, the performance of PKO shows it can be a good replacement for mineral oil if produced industrially with adequate additives. The grey relational analysis (GRA) showed that the optimum DC, FR, and SS for palm kernel and mineral oils are 1.25 mm, 0.25 mm rev−1 and 870 rev min−1, and 1.25 mm, 0.10 mm rev−1, and 870 rev min−1, respectively. The results of this study demonstrated an experimental basis for the application of PKO minimal quantity lubrication turning and validated the efficacy of the integrated Taguchi-grey relational analysis (TGRA) optimization approach.
Developmental stages and episode-specific regulatory genes in andromonoecious melon flower development
Authors: Pechar Giuliano S , Sánchez-Pina M Amelia , Coronado-Parra Teresa , Bretó Pau , García-Almodóvar Roque Carlos , Liu Lifeng , Aranda Miguel A , Donaire Livia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Given the lack of specific studies on floral development in melon (Cucumis melo L.), we carried out an extensive study involving morphological and transcriptomic analyses to characterize floral development in this species.

Methods
Using an andromonoecious line, we analysed the development of floral buds in male and hermaphrodite flowers with both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Based on flower lengths, we established a correlation between the developmental stages and four main episodes of floral development and conducted an extensive RNA sequencing analysis of these episodes.

Key Results
We identified 12 stages of floral development, from the appearance of the floral meristems to anthesis. The main structural differences between male and hermaphrodite flowers appeared between stages 6 and 7; later stages of development leading to the formation of organs and structures in both types of flowers were also described. We analysed the gene expression patterns of the four episodes in flower development to find the genes that were specific to each given episode. Among others, we identified genes that defined the passage from one episode to the next according to the ABCDE model of floral development.

Conclusions
This work combines a detailed morphological analysis and a comprehensive transcriptomic study to enable characterization of the structural and molecular mechanisms that determine the floral development of an andromonoecious genotype in melon. Taken together, our results provide a first insight into gene regulation networks in melon floral development that are crucial for flowering and pollen formation, highlighting potential targets for genetic manipulation to improve crop yield of melon in the future.
Unruly bodies (of knowledge): influencing Irish abortion policy through evidence-based abortion activism
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Aideen , Roth Rachel , Carnegie Anna , Grimes Lorraine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The involvement of grassroots activist groups in the production of knowledge used to challenge or inform abortion policy remains underexplored. Despite this, modes of abortion activism which incorporate knowledge production activities are increasingly common. In this article, we propose the term ‘evidence-based abortion activism’ to describe knowledge production activities by activist groups, which aim to influence abortion policy and provision and which advocate for the lived, embodied experiences of abortion-seekers as crucial forms of knowledge for policymaking. As a case study, we present research by the Abortion Rights Campaign (ARC) – a grassroots organization which campaigns for free, safe, and legal abortion across Ireland – analysing the experiences of those who have accessed or attempted to access abortion care in the Republic of Ireland since legal services were made available there in January 2019. This article explores one sub-section of ARC’s data, relating to the strikingly negative experiences of abortion-seekers attempting to access care between ten and twelve weeks in Irish hospitals: a thus far underexplored aspect of abortion experience in the Republic of Ireland. We argue that evidence-based abortion activism such as that carried out by ARC is important, not only because it provides a method for activists to attempt to influence abortion policy and provision but also because it creates space for forms of evidence which are epistemologically and politically ‘unruly’ in political debate and policy discussions. Specifically, ARC’s model of evidence-based abortion activism argues that the embodied testimonies of abortion-seekers themselves must be fully integrated and considered in policymaking to improve the material experience of abortion-seekers.
Hedge funds, systemic risk and the market for mortgage-backed securities
Authors: Orlando Anthony W 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In the early 2000s, the market for private-label residential mortgage-backed securities was built upon a pyramid of risk, and at the foundation of this pyramid were hedge funds. Few post-mortems recognise the critical role played by these institutional investors. This paper uncovers this essential piece of the puzzle and demonstrates that it is a natural outgrowth of the inherent operational freedom that defines hedge funds. It breaks these foundational risks down into two components—illiquidity risk and tail risk—and proposes solutions to prevent them from spilling over into systemic crises without eliminating the benefits that society reaps from this unique risk-taking. It concludes with important lessons for securitisation markets to consider during and after the COVID-19 recession.
Processing of stalled replication forks in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Carrasco Begoña , Torres Rubén , Moreno-del Álamo María , Ramos Cristina , Ayora Silvia , Alonso Juan C 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Accurate DNA replication and transcription elongation are crucial for preventing the accumulation of unreplicated DNA and genomic instability. Cells have evolved multiple mechanisms to deal with impaired replication fork progression, challenged by both intrinsic and extrinsic impediments. The bacterium Bacillus subtilis, which adopts multiple forms of differentiation and development, serves as an excellent model system for studying the pathways required to cope with replication stress to preserve genomic stability. This review focuses on the genetics, single molecule choreography, and biochemical properties of the proteins that act to circumvent the replicative arrest allowing the resumption of DNA synthesis. The RecA recombinase, its mediators (RecO, RecR, and RadA/Sms) and modulators (RecF, RecX, RarA, RecU, RecD2, and PcrA), repair licensing (DisA), fork remodelers (RuvAB, RecG, RecD2, RadA/Sms, and PriA), Holliday junction resolvase (RecU), nucleases (RnhC and DinG), and translesion synthesis DNA polymerases (PolY1 and PolY2) are key functions required to overcome a replication stress, provided that the fork does not collapse.
Assessing HIV knowledge in Mexican people living with HIV: development and validation of CC-VIH questionnaire
Authors: Gutiérrez-Velilla Ester , Pérez-Sánchez Ivonne Nalliely , Alvarado-de la Barrera Claudia , Ávila-Ríos Santiago , Caballero-Suárez Nancy Patricia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The level of knowledge that people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have about their disease can impact their adherence to treatment. The aim of this study was to develop a tool to assess the knowledge about HIV among people receiving treatment at a specialized clinic in Mexico City. To establish content validity, expert judges were invited to conceptualize the tool and propose items for the defined dimensions. A total of 490 individuals living with HIV completed the 91-item questionnaire, with 82.2% being male and a mean age of 36.1 years. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis, resulting in a reduced questionnaire of 45 questions. A three-factor solution explained 36.2% of the variance in HIV knowledge. The total scale had a reliability coefficient of 0.937, and each subscale had reliabilities of 0.828, 0.856 and 0.859. Lower educational level (F(336) = 8.488, p &lt; 0.001) and female gender (t(399) = 2.003, p = 0.046) were associated with lower scores on the HIV knowledge questionnaire. This tool appears suitable for measuring HIV knowledge in people living with HIV, although future studies are required to confirm its structure and reduce its extension.
Prevalence of trachoma in Somali region, Ethiopia: results from trachoma impact surveys in 50 woredas
Authors: Gebreselassie Getachew , Negash Kasahun , Tsegaye Sentayehu , Makonnen Misrak , Deneke Baye , Desalegn Muluken , Harding-Esch Emma M , Harte Anna , Solomon Anthony W , Boyd Sarah , Bakhtiari Ana , Hassen Mussie Abdosh , Hambali Abdulahi , Dejene Michael , Beckwith Colin , Tadesse Fentahun , Seifu Fikre , Kiflu Genet , Kebede Fikreab 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Following interventions to eliminate trachoma in Somali region, Ethiopia, we aimed to re-estimate the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) and trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) at woreda level and identify the factors associated with the disease.

