Acoustic emission monitoring (AEM) has emerged as an effective technique for detecting wire-breaks resulting from, e.g., stress corrosion cracking, and its application on prestressed concrete bridges is increasing. The success of this monitoring measure depends crucially on a carefully designed sensor layout. For this the attenuation of elastic waves within the structure’s material is determined ideally in-situ through object-related measurements with a reproducible signal source, typically a rebound-hammer. This assumes that the attenuation coefficients derived from rebound-hammer tests are comparable to those from wire-breaks, thus allowing their results to be directly applied to wire-break detection without further adjustments. This study challenges this assumption by analysing attenuation behaviour through an extensive dataset. Employing time-domain and frequency analysis, the research generates attenuation profiles from laboratory experiments and in-situ measurements across various girders and bridge structures, extracting the slope and standard deviation of the residuals. While generally validating this approach, the findings highlight differences in attenuation behaviour from among wire-break signals and rebound-hammer impulses, whereby the latter potentially underestimates the relevant attenuation of wire-breaks by approximately 20 %. Consequently, a transfer factor is proposed to adjust object-related measurement results for wire-break scenarios, including a variance of 1.0 dB/m to cover a 95 % confidence interval for sample scattering. Moreover, the anisotropic attenuation behaviour across different structures was studied, showing that transverse attenuation consistently exceeds the longitudinal, significantly influenced by structural features such as voids. In prefabricated concrete bridges with in-situ-cast concrete slabs, transverse signal transmission remains unhindered across multiple elements. Finally, the results provide a valuable reference for the design of sensor layouts in bridge monitoring, particularly benefiting scenarios where direct in-situ experiences are lacking.

(1) Background: The prediction of cervical lesions evolution is a challenge for clinicians. The prospective study aimed to determine and compare the predictive accuracy of cytology, HPV genotyping, and p16/Ki67 dual staining alone or in combination with personal risk factors for the prediction of progression, regression or persistence of cervical lesions in human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected patients; (2) Methods: This prospective study included HPV-positive patients with or without cervical lesions that underwent follow-up. Descriptive statistics and sensitivity analysis for individual or combined index tests were used for data analysis; (3) Results: The highest predictive performance for the progression of cervical lesions was achieved by a model that comprised a Pap smear suggestive of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), the presence of 16/18 HPV strains, a positive p16/Ki67 dual staining result along with the presence of at least 3 clinical risk factors, which had a sensitivity (Se) of 74.42%, a specificity of 97.92%, an area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 0.961, and an accuracy of 90.65%. The prediction of cervical lesions regression or persistence was modest; (4) Conclusions: Multiple testing or new biomarkers should be used to improve HPV-positive patient surveillance, especially for cervical lesion regression or persistence prediction.

Coproporphyrins I and III (CP-I and CP-III) are established as substrates of hepatic sinusoidal organic anion transporting polypeptides (Oatps), multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 (Mrp3), and canalicular transporter Mrp2. We aimed to evaluate the potential of plasma CP-I and CP-III concentrations to indicate functional changes in hepatic transporters in nonalcoholic stea-tohepatitis (NASH) rodent models using modeling and simulation approach. Mechanistic copro-porphyrins (CP-I and CP-III) models in rats and mice were constructed based on metabolism, transport, and elimination pathways in rodents. To parameterize the rat mechanistic model, we measured CP concentrations in plasma, liver, bile, and urine in healthy control Sprague Dawley rats. The mouse mechanistic model was parameterized using published data. The rat and mouse CP models described the steady-state levels of CP-I and CP-III in plasma, liver, and bile. The model recapitulated the observed high plasma CP-III / CP-1 ratio (9- and 3-fold in rats and mice, respec-tively) and elimination pathways of CP-I (>90% via biliary secretion) and CP-III (equal via bile and urine). Rat CP model was further validated with the published rat fistula model. The simulated increased plasma CP-I concentrations (4-fold), resulted from decreased Oatp activity (0.6-fold) and increased Mrp3 activity (3-fold) were comparable to those observed in bile-duct ligated NASH model. Sensitivity analysis revealed that 90% inhibition of Oatp and Mrp2 leads to a 4-fold and 2.5-fold increase in plasma CP-I levels, respectively. Additionally, we demonstrated the utility of the mechanistic CP models in testing hypothesis and understanding the mechanisms of the ob-served plasma CPs disposition in the Oatp knockout (KO) mice, bile-duct ligation NASH mice, and Mrp2 deficient TR- rats. Collectively, using a mechanistic model, we conclude that CP-I is a robust and predictable marker for assessing change in the activity of Oatps and Mrps in animal models. Our analysis suggests that efflux transporters (Mrp2 and Mrp3) can play an important role in the disposition of CP-I along with Oatp transporters in rodents.

NMR Spectroscopy is used, in the temperature range 180-350K, to study local order and transport in liquid water (pure and confined) and its solutions with glicerol and methanol at different molar fractions. Being the liquid water thermodynamic dominated by polymorphism (two coexisting liquid phases: high- and low-density HDL and LDL) - with the LDL due to the hydrophilic HB interactions, originating in the supercooled regime the tetrahedral networking and the liquid-liquid transition – we focused our interest to hydrophobic effects (HE) on these. Nowadays, if compared to the hydrophilicity, little is known about hydrophobicity so that the main purpose of this study is to gain new information on it. We measured the relaxation times (T1 and T2) and the self-diffusion (DS). From the times we took advantage of the NMR property to follow the behaviors of each molecular component (the hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups) separately; they are studied directly and DS in terms of the Adam-Gibbs model: obtaining the configurational entropy (Sconf ) and the specific heat contributions (CP,conf ). Due to the HE all the studied quantities, behave differently. For water-glycerol the HB interaction is dominant for all the conditions, whereas for water-methanol are observable two different T-regions above and below 265 K, dominated respectively by the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity. A situation linked to the water polymorphism. Below this temperature, where the LDL phase and the HB networking develops and grows, the times and CP,conf change behaviors leading to maxima and minima. Above it, where the HB becomes weak and less stable and the HDL dominates, the hydrophobicity determines the solution properties.

Tanzania with 945 million hectares of land area and annual rainfall of 300 mm on 67% of its territorial land is considered as a semi-dry region in the world. Rice production in Tanzania needs to be increased to feed a growing population, whereas water for irrigation is getting scarce. One way to decrease water consumption in paddy fields is to change the irrigation regime for rice production and to replace continuous flooding with alternate wetting and drying. In order to investigate the effect of different regimes of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer on yield and water productivity of hybrid rice, two greenhouse pot experiments comprising soils from upland and lowland production ecologies were conducted at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania during crop seasons of 2019. The experiment was arranged in split plots based on randomized completely block design with 3 replications. Water regimes were the main factor comparing continuous flooding (CF) and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) with nitrogen fertilizer levels as the sub-factor including absolute control , 0, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg/ha. Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) improved water productivity in both upland and lowland production ecologies compared to CF. AWD increased yield under lowland production by 13.3% while in upland there was 18.5% decrease in yield. The average water use varied from 31.5 to 84 L pot-1 under upland trials, while in lowland trials it was 36 to 82.3 L. Higher yield and lower water application led to an increase in WP varying from 1.2 to 1.8 kg cm-3 under upland trials, and 0.6 to 1.5 kg cm-3 under lowland trials. The variation in water productivity among treatments was mainly due to the differences in the yield, water and nitrogen levels used in the production process. Both sets of trials recorded water saving up to 34.3% and 17.3% under lowland and upland trials, respectively. Under upland trials, the yield varied from 39.9 to 124.1 g pot-1 and in lowland trials yield ranged from 20.6 to 118.2 g pot-1 representing paddy rice. The measurements showed that less water can be used to produce more crops under alternative rice growing practices. The results are important for water-scarce areas, providing useful information to policy makers, farmers, agricultural departments, and water management boards in devising future climate-smart adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Packaged water consumption has grown rapidly in urban areas of many low and middle income countries, but particularly in Ghana. However, the sources of water used by this growing packaged water industry and its implications for water resource management and transport-related environmental impacts have not been described. This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution of regulated packaged water production in Ghana, both in relation to demand and for natural mineral water, to hydrogeological characteristics. 764 addresses for premises licenced to produce packaged water from 2009-2015 were mapped and compared to regional sachet water consumption and beverage import/export data examined. We find evidence to suggest packaged water is transported shorter distances in Ghana than in developed countries. For natural mineral waters, producers should be able to address the most widespread water quality hazards (including high salinity, iron and nitrates) in aquifers used for production through reverse osmosis treatment. The study suggests there is scope to integrate beverage product and groundwater regulatory databases to support groundwater management.

Colombia is the world's leading producer of mild washed arabica coffee and produces 12.6 million bags of green coffee, but at the same time 784,000 tons of waste biomass are dumped in open fields, of which only 5% is recovered or used. The objective of this project was to evaluate the production of platform chemicals from these coffee wastes. To achieve this, biomass characterization was carried out using proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and structural analysis. Hydrothermal valorization was carried out at a temperature range of 120-180 °C (LHW) and 180-260 °C (HTC) for one hour, the platform chemicals obtained were quantified by HPLC-IR, monitored by pH and conductivity, and the solid fraction was characterized by monitoring the functional groups in IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Hydrolysis processes were obtained from 150 °C, production of platform chemicals from 180 °C and maximum concentration at 180 °C-4h, over 200 °C degradation of the products in the liquid fraction starts to take place. Homogeneous basic and acid catalysts were used to improve the yields of the reaction. The kinetics of the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic structures to sugars were also analyzed and described, and reaction orders of 1 (LHW), 3 (HTC) and their respective reaction rate equations were reported.

In Cameroon, Aedes mosquitoes transmit various arboviruses, posing significant health risks. We aimed to characterize the Aedes virome in southwestern Cameroon and identify potential core viruses which might be associated with vector competence. A total of 398 Aedes mosquitoes were collected from four locations (Bafoussam, Buea, Edea and Yaounde). Aedes albopictus dominated all sites except for Bafoussam where Aedes africanus prevailed. Metagenomic analyses of mosquitoes grouped per species into 54 pools revealed notable differences in eukaryotic viromes between Ae. africanus and Ae. albopictus, with the former exhibiting greater richness and diversity. Thirty-seven eukaryotic virus species from 16 families were identified, including six novel viruses with near complete genome sequences. Seven viruses were further quantified in individual mosquitoes via qRT-PCR. Although none of them could be identified as core viruses, Guangzhou sobemo-like virus and Bafoussam mosquito solemovirus virus were highly prevalent regionally in Ae. albopictus and Ae. africanus, respectively. This study highlights the diverse eukaryotic virome of Aedes species in southwestern Cameroon. Despite their shared Genus, Aedes species exhibit limited viral sharing, with varying viral abundance and prevalence across locations. Ae. africanus, an understudied vector, harbors a rich and diverse virome, suggesting potential implications for arbovirus vector competence.

In future automated vehicles we will often engage in non-driving tasks and will not watch the road. This will affect postural stabilization and may elicit discomfort or even motion sickness in dynamic driving. Future vehicles shall accommodate this by properly designed seats and interiors whereas comfortable vehicle motion shall be achieved with smooth driving styles and well de-signed (active) suspensions. To support research and development in dynamic comfort, this paper presents validation of a multi-segment full body human model including visuo-vestibular and muscle spindle feedback for postural stabilization. Dynamic driving is evaluated using a “sicken-ing drive” including a 0.2 Hz 4 m/s2 slalom. Vibration transmission is evaluated with compliant automotive seats, applying 3D platform motion and evaluating 3D translation and rotation of pelvis, trunk and head. The model matches human motion in dynamic driving and reproduces fore-aft, lateral and vertical oscillations. Visuo-vestibular and muscle spindle feedback are shown to be essential in particular for head-neck stabilization. Active leg muscle control at the hips and knees is shown to be essential to stabilize the trunk in the high amplitude slalom condition but not in low amplitude horizontal vibrations. However, active leg muscle control can strongly affect 4-6 Hz vertical vibration transmission. Compared to the vibration tests, the dynamic driving tests show enlarged postural control gains to minimize trunk and head roll and pitch, and to align head yaw with the driving direction. Human modelling can create the required insights to achieve breakthrough comfort enhance-ments while enabling efficient development for a wide range of driving conditions, body sizes and other factors. Hence, modelling human postural control can accelerate innovation of seats and vehicle motion control strategies for (automated) vehicles.

