Structure quality of LuFeO3 epitaxial layers grown by pulsed-laser deposition on sapphire substrates with and without platinum interlayers has been investigated by in-situ high-resolution x-ray diffraction (reciprocal-space mapping). The parameters of the structure such as size and misorientation of mosaic blocks have been determined as functions of the thickness of LuFeO3 during the PLD growth and for different platinum interlayers thicknesses up to 40 nm. The x-ray diffraction results combined with ex-situ scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy demonstrate that the Pt interlayer significantly improves the structure of LuFeO3 by reducing the misfit of the LuFeO3 lattice with respect to the material underneath.

In recent years, the manufacturing sector has benefited from a variety of technological innovations regarding automation and utilization of artificial intelligence on the shopfloor. During the manufacturing processes of a product, a variety of meta data can be derived from each working step and considered during subsequent stages of its liefycle like shipment, utilization or recycling. With upcoming regulations decided by the European Union, manufacturers must begin to react to the demand of a comprehensive circular economies by introducing technical solutions like Digital Product Passports (DPP). By associating the specific conditions of all stages in the life of a product within a digital identity, e.g., the DPP, transparency and efficiency can be increased. The Gaia-X service landscape aims at realizing federated data infrastructures, enabling robust and transparent services while considering data sovereignty. In this work, a modular and generic multi-tenant framework for utilizing DPPs within cross-company ecosystems is presented with respect to the manufacturing sector. In applying the Secret Network-blockchain for implementing the automation of DPP management processes, premises for Gaia-X compliance and therefore strengthened trust-anchors are realized. By considering details of ecosystems, as well as most interesting security threats to the proposed architecture, a holistic view of applying DPPs in the context of smart production supply chains is shown. In presenting a simple but vivid use case of the production and compilation of car wheels, the fundamental benefits of the work on hand are underlined, once more.

The authors recently proposed a method for on-site dosimetry by a combination of radiochromic film and portable colorimeter. To test and expand the applicability of this method, dosimetric properties of radiochromic reactions were examined for six combinations of two popular Gafchromic films (EBT3 and EBT-XD) and three commercially-available portable colorimeters (nix pro2, nix spectro2 and Spectro1 Pro; abbreviated to “NixP”, “NixS” and “SpoP”, respectively). EBT3 and EBT-XD were irradiated with 160 kV X-rays at 0.3 to 40Gy and 1 to 80 Gy, respectively, and the radiation-induced color levels of RGB and CMMK components were measured with the three colorimeters. Angle dependence was examined by reading at 15° intervals. As results, it was judged that all combinations would work effectively as tools for on-site dosimetry. NixP and NixS showed advantages that they were applicable to a wider dose range for both films, while Spo1 worked better in a lower dose range. On the other hand, Spo1 had an advantageous feature of no angular dependence in reading films, while NixP and NixS showed significant angle-dependent changes. These differences were presumed to attribute to the different geometries of LED light emission; it came from all directions (ring-shape source) in Spo1, 4 directions in NixP, and 8 directions in NixS. These findings would expand the applicability of the proposed on-site dosimetry method to various occasions.

In response to the growing inspection demand exerted by process automation in component manufacturing, Non-destructive testing (NDT) continues to explore automated approaches that utilize deep learning algorithms for defect identification, including within digital X-ray radiography images. This necessitates a thorough understanding of the implication of image quality parameters on the performance of these deep learning models. This study investigates the influence of two image quality parameters, namely Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and Contrast-to-Noise Ratio (CNR), on the performance of U-net deep learning segmentation model. Input images were acquired with varying combinations of exposure factors such as kilovoltage, milli-ampere, and exposure time, which altered the resultant quality. The data was sorted into 5 different datasets according to their measured SNR and CNR values. The deep learning model was trained 5 distinct times, utilizing a unique dataset for each training session. Training the model with high CNR values yielded an intersection over Union (IoU) metric of 0.9594 on test data of the same category but drops to 0.5875 when tested on lower CNR test data. The result in this study emphasizes the importance of achieving a balance in training dataset according to the investigated quality parameters, to enhance the performance of deep learning segmentation models in NDT radiography applications.

We addressed the frequent occurrence of mixed-chain lipids in biological membranes and their impact on membrane structure by studying several chain-asymmetric phosphatidylcholines and the highly asymmetric milk sphingomyelin. Specifically, we report trans-membrane structures of the corresponding fluid lamellar phases using small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering, which were jointly analyzed in terms of a membrane composition-specific model, including a headgroup hydration shell. Focusing on terminal methyl groups at the bilayer center we found a linear relation between hydrocarbon chain length mismatch and the methyl-overlap for phosphatidylcholines, and a non-negligible impact of the glycerol backbone-tilting, letting the sn1-chain penetrate deeper into the opposing leaflet by half a CH2 group. That is, penetration-depth differences due to the ester-linked hydrocarbons at the glycerol backbone, reported previously for gel phase structures also extend to the physiological more relevant fluid phase, but are significantly reduced. Moreover, milk sphingomyelin was found to follow the same linear relationship suggesting a similar tilt of the sphingosine backbone. Complementary performed molecular dynamics simulations revealed that there is always a part of the lipid tails bending back, even if there is a high interdigitation with the opposing chains. This suggests that hydrocarbon chain interdigitation plays only a minor role in transbilayer coupling. For both cases of adaption to chain length mismatch, chain-asymmetry has a large impact on hydrocarbon chain ordering, inducing disorder in the longer of the two hydrocarbons.