Methods
We implemented cross-sectional community-based surveys in 50 trachoma-endemic woredas, using a standardized survey. Households were the secondary sampling unit. Surveys were undertaken through a combination of interviews of household heads and direct inspection of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) access, plus clinical evaluation of eligible household members for TT and TF.

Results
Overall, 41 (82%) of the 50 woredas had met the WHO-recommended active trachoma elimination threshold (prevalence of TF &lt;5% in 1–9-y-olds) and 42 (84%) had met the TT threshold (prevalence of TT unknown to the health system &lt;0.2% in ≥15-y-olds). Only 18% of households had access to an improved drinking water source within a 30-min trip and only 25% had an improved latrine.

Conclusions
Additional rounds of antibiotic mass drug administration, plus interventions to enhance facial cleanliness and improve the environment, are required in nine woredas. TT surgical campaigns are needed in eight woredas. Greater access to WASH is required across all the woredas that were surveyed.
Motivating school communities towards behavior change and local ownership: a gamification intervention to prevent trachoma at primary schools in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Caplan Naomi , Sanka Bharat C , Mulat Asmro , Brener Dorin Turgeman , Baum Sarit , Seifu Azeb , Kesete Nisan Z , Bruck Michal , Wohlgemuth Leah G , Debela Melaku M , Weekes Reut Barak , Sabar Galia , Bentwich Zvi , Golan Rachel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Ethiopia alone carries 49% of the global burden of trachoma, associated with a lack of safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and poor health practices. The aim of this study was to examine whether gamification among schoolchildren and promotion of local ownership of school WASH is associated with healthy behaviors and WASH infrastructure improvements.

Methods
Application of the Accelerate gamification intervention for elimination of trachoma, with an emphasis on gamification among schoolchildren and community involvement in motivating face-washing, handwashing and functional use of latrines, was undertaken.