Abstract5′,8-Cyclo-2′-deoxyadenosine (cdA), in the 5′R and 5′Sdiastereomeric forms, are typical non strand-break oxidative DNA lesions, induced by hydroxyl radicals, with emerging importance as a molecular marker. These lesions are exclusively repaired by nucleotide excision repair (NER) mechanism with a low efficiency, thus readily accumulating in the genome. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase1 (PARP1) acts as an early responder to DNA damage and plays a key role as a nick sensor in the maintenance of the integrity of the genome by recognizing nicked DNA. So far, it was unknown whether the diastereomeric cdA lesions could induce specific PARP1 binding. Here we provide the first evidence of PARP1 to selectively recognize the diastereomeric lesions 5′S-cdA and 5′R-cdA in vitro as compared to deoxyadenosine in model DNA substrates (23-mers) by using circular dichroism,fluorescence spectroscopy, immunoblotting analysis and gel mobility shift assay. Several features of the recognition of the damaged and undamaged oligonucleotides by PARP1were characterized. Remarkably, PARP1 efficiently binds to both cdA lesions in the double stranded (ds)-oligonucleotides. In particular, PARP1 proved to bind 5′S-cdAwith a higher affinity constant for the 5'S lesion in a model of ds DNA than 5′R-cdA, showing different recognition patterns, also compared with undamaged dA. This new finding highlights the ability of PARP1 to recognize and differentiate the distorted DNA backbone in a biomimetic system caused by different diastereomeric forms of a cdA lesion.

Background: Bariatric surgery (BS) has a significant impact on body composition (BC) and con-sequently may affect established sarcopenic obesity (SO) in candidate patients. The aim of this study is to assess the utility of muscle ultrasound (MUS) of rectus femoris thickness (RFT) for the evalua-tion of BC and skeletal muscle function in patients undergoing BS compared to bioimpedance analysis (BIA), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and dynamometry. On the other hand, we aim to demonstrate how MUS of RFT correlates better with the quality of life (Qol) in this population, likely because it enables the detection of regional quadriceps muscle sarcopenia, in comparison to the other mentioned methods. Methods: This is a prospective pilot study including 77 subjects (64.9% female, mean age: 53.2 ± 8.67 years) who underwent BS. Handgrip strength was measured using a dynamometer, fat-free mass index (iFFM) was assessed by BIA, appendicular muscle index (AMI) was calculated using DEXA and RFT was measured by MUS. Moreover, Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resintance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. All these measurements were conducted 1 month prior to BS and at the 12-month follow-up. QoL was as-sessed using the Moorehead-Ardelt questionnaire. Results: The mean BMI decreased by 12.95 ± 3.56 kg/m2 (p=0.001). Firstly, we observed positive correlation pre-surgery between HOMA and: RFT (r=0.27, p=0.02), iFFM (r=0.36, p=0.001), AMI (r=0.31, p=0.01) and dynamometer (r=0.26, p=0.02). In addition, we found correlation between RFT and iFFM (pre-surgical: r=0.31, p=0.01; post-surgical: r=0.25, p=0.05) and between RFT and lower extremities AMI post-surgical (r=0.27, p=0.04). Secondly, we observed significant reductions in iFFM, AMI and RFT (p=0.001), but not with dynamometer (p=0.94). Finally, a tendency to a positive correlation between QoL question-naire and RFT post-surgery (r=0.23, p=0.079) was observed. Conclusions: Our results suggest that RFT measured by MUS for the evaluation of SO and the follow-up after BS of these patients. Moreover, RFT can provide relevant information about regional sarcopenia and probably has an accurate correlation with QoL in comparison with the other methods.

Let an odd integer be represented as $\sum \limits_{n > m} 2^n + 2^m - 1$ for $m \geq 1$. To transform $2^m - 1$ according to the Collatz rules, the $3x + 1$ step is applied, resulting in the even integer $2^{m + 1} + 2^m - 2$. This even integer, being exactly once divisible by 2, becomes the next odd integer $2^m + 2^{m - 1} - 1$. This represents the growth phase, as exactly one even step follows an odd step. However, while the overall value of the integer increases, terms with decreasing indices are generated after each odd-even cycle. After $m$ such cycles, a term $2^{m - m}$ (which equals 1) is generated, canceling the negative 1. Additional even steps are then performed until the integer becomes odd again, which occurs when the next smallest index becomes zero. The positive 1 thus obtained is written as $2^1 - 1$. If uninterrupted, the term $2^1 - 1$ has the trivial cycle $2^1 - 1 \rightarrow 2^2 \rightarrow 2^1 \rightarrow 2^1 - 1$. This represents the shrinkage phase, as two even steps follow an odd step. To interrupt the trivial cycle, a sequence such as $2^1 + 2^2 + \cdots$ must be available to combine with $2^1 - 1$ and produce $2^{\mathcal{M}} - 1$. This starts another growth phase that lasts for $\mathcal{M}$ odd-even cycles. Finally, there is an attempt to craft an integer that can escape the shrinkage phase in the Collatz dynamics.

Insulin resistance is a condition characterized by a reduced biological response to insulin. It is one of the most common metabolic diseases of modern civilization. Numerous naturally occurring substances have shown to have a positive effect in restoring the proper sensitivity to insulin. Mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes with artificially induced insulin resistance by palmitic acid (16:0) were used for the study. Cinnamic acid and 1,2-dicinnamoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholin (1,2-diCA-PC) were tested at three concentrations: 25 μM, 50 μM, and 125 μM. The number of mitochondria and the expression of genes encoded by mtDNA were elucidated in control and experimental cells. In experimental cells treated with 1,2-diCA-PC, we displayed increased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner, accompanied by an increase in mtDNA copy number. Moreover, in experimental cells treated with 1,2-diCA-PC at the concentration of 125 μM, we observed a significant increase in the expression level of all analyzed genes encoded by mtDNA compared to control cells. Our study showed a relationship between improved cellular sensitivity to insulin by 1,2-diCA-PC and an increase in the number of mitochondria and expression levels of genes encoded by mtDNA. Summarizing, the results suggest a therapeutic potential of cinnamic acid derivative 1,2-diCA-PC in enhancing the insulin sensitivity of adipocytes.

It is important to realize the transformation behavior of wüstite because it greatly affects the final structure of the oxide layer and the surface quality of the steel products. In the present study, the transformation behaviors of the wüstite layer are examined under nearly-oxygen-free conditions, to simulate the cooling processes after the hot rolled strip is coiled. As the single phase wüstite was prepared at 950˚C, the 460˚C transformed oxide layer was composed of a mixture of iron and magnetite formed through eutectoid reactions. For the 750˚C-fabricated wüstite, only magnetite was observed after transformation, without iron precipitates and residual wüstite. It is speculated that the unusual transformation behavior of the low-temperature-made wüstite results from the pseudo-structural intermediate phase transformation between wüstite and magnetite. This pseudo-structure is a pre-transformed wüstite and of various concentration of ferrous ion, which is determined by the fabrication conditions. During the hot strip mill process, the so-called wet scale, wüstite, is produced continuously from finish mill to laminar flow sections and ended at 570˚C. Consequently, the final eutectoid transformation below 570˚C is dominantly controlled by the surface temperature ranged from 750˚C to 950˚C for low carbon steel.

Rice blast is the most harmful disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, leading to yield loss. The aim of the work is to improve resistance of rice to blast by introducing and pyramiding genes using conventional breeding technique and modern MAS analysis. Pyramiding is the combination of several resistance genes in one genotype, in this case it improves the resistance of rice to pathogens. MAS analysis revealed that 3 out of 4 studied domestic high-yielding rice cultivars (Bakanasski, Aisaule and Aru) contain 1 blast resistance gene (Pi-2). It was discovered 7 pyramidal lines with the introduction of a combination of 2 blast resistance genes (Pi-1 and Pi-ta) into 6 hybrids and 3 genes (Pi-1, Pi-33 and Pi-ta) into 1 line. Phytopathological test of local cultivars and pyramidal lines of rice showed that 3 out of 7 pyramidal lines have moderate resistance: 2 lines (F2 Bakanasski/7667 (var. vulgaris Koern.) and F2 Aisaule/7664 (var. italica Alef.)), containing 2 resistance genes (Pi-1 and Pi-ta) and 1 line – F2 Aisaule/7689 (var. zeravschanica Brsch.), carrying 3 genes (Pi-1, Pi-33 and Pi-ta), while the local cultivars Bakanasski, Aisaule and Aru are susceptible. As a result, the blast resistance of rice was improved by creating pyramidal lines. Pyramided lines can be used for germplasm exchange and in rice breeding programs to improve blast resistance in rice.

It has been long recognized that under hypoxia conditions cancer cells reprogram their metabolism through shift from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis to meet elevated requirements in energy and nutrients for proliferation, migration and survival. However, data accumulated over the last years increasingly evidence that cancer cells can revert from glycolysis to OXPHOS and maintain both reprogrammed and oxidative metabolism even in the same tumor. The phenomenon denoted as cancer cell metabolic plasticity or hybrid metabolism depends on a tumor micro-environment, which is highly heterogeneous and influenced by intensity of vasculature and blood flow, oxygen concentration, nutrient and energy supply, and requires regulatory interplay between multiple oncogenes, transcription factors, growth factors, reactive oxygen species (ROS), etc. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) represent key modulators of switch between reprogrammed and oxidative metabolism. The present review focuses on cross-talks between HIF-1, GLUTs, and AMPK and other regulatory proteins including oncogenes such as c-Myc, p53 and KRAS, growth factor-initiated PKB/Akt, PI3K and mTOR signaling pathways and tumor suppressors such as LKB1 and TSC1 in controlling cancer cell metabolism. The multiple switches between metabolic pathways can underlie chemo-resistance to conventional anti-cancer therapy and should be taken into account in choosing molecular targets to discovery novel anti-cancer drugs.

Conjugated polymers (CPs) offer potentials for sustainable semiconductor devices due to their low cost, and inherent molecular self-assembly. Enhanced crystallinity and molecular orientation in thin films of solution-processable CPs have significantly improved organic electronic device per-formance. In this work, three methods namely spin-coating, dip-coating, and unidirectional float-ing-film transfer method (UFTM) were utilized with their parametric optimization for fabricating RR-P3HT films. These films were then utilized for their characterization via optical and micro-structural analysis to elucidate dominant roles of molecular orientation, and crystallinity in con-trolling charge transport in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). OFETs fabricated by RR-P3HT thin films using spin-coating and dip-coating displayed field-effect mobility (μ) of 8.0 × 10-4 cm2V-1s-1 and 1.3 × 10-3 cm2V-1s-1, respectively. This two-time enhancement in (µ for dip-coated films was attributed to its enhanced crystallinity. Interestingly, UFTM films based OFETs demon-strated μ of 7.0 × 10-2 cm2V-1s-1, >100 times increment as compared to its spin-coated counterpart This superior device performance is attributed to synergistic influence of higher crystallinity and molecular orientation. Since the crystallinity of dip-coated and UFTM-thin films are similar ~50 times improved µ of UFTM thin films suggest a dominant role of molecular orientation as com-pared to crystallinity in controlling the charge transport.

An electrothermal analysis for barium titanate based ceramics is presented combining the Heywang–Jonker model for the electric resistivity with a heat dissipation mechanism based on natural convection and radiation in a one dimensional model on the device level with voltage as the control parameter. Both PTC and NTC effects are accounted for through the double Schottky barriers at the grain boundaries of the material. The problem formulated in this way admits uniform and non–uniform multiple steady state solutions that do not depend on the external circuit. The numerical bifurcation analysis reveals that the PTC effect gives rise to several multiplicites above the Curie point, whereas the NTC effect is responsible for the thermal runaway (temperature blowup). The thermal runaway phenomenon as a potential thermal shock could be among the possible reasons for the observed thermomechanical failures (delamination fracture). The theoretical results for the NTC regime and the thermal runaway are in agreement with experimental flash sintering results obtained for 3% and 8% yttria stabilized zirconia.

A close-range photogrammetric approach and its implementation using a CNC device and a macro camera are proposed. A tailored image acquisition approach is proposed that is implemented using this device. To increase reconstruction robustness and accuracy, the key point features detected in the acquired images are tracked across multiple views from multiple viewpoints at multiple distances. This approach reduces spurious correspondences and, as a result, the estimation accuracy of calibration parameters is increased and reconstruction errors are reduced. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation demonstrate the efficacy and accuracy of the proposed approach, which exhibits micrometre resolution and low implementation cost.

Diabetes is a prevalent global health issue associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a well-known inflammatory, neurovascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of preventable blindness in developed countries among working-age adults. However, the ocular surface components of diabetic eyes are also at risk of damage due to uncontrolled diabetes, which is often overlooked. Inflammatory changes in the corneas of diabetic patients indicate that inflammation plays a significant role in diabetic complications, much like in DR. The eye´s immune privilege restricts immune and inflammatory responses, and the cornea and retina have a complex network of innate immune cells that maintain immune homeostasis. Nevertheless, low-grade inflammation in diabetes contributes to immune dysregulation. This article aims to provide an overview and discussion of how diabetes affects the ocular immune system’s main components, immune-competent cells, and inflammatory mediators. By understanding these effects, potential interventions and treatments may be developed to improve the ocular health of diabetic patients.