21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD), the most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), is associated with pathogenic variants in CYP21A2 gene. The clinical form of the disease ranges from classic or severe to non-classic (NC) or mild late onset. The CYP21A2 gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 6, within the RCCX region, one of the most complex loci in the human genome. The 3’untranslated sequence of CYP21A2 exon 10 overlap the last exon of TNXB gene (these genes lie on the opposite strands of DNA and have the opposite transcriptional direction) that encodes an extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-X (TNX). A recombination event between TNXB and its pseudogene TNXA causes a 30-kb deletion producing a chimeric TNXA/TNXB gene (CAH-X chimera) where both CYP21A2 and TNXB genes are impaired. This genetic condition characterizes a subset of patients with 21OHD who display the hypermobility phenotype of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) (CAH-X Syndrome). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CAH-X syndrome in an Italian cohort of patients with 21OHD. At this purpose, 196 probands were recruited. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and Sanger sequencing were used to identify the CAH-X genotype. Twenty-one individuals showed the heterozygous continuous deletion involving the CYP21A2 and part of the TNXB gene. EDS-related clinical manifestations were identified in most patients carrying the CAH-X chimera. A CAH-X prevalence of 10.7% was estimated in our population.

The negative energy solutions of the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations have been used to define the antiparticle with the positive energy from the Feynman - Stueckelberg interpretation in the standard model based on the 4-D Minkowski space with the relative time. The negative energy solutions of the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations are used to define the antiparticles with the negative energy in the present 3-D quantized space model. Note that all the present results are based on the 4-D Euclidean space with the absolute time (t) and relative time (t_l). Then the particle with the positive energy and antiparticle with the negative energy have the 4-D P₄ = TCP = T_cP symmetry. The continuity equations are derived from the Klein-Gordon, Dirac and Schrodinger equations. The Klein-Gordon and Schrodinger equations with the potential barriers are solved. The Klein paradox is explained by using the pair production of the electron with the positive energy and positron with the negative energy under the P₄ = _TcP symmetry, The effective velocity ( c_eff=√2 " c " ) and effective energy ("Etl =" √2 E ) along the relative time axis (ctl) give the relative time momentum of "p_tl"=E_tl/c_eff =(√2 E)/(√2 c)=E/c=p_t=p_x. This indicates that the photons with the energy of E have the constant photon velocity of c and the constant photon momentum of "ptl"=E_tl/c_eff =(√2 E)/(√2 c)=E/c=p_t=p_x. For the negative energy particles, the space momentum directions are opposite to the particle velocity directions because the energy is negative. And the matter collapse to the photons at the very high particle velocity is discussed from the length expansion. It is, for the first time, proposed that the gamma ray burst is originated from the matter collapse to the photons near the black hole. Also, the wave function collapse is explained from the length expansion. The wave function collapse takes place when the measurement makes the particle velocity to be zero. It is concluded that the negative energy solutions of the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations support the existence of the partner antimatter universe with the negative energy and negative time direction. Our matter universe has the positive energy and the positive time direction.

The World Health Organization (WHO) added Disease X to their shortlist of blueprint priority diseases to represent a hypothetical, unknown pathogen that could cause a future epidemic. During different virus outbreaks of the past, such as COVID-19, Influenza, Lyme Disease, and Zika virus, researchers from various disciplines utilized Google Trends to mine multimodal components of web behavior to study, investigate, and analyze the global awareness, preparedness, and response associated with these respective virus outbreaks. As the world prepares for Disease X, a dataset on web behavior related to Disease X would be crucial to contribute towards the timely advancement of research in this field. Furthermore, none of the prior works in this field have focused on the development of a dataset to compile relevant web behavior data, which would help to prepare for Disease X. To address these research challenges, this work presents a dataset of web behavior related to Disease X, which emerged from different geographic regions of the world, between February 2018 to August 2023. Specifically, this dataset presents the search interests related to Disease X from 94 geographic regions. These regions were chosen for data mining as these regions recorded significant search interests related to Disease X during this timeframe. The dataset was developed by collecting data using Google Trends. The relevant search interests for all these regions for each month in this time range are available in this dataset. This paper also discusses the compliance of this dataset with the FAIR principles of scientific data management. Finally, a brief analysis of specific features of this dataset is presented to uphold the applicability, relevance, and usefulness of this dataset for the investigation of different research questions in the interrelated fields of Big Data, Data Mining, Healthcare, Epidemiology, and Data Analysis.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a disease with unknown causes within all forms of arthritis in children under 16 years of age. The diagnosis is made when another joint pathology is excluded. Difficulties in early and differential diagnosis lead to the rapid disability of patients and an unfavourable life prognosis. Therefore, timely diagnosis is necessary to prevent irreversible damage to the joints and preserve their function. Due to the widespread use of new technologies, modern multimodal imaging has gained recognition, which includes X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI. The combination of methods plays a key role in confirming the diagnosis, monitoring disease activity, prognosis during the course, and outcome in children with JIA. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The introduction of the method of passive microwave radiometry (MWR), in combination with other imaging methods, makes it possible to expand the possibilities of screening the disease in the preclinical and early clinical phases.

We describe the design and fabrication of an industrial injection moulding system which can be mounted and used on the NCD-SWEET Small-angle X-Ray Scattering Beamline at ALBA. We show how highly useful time-resolved data can be obtained using this system. We are able to evaluate the fraction of material in the mould cavity and identify the first material to solidify and how this varies with the injection tem-perature. The design follows current industrial practice and provides opportunities to collect time-resolved data at several points within the mould cavity so we can build up a 4D perspective of the morphology and its temporal development. The quantitative data obtained will prove invaluable for the optimisation of the next generation of in-jection moulding techniques. This preliminary work used results from the injection moulding of a general purpose isotactic polypropylene.