Results
The study was conducted over 9 mo in 223 rural schools from six districts within the intervention area, reaching 93 518 schoolchildren. At baseline, students were observed washing their hands after using latrines in 23 (10.3%) schools. This increased to 132 (59%) schools (p≤0.001) at follow-up. The number of latrines increased from 585 at baseline to 594 at follow-up (p=0.031). The availability of handwashing stations in schools increased from 31 (13.9%) with water access (8%) and soap (5%) to 155 (69.5%) schools with handwashing stations with water access in 153 (98.7%) (p&lt;0.001) and soap in 121 (78%) (p&lt;0.001).

Conclusions
Motivational strategies such as gamification among schoolchildren and promotion of local ownership of school WASH may be associated with healthy behaviors and WASH infrastructure improvements.
Genes encoding a novel thermostable bacteriocin in the thermophilic bacterium Aeribacillus pallidus PI8
Authors: Kita Kyosuke , Yoshida Sanako , Masuo Shunsuke , Nakamura Akira , Ishikawa Shu , Yoshida Ken-ichi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aim
Aeribacillus pallidus PI8 is a Gram-positive thermophilic bacterium that produces thermostable antimicrobial substances against several bacterial species, including Geobacillus kaustophilus HTA426. In the present study, we sought to identify genes of PI8 with antibacterial activity.

Methods and results
We isolated, cloned, and characterized a thermostable bacteriocin from A. pallidus PI8 and named it pallidocyclin. Mass spectrometric analyses of pallidocyclin revealed that it had a circular peptide structure, and its precursor was encoded by pcynA in the PI8 genome. pcynA is the second gene within the pcynBACDEF operon. Expression of the full-length pcynBACDEF operon in Bacillus subtilis produced intact pallidocyclin, whereas expression of pcynF in G. kaustophilus HTA426 conferred resistance to pallidocyclin.

Conclusion
Aeribacillus pallidus PI8 possesses the pcynBACDEF operon to produce pallidocyclin. pcynA encodes the pallidocyclin precursor, and pcynF acts as an antagonist of pallidocyclin.
Diagnostic value of plasma circular RNA based on droplet digital polymerase chain reaction in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Wanying , Zhou Changming , Peng Caiqiu , Yang Ran , Li Mengting , Geng Jian , Zhou Jihong , Chen Liang , Li Wei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Plasma circular (circ)RNAs detected by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) may be ideal markers for liquid biopsy. However, ddPCR detection of circRNAs in plasma for diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma has been rarely reported.

Methods
An RNA sequencing analysis was performed in plasma from patients with early lung adenocarcinoma and healthy individuals. Droplet digital PCR was used to verify the differentially expressed genes.

Results
The copy numbers of circle RNALZIC (circLZIC)and circle RNACEP350 (circCEP350) in the plasma of lung adenocarcinoma patients were significantly higher than in plasma of healthy people, and the copy numbers in postoperative plasma of the same patients were significantly lower than those in preoperative plasma. CircLZIC and circCEP350 alone and in combination had diagnostic value in lung adenocarcinoma and early lung adenocarcinoma. CircLZIC and circCEP350 had more binding sites with multiple microRNAs. Their target genes were enriched in several signaling pathways.

Conclusion
The copy numbers of circLZIC and circCEP350 were higher in plasma of lung adenocarcinoma patients than in plasma of healthy controls, significantly correlated with tumor size and TNM stage, and closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. These circRNAs may serve as molecular markers for the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.
A comparison of staining methods for Helicobacter pylori in laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy resections
Authors: Rudasill JoAnna , Peeler Chelsea , Grant Danielle , Lazar Cynthia , Criswell Sheila L 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Helicobacter pylori is an important public health concern due to its status as a carcinogenic bacterium. Well adapted to the acidic environment of the human stomach, the variety of strains and virulence factors of the organism when interacting with the host immune system creates an individualistic response. Although estimates suggest that approximately half of the global population is infected with H pylori, the majority of infected persons remain asymptomatic while harboring an increased risk of intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancers. Therefore, appropriate diagnostic testing protocols are imperative.

Methods
This study compared labeling methodologies, including Wright stain, alcian yellow toluidine blue (AYTB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded stomach resections from sleeve gastrectomy patients, to detect H pylori infection.

Results
Although all 3 labeling methods evidenced similar specificity in H pylori detection, the IHC method was significantly more sensitive. However, the IHC cost per test was approximately 5-fold higher than that of the Wright or AYTB stains, and the technical time required per test was at least 6-fold that of Wright or AYTB.

Conclusion
Despite the higher cost per test, IHC is the most sensitive and preferred method for determination of H pylori infection.