Post-mortem characterisation is a pivotal tool to trace back to the origin of structural failures in modern engineering analyses. This work presents a comparison of both the crack propagation profiles and the rupture roughness profiles based on areal parameters for total fracture area. Notched and smooth samples made of weather-resistant structural steel (10HNAP), popular S355J2 structural steel and aluminium alloy AA2017A under bending, torsion, and combined bending-torsion are investigated. After the fatigue tests, fatigue fractures are measured with an optical profilometer, and the relevant surface parameters are critically compared. The results show a great impact of the loading scenario on both the local profiles and the total fracture areas. In this work, the results of both approaches (local and total fracture zones) for specimens with different geometries are investigated. For all specimens, measured texture parameters decreased in the following order: total area, rupture area, and propagation area.

An analysis of the physical and chemical phenomena accompanying the electrical discharges was carried out, principal factors inactivating microorganisms is studied. Characteristic factors of an electric discharge in cavitation mode providing a synergistic effect when disinfecting water with a discharge and chemical reagents are identified in order of importance. As a result of the integral action of cavitation, the inactivation of bacteria is intensified both due to the emergence of chem-ically active particles and due to local shock waves, acoustic currents and ultraviolet radiation in the area of cavitating bubbles. The similarity of cavitation processes in water systems implemented by underwater electric discharges and with the ultrasound has been experimentally proved. The main advantage of electric discharge cavitation in comparison with ultrasonic one is the wide band of ultrasonic frequencies of radiation inherent in electric discharge, high intensity and power of cav-itation processes, and, accordingly, the possibility of a significant increase in the volume of the disinfected liquid. The study enable better understanding and prediction of the effects that occur during a high-voltage underwater electrical discharge and have a bactericidal effect.

Nuʻupia Ponds, a traditional Hawaiian fishpond system, are located at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) and part of the Nuʻupia Ponds Wildlife Management Area, a wetland refuge for native, endangered, and protected birds and Hawaiian green sea turtles, as well as many native fish species. Currently, there is uncertainty regarding the ecological status and condition of the fishponds following prior modification of wetland habitats in and around the ponds. This study examines circulation dynamics and characterizes water exchange, pond volume, and residence time across the full tidal spectrum at Nuʻupia fishponds. Our results indicate a general west to east gradient in current flow; with higher flushing rates and lower residence times of fishponds in the western ponds of the Nu’upia system compared to the eastern ponds. We further found low flushing rates at several sites causing limited water exchange with Kāne’ohe Bay, as well as within Nu’upia Pond system. Sufficient water circulation plays a fundamental role in maintaining a healthy balance of fishpond flora and fauna and preserve ecosystem health. The results from this study provide a baseline of current physical water circulation dynamics and implications for ecosystem health, as well as inform science-based conservation and management strategies moving forward.

Sustained water management requires quantitative information and the knowledge of spatiotemporal dynamics of hydrological system within the basin. This can be achieved through the research. Several studies have investigated both surface water and groundwater in Beterou catchment. However, there are few published papers on the application of the SWAT modeling in Beterou catchment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of SWAT to simulate the water balance within the watershed. The inputs data consist of digital elevation model, land use maps, soil map, climatic data and discharge records. The model was calibrated and validated using the Sequential Uncertainty Fitting (SUFI2) approach. The calibrated started from 1989 to 2006 with four years warming up period (1985-1988); and validation was from 2007 to 2020. The goodness of the model was assessed using five indices, i.e., Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), the ratio of the root means square error to the standard deviation of measured data (RSR), percent bias (PBIAS), the coefficient of determination (R²), and Kling Gupta efficiency (KGE). Results showed that SWAT model successfully simulated river flow in Beterou catchment with NSE = 0.79, R2 = 0.80 and KGE= 0.83 for the calibration process against validation process that provides NSE = 0.78, R2 = 0.78 and KGE= 0.85 using site-based streamflow data. The relative error (PBIAS) ranges from -12.2% to 3.1%. The parameters runoff curve number (CN2), Moist Bulk Density (SOL_BD), Base Flow Alpha Factor (ALPHA_BF), and the available water capacity of the soil layer (SOL_AWC) were the most sensitive parameter. The study provides further research with uncertainty analysis and recommendations for model improvement and provision of an efficient means to improve rainfall and discharges measurement data.

In Hawaiʻi, the transition from customary subsistence flooded taro agroecosystems, which regulate stream discharge rate trapping sediment and nutrients, to a plantation-style economy (c. the 1840s) led to nearshore sediment deposition - smothering coral reefs and destroying adjacent coastal fisheries and customary fishpond mariculture. To mitigate sediment transport, Rhizophora mangle was introduced in estuaries across Hawai’i (c. 1902) further altering fishpond ecosystems. Here, we examine the impact of cultural restoration between 2012-2018 at Heʻeia Fishpond, a 600-800-year-old walled fishpond. Fishpond water quality was assessed by calculating water exchange rates, residence times, salinity distribution, and abundance of microbial indicators prior to and after restoration. We hypothesized that R. mangle removal and concomitant reconstruction of sluice gates would increase mixing and decrease bacterial indicator abundance in the fishpond. We find that Heʻeia Fishpond’s physical environment is primarily tidally driven; wind forcing and river flux are secondary drivers. Post-restoration, two gates in the northeastern region account for >80% of relative flux in the fishpond. Increase in exchange rates during spring and neap tide and shorter minimum water residence time corresponded with the reconstruction of a partially obstructed 56 m gap together with the installation of an additional sluice gate in the fishpond wall. Lower mean salinities post-restoration suggests increased freshwater influx due to R. mangle removal. Spatial distribution of microbial bio-indicator species inversely correlated with salinity. Average abundance of Enterococcus and Bacteroidales did not significantly change after restoration efforts, however, average abundance of a biomarker specific to birds nesting in the mangroves decreased significantly after restoration. This study demonstrates the positive impact of biocultural restoration regimes on water flushing and water quality parameters, encouraging the prospect of revitalizing this and other culturally and economically significant sites for sustainable aquaculture in the future.

Iron metabolism plays a crucial role in the management of hemoglobinopathies, particularly in conditions such as β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia (SCA). This paper describes the mechanisms of iron overload in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT), non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT), and SCA, highlighting the distinct paths leading to iron accumulation in each condition. The primary focus of this review article is on the role of genetic modifiers influencing iron metabolism and the variability in iron overload presentation among patients. Genetic mutations in genes such as HFE, HAMP, TFR2, SLC40A1, and others significantly impact iron regulation. These modifiers can exacerbate or ameliorate iron overload, and understanding these genetic factors is important for explaining the diverse disease severity and differences in the mechanism and clinical presentation of iron overload in these patients. The ongoing INHERENT study aims to further elucidate the influence of these genetic modifiers through a comprehensive genome-wide association study, potentially leading to novel therapeutic interventions for managing iron homeostasis in hemoglobinopathy patients.

How hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) fate decisions are affected by genetic alterations acquired during AML leukemogenesis is poorly understood and mainly explored in animal models. Here, we studied isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDH) genes mutations in the human model of HSPC and provide a review of the literature on this topic. IDH1/2 mutations occur in ~20% of AML, are recognized among the mutations earliest acquired during leukemogenesis, and are target of specific inhibitors (ivosidenib and enasidenib, respectively). In order to investigate the direct effects of these mutations on the HSPC we expressed by lentiviral transduction either IDH1-R132H or IDH2-R140Q mutants into human CD34+ healthy donor cells and analyzed the colony-forming unit (CFU) ability. CFU ability was dramatically compromised with a complete trilineage block of differentiation. Strikingly, the block was reversed by the specific inhibitors, confirming it was a specific effect induced by the mutants. In line with this observation, the CD34+ leukemic precursors isolated from a patient with IDH2-mutated AML at baseline and during enasidenib treatment showed over time a progressive and marked improvement of their fitness in terms of CFU ability and propensity to differentiate, attaining clonal trilinear reconstitution of hematopoiesis and complete hematological remission.

The central nervous system (CNS) is the final frontier in drug delivery because of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which poses significant barriers to the access of most drugs to their targets. Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a tryptophan (Trp) metabolite, plays an important role in behavioral functions and abnormal KYNA levels have been observed in neuropsychiatric conditions. The current challenge lies in delivering KYNA to the CNS owing to its polar side chain. Recently, C-3 side chain modified KYNA analogs have been shown to cross the BBB; however, it is unclear whether they retain the biological functions of the parent molecule. This study examined the impact of KYNA analogs, specifically SZR-72, SZR-104, and the newly developed SZRG-21, on behavior. The analogs were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.), and their effects on the motor domain were compared with those of KYNA. Specifically, open field (OF) and rotarod (RR) tests were employed to assess motor activity and skills. SZR-104 increased horizontal exploratory activity in the OF test at a dose of 0.04 μmol/4 μL, while SZR-72 decreased vertical activity at doses of 0.04 and 0.1 μmol/4 μL. In the RR test, however, neither KYNA nor its analogs showed any significant differences in motor skills at either dose. Side chain modification affects affective motor performance and exploratory behavior, as the results show for the first time. In this study, we showed that KYNA analogs alter emotional components such as motor-associated curiosity and emotions. Consequently, drug design necessitates the development of precise strategies to traverse the BBB while paying close attention to modifications in their effects on behavior.

Retroviruses perpetuate their survival by incorporating a copy of their genome into the host cell, a critical step catalyzed by the virally encoded integrase. The viral capsid plays an important role during the viral life-cycle, including nuclear importation in case of lentiviruses and integration targeting events, hence, targeting the integrase and the viral capsid is a favorable therapeutic strategy. While integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are recommended as first-line regimens given their high efficacy and tolerability, lenacapavir is the first capsid inhibitor and the newest addition to the HIV treatment arsenal. These inhibitors are however designed for treatment of HIV-1 infection, and their efficacy against HIV-2 remains widely understudied and inconclusive, supported only by few limited phenotypic susceptibility studies. We therefore carried out inhibition profiling of a panel of second-generation INSTIs and lenacapavir against HIV-2 in cell culture, utilizing pseudovirion inhibition profiling assays. Our results show that the tested INSTIs and lenacapavir exerted excellent efficacy against ROD-based HIV-2 integrase, and interestingly, raltegravir also showed modest antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in antiviral assays carried out in Vero E6 cells.

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) is a human DNA repair protein. It is a member of the phospholipase D family based on the structure similarity. TDP1 is a key enzyme involved in repairing stalled topoisomerase 1 (TOP1)-DNA complexes. Previously we obtained with the CRISPR/Cas9 method HEK293A cells with the homozygous knockout of the Tdp1 gene and used knockout cells as a cellular model for studying the mechanisms of anticancer therapy. In this work we studied for the first time by transcriptomic analysis the effect of Tdp1 gene knockout on genes expression changes in human HEK293A cell line. We received original data that may indicate a role of TDP1 in other process besides repair of DNA-TOP1 complex. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis revealed that TDP1 could be involved in different processes such as cell adhesion and communication, spermatogenesis, mitochondrial function, neurodegeneration, cytokine response, and MAPK pathway signaling.

Stream chemistry effectively integrates watershed ecosystem processes on both spatial and temporal scales. Streams of coastal areas integrate a more homogeneous, flat topography wherein there can be interactions between the stream and the body of water into which it drains, especially where tidal fluxes occur. The present study assessed water quality of Thompson Bayou, which comes to the campus of the University of West Florida in a wetland after flowing through 4 km of commercial and private property with associated impacts on water quality. Sampling was carried out for one year at eight discrete sites along Thompson Bayou from the UWF campus to the Escambia River. We used a portable field meter to measure temperature, pH, dissolved O2 (DO), and specific conductivity (SC). Except for temperature, all variables exhibited a spatial pattern of significant variation with distance, with consistent increases in DO and SC as the stream approached the river. These variables also exhibited a temporal pattern of significant seasonal variation, including—and especially—temperature. Data suggest that spatial and temporal patterns of water quality of Thompson Bayou are determined by (1) processing of water by the wetland, (2) interactions of the stream channel with upland forest stands, and (3) the tidal hydrology of the Escambia River.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the control of HIV-1 infection. Here, we performed RNAseq profilings of miRNAs and mRNAs expressed in CD4+ T-lymphocytes upon HIV-1 infection. Our results reveal significant alterations of miRNAs and mRNAs expression profiles in infected relative to uninfected cells. One of the miRNAs markedly downregulated in infected cells is miRNA-26a. Among the putative targets of miRNA-26a are CD59 receptor transcripts, which are significantly upregulated in infected CD4+ T-cells. Addition of miRNA-26a mimics to CD4+ T-cells reduces CD59 at both mRNA and surface protein levels, validating CD59 as a miRNA-26a target. Consistent with the reported inhibitory role of CD59 in complement-mediated lysis (CML), knocking-out CD59 in CD4+ T-cells renders both HIV-1 infected cells and progeny virions more prone to antibody-dependent CML (ADCML). Addition of miRNA-26a mimics to infected cells leads to enhanced sensitivity of progeny virions to ADCML, a condition linked to a reduction of CD59 packaging into released virions. Lastly, HIV-1-mediated downregulation of miRNA-26a expression is shown to be dependent on integrated HIV-1 expression but does not involve viral accessory proteins. Overall, these results highlight a novel mechanism by which HIV-1 limits ADCML by upregulating CD59 expression via miRNA-26a downmodulation.