Antimicrobial peptides provide a powerful toolkit for combating multidrug resistance. Combatting eukaryotic pathogens is complicated by the fact, the intracellular drug targets in the eukaryotic pathogen are frequently homologs of cellular structures of vital importance in the host organism. The entomopathogenic bacteria, (symbionts of entomopathogenic nematode species), release a series of non-ribosomal templated antimicrobial peptides, some may be potential drug candidates. The ability of an entomopathogenic nematode /entomopathogenic bacterium symbiotic complex to survive in a given polyxenic milieu is a coevolutionary product, explaining that those gene complexes which are responsible for the biosynthesis of different non-ribosomal templated antimicrobial protective peptides (including those which are potently capable to inactivate the protist mammalian -pathogen Leishmania and the gallinaceous bird pathogen Histomonas) are co-regulated. Our approach is based on comparative antimicrobial bioassays of the culture media of the wild-type and regulatory mutant strains. We concluded that Xenorhabdus budapestensis and X. szentirmaii are excellent sources of non-ribosomal templated antimicrobial peptides, that are efficient antagonists of the mentioned pathogens. Data on selective cytotoxicity of different cell-free culture media encourages us to forecast that the recently discovered “easy-PACId” research strategy is suitable for constructing EPB strains producing and releasing single, harmless, non-ribosomal templated antimicrobial peptides with considerable drug, (probiotic) -candidate potential.

Modern surface analysis techniques are expanding significantly possibilities in description and attribution of historical artifacts. The present study is aimed to compare analytical ability of the X-ray fluorescent analysis (XRF) typically applied for studies ceramic art items with novel surface analysis methods: time-of-flight secondary ions mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) that were applied on measurements of elemental compositions of powder raw materials for porcelain fabrication: pegmatite P-1, Vesco-prima clay, kaolin, bone earth, dolomite, and feldspar. It was shown that SIMS successfully measures light elements unnoticeable for XRF such as lithium, beryllium, boron and heavy impurities not found out by XRF such as cobalt, cerium, copper, rubidium, vanadium. XPS has found thorium in the kaolin sample that was not detected by SIMS and XRF. The paper provides also values of chemical shifts of some XPS lines observed in materials under examination. The obtained information on relations of basic and impurity elements revealed by XRF and SIMS together with XPS chemical shifts data could be used to expose contemporary falsifications of historical porcelain and to attribute porcelain items during conservation process.

A quantitative analysis of X-ray emission from an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma was performed to probe the spatial properties of electrons having energy for effective ionisation. A series of measurements were taken by INFN-LNS and ATOMKI, capturing spatially and spectrally resolved X-ray maps as well as volumetric emissions from argon plasma. Comparing the former with model generated maps (involving space-resolved phenomenological electron energy distribution function and geometrical efficiency calculated using ray-tracing MC routine) furnished information on structural aspects of the plasma. Similarly, fitting a model composed of bremsstrahlung and fluorescence to the volumetric X-ray spectrum provided valuable insight into the density and temperature of confined and lost electrons. The latter can be fed back to existing electron kinetics models for simulating more relevant energies, consequently improving theoretical X-ray maps and establishing the method as an excellent indirect diagnostic tool for warm electrons, required for both fundamental and applied research in ECR plasmas.

The absolute absorption cross section of the ethyl peroxy radical, C2H5O2, in the Ã←X ̃ electronic transition with the peak wavelength at 7596 cm-1, has been determined by the method of dual wavelengths time resolved continuous wave cavity ring down spectroscopy. C2H5O2 radicals were generated from pulsed 351 nm photolysis of C2H6/Cl2 mixture in presence of O2 and detected on one of the CRDS paths. Two methods have been applied for the determination of the C2H5O2 absorption cross section: (i) based on Cl-atoms being converted alternatively to either C2H5O2 by adding C2H6 or to hydro peroxy radicals, HO2, by adding CH3OH to the mixture, whereby HO2 was reliably quantified on the second CRDS path in the 21 vibrational overtone at 6638.2 cm-1 (ii) based on the reaction of C2H5O2 with HO2, measured under either excess HO2 or under excess C2H5O2 concentration. Both methods lead to the same peak absorption cross section of C2H5O2,7596 cm-1 = (1.0±0.2) × 10-20 cm2. The rate constant for the cross reaction between of C2H5O2 and HO2 has been measured to be (6.5±1.6) × 10-12 cm3 molecule-1 s-1.

Trauma to the spinal cord causes extensive neuronal death contributing to the loss of sensory-motor and autonomic functions below the injury level. Apoptosis affects neurons after spinal cord injury (SCI) and is associated with increased caspase activity. Cleavage of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) after SCI may contribute to this rise of caspase activity. Accordingly, we have shown that the elevation of XIAP resulted in increased neuronal survival after SCI and improved functional recovery. Therefore, we hypothesize that neuronal overexpression of XIAP can be neuroprotective after SCI with improved functional recovery. In line with this, studies of a transgenic mouse with overexpression of XIAP in neurons revealed that higher levels of XIAP after spinal cord trauma favours neuronal survival, tissue preservation, and motor recovery after the spinal cord trauma. Using the human SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing XIAP we show further that XIAP reduced caspase activity and apoptotic cell death after pro-apoptotic stimuli. In conclusion, this study shows that the levels of XIAP expression are an important factor for the outcome after spinal cord trauma and identifies XIAP as an important therapeutic target for alleviating the deleterious effects of SCI.

A multi-methodic analysis was performed on 5 samples of fly ashes coming from different biomasses. The aim of the study was to evaluate their possible re-use and their dangerousness for men and environment. Optical granulometric analyses indicate that the average diameter of the studied fly ashes is around 20 µm, whereas only ~1 vol% has diameter lower that 2.5 µm. The chemical composition, investigated with electron probe microanalysis, indicates that all the samples have a prevalent Ca composition, followed by Si and Al. A large content in K and P was observed in some samples, whereas the content in potentially toxic elements is always below the Italian law thresholds. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are completely absent in all the samples coming from combustion plants, whereas they are present in the fly ashes from the gasification center. Quantitative mineralogical content, determined by Rietveld analysis of X-ray powder diffraction data, indicates that all the samples have a large amorphous content, likely enriched in Ca, and several K and P minerals, such as sylvite and apatite. The results obtained from the performed chemo-mineralogical study allowed to point out that the biomass fly ashes could be interesting materials (1) as amending in clayey soils, in substitution to lime, to stimulating pozzolanic reaction and improve their geotechnical properties, on the one hand, avoiding to mine raw materials and, on the other hand, re-cycling wastes; (2) as agricultural fertilizes made by a new and ecological source of K and P.

Soil texture is key information in agriculture for improving soil knowledge and crop performance, so the accurate mapping of this crucial feature is imperative for rationally planning cultivations and for targeting interventions. We studied the relationship between radioelements and soil texture in the Mezzano Lowland (Italy), a 189 km² agricultural plain investigated through a dedicated airborne gamma-ray spectroscopy survey. The K and Th abundances were used to retrieve the clay and sand content by means of a multi-approach method. Linear (simple and multiple) and non-linear (machine learning algorithms with deep neural networks) predictive models were trained and tested adopting a 1:50,000 scale soil texture map. The comparison of these approaches highlighted that the non-linear model introduces significant improvements in the prediction of soil texture fractions. The predicted maps of the clay and of the sand content were compared with the regional soil maps. Although the macro-structures were equally present, the airborne gamma-ray data permits us shedding light on finer features. Map areas with higher clay content were coincident with paleo-channels crossing the Mezzano Lowland in Etruscan and Roman periods, confirmed by the hydrographic setting of historical maps and by the geo-morphological features of the study area.

Contrast agents developed for X-ray computed tomography (CT) offer extremely valuable tools and techniques in diagnostics via contrast enhancements. Heavy metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) can provide high contrast in CT images. These result from a high density of heavy metal atoms with high X-ray attenuation coefficients that exceed that of iodine (I), which is currently used in hydrophilic organic CT contrast agents. Nontoxicity and colloidal stability are vital characteristics in designing heavy metal-based NPs as CT contrast agents. In addition, the particle size must be small for in vivo renal excretion. In vitro phantom imaging studies can provide X-ray attenuation efficiency, which is a critical parameter for CT contrast agents, and the imaging performance of CT contrast agents can be demonstrated via in vivo experiments. This review focuses on in vitro and in vivo studies of various heavy metal-based NPs (metal: Au, Pt, Pd, Ag, Ce, Gd, Dy, Ho, Yb, Ta, W, and Bi) and provides an outlook on their use as high-performance CT contrast agents.

It is well established that the interacting effects of temperature and precipitation will alter agroecological systems on a global scale. These shifts will influence the fitness of specialty crops, specifically strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa), an important crop in the Northeastern United States. In this study, four precipitation scenarios were developed that are representative of current and probable-future growing season precipitation patterns. Using a precipitation simulator, we tested these scenarios on potted day neutral strawberries. This study generated four primary results: (1) though treatments received different amounts of precipitation, little difference was observed in soil volumetric water content or temperature. However, treatments designed to simulate future conditions were more likely those designed to simulate current conditions to have higher nitrate-in-leachate (N-leachate) concentrations; (2) neither total precipitation nor seasonable distribution were associated with foliar or root disease pressure; (3) while there was a slightly higher chance that photosynthetic potential and capacity would be higher in drier conditions, little difference was observed in the effects on chlorophyll concentration, and no water stress was detected in any treatment; and (4) leaf biomass was likely more affected by total rather than seasonal distribution of precipitation, but interaction between changing rainfall distribution and seasonal totals is likely to be an important driver of root biomass development in the future.

The development of new cultivars is important for the profitability of the floriculture industry. There are a limited number of cultivars of Zantedeschia aethiopica, an iconic ornamental cut flower, garden plant, and potted plant, due to the incompatibility of interspecific crossings within the genus. Most present-day varieties are the result of spontaneous mutations or classical breeding within the species, followed by a long selection process. Breeders are very interested in the development of a time- and cost-effective method for producing new Z. aethiopica cultivars with novel characteristics. Here, Z. aethiopica mutants were generated by treating seeds with 100 Gy of X-ray radiation. The resulting putative mutants were selected based on particular flowering parameters and compared to non-irradiated, control plants. Over two growing seasons, characteristics such as early flowering, flower size and shape, yield and response to soft-rot disease were monitored and considerable variation was observed among the mutated lines. Out of 319 mutants, 20 lines were selected based on their phenotypes and then propagated and further analyzed. Within this group, only two phenotypes displayed at least five improved flowering properties under natural, Mediterranean conditions. The rest displayed two to four desired combinations of flowering traits, some with great commercial potential.

The cerebellum is an encephalic region classically known for its central role in the control of movement, although recent research has revealed its involvement in other cognitive and affective tasks. Several different pathologies are known to affect this structure, causing a wide range of behavioral and gait impairments. Intriguingly, although the neurodegenerative factors affect all Purkinje cells of the cerebellum uniformly, certain neurodegeneration patterns can be distinguished, in which some Purkinje cells persist longer than other cell types. Precisely, there is a cerebellar region, lobe X, which is more resistant to different types of neurodegeneration regardless of the injury. This work will review the main models of cerebellar degeneration, with special emphasis on this region, and aims to reveal a common origin for its resistance to neuronal death.