Like many coastal lagoons in several countries, “Navío Quebrado” lagoon (La Guajira-Colombia) is a very delicate and precious environment; indeed, it is a nationally recognized Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. Several factors, amongst which climate change, are threatening its existence because of changes in the governing hydro-morphological processes. A first step to address this problem certainly is to understand its hydrological behavior and to be able to replicate via simulation its recent history and then infer likely futures. These potential futures will be marked by changes in the water input by its tributary, the Camarones River, and by a modified water exchange with the sea, according to a foreseen sea level rise pattern, as well as by a different evaporation from the free surface, according to temperature changes. In order achieve the required ability to simulate future scenarios, data on the actual behavior have to be gathered, i.e. a monitoring system has to be set up, which to date is not existent. Conceptually, designing a suitable monitoring system is not a complex issue and seems easy to implement. However, the environmental and socio-cultural and socio-economic context makes every little step a hard climb. An extremely simple –almost “primitive”- monitoring system has been set up in this case which is based on very basic measurements of current velocity and water levels and a direct participation of local stakeholders, first of all the National Park unit of the Sanctuary. All this may clash with the latest groovy advances of science, like in situ automatized sensors, remote sensing, machine learning and digital twins, and certainly several improvements are possible and desirable. But it has strong positive points: it is providing surprisingly reasonable data and…it is working at almost zero additional cost. Several technical difficulties made this exercise interesting in itself and worth being shared. Its novelty lies in showing how old, simple methods may offer a working solution to new challenges. This humble experience may be of help in several other similar situations across the world.

The purpose of the review is to provide new insight into the potential of surface modification of carbon fibers for enhancing the application of the carbon fibers many a fold. To this end a total of 429 papers on the subject of surface modication of carbon fibers by a variety of chemical and electrochemical methods published during the period from 2010-2022 have been reviewed. Astounding results of surface funcationalization of carbon fibers by a variety of state of the art methods resulting in the unconventional applications of the resulting modified carbon fibers are summarized in a nut-shell in schemes from 1-6 towards the end of the review. Surface modifica-tion induces functionality to carbon fibers (CFs). The vitality of CF surface modification reac-tions could only be compared to the life process of respiration that sustains the multi functional-ity of living cells. Applicability of CFs can be drastically enhanced in incomprehensible ways by surface modification. Upon surface modification, inert and non-reactive CF surface becomes chemically active and functional with utility in diverse fields, namely, health, energy, environ-ment, defense, catalysis, smart materials and many others. Surface modification methods can be broadly classified into chemical, electrochemical and physical methods. By these surface modi-fication methods, the inert FC surface becomes polar. Surface properties like roughness, wetta-bility and energy are enhanced. Modification processes like sizing, oxidation, amination, si-lanization, polymerization, nanoarchitecture induces multifunctionality on CF surface. Modi-fied CFs when used as reinforcing material in carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs), im-proved bonding at the interface with resin matrices is observed with enhanced and outstanding mechanical properties (flexural strength, flexural modulus, IFSS, ILSS, hardness, elastic modulus, bending strength and compression strength).

For distances less 10 nm, a total energy transfer occurs from a quantum emitter to a nearby metallic surface, producing evanescent surface waves that are plasmonic in nature. When investigating a metallic nanohole supported on an optically dense substrate (such as diamond with NV-), the scattering occurred preferentially from the diamond substrate towards the air for dipole distances less 10 nm from the aperture. In addition, an enhancement to the dipole's radiative decay rate was observed when resonance of the aperture matched the emitters wavelength. The relationship between an emitter and a nearby resonant aperture is shown to be that of the resonance energy transfer where the emitter acts as a donor and the hole as an acceptor. In conjunction with the preferential scattering behavior, this has led to the proposed device that operates in transmission mode, eliminating the need for epi-illumination techniques and optically denser than air superstrates in the collection cycle, hence making the design simpler and more suitable for miniaturization. A design criterion for the surface grating is also proposed to improve the performance, where the period of the grating differs significantly from the wavelength of the surface plasmon polaritons. Response of the proposed device is further studied with respect to changes in NV's position and its dipolar orientation to identify the crystallographic planes of diamond over which the performance of the device is maximized.

The literature shows that both in laboratory and in industrial conditions, photocatalytic oxidation method copes quite well with the degradation of the most organic substances, including environmental toxins and molecular components of pathogenic microorganisms. However, the effective utilization of photocatalytic processes for environmental decontamination and disinfection require significant technological advancement both in the area of semiconductor material synthesis and its application. Here we focused on the presence and ‘photocatalytic capability‘ of photocatalysts among soil minerals, and their potential contribution to the environmental decontamination in vitro and in vivo. (The issue is sketched from the perspective of chemists and environmental scientist.) Reactions caused by sunlight on the soil surface are involved in its normal redox activity. It appears that some of them may take part in the soil decontamination. However, their importance for decontamination in vivo cannot be overstated due to diversity of soils on the Earth caused by the environmental conditions, such as climate, parent material, relief, vegetation etc. The solar-light induced reactions are just a part of extremely complicated processes dependent on a plethora of environmental determinates. Such multiplicity of affecting factors, which we tried to sketch from the perspective of chemists and environmental scientist, makes us rather sceptical about the effectiveness of the photocatalytic processes in vivo. On the other hand, there is a huge potential of the soils as the alternative source of useful photocatalytic materials of unique properties

We describe an efficient and cost effective data access mechanism for Sentinel-1 TOPS 1 mode bursts. Our data access mechanism enables burst-based data access and processing, thereby 2 eliminating ESA’s Sentinel-1 SLC data packaging conventions as a bottleneck to large scale processing. 3 Pipeline throughput is now determined by available compute resources and efficiency of the analysis 4 algorithms. For targeted infrastructure monitoring studies, we are able to generate coregistered, 5 geocoded stacks of SLCs for any AOI in the world in a few minutes. In addition, we describe our 6 global scale radar backscatter and interferometric products and associated pipeline design decisions 7 that ensure geolocation consistency across the suite of derived products from Sentinel-1 data. Finally, 8 we discuss the benefits and limitations of working with geocoded SAR SLC data.

The high transmissibility, rapid evolution, and immune escape of SARS-CoV-2 variants can influence the course of infection and, in turn, morbidity and mortality in COVID-19, posing a challenge in controlling transmission rates and contributing to the emergence and spread of new variants. The factors that shape viral genetic variation are consequently essential for understanding the evolution and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, especially in vaccinated individuals where immune response plays a role in the progression and spread of this disease. This study assessed. In this context, we evaluated the impact of immunity induced by the CoronaVac vaccine (Butantan/Sinovac) on intra-host genetic diversity, analyzing 118 whole-genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 from unvaccinated and vaccinated patients infected with the Gamma variant. Vaccination with CoronaVac favors negative selection at the intra-host level in different genomic regions and prevent greater genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2, which may help reduce the emergence of new mutations, reinforcing the importance of vaccination in reducing virus transmission.

Anti-interferon (IFN)-γ autoantibodies are linked to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. Given the elevated risks of herpes zoster (HZ) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), we aimed to examine the relationship between anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies with HZ development in JAKi-treated patients. In twenty-four RA patients with new-onset HZ and forty-two without HZ, serum titers of anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies, plasma levels of IFN-γ, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and IFN-γ inducible protein-10 (IP-10) were measured by ELISA. Significantly lower MCP-1 levels were observed in patients with HZ compared to those without (median, 98.21pg/ml, interquartile range (IQR) 77.63-150.30pg/ml versus 142.3pg/ml, IQR 106.7-175.6pg/ml, p<0.05). There was no significant difference in anti-IFN-γ titers, IFN-γ levels, or IP-10 levels between patients with and without HZ. Three of 24 patients with HZ had severe HZ with multi-dermatomal involvement. Anti-IFN-γ titers were significantly higher in patients with severe HZ than in those with non-severe HZ (median 24.8ng/ml, IQR 21.0-38.2ng/ml versus 10.5ng/ml, IQR 9.9-15.0ng/ml, p<0.005). In conclusion, patients with HZ had significantly lower MCP-1 levels than those without HZ, and patients with severe HZ had significantly higher titers of anti-IFN-γ than those with non-severe HZ. Given small sample size, our results need further validation in future studies.

There are no theorems (proven theories) in the biological sciences. We propose that the 3 31 nt minihelix tRNA evolution theorem be universally accepted as one. The 3 31 nt minihelix theorem completely describes evolution of type I and type II tRNAs from ordered precursors (RNA repeats and inverted repeats). Despite diversification of tRNAome sequences, statistical tests overwhelmingly support the theorem. Furthermore, the theorem relates the dominant pathway for the origin of life on Earth, specifically, how tRNAomes and the genetic code may have coevolved. Alternate models for tRNA evolution (i.e., 2 minihelix, convergent and accretion models) are falsified. In the context of the pre-life world, tRNA was a molecule that via mutation could modify anticodon sequences and teach itself to code. We relate the clearest history to date of the chemical evolution of life on Earth. From analysis of tRNA evolution, ribozyme-mediated RNA ligation was a primary driving force in evolution of complexity during the pre-life to life transition on Earth.

As a non-antibody scaffold, monobodies based on the fibronectin type III (FN3) domain overcome antibody size and complexity while maintaining analogous binding loops. However, antibodies and their derivatives remain the gold standard for design of new therapeutics. In response, clinical therapeutic proteins based on the FN3 domain are beginning to use native fibronectin function as a point of differentiation. The small and simple structure of monomeric monobodies confers increased tissue distribution and reduced half-life, whilst the absence of disulphide bonds improves stability in cytosolic environments. Where multi-specificity is challenging with an antibody format that is prone to mis-pairing of chains, FN3 domains in the fibronectin assembly already interact with a large number of molecules. As such, multiple monobodies engineered for interaction with therapeutic targets are being combined in a similar beads-on-a-string assembly which improves both efficacy and pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, full length fibronectin is able to fold into multiple conformations as part of its natural function and a greater understanding of how mechanical forces allow for the transition between states will lead to advanced applications that truly differentiate the FN3 domain as a therapeutic scaffold.

A nutritional approach could be a promising strategy to prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, since there is no effective therapy for these diseases so far. The beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids are now well established by a plethora of studies through their involvement in multiple biochemical functions, including synthesis of antinflammatory mediators, cell membrane fluidity, intracellular signalling and gene expression. This systematic review will consider epidemiological studies and clinical trials that assessed the impact of supplementation or dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Indeed, treatment with omega-3 fatty acids, being safe and well tolerated, represent a valuable and biologically plausible tool in the management of neurodegenerative diseases in their early stages.

Cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in Croatia, are linked to the high prevalence of hypertension. Both are associated with high salt intake which was determined almost two decades ago when Croatian Action on Salt and Health (CRASH) was launched. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate salt, potassium, and iodine intake using 24-hour urine samples in a random sample of adult Croatian population, and to analyse trends in salt consumption after the CRASH has intensively started. Methods: In this national population-based EH-UH 2 study performed in 2018-2021 (participation rate 72 %) in which we analysed a single 24-hour urine sample, 1067 adult participants (mean age 57.12 (SD 13.9), men 35%) were included. Results: Mean salt and potassium intakes were 8.6 g/day (IQR 6.2-11.2) and 2.8 g/day (IQR 2.1-3.5), respectively, with sodium-to-potassium ratio of 2.6 (IQR 1.8-3.3). We detected a decrease of 17.6% (2 g/day less) in salt consumption compared to our previous salt-mapping study. However, only 13.7%, and 8.9 % met the WHO salt and potassium recommended target of 5 g/day, and 3.5 g/day, respectively. Salt intake was higher, and potassium ingestion was lower in rural vs. urban regions, and in continental vs. Mediterranean parts of Croatia. Moderate to severe iodine insufficiency was determined in only 3% adult participants. Conclusion: In the last fifteen years, salt consumption has been significantly reduced in Croatian adult population because of intensive and broad CRASH program led by the Croatian Society of Hypertension and the Croatian Hypertension League. However, salt intake is still too high, and potassium ingestion is too low. With expected more active engagement and help of the government, obtained results could be significantly improved. Salt reduction programs are most cost-effective methods of cardiovascular disease prevention and should be considered more seriously by the government and health policy makers.

In potato, high levels of nitrogen (N) can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of tuber development, resulting in lower yield and poor quality tubers. We found that Solanum tuberosum CLE4 (StCLE4) is expressed most strongly in the roots on N-rich media and positively regulates root growth of potato in N-deficient conditions. We noted that StCLE4 functions as a negative regulator of normal shoot apex development similar to CLV3 in Arabidopsis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that overexpression of StCLE4 results in repression of the StIT1 gene, a regulator of potato tuber initiation. Overexpressing StCLE4 stolons were transformed into branches that were similar to milder it1 phenotype. We also found that NIN-like proteins, key regulators of nitrate signaling, bind to the regulatory sequence of StIT1 in yeast one-hybrid assay. Taken together, our findings suggest that StCLE4 regulates shoot, root and stolon growth in potato.