It is well known that fiber sizing is one of the most important component in the manufacturing of composites, and it does affect the mechanical properties including strength and stiffness. In this work, the influence of fiber sizing levels on the mechanical properties of carbon fibers (CF) is reported at room temperature by using single fiber tensile testing (Favimat+), single fiber pullout testing (SFPO), and interfacial elemental analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Standard modulus of CF (7±0.2 μm in diameter) were sized using two Michelman commercially available sizing formulations. The average solid content for each sizing formulation is 26.3 ± 0.2% and 34.1 ± 0.2%, respectively. HEXION RIMR 135 with curing agent RIMH 137 was used as a model thermoset epoxy matrix during the SFPO measurements. A predictive engineering fiber sizing methodology is also developed. Sizing amounts of 0.5, 1, and 2 wt. % on the surface of the fiber is achieved for both sizing formulations. For each fiber sizing level, 50 single fiber tensile testing experiments and 20 single fiber pull-out tests were conducted. The ultimate tensile strength (σult) of the carbon fibers and the interfacial shear strength (τ_app) of the single fiber composite were analyzed. it is also investigated the effect of the sizing levels on the interfacial shear stress and the O/C (Oxygen/Carbon) surface composition ratio. As a result, generalized fiber sizing and characterization methods were established. The developed methods can be used to characterize the strength and interfacial shear strength of any man-made fibers with different sizing formulations and solid contents, irrespective of the matrix i.e. thermoset or thermoplastic.

Arctic sea ice characteristics have been changing rapidly and significantly in the last few decades. Using a long-term time series of sea ice products from satellite observations - the extended AVHRR Polar Pathfinder (APP-x), trends in sea ice concentration, ice extent, ice thickness, and ice volume in the Arctic from 1982 to 2020 are investigated. Results show that the Arctic has become less ice-covered in all seasons, especially in summer and autumn. Arctic sea ice thickness has been decreasing at the rate of -3.24 cm per year, resulting in about a 52% reduction in thickness from 2.35 m in 1982 to 1.13 m in 2020. Arctic sea ice volume has been decreasing at the rate of -467.7 km³ per year, resulting in about a 63% reduction in volume, from 27590.4 km³ in 1982 to 10305.5 km³ in 2020. These trends are further examined from a new perspective, where the Arctic Ocean is classified into open water, perennial, and seasonal sea ice-covered areas based on the sea ice persistence. The loss of the perennial sea ice-covered area is the major factor in the total sea ice loss in all seasons. If the current rates of sea ice changes in extent, concentration, and thickness continue, the Arctic is expected to have ice-free summer by the early 2060s.

Conductive hearing losses are typically present in disorders of the external/middle ear. However, there is a rare group of inner ear conditions called third windows that can also generate a conductive hearing loss. This is due to an abnormal connection between the middle and the inner ear or between the inner ear and the cranial cavity. X-linked gusher disorder is an extremely rare congenital inner ear dysplastic syndrome with such an abnormal connection due to a characteristic incomplete cochlear partition type 3 and an incomplete internal auditory meatus fundus. The disorder is inherited in an X-linked fashion due to the mutation of the POU3F4 gene. We present 2 siblings diagnosed with the condition and their long term follow ups. They both presented with audiovestibular symptoms and showed progressive mixed losses and bilateral vestibular weakness. They were treated with cochlear implant, digital amplification and with vestibular rehabilitation. Significant others around them were involved in their journey with the medical team and in both, a very favourable outcome was achieved. This is the first time that we are reporting evolving audiovestibular function with vestibular quantification in X-linked gusher disorder and emphasize on the multidisciplinary holistic approach to manage these children effectively.

In this work, a deep characterization of the properties of K6Ta10.8O30 microrods has been performed. The starting material used to grow the microrods has been recovered from mining tailings coming from the Penouta Sn-Ta-Nb deposit, located in the north of Spain. The recovered material has been submitted to a thermal treatment to grow the microrods. Then, they have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman and micro-photoluminescence. The results of our study confirm that the K6Ta10.8O30 microrods have a tetragonal tungsten bronze-like crystal structure, which can be useful for ion-batteries and photocatalysis.

We investigate the behavior of the solutions of the ray equation in isotropic media. We discuss local and global transversals and wavefronts and give examples of rays without wavefronts.

Purpose: We assessed if a CXR AI algorithm can detect missed or mislabeled chest radiographs (CXRs) findings in radiology reports. Methods: We queried multi-institutional radiology reports search database of 13-million reports to identify all CXRs reports with addendums from 1999-2021. Of the 3469 CXR reports with an addendum, a thoracic radiologist excluded reports where addendum was created for typographic errors, wrong report template, missing sections, or uninterpreted signoffs. The remaining reports with addendum (279 patients) with errors related to side-discrepancy or missed findings such as pulmonary nodules, consolidation, pleural effusions, pneumothorax, and rib fractures. All CXRs were processed with an AI algorithm. Descriptive statistics were performed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of AI to detect missed or mislabeled findings. Results: AI had high sensitivity (96%), specificity (100%), and accuracy (96%) for detecting all missed and mislabeled CXR findings. The corresponding finding-specific statistics for AI were nodules (96%, 100%, 96%), pneumothorax (84%, 100%, 85%), pleural effusion (100%, 17%, 67%), consolidation (98%, 100%, 98%), and rib fractures (87%, 100%, 94%). Conclusion: The CXR AI could accurately detect mislabeled and missed findings. Clinical Relevance: The CXR AI can reduce the frequency of errors in detection and side-labeling of radiographic findings.

Bottlebrush (BB) elastomers with water-soluble side chains and tissue-mimetic mechanical properties are promising for biomedical applications like tissue implants and drug depots. This work investigates the microstructure and phase transitions of BB elastomers with crystallizable polyethylene oxide (PEO) side chains by real-time synchrotron X-ray scattering. In the melt, the elastomers exhibit the characteristic BB peak corresponding to the backbone-to-backbone correlation. Upon crystallization of the side chains, the intensity of the peak decays linearly with crystallinity, and eventually vanishes due to BB packing disordering within intercrystalline amorphous gaps. This behavior of the bottlebrush peak differs from an earlier study of BBs with poly(ε-caprolactone) side chains, explained by stronger backbone confinement in the case of PEO, a high-crystallinity polymer. Microstructural models based on 1D SAXS correlation function analysis suggest crystalline lamellae of PEO side chains separated by amorphous gaps of monolayer-like BB backbones.

Examining forbidden reflections provides valuable information on electronic states and the local environment of resonant atoms in crystals. Experimental studies of two forbidden reflections 002 and 100 in TeO₂ single crystals were performed at photon energies close to the L₁ tellurium absorption edge. It was found that the spectral form corresponding to these two reflections looks almost identical, which is completely unexpected for a highly anisotropic material. Theoretical consideration shows that only one component f_xy of the tensor describing dipole-dipole resonance scattering contributes to the 002 reflection, while two components f_xy and f_xz correspond to the 100 reflection. Numerical calculations show that the latter tensor component is comparable to the first one, but the combination of several geometric factors leads to the fact that its contribution to the spectrum is negligible. This explains the experimentally observed results. The finding shows a way for targeted investigation of single tensor components and makes it possible to compare different spectra and use them the study the physical phenomena in functional materials.

Diamond powders with inclusions of europium atoms were synthesized at high pressure (7.7 GPa) and temperature (1800oC) from a mixture of pentaerythritol, C(CH2OH)4, and pyrolyzate of diphthalocyanine (C64H32N16Eu) served as a special precursor. In prepared diamonds by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, we have found the concentration of Eu atoms of 51±5 ppm that is by two orders of magnitude greater than that in known natural and synthetic diamonds. X-ray diffraction, SEM, X-ray exited optical luminescence, Raman and IR spectroscopy have confirmed the formation of diamond monocrystals of high quality with em-bedded Eu atoms and a nitrogen content of ~500 ppm. Numerical simulation has allowed us de-termine the energy cost of 5.8 eV needed for the incorporation of a single Eu atom with adjacent vacancy into growing diamond crystal (528 carbons).

A digital twin is a virtual representation that serves as the real-time digital counterpart of a physical object or system. Recent advancements have extended the concept of digital twins to humans, incorporating complex biological data such as DNA (Predictiv Care, Inc.) and immune system profiles. These sophisticated models go beyond mere pictorial representations, offering a more holistic digital reflection. However, a significant gap remains. The current human digital twin models are not capable of learning one’s preferences. In this pilot study, we introduce Diginality, a chatbot powered by HyperCLOVA X, a Large Language Model (LLM) developed by NAVER, Inc. Diginality, learns one’s preferences with custom training from data collected by interview-style questions on the user’s topic of interest. Our findings demonstrate that Diginality successfully answers one’s preferences, thereby adding a new dimension to the concept of human digital twins. This work represents a pioneering step towards creating a more comprehensive and psychologically nuanced human digital twin.

Nonlinear catastrophes caused by geological fluids are a fundamental issue in rock mechanics and the geoengineering hazard field. For the consideration of hydrodynamic force on red-bed mudstone softening damage, X-ray visualization test on the fissure flow in mudstone block failure under hydrodynamic force was performed in this study based on block scale and the physical phenomena of fissure seepage and nonlinear diffusion were further explored. A new method for evaluating the hydro-damage degrees of rocks using an X-ray image analysis was proposed, and the quantitative relation of diffusion coefficients of hydro-damage and seepage was established. The research results revealed that the hydrodynamic force promoted the fluid-filled fissure behavior in mudstone specimen failure. Also, the seepage and diffusion phenomena of fluid in rocks during failures were indicated using X-ray imaging. A dual mechanical behavior was presented in the nonlinear seepage and abnormal diffusion of a red mudstone geological body under hydrodynamic conditions. The damaged degree of mudstone was aggravated by the effect of hydrodynamic force, and the initial seepage–diffusion coefficient with respect to lower hydro-damage was larger than the final seepage–diffusion coefficient with respect to higher hydro-damage of rocks with a decreasing nonlinear trend.

In recent years, drones have been used in a wide range of fields such as agriculture, transportation of goods, and security. Drones equipped with communication facilities are expected to play an active role as base stations in areas where ground base stations are unavailable, such as disaster areas. In addition, asynchronous operation is being considered for local 5G in order to support all kinds of use cases. In asynchronous operation, cross-link interference between base stations is an issue. This paper attempts to reduce the interference caused by the drone network by introducing circularly polarized antennas. Numerical analyses are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed system, where SIRs (Signal-to-Interference Ratio) are shown to be improved significantly as the numerical evaluation results.

Neurodevelopmental disorders arise from genetic and/or from environmental factors and are characterized by different degrees of intellectual disability. The mechanisms that govern important processes sustaining learning and memory, which are severely affected in intellectual disability, have classically been thought to be exclusively under neuronal control. However, this vision has recently evolved into a more integrative conception, in which astroglia, rather than just acting as metabolic supply and structural anchoring for neurons, interact at distinct levels modulating neuronal communication and possibly also cognitive processes. Recently, genetic tools have made it possible to specifically manipulate astrocyte activity unraveling novel functions that involve astrocytes in memory function in the healthy brain. However, astrocyte manipulation has also underscored potential mechanisms by which dysfunctional astrocytes could contribute to memory deficits in several neurodevelopmental disorders revealing new pathogenic mechanisms in intellectual disability. Here, we review the current knowledge about astrocyte dysfunction that might contribute to learning and memory impairment in neurodevelopmental disorders, with special focus on Fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome.