In the present study we introduce a deterministic mathematical model in order to study the interaction between the human immune system and a virus, like COVID 19. The mathematical analysis is based on the tools of dynamical systems theory, by modeling the interactions between the immune system and the virus, using a predator-prey method and following the ideas of G. Moza, from \cite{TGV}. It will be obtained some conclusions with medical relevance and the main three of them are the followings: 1) A deficiency of a single type of immunity in the early stages of virus proliferation, may lead to a large virus multiplication and the human body can loses the fight against this virus; 2) If the level of all components of the immunity system are at the normal threshold from the first moment of the infection and the immune system kill the virus at higher rate than the rate of virus reproduction, then the human body has the ability to stop the multiplication of the virus and liquidate it, that means the virus will be destroyed; 3) If the level of at least one type of immunity can be increased beyond the normal threshold, by medical interventions (like vaccination) in the early stages of virus infection, then the immune system has a better chance to win the fight with the virus.

Nine 2-(1,2-benzothiazol-3-yl)-N-(4-oxo-2-phenyl-1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl) propanamides were designed and synthesized, combining benzisothiazole and 4-thiazolidinone in one frame. The aim of the study was to verify their effectiveness to contrast the inflammatory/oxidative process in which free oxygen and nitrite (ROS and RNS) radicals, advanced glycation products (AGEs), inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved. Docking studies of all the compounds were performed in order to explore their binding mode at the MMP-9 protein. An appreciable anti-inflammatory/wound healing effects of the tested compounds was highlighted. Derivative 23, bearing a 4-carboxyphenyl substituent at C2 of the 4-thiazolidinone ring, exhibited the highest activity, being able to inhibit MMP-9 at nanomolar level (IC₅₀ = 40 nM).

Metastasis is a major cause factor for breast cancer (BC)-associated mortality. During the metastatic process, disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) detach from the primary sites, and enter the bloodstream and establish the secondary colonies. Recent studies have provided substantial evidence for the importance of Notch signaling in BC metastasis. Therefore, this review focuses on the mechanisms by which Notch contributes to the origin of BC DTCs, increases their motility, regulates their intravasation and extravasation, protects them from host surveillance, and finally facilitates colonization. Identification of the mechanisms underlying Notch-related BC metastasis will lead to the development of novel Notch-targeted therapeutic strategies to reduce metastasis and significantly improve outcomes.

A class of semi-linear elliptic equations with critical Hardy-Sobolev exponent has been considered. This model is widely used in hydrodynamics and glaciology, gas combustion in thermodynamics, quantum field theory and statistical mechanics, as well as gravity balance problems in galaxies. The $\left( PS\right) _{c}$ sequence of energy functional has been investigated, and then the mountain pass lemma was used to prove the existence of at least one nontrivial solution. Also a multiplicity result has been obtained. Some known results have been generalized.

In this paper, a class of semi-linear elliptic equations involving Hardy-Sobolev critical exponents has been investigated. This problem comes from the consideration of standing waves in the anisotropic Schr\"{o}dinger equation, also it is very important in the field of hydrodynamics, glaciology, quantum field theory and statistical mechanics. By a detailed estimation for the extremum function and using Mountain Pass Lemma with $\left( PS\right) _{c}$ conditions, the existence of positive solutions has been obtained. On the other hand, by establishing Pohozaev-type identity and using the properties of Bessel function, the nonexistence of positive solution also has been obtained. These results are extensions of E. Jannelli's research (\cite[Theorem 1.A-1.C]{EJ}).

At an energy flux imbalance of about 1 W m–2, the ocean is storing 90 % of the heat accumulating by global warming. However, neither the causes nor the responsible geophysical processes are sufficiently well understood. More detailed investigations of the different phenomena contributing to the oceanic energy balance are warranted. Here, the role of low-level marine clouds in the air-sea interaction is analysed. TEOS-10, the International Thermodynamic Equation of State of Seawater – 2010, is exploited for a rigorous thermodynamic description of the climatic trend of the Lifted Condensation Level (LCL) of the marine troposphere. Rising Sea-Surface Temperature (SST) at constant Relative Humidity (RH) is elevating marine clouds, cooling the cloud base and reducing the downward thermal radiation. This LCL feedback effect is negative and counteracting ocean warming. At the current global SST of about 292 K, the net radiative heat flux from the ocean surface to the LCL cloud base is estimated to 24 W m–2. Per degree of SST increase, this net flux is expected to be enhanced by almost 0.5 W m–2. The climatic LCL feedback effect is relevant for the ocean’s energy balance and may thermodynamically rigorously be modelled in terms of TEOS-10 equations. LCL height may serve as a remotely measured, sensitive estimate for sea surface relative fugacity, or conventional relative humidity.

This study derives space travel pricing by Walrasian Equilibrium, which is logical reasoning from the general relativity theory (GRT), the accounting equation, and economic supply and demand functions. The Cobb-Douglas functions embed the endogenous space factor as new capital to form the space travel firm's production function, which is also transformed into the consumer's utility function. Thus, the market equilibrium occurs at the equivalence of supply and demand functions, like the GRT presents the equivalence between the spatial geometric tensor and the energy-momentum tensor, which explains the principles of gravity and the motion of space matter in the spacetime framework. The mathematical axiomatic set theory of the accounting equation explains the equity premium effect that causes a short-term accounting equation inequality, then reaches the equivalence by suppliers' incremental equity through the closing accounts process of the accounting cycle. On the demand side, the consumption of space travel can be assumed as a value at risk (VaR) investment to attain the specific spacetime curvature in an expected orbit. Spacetime market equilibrium is then achieved to construct the space travel pricing model. The methodology of econophysics and analogy method was applied to infer the space travel pricing by the model of profit maximization, single-minded, and envy-free pricing in unit-demand markets. A case study with simulation was conducted for empirical verification of the math models and algorithm. Results show that space travel pricing remains the principle of market equilibrium but needs to be extended to the spacetime tensor of GRT.

Real and complex analytic functions are largely studied in the field of complex analysis and are seen as very useful tools in solving problems in mathematics, physics and engineering. Real and complex numbers are a subset of semi-structured complex numbers (a new number set created to algebraically solve division by zero). Nevertheless, the properties of analytic functions made up of semi-structured complex variables (called semi-structured complex analytic functions) is yet to be explored. This limits the range of possible problems that can be resolved using analytic functions). In this regard, the aim of this paper was to expound upon the properties of semi-structured complex analytic functions and show their application in solving engineering problems. The results of this paper included (1) developing a full set of Cauchy–Riemann Equations for the semi-structured complex -space; (2) define sufficient and necessary conditions for a semi-structured complex function to be analytic; (3) determine the relationship between semi-structured complex analytic functions, Laplace’s Equations and Poisson’s Equations; and (5) provide an example of the use of these functions.

This article proposes the multilayer and multilevel cosmological model, on average, balanced with respect to the Einsteinian vacuum. This hierarchical model is based on 10 possible Kottler solutions of the extended Einstein's field equations. The extension of the Einstein field equations is associated with the addition of an infinite number of lambda_j-terms to these equations with the condition that the series (i.e., the total sum) of these terms converges to zero. A simplified ten-layer and ten-level case is considered, in which ten spherical formations are sequentially nested into each other like "nesting dolls", while the radii of these spherical formations correspond to the characteristic sizes of a discrete sequence of observed spherical objects: metagalaxy core, galactic cores, stellar (planet) core, biological cells and nuclei of atoms and elementary particles, etc. As an example, from the general ten-level (hierarchical) solution of extended Einstein's field equations, two antipodal spherical formations with a core radius commensurate with the classical electron radius are singled out. Therefore, the metric-dynamic models of these formations obtained in this way are called «electron» and «positron». The article is aimed at the development of differential geometry and the program for the complete geometrization of physics by Clifford-Einstein-Wheeler.

Here we are concerning with two problems of a coupled system of random and stochastic nonlinear differential equations with two coupled systems of nonlinear nonlocal random and stochastic integral conditions. The existence of solutions will be studied. The sufficient condition for the uniqueness of the solution will be given. The continuous dependence of the unique solution on the nonlocal conditions will be proved.

Exact and soliton type solutions have great importance in propagation of surface waves, fluid dynamics, optics, and many other elds of nonlinear sciences. In this study, the explicit and exact soliton type solutions for two space-time fractional Equal- Width (FEW) equations with conformable derivative are procured via the hyperbolic function approach. The wave type solutions are represented in some hyperbolic and trigonometric functions.

Understory plants are important components of forest ecosystem productivity and diversity. Compared to biomass models of overstory canopy trees, few are available for understory saplings and shrubs and therefore their roles in estimation of forest carbon pools are often ignored. In this study, we harvested 24 understory species including 4 saplings, 9 tree-like shrubs and 11 typical shrubs in coniferous and broadleaved mixed forest in northeastern China and developed the best fit allometric equations of above- and below-ground and total biomass by species-specific or multispecies using morphological measurements of basal diameter, height and crown area as independent variables. The result showed that single basal diameter, height or crown area had good explanatory power for both species-specific and multispecies (p<0.001). The best-fit models included only basal diameter in sapling and tree-like shrubs, and combinations of crown area, height, and basal diameter in typical shrubs. The logarithmic model was most desired among the 4 model forms of linear, quadratic, multiple linear and logarithmic, for species-specific and multispecies. The models we developed should help the estimation of forest ecosystem carbon stocks, especially for belowground component, and provide tools for quantification of individual species biomass of understory plants.

This study investigates the mean annual water temperature trends at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, along with air temperature trends at the Belgrade meteorological station, spanning from 1956 to 2020. Results reveal a consistent increase in temperature across all three measuring stations, with the Danube experiencing a rise of 0.34°C/10 years, the Sava at 0.44°C/10 years, and Belgrade's air temperature increasing by 0.39°C/10 years. Employing the RAPS method, sharp rises in water temperature were pinpointed in 1989 for the Sava and 1990 for the Danube, while Belgrade's air temperature surge began in 1998. The highest intensity of air temperature increase within the recent period (1998-2020) was observed at the Belgrade observatory, reaching 0.76°C/10 years. Notably, the Sava exhibited a faster increase in water temperature over the last thirty years compared to the Danube. August marked the peak average water temperature for both rivers, while July recorded the highest average air temperature in Belgrade. Despite differing flow rates, both rivers exhibit similar hydrological regimes, with maximum flows occurring in April and minimum flows in August for the Sava, and October for the Danube. Seasonal temperature increases were most pronounced in summer, notably in August, with the smallest rises occurring during cold periods. Additionally, an inverse proportional relationship between mean annual water temperatures and discharges was observed at both river stations.

The study focuses on the free vibration analysis of beams made of axially functionally graded materials (AFGM) with curvilinear variable cross-sections along their length. The beams encompass various shapes, including concave and convex conic sections, with axial material properties varying according to polynomial and exponential laws. The equations of motion are derived using Hamilton's principle within the framework of Timoshenko beam theory. These governing equations, subjected to various boundary conditions, are solved using the differential transform method (DTM). The proposed solution technique is validated by comparing computed natural frequencies with existing in literature results and those obtained through three-dimensional finite element analysis in ABAQUS. The incorporation of material gradients into the beam finite element models was achieved through the user-defined material subroutine (UMAT). Additionally, a comprehensive study is conducted to examine the influence of various factors on the natural frequencies of functionally graded beams. These factors include parameters of material laws, types of variable beam shapes, slenderness ratio, and specific boundary conditions. This study provides a thorough understanding of the modal dynamics of the considered beams, offering valuable insights into the behavior of FGM structures.

Chitinase 3-like 1 （also known as CHI3L1 or YKL-40）is a mammalian chitinase that has no enzymatic activity, but has the ability to bind to chitin, the polymer of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). Chitin is a component of fungi, crustaceans, arthropods including insects and mites, and parasites, but is completely absent from mammals, including humans and mice. In general, chitin-containing organisms produce CHI3L1 to protect the body from exogenous pathogen as well as hostile environments, and it was thought that it has a similar effect in mammals. However, recent studies have revealed that CHI3L1 plays a pro-inflammatory role by inducing anti-apoptotic activity in epithelial cells and macrophages. Under chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, many groups already confirmed that the expression of CHI3L1 is significantly induced on the apical side of epithelial cells, and activates many downstream pathways involved in inflammation and carcinogenesis. In this review article, we will summarize the expression of CHI3L1 under the chronic inflammatory conditions in various disorders and would like to discuss the potential roles of CHI3L1 in those disorders on various cell types.

An increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) had been found when individuals had consumed large amounts of processed meat and sausages at young age (Lauer, 2014). Furthermore it was found in many studies that MS patients had acquired a number of common childhood infections at higher ages than controls. Therefore, MS patients from an epidemiological long-term investigation in Germany and different hospital controls, were evaluated for a statistical interaction of these two factors. 324 MS patients and 242 hospital controls were inquired. The study focussed on age 0 - 16. Subjects were tested for additive interaction by multiple linear regression analysis (Knol et al., 2007). There was an additive interaction of the age at any common childhood infection with the consumption of scalded sausages (regression estimate = 0.1370; standard error = 0.0603; p = 0.0239). In contrast, no such interaction could be shown for: animal fats; smoked meat (e.g. ham and bacon); and cold - smoked German salami. Thus there was a synergy of the intake of scalded sausages (e.g. frankfurters, bolognas, etc.) and age at common childhood infections, for the later risk of MS.

Placental protein 13 (PP13) exhibits a plasma concentration that increases gradually during normal gestation, a process disrupted in preeclampsia, characterized by elevated vascular resistance, re-duced utero-placental blood flow and intrauterine growth restriction. This study investigated PP13’s role in vascular tone regulation and its molecular mechanisms. Uterine and subcutaneous arteries isolated from both pregnant and non-pregnant women were precontracted with the thromboxane analogue U46619, and exposed to PP13 using pressurized myography. The molecular mechanisms were further investigated using specific inhibitors for ni-tric oxide synthase (L-NAME+LNNA at 10-4 M) and guanylate cyclase (ODQ at 10-5 M). Results showed PP13 induced vasodilation in uterine arteries but not in subcutaneous arteries. Ad-ditionally, PP13 counteract U46619-induced vasoconstriction, which is particularly pronounced in pregnancy. Further investigation revealed that PP13's mechanism of action is dependent on activa-tion of the Nitric oxide-cGMP pathway. This study provides novel insights into the vasomodulatory effects of PP13 on human uterine ar-teries, underscoring its potential role in regulating utero-placental blood flow. These findings suggest PP13 may be a promising candidate for improving utero-placental blood flow in condi-tions such as preeclampsia. Further research and clinical studies are warranted to validate PP13's efficacy and safety as a therapeutic agent for managing preeclampsia.

(1) Background: Patients with schizophrenia have higher mortality, with cardiovascular diseases being the first cause of mortality. This study aims to estimate the excess risk of hospital admission for cardiovascular events in schizophrenic patients, adjusting for comorbidity and risk factors. (2) Methods: The APNA study is a dynamic prospective cohort of all residents in Navarra, Spain. 505889 people over 18 years were followed for five years. The endpoint was hospital admissions for a cardiovascular event. Direct Acyclic Graphs (DAG) and Cox regression were used. (3) Results: Schizophrenic patients had a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 1.414 (95% CI 1.031-1.938) of hospital admission for a cardiovascular event after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, low income, obesity, antecedents of cardiovascular disease, and smoking. In non-adherent to antipsychotic treatment schizophrenia patients, the HR was 2.232 (95% CI 1.267-3.933). (4) Conclusions: Patients with schizophrenia have a higher risk of hospital admission for cardiovascular events than persons with the same risk factors without schizophrenia. Primary care nursing interventions should monitor these patients and reduce cardiovascular risk factors.

The Digital electronics collaborative enhanced learning (DECEL) project has recently developed an international collaborative education course. Its main objective is to enhance the digital electronics skills of international students by working on a complex, multidisciplinary applied problem using a mixed digital architecture. We have developed a logic level synthesis and dedicated software layers on the Red Pitaya FPGA platform. The diversity of digital concepts to be implemented, from hardware description language (HDL) to high-level languages such as Python or Matlab, forced the students to work together and rapidly improve their skills. Their motivation was fueled by the curiosity of controlling an ultrasound probe to obtain ultrasound signatures. This particular physics, little known to the students, was an additional source of curiosity. The goal of forming an image in a liquid medium was an additional motivating factor for them. The students reported that they learned a lot from the experiment. Thus, the technical parts and pedagogical results are documented in this work for reproducibility.

Leukocyte migration is an essential function of innate and adaptive immune responses. Chemokines and their receptors control the migration system. The abundance of chemokines is controlled by atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs), chemokine receptor-like molecules that do not couple to the G protein signaling pathways. Among them, ACKR4 regulates dendritic cell migration by controlling the ligands and is involved in tumor development in mouse models. Because no anti-mACKR4 mAb for flow cytometry has been reported, this study aimed to develop a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) for mouse ACKR4 (mACKR4). Among the established anti-mACKR4 mAbs, A₄Mab-1 (rat IgG_2b, kappa), A₄Mab-2 (rat IgG_2b, kappa), and A₄Mab-3 (rat IgG_2b, kappa) recognized mACKR4-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary-K1 (CHO/mACKR4) by flow cytometry. The dissociation constant (K_D) values of A₄Mab-1, A₄Mab-2, and A₄Mab-3 for CHO/mACKR4 were determined as 3.5 × 10⁻⁹ M, 6.0 × 10⁻⁹ M, and 1.6 × 10⁻⁹ M, respectively. Furthermore, A₄Mab-1 and A₄Mab-2 could detect mACKR4 by western blotting. These results indicated that A₄Mab-1, A₄Mab-2, and A₄Mab-3 help to detect mACKR4 by flow cytometry and western blotting and obtain the proof of concept in preclinical models.

In-depth research on the rehabilitation mechanism and motion characteristics of a rehabilitation training robot based on 4-UPUS parallel mechanism. The overall design and the working principle of each key component are explained, and the robot rehabilitation scheme is described. The static analysis and modal analysis of the robot bearing structure are carried out to verify whether the static mechanical characteristics of the mechanism meet the application requirements under working conditions.A simplified mathematical model of the six-bar linkage mechanism is established, and the kinematics of the mechanism is solved by the geometric analysis method. The motion characteristic diagram of each key point is obtained through simulation calculation. Establish the motion model of the parallel mechanism, and discuss the working space and motion performance analysis of the mechanism. The forward solution analysis of the mechanism position is carried out by using the numerical analysis method, and the three-dimensional graphics of the attitude angle and linear displacement of the reachable working space are obtained.Taking the UPUS single branch chain as the analysis object, the single open chain analysis method is used to solve the kinematics image of the corresponding surface in the working space of the mechanism, which verifies the correctness of the kinematics theoretical solution and the feasibility of simulation.The research results show that the 4-UPUS parallel mechanism rehabilitation training robot can cooperate with the ankle joint for rehabilitation training. It makes up for the single movement of the current lower limb rehabilitation robot and the unsatisfactory rehabilitation effect, and provides a reference for the practical application of the subsequent ankle joint rehabilitation robot system.

Most human genetic disease arises from point mutations. These genetic diseases can theoretically be corrected by gene therapy but clinic practice is still far from mature. Nearly half of the pathogenic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are caused by G:C>A:T or T:A>C:G base changes. The best current methods to repair these changes are by base editing without footprint using recently developed CRISPR-Cas9 technology by David Liu’s lab. These base editing methods have been confirmed with precision and efficiency in cultured mammalian cells, but it is barely confirmed and the efficiency is still very low. Animal models are important in dissecting pathogenic mechanism for human genetic diseases and efficacy testing of base correction in vivo. Cytidine base editor BE4 is a newly developed version of cytidine base editing system that converts cytidine (C) to uridine (U) in cultured mammalian cells but has not been proven in vivo. In this study, we have tested this system in cells to inactivate GFP gene and in mice by introducing single-base substitution that leads to a stop codon in tyrosinase gene. High percentage albino coat-colored mice were obtained from black coat-colored donor zygotes after pronuclei microinjection. Sequencing results showed that expected base changes were obtained with high precision and efficiency (56.25%). There are no off-targeting events identified in predicted off-target sites. Results confirm BE4 system can work in vivo with high precision and efficacy, and has great potentials in clinic to repair human genetic mutations.

This paper describes a memory model with 2 levels of information. The lower-level stores source data, is Markov-like and unweighted. Then an upper-level ontology is created from a further 3 phases of aggregating source information, by transposing from an ensemble to a hierarchy at each level. The ontology is useful for search processes and the aggregating process transposes the information from horizontal set-based sequences to more vertical typed-based clusters. The base memory is essentially neutral, where any weighted constraints or preferences should be sent by the calling module. This therefore allows different weight sets to be imposed on the same linking structure. The success of the ontology typing is open to interpretation, but the author would suggest that when clustering text, the result was types based more on use and context, for example, 'linking' with 'structure' or 'provide' with 'web,' for a document describing distributed service-based networks. This allows the system to economise over symbol use, where links to related symbols will be clustered together. The author then conjectures that a third level would be more neural in nature and would include functions or operations to be performed on the data, along with related memory information.

Edge computing has emerged as a significant computing trend alongside the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT). Computing operations at the network’s edge offer a solution to the high latency and service overload challenges often associated with cloud computing. Additionally, the Secure Hash Algorithm-3 (SHA-3) plays a crucial role in ensuring data integrity and is implemented for numerous applications in the IoT field. Therefore, integrating the SHA-3 accelerator into edge computing is essential. Moreover, recent studies about SHA-3 have primarily focused on achieving high performance and optimizing resource utilization for SHA-3. However, these studies have overlooked the crucial aspect of data transfer between the external memory and the hash function block, as transfer time plays a significant role. This paper proposes an efficient SHA-3 architecture designed for System-on-Chip (SoC) Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) to address the aforementioned challenges and be suitable for real edge computing. The architecture contains three key techniques. First, the harmony of padding and Direct Memory Access (DMA) for managing the data transfer process and enhancing performance efficiency based on Serial Input to Parallel Output (SIPO) and a barrel shifter. Secondly, implementing internal pipelining within the Round Function (RF) to reduce critical path delays and optimize resource utilization. Finally, designing four modes (SHA3-224, SHA3-256, SHA3-384, and SHA3-512) to cater to various applications. Our architecture is implemented and tested on the DE10-Standard Development Kit (Cyclone V SX SoC-5CSXFC6D6F31C6N), which is integrated into the FPGA and is controlled by a Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9 processor. The result is up to 38.34 Gbps in throughput and 5.61 Mbps/ALM in efficiency for the RF computation, 28.02 Gbps in throughput, and 3.63 Mbps/ALM for the full proposed architecture.

Fish oil rich in polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids is extracted in high yield from anchovy filleting waste using d-limonene as green biosolvent in a simple solid-liquid extraction performed by mechanically stirring and maceration followed by limonene removal via evaporation under reduced pressure. As limonene is renewably obtained from waste orange peel, this protocol establishes a circular bioeconomy method to obtain valued omega-3 extracts from biowaste available worldwide in several million t/year amount. The method closes the materials cycle and opens the route to full valorisation of an important biological resource so far mostly discarded as waste. Significant economic opportunities benefiting local communities, the ecosystem and public health are anticipated.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia. With the global aging population, the incidence of AD and related dementias is projected to rise dramatically, posing significant public health challenges. Traditionally, the diagnosis of AD has relied on the detection of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau in the brain, assessed through invasive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and costly positron emission tomography scans. However, these methods are not feasible for widespread screening or use in low-resource settings. Recent advances in blood-based biomarkers offer a promising alternative for the early detection and monitoring of AD. These biomarkers provide a minimally invasive, cost-effective means of tracking the pathological progression of AD before the onset of clinical symptoms, potentially enabling earlier and more accurate diagnosis. Blood-based biomarkers, including those related to Aβ, phosphorylated tau, and neurofilament light polypeptide, have demonstrated significant potential in reflecting the underlying neuropathology of AD and correlating with traditional CSF and imaging biomarkers. This review synthesizes the latest research on blood-based biomarkers in AD, highlighting their role in the disease's etiopathogenesis, diagnostic accuracy, and prognostic value. We discuss the emerging evidence on proteinopathies, neuroinflammation, vascular pathology, and bioenergetic profiles, emphasizing the clinical applicability of these biomarkers. Furthermore, we explore the integration of blood-based biomarkers with advanced neuroimaging techniques and their potential to revolutionize the diagnostic landscape of AD, particularly in resource-limited settings. We have integrated protein-protein interaction (PPI) and miRNA network analyses to enhance the analysis. By incorporating these, we can explore the interactions and relationships between different proteomic, genomic, and epigenomic biomarkers, potentially unveiling new insights into the underlying biological mechanisms of AD. The continued development and validation of these biomarkers could lead to more accessible and equitable AD diagnostics, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique widely used in ophthalmology for visualizing retinal layers, aiding in early detection and monitoring of retinal diseases. OCT is useful for detecting diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), which affect millions of people globally. Over the past decade, the area of application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Deep Learning (DL), has significantly increased. The number of medical applications is also rising, with solutions from other domains being increasingly applied to OCT. The segmentation of biomarkers is an essential problem that can enhance the quality of retinal disease diagnostics. For 3D OCT scans, AI is beneficial since manual segmentation is very labor-intensive. In this paper, we employ the new SAM 2 and MedSAM 2 for the segmentation of OCT volumes for two open-source datasets, comparing their performance with the traditional U-Net. The model achieved an overall Dice score of 0.913 and 0.902 for macular holes (MH) and intraretinal cysts (IRC) on OIMHS and 0.888 and 0.909 for intraretinal fluid (IRF) and pigment epithelial detachment (PED) on the AROI dataset, respectively.