Osteoporosis is a common problem in orthopedic medicine, and it has become an important medical issue in orthopedics as Taiwan is gradually becoming an aging society. In the diagnosis of osteoporosis, the bone mineral density (BMD) derived from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the main criterion for orthopedic diagnosis of osteoporosis, but due to the high cost of this equipment and the lower penetration rate of the equipment compared to the X-ray images, the problem of osteoporosis has not been effectively solved for many people who suffer from osteoporosis, however, at present, in clinical diagnosis, doctors are not yet able to accurately interpret X-ray images for osteoporosis manually, and must rely on the data obtained from DXA. In recent years, with the continuous development of artificial intelligence, especially in machine learning and deep learning, significant progress has been made in image recognition. Therefore, it is worthwhile to revisit whether it is possible to use a convolutional neural network model to read a hip X-ray image and then predict the patient's BMD. In this study, we proposed a hip X-ray image segmentation model and a hip X-ray image recognition classification model. First, we used the U-Net model as a framework to segment the femoral neck, greater trochanter, wards triangle, and the total hip in the hip X-ray images. We then performed image matting and data augmentation. Finally, we constructed a predictive model for osteoporosis using deep learning algorithms. In the segmentation experiments, we used intersection over union (IoU) as the evaluation metric for image segmentation, and both the U-Net and U-Net++ models achieved segmentation results greater than or equal to 0.5. In the classification experiments, using the T-score as the classification basis, the total hip using the DenseNet121 model has the highest accuracy of 74%.

Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder predominately diagnosed in females and primarily caused by pathogenic variants in the X-linked gene Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2 (MECP2). Most often, the disease causing MECP2 allele resides on the paternal X chromosome while a healthy copy is maintained on the maternal X chromosome with inactivation (XCI) resulting in mosaic expression of one allele in each cell. Preferential inactivation of the paternal X chromosome is theorized to result in reduced disease severity; however, establishing such a correlation is complicated by known MECP2 genotype effects and an age dependent increase in severity. To mitigate these confounding factors, we developed an age- and genotype-normalized measure of RTT severity by modeling longitudinal data collected in the US Rett Syndrome Natural History Study. This model accurately reflected individual increase in severity with age and preserved group-level genotype specific differences in severity allowing for the creation of a normalized clinical severity score. Applying this normalized score to a RTT XCI dataset revealed that XCI influence on disease severity depends on MECP2 genotype with a correlation between XCI and severity observed only in individuals with MECP2 variants associated with increased clinical severity. This normalized measure of RTT severity provides the opportunity for future discovery of additional factors contributing to disease severity that may be masked by age and genotype effects.

The ordered Ca3TaGa3Si2O14 and disordered La3Ga5SiO14 crystals of the lantangallium silicate family were grown by the Czochralski method. The independent coefficients of thermal expansion of crystals αc and αa were determined by X-ray powder diffraction based on the analysis of X-ray diffraction spectra measured in the temperature range of 25÷1000°C. It is shown that in the temperature range of 25÷800°C the thermal expansion coefficients are linear. At temperatures above 800°C there is a nonlinear character of the thermal expansion coefficients associated with a decrease in the Ga content in the crystal lattice of the lantangallium silicate family crystals.

X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of complex poly-atomic systems, especially of biomolecules, using ultra-short laser pulses (USP), is currently one of the most important fields of modern physics. The basis for interpreting and "deciphering" experimental data is the well-known theory of X-ray scattering, where the main parameter of USPs - its duration - is not taken into account. In the present work it is shown that for scattering of attosecond USPs on DNA and RNA trinucleotides the pulse length is the most important scattering parameter. In this case the diffraction pattern significantly changes with respect to the previously known scattering theory. The results obtained are extremely important in XRD when using attosecond pulses to study trinucleotides of DNA and RNA because using the previously known scattering theory which does not take into account the duration of USPs one can not correctly interpret and therefore "decode" DNA and RNA structures.

Sulfate attack is one of the main factors affecting the durability of concrete structures. In recent years, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have attracted the attention of scholars for their excellent mechanical properties and durability performance. In this paper, the influence of sulfate attack and dry-wet cycles on the performance of multi-walled carbon nanotube-lithium slag concrete (MWCNTs-LSC) with varied MWCNTs content (0wt%, 0.05wt%, 0.10wt% and 0.15wt%) and varied water-cement ratios (0.35, 0.40 and 0.45) were investigated. Besides, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) tests were conducted to analyze the microstructure and pore structure of the concrete. The results show that concrete incorporated with MWCNTs could effectively mitigate sulfate attack The resistance to sulfate attack of concrete is negatively related to the water-cement ratio when the dry-wet cycle is fixed. The MWCNTs-LSC showed the best compressive strength at the water-cement ratio of 0.35 and 0.10 wt% MWCNTs. The SEM test results showed that the MWCNTs both filled the pores and cracks within the specimen and formed bridges between the cracks, enhancing the resistance to sulfate attack. The CT test results also showed that the addition of MWCNTs could reduce the porosity of concrete, refine the pore size and inhibit the generation and development of cracks, thus optimizing the internal structure of concrete and improving its resistance to sulfate attack.