Neural Fractional Differential Equations (Neural FDE) represent a neural network architecture specifically designed to fit the solution of a fractional differential equation to given data. This architecture combines an analytical component, represented by a fractional derivative, with a neural network component, forming an initial value problem. During the learning process, both the order of the derivative and the parameters of the neural network must be optimised. In this work, we investigate the non-uniqueness of the optimal order of the derivative and its interaction with the neural network component. Based on our findings, we perform a numerical analysis to examine how different initialisations and values of the order of the derivative (in the optimisation process) impact its final optimal value. Results show that the neural network on the right-hand side of the Neural FDE struggles to adjust its parameters to fit the FDE to the data dynamics for any given order of the fractional derivative. Consequently, Neural FDEs do not require a unique α value, instead, they can use a wide range of α values to fit data. This flexibility is beneficial when fitting to given data is required, and the underlying physics is not known.

Studies involving vortex in hybrid superconducting devices and their interaction with different components inside the sample are an important issue to reach higher values of their critical parameters in superconducting materials. The vortex distribution on each side of sample with different fundamental parameters, such as temperature T, penetration depth λ, coherence length ξ, electron mass m and the order parameter Ψ, may help to improve the superconducting properties. Thus, in this work, we used the modified Ginzburg-Landau theory to investigate hybrid superconductor (HS), but also to provide a highly tunable and adjustable theoretical tool to theoretically explain the experimental results involving HS, in order to study the vortex behaviour in superconductors of mesoscopic dimensions with extremely differences among their fundamentals parameters. Therefore, we evaluated the influence of HS on vortex configuration and their effects in the field-dependent magnetization. The results show that the during the increment of applied magnetic field H the diamagnetic response of HS, Meissner effect, include additional jumps of magnetization while diamagnetism continues its increase in the sample. In addition, the differences among parameters, create an interface between both components, two different magnitudes of supercurrent and vortex sizes producing a lower degradation of local superconductivity, which increase the upper critical field. On the other hand, this type HS with differences of parameters on both sides can be used to control the vortex movement in the selected superconducting region sample with more accuracy.

Recently, Li et al [1] investigated the nonlinear Langevin equations existence including two fractional orders with infinite-point boundary conditions. It has shown that the outcomes given it does count on the solution form for which it has boundary values. It means that their solution needs more to be in the final step. In current work, we will have discussion about the existence and uniqueness for the same boundary conditions by investigating the closely explicit solution form that has no boundary values. Numerical example is supported to have more vision to compare the between new and previous results. It turns out that our results are superior.

This study delves into the intricate dynamics of sustainable fisheries through the lens of mathematical modeling, specifically employing the Lotka-Volterra equations. The Lotka-Volterra equations, originally conceived to understand predator-prey interactions, offer a potent framework to model and predict fish population dynamics within aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this research is to demonstrate the applicability and efficacy of the Lotka-Volterra equations in understanding the delicate balance of fish populations and aiding sustainable fisheries management. Through this mathematical approach, we seek to provide a structured methodology and present results that showcase the potential of this model in predicting and managing fish populations. In our analysis, we adjust the parameters of the Lotka-Volterra equations to simulate various scenarios, enabling a comprehensive understanding of sustainable fishing practices. Our findings underscore the significance of mathematical models, particularly the Lotka-Volterra equations, in informing strategies to maintain fish populations in a sustainable and ecologically balanced manner, thereby ensuring the longevity of marine ecosystems and the fisheries thatrely upon them.

This study aimed at exploring what role artificial intelligence techniques could play in the futural numerical analysis. In this paper, a convolutional neural network techniques based on modified loss function is proposed as a surrogate of finite element method(FEM). Several surrogate-based physics-informed neural networks(PINNs) are developed to solve representative boundary value problems based on elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs). Results from the proposed surrogate-based approach are in good agreement with ones from conventional FEM. It is found that modification of the loss function could improve the prediction accuracy of the neural network. It is indicated that to some extent the artificial intelligence technique could replace conventional numerical analysis as a great surrogate model.

This study presents the solution of the second type of a two-dimensional nonlinear integral equation in Banach space. Also, the existence and uniqueness of this equation’s solution are discussed. We utilize a numerical approach involving hybrid and block-pulse functions to obtain the approximate solution of a two-dimensional nonlinear integral equation. Nonlinear integral equation in two dimensions is reduced numerically to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations that can be solved using numerical methods. This study focuses on showing the convergence analysis for the numerical approach and obtaining an error estimate. Some numerical examples have been provided to demonstrate the approach’s viability and efficacy

The nonlocal boundary value problem, dtρu(t)+Au(t)=f(t) (0&lt;ρ&lt;1, 0&lt;t≤T), u(ξ)=αu(0)+φ (α is a constant and 0&lt;ξ≤T), in an arbitrary separable Hilbert space H with the strongly positive selfadjoint operator A, is considered. The operator dt on the left hand side of the equation expresses either the Caputo derivative or the Riemann-Liouville derivative; naturally, in the case of the Riemann - Liouville derivatives, the nonlocal boundary condition should be slightly changed. Existence and uniqueness theorems for solutions of the problems under consideration are proved. The influence of the constant α on the existence of a solution to problems is investigated. Inequalities of coercivity type are obtained and it is shown that these inequalities differ depending on the considered type of fractional derivatives. The inverse problems of determining the right-hand side of the equation and the function φ in the boundary conditions are investigated.

The purpose of this paper is to find the time optimal control to a target set for semilinear stochastic functional differential equations involving time delays or memories under general conditions on a target set and nonlinear terms even though the equations contain unbounded principal operators. Our research approach is construct a fundamental solution for corresponding linear systems and establish variations of constant formula of solutions for given stochastic equations. The existence result of time optimal controls for one point target set governed by the given semilinear stochastic equation is also established.

This paper is related to the fractional view analysis of Helmholtz equations, using innovative analytical techniques. The fractional analysis of the proposed problems has been done in terms of Caputo-operator sense. In the current methodology, first, we applied the r-Laplace transform to the targeted problem. The iterative method is then implemented to obtain the series form solution. After using the inverse transform of the r-Laplace, the desire analytical solution is achieved. The suggested procedure is verified through specific examples of the fractional Helmholtz equations. The present method is found to be an effective technique having a closed resemblance with the actual solutions. The proposed technique has less computational cost and a higher rate of convergence. The suggested methods are therefore very useful to solve other systems of fractional order problems.

This paper discusses approaches to the numerical integration of the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations system in case of few-mode wave propagation. The wave propagation assumes the propagation of up to nine modes of light in an optical fiber. In this case, the light propagation is described by the non-linear coupled Schrödinger equation system, where propagation of each mode is described by own Schrödinger equation with other modes interactions. In this case, the non-linear coupled Schrödinger equation system solving becomes increasingly complex, because each mode affects the propagation of other modes. The suggested solution is based on the direct numerical integration approach, which is based on a finite-difference integration scheme. The well-known explicit finite-difference integration scheme approach fails, due to the non-stability of the computing scheme. Due to this fact, the combined explicit/implicit finite-difference integration scheme, based on the implicit Crank–Nicolson finite-difference scheme, is used. It allows ensuring the stability of the computing scheme. Moreover, this approach allows separating the whole equation system on the independent equation system for each wave mode at each integration step. Additionally, the algorithm of numerical solution refining at each step and the integration method with automatic integration step selection are used. The suggested approach has performance gains (or resolutions) up to three or more orders of magnitude in comparison with the split-step Fourier method due to the fact that there is no need to produce direct and inverse Fourier transforms at each integration step. The main advantage of the proposed method is the ability to calculate the propagation of an arbitrary number of modes in the fiber.

This paper aims to investigate the global asymptotic stability of following system of higher order difference equations with quadratic terms: x_{n+1}=A+B((y_{n})/(y_{n-m}²)),y_{n+1}=A+B((x_{n})/(x_{n-m}²)) where A and B are positive numbers and the initial values are positive numbers. We also study the rate of convergence and oscillation behaviour of the solutions of related system.

Electrodynamics is usually written using polarization fields to describe changes in distribution of charge as electric fields change. This approach does not specify polarization fields uniquely from electrical measurements. Many polarization fields will produce the same electrodynamic forces and flows because only divergence of polarization enters Maxwell’s first equation, relating charge and electric field. The curl of any function can be added to a polarization field without changing the electric field at all. The divergence of the curl is always zero. To be unique, models must describe the charge distribution and how it varies. I propose a different paradigm to describe field dependent charge, i.e., the phenomenon of polarization. This operational definition of polarization has worked well in biophysics for fifty years, where a field dependent, time dependent polarization provides gating current that makes neurons respond sensitively to voltage. Theoretical estimates of polarization computed with this definition fit experimental data. I propose that operational definition be used to define polarization charge in general. Charge movement needs to be computed from a combination of electrodynamics and mechanics because ‘everything interacts with everything else’. The classical polarization field need not enter into that treatment at all. When nothing is known about polarization, it is necessary to use an approximate representation with a dielectric constant that is a single real positive number. This approximation allows important results in some cases, e.g., design of integrated circuits in silicon semiconductors, but can be seriously misleading in other cases, e.g., ionic solutions.

Using only a limited number of computationally expensive functions, we show a way how to construct accurate and computationally efficient approximations of the Colebrook equation for flow friction. The presented approximations are based on the asymptotic series expansion of the Wright ω-function and symbolic regression. The results are verified with 8 million of Quasi-Monte Carlo points covering the domain of interest for engineers. In comparison with the built-in “wrightOmega” feature of Matlab R2016a, the herein introduced related approximations of the Wright ω-function significantly accelerate the computation. With only two logarithms and several basic arithmetic operations used, the presented approximations are not only computationally efficient but also extremely accurate. The maximal relative error of the most promising approximation which is given in the form suitable for engineers’ use is limited to 0.0012%, while for a little bit more complex variant is limited to 0.000024%.

The so-called Born-Huang ansatz is a fundamental tool in the context of ab-initio molecular dynamics, viz., it allows to effectively separate fast and slow degrees of freedom and thus treating electrons and nuclei at different mathematical footings. Here we consider the use of a Born-Huang-like expansion of the three-dimensional time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation to separate transport and confinement degrees of freedom in electron transport problems that involve geometrical constrictions. The resulting scheme consists of an eigenstate problem for the confinement degrees of freedom (in the transverse direction) whose solution constitutes the input for the propagation of a set of coupled one-dimensional equations of motion for the transport degree of freedom (in the longitudinal direction). This technique achieves quantitative accuracy using an order less computational resources than the full dimensional simulation for a prototypical two-dimensional constriction.

The asymptotic dynamics of the classes of rational difference equations (RDEs) of third order defined over the positive real-line as $$\displaystyle{x_{n+1}=\frac{x_{n}}{ax_n+bx_{n-1}+cx_{n-2}}}, \displaystyle{x_{n+1}=\frac{x_{n-1}}{ax_n+bx_{n-1}+cx_{n-2}}}, \displaystyle{x_{n+1}=\frac{x_{n-2}}{ax_n+bx_{n-1}+cx_{n-2}}}$$ and $$\displaystyle{x_{n+1}=\frac{ax_n+bx_{n-1}+cx_{n-2}}{x_{n}}}, \displaystyle{x_{n+1}=\frac{ax_n+bx_{n-1}+cx_{n-2}}{x_{n-1}}}, \displaystyle{x_{n+1}=\frac{ax_n+bx_{n-1}+cx_{n-2}}{x_{n-2}}}$$ is investigated computationally with theoretical discussions and examples. It is noted that all the parameters $a, b, c$ and the initial values $x_{-2}, x_{-1}$ and $x_0$ are all positive real numbers such that the denominator is always positive. Several periodic solutions with high periods of the RDEs as well as their inter-intra dynamical behaviours are studied.

The purpose of this paper is to bring to light a method through which the global in time existence for arbitrary large in H¹ initial data of a strong solution to 3D periodic Navier-Stokes equations follows. The method consists of subdividing the time interval of existence into smaller sub-intervals carefully chosen. These sub-intervals are chosen based on the hypothesis that for any wavenumber m, one can find an interval of time on which the energy quantized in low-frequency components (up to m) of the solution u is lesser than the energy quantized in high-frequency components (down to m) or otherwise the opposite. We associate then a suitable number m to each one of the intervals and we prove that the norm ||u(t)||_H1 is bounded in both mentioned cases. The process can be continued until reaching the maximal time of existence T_max which yields the global in time existence of strong solution.

In this paper, we introduce some basic idea of Variational iteration method for short (VIM) to solve the Volterra’s integro-differential equations. The VIM is used to solve effectively, easily, and accurately a large class of non-linear problems with approximations which converge rapidly to accurate solutions. For linear problems, it’s exact solution can be obtained by only one iteration step due to the fact that the Lagrange multiplier can be exactly identified. It is to be noted that the Lagrange multiplier reduces the iteration on integral operator and also minimizes the computational time. The method requires no transformation or linearization of any forms. Two numerical examples are presented to show the effectiveness and efficiency of the method. Also, we compare the result with the result from Homotopy perturbation method (HPM). Finally, we investigate the absolute difference between variational iteration method and homotopy perturbation method and draw the graph of difference function by using Mathematica.

In this paper, we study the entire or meromorphic solutions for differential-difference equations in f(z) , its shifts, its derivatives and derivatives of its shifts. and study some Hayman's results for differential-difference polynomials.

This work presents a novel approach to construct surrogate models of parametric Differential Algebraic Equations based on a tensor representation of the solutions. The procedure consists in building simultaneously, for every output of the reference model, an approximation given in tensor-train format. A parsimonious exploration of the parameter space coupled with a compact data representation allows to alleviate the curse of dimensionality. The approach is thus appropriate when many parameters with large domains of variation are involved. The numerical results obtained for a nonlinear elasto-viscoplastic constitutive law show that the constructed surrogate model is sufficiently accurate to enable parametric studies such as the calibration of material coefficients.

In this paper, we established the existence of PC-mild solutions for non local fractional impulsive functional integro-differential equations with finite delay. The proofs are obtained by using the techniques of fixed point theorems, semi-group theory and generalized Bellman inequality. In this paper, we have used the distributed characteristic operators to define the mild solution of the system. Results obtained here improve and extend some known results.

The exact solutions of some conformable time fractional PDEs are presented explicitly. The modified Kudryashov method is applied to construct the solutions to the conformable time fractional Regularized Long Wave-Burgers (RLW-Burgers, potential Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) and clannish random walker's parabolic (CRWP) equations. Initially, the predicted solution in the finite series of a rational form of an exponential function is substituted to the ODE generated from the conformable time fractional PDE by using wave transformation. The coefficients used in the finite series are determined by solving the algebraic system derived from the coefficients of the powers of the predicted solution.

The article analyzes existing materials and structures with quadratic-nonlinear optical properties that can be used to generate a difference frequency in the terahertz and sub-terahertz frequency ranges. The principle of constructing a nonlinear optical-radio converter, based on an optical focon (a focusing cone), is proposed. Based on the assumption that this focon can be implemented from the metal-organic framework (MOF), we propose a technique for modeling its parameters. The mathematical model of the process of propagation and nonlinear interaction of waves inside the focon is based on a simplification of the nonlinear wave equation. Within the framework of the developed model, the following parameters are approximately determined: the 3D gradient of the linear refractive index and the function determining the geometric profile of the focon, which provide a few-mode-based generation of the difference frequency.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor produced by endothelial cells and cleared from circulating blood mainly in the pulmonary vasculature. In a healthy pulmonary circulation, the rate of local production of ET-1 is less than its rate of clearance. In the present study we aimed to investigate whether abnormal pulmonary circulatory handling of ET-1 relates to poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19-induced ARDS. Plasma ET-1 levels were measured in 18 mechanically ventilated COVID-19-induced ARDS patients, with simultaneous central venous and systemic arterial blood sampling on Days 1 and 3 following ICU admission. Two age- and sex-matched non-COVID-19 control groups were also used [mechanically ventilated non-COVID-19 critically ill and ARDS patients]. On ICU admission, COVID-19-induced ARDS patients had higher systemic arterial and venous ET-1 levels compared to non-COVID-19 ARDS and critically ill patients (p< 0.05). The arterial:venous (A:V) ET-1 ratio was higher in the non-COVID-19 ARDS patients [1.06 (0.93-1.20)] compared to the other two groups (p< 0.05). The A:V ratio was 0.63 (0.49-1.02) in the COVID-19-induced ARDS patients and 0.79 (0.52-1.11) in the non-COVID-19 critically ill patients. On Day 3, the A:V ratio in all three groups was < 1. The COVID-19 patient group was then divided based on 28-day ICU mortality. Although arterial and venous levels did not differ, the A:V ratio was statistically significantly higher on ICU admission in the non-survivors [0.95 (0.78-1.34)] vs 0.57 (0.48-0.92), p= 0.027]. Measurement of ET-1 clearance via A:V plasma ET-1 levels on ICU admission may assist in predicting outcomes in COVID-19 critically ill patients.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is the causative agent of a tick-borne infection with significant mortality rate of up to 40% in the endemic areas, with evidence for geographical expansion. Lacking effective therapeutics and control measures, the development of protective CCHFV vaccine remains a crucial public health task. This manuscript describes, for the first time, a Bovine herpesvirus type 4 (BoHV-4) based viral vector (BoHV4-∆TK-CCHFV-N) and its immunogenicity and protection potential in BALB/c and IFNAR^-/- mice models in comparison with Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5-N) and pCDNA3.1 myc/His A (pCD-N1), two widely used vaccine platforms. All constructs expressing viral nucleocapsid (N) protein successfully elicited cytokine and total/specific antibody responses in BALB/c mice. BoHV4-∆TK-CCHFV-N and Ad5-N constructs further produced 100% protection in IFNAR^-/- mice during CCHFV Ank-2 strain lethal challenge. Despite elevated specific antibody responses in both animal models, the produced antibodies were unable to neutralize the virus in vitro. A comparison of delivery platforms was not possible, due to similar protection rates in IFNAR^-/- mice. In conclusion, vector-based CCHFV N protein expression proved to constitute an effective approach for the vaccine development pipeline and BoHV-4 emerged as a strong alternative to previously-used virus vectors.

(1) Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the full arch scan accuracy (precision and trueness) of nine digital intra-oral scanners and four lab scanners. Previous studies have compared the accuracy of some intra-oral scanners, but as this is a field of quickly developing technologies, a more up-to-date study was needed to assess the capabilities of currently available models.; (2) Methods: The present in vitro study compared nine different intraoral scanners (Omnicam 4.6; Omnicam 5.1; Primescan; CS 3600; Trios 3; Trios 4; Runyes; i500 and DL206) as well as four lab light scanners (Einscan SE; 300e; E2 and Ineos X5) to investigate the accuracy of each scanner by examining the overall trueness and precision. Ten aligned and cut scans from each of the intra-oral and lab scanners in the in vitro study were brought into CloudCompare. A comparison was made with the master STL using the CloudCompare 3D analysis best-fit algorithm. The results were recorded along with individual standard deviation and a colorimetric map of the deviation across the surface of the STL mesh; a comparison was made to the master STL, quantified at specific points. ; (3) Results: In the present study, the Primescan had the best overall trueness (17.3 ± 4.9). Followed by (in order of increasing deviation) the Trios 4 (20.8 ± 6.2), i500 (25.2 ± 7.3), CS3600 (26.9 ± 15.9), Trios 3 (27.7 ± 6.8), Runyes (47.2 ± 5.4), Omnicam 5.1 (55.1 ± 9.5), Omnicam 4.6 (57.5 ± 3.2) and Launca DL206 (58.5 ± 22.0). Regarding the lab light scanners, the Ineos X5 had the best overall trueness with (0.0 ± 1.9). Followed by (in order of increasing deviation) the 3Shape E2 (3.6 ± 2.2), Up3D 300E (12.8 ± 2.7), and Einscan SE (14.9 ± 9.5); (4) Conclusions: This study confirms that all current generations of intra-oral digital scanners can capture a reliable, reproducible full arch scan in dentate patients. Out of the intra-oral scanners tested, no scanner produced results significantly similar in trueness to the Ineos X5. However, the Primescan was the only one to be statistically of a similar level of trueness to the 3Shape E2 lab scanner. All scanners in the study had mean trueness of under 60-micron deviation. While this study can compare the scanning accuracy of this sample in a dentate arch, the scanning of a fully edentulous arch is more challenging. The accuracy of these scanners in edentulous cases should be examined in further studies.

Cocrystallizaiton could improve most physicochemical properties of specific active pharmaceutical ingredients, which has great potential in pharmaceutical development. In this study, the cocrystal of nitrofurantoin and 4-aminobenzoic acid was prepared with solid-state (solvent-free or green-chemistry) grinding approach, and the above cocrystal has been characterized by Raman and terahertz vibrational spectroscopic techniques. Spectral results show that the vibrational modes of the cocrystal within the whole spectral region are different from those of the corresponding parent materials. The dynamic process of such pharmaceutical cocrystal formation has also been monitored directly with Raman spectra. These results offer us unique means for characterizing the cocrystal conformation from molecule-level and also provide us rich information about the reaction dynamic of cocrystal formation within pharmaceutical fields.

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is the most important fibre crop worldwide. Black root rot and Fusarium wilt are two major diseases of cotton caused by soil-borne Berkeleyomyces rouxiae and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov), respectively. Phenotyping plant symptoms caused by soil-borne pathogens has always been a challenge. To increase the uniformity of infection, we adapted a seedling screening method that directly uses liquid cultures to inoculate the plant roots and the soil. Four isolates each of B. rouxiae and Fov were collected from cotton fields in Australia and were characterised for virulence on cotton under controlled plant growth conditions. While the identity of all four B. rouxiae isolates were confirmed by multi-loci sequencing, only two of them were found to be pathogenic on cotton, suggesting variability in the ability of isolates of this species to cause disease. The four Fov isolates were phylogenetically clustered together with the other Australian Fov isolates and displayed both external and internal symptoms characteristic of Fusarium wilt on cotton plants. Furthermore, the isolates appeared to induce varied levels of plant disease severity indicating differences in their virulence on cotton. To contrast the virulence of the Fov isolates, four putatively non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum (Fo) isolates collected from cotton seedlings exhibiting atypical wilt symptoms were assessed for their ability to colonise cotton host. Despite the absence of Secreted In Xylem genes (SIX6, SIX11, SIX13 and SIX14) characteristic of Fov, all four Fo isolates retained the ability to colonise cotton and induce wilt symptoms. This suggests that slightly virulent strains of Fo may contribute to the overall occurrence of Fusarium wilt in cotton fields. Findings from this study will allow better distinction to be made between plant pathogens and endophytes and allow fungal effectors underpinning pathogenicity to be explored.

A one-dimensional model for fluid and solute transport in poroelastic materials (PEM) is studied. Although the model was recently derived and some exact solutions, in particular steady-state solutions and their applications, were studied, special cases occurring when some parameters vanish were not analysed earlier. Since the governing equations are nonintegrable in nonstationary case, the Lie symmetry method and modern tools for solving ODE systems are applied in order to construct time-dependent exact solutions. Depending on parameters arising in the governing equations, several special cases with new Lie symmetries are identified. Some of them have a highly nontrivial structure that cannot be predicted from a physical point of view or using Lie symmetries of other real-world models. Applying the symmetries obtained, multiparameter families of exact solutions are constructed, including those in terms of elementary and special functions (hypergeometric, Whittaker, Bessel and modified Bessel functions). A possible application of the solutions obtained is demonstrated and it is shown that some exact solutions can describe (at least qualitatively) the solute transport in PEM. The obtained exact solutions can also be used as test problems for estimating the accuracy of approximate analytical and numerical methods for solving relevant boundary value problems.

This study addresses the pressing need for flood extent and exposure information in data-scarce and vulnerable regions, with a specific focus on West Africa, particularly Senegal. Leveraging the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform and integrating data from Sentinel-1 SAR, Global Surface Water, HydroSHEDS, Global Human Layer Settlement, and MODIS Land Cover, our primary ob-jective is to delineate flood extents and compare them with centennial flood-prone areas, offering a comprehensive assessment of exposure during the period from July to October 2022 across Sen-egal's 14 regions. The findings underscore a total inundation area of 2 951 square kilometers, impacting 297 142 people, 175 square kilometers of urban and 16 square kilometers of crops. Notably, August wit-nessed the largest flooded areas, reaching 780 square kilometers, constituting 0.40% of the coun-try's surface. Subsequent regions, including Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor, Fatick, and Matam, experi-enced varying extents of flooding, with August data showing a 1.34% overall overlap compared to centennial flood-prone areas derived from hydrological and hydraulic modeling. This low per-centage reveals the distinct purposes and natures of the two approaches (remote sensing and modeling), as well as their complementarity. Turning to flood exposure, August emerges as the most critical month, affecting 76 595 people (0.43% of the total population). Dakar, Diourbel, Thiès, and Saint-Louis regions bore substantial impacts, affecting 100 707, 57 648, 31 579, and 26 581 people, respectively. These findings emphasize the imperative for comprehensive disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts. The study provides a crucial national-scale perspective to guide Senegal's authorities in formulating effective flood management, intervention, and adaptation strategies.