The osseointegration process in and around additively manufactured (AM) lattice structures of a new titanium alloy, Ti–19Nb–14Zr, was evaluated. Three different implants, including lattices with increasing high sidewalls gradually closing them, were designed, manufactured and implanted in the tibia and metatarsal bone of two sheep for twelve weeks. After removal, they were characterized with X-ray computed tomography (XCT). The 3D XCT images were segmented using machine learning. The bone-interface implant (BII) and bone-implant contact (BIC) were studied. The results show that, since AM naturally leads to high roughness surface finish, the wettability of the implant is increased. The new alloy possesses an increased affinity to the bone enhancing the quality of osseointegration. The lattice provides crevices, in which the biological tissue can jump in and cling. The combination of these factors is pushing ossification beyond its natural limits. Therefore, the quality and speed of the ossification and osseointegration in and around these Ti–19Nb–14Zr AM laterally closed lattice implants open the possibility of bone spline key of prostheses. This enables the stabilization of the implant into the bone while keeping the possibility of punctual hooks allowing the implant to be removed more easily if required.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex disease involving multiple factors such as amyloid plaque formation, mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere length, and oxidative stress. As the disease began 20 years before the onset of clinical symptoms, treatment of AD after its onset is likely to be too late to have a significant effect. Therefore, prevention from an early stage is important. Twendee X®︎ (TwX, Oxicut®︎) is an antioxidant supplement consisting of eight ingredients. TwX has been proven to prevent dementia in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective intervention trial. To elucidate the mechanisms of TwX on brain and cellular function, TwX was administered in in vitro experiments and in a C57BL/6 old wild-type, and spontaneous hyperglycemia model with accelerated cognitive decline, and its effects on diabetes, brain autophagy, neurogenesis, and telomere length were evaluated in comparison with those of the non-treated groups. TwX protected mitochondria from oxidative stress with higher antioxidant capacity than a single antioxidant. TwX not only lowered blood glucose levels, but also suppressed reduction of brain neurogenesis and loss of autophagy. Telomeres in aged mice were significantly longer than those in non-TwX-treated mice. Development of dementia is based on many factors of brain function. TwX was suggested to prevent dementia not only by its antioxidant effects, but also by its effects on diabetes, brain neurogenesis, telomere deficiency, and energy production.

In the perspective of designing complex concentrated alloys (CCAs) for structural applications, sigma (σ) phase is important. It is generally known to be an embrittling phase leading to a degradation in the mechanical properties of CCAs. This necessitates detailed investigations on the evolution of σ phase in these alloys. In the present study, an equiatomic CoCrCuMnNi CCA is chosen, in which σ phase appears at 800°C, as reported in a recent publication [1]. To this end, the present investigation aims at understanding the evolution of this phase so that its presence can be controlled for the purpose of preventing degradation in mechanical properties. In the present work, a vacuum arc melted alloy, after homogenisation (at 400°C for 5h), is heat-treated for different times ranging from 1 to 9h at 800°C followed by water quenching. Extensive characterisation has been carried out using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques to understand the sequence of σ phase precipitation at 800°C.

We have recently introduced the possibility of performing operando small-angle X-ray scattering measurements using a novel industrially relevant injection moulding system for plastics. We show that useful time-resolving measurements can be performed with a time-cycle of 1s and we highlight the possible steps to reduce this to 0.5s. We show how we can use the transmission measurements to provide a time-marker when plastic first enters the mould cavity in the region probed by the incident X-ray beam. We show the opportunities provided by this experimental stage mounted on the NCD-SWEET beamline at ALBA to probe the reproducibility of the injection moulding system on different scales. The design of the equipment allows the development of the structure and the morphology to be evaluated in different parts of mould cavity and we evaluate any differences in a rectangular mould cavity. We identify future prospects for this equipment in terms of novel mould heating and cooling systems and the opportunities for quantitatively evaluating radical approaches to injection moulding technology.

The results of muonographic study of two objects in the cave complex of the unique historical and archaeological memorial, the Holy Dormition Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery, are presented. The experimental technology is based on the use of nuclear emulsion detectors.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is caused by polyglutamine expansion in Ataxin-2 (ATXN2). This factor binds RNA/proteins to modify metabolism after stress, and to control calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis after stimuli, thus exerting crucial neuroprotection for cerebellar ataxias and corticospinal motor neuron degeneration. Our Atxn2-CAG100-Knock-In mouse faithfully models features observed in patients at pre-onset, early and terminal stages. Here, its cerebellar global RNA profiling revealed downregulation of signaling cascades to precede motor deficits. Validation work at mRNA/protein level defined alterations that were independent of constant physiological ATXN2 functions, but specific for RNA/aggregation toxicity, and progressive across the short lifespan. Earliest changes were detected at 3 months among Ca2+ channels/transporters (Itpr1, Ryr3, Atp2a2, Atp2a3, Trpc3), IP3 metabolism (Plcg1, Inpp5a, Itpka), and Ca2+-Calmodulin dependent kinases (Camk2a, Camk4). CaMKIV–Sam68 control over alternative splicing of Nrxn1, an adhesion component of glutamatergic synapses between granule and Purkinje neurons, was found affected. Systematic screening of pre/post-synapse components, with dendrite morphology assessment, suggested early impairment of CamKIIα abundance together with weakening of parallel fiber connectivity. These data reveal molecular changes due to ATXN2 pathology, impacting communication and excitability of cerebellar neurons. Discovery of such risk versus progression markers improves the assessment of pre-symptomatic treatments in SCA2 and related disorders.

The following system of equations {x_1 \cdot x_1=x_2, x_2 \cdot x_2=x_3, 2^{2^{x_1}}=x_3, x_4 \cdot x_5=x_2, x_6 \cdot x_7=x_2} has exactly one solution in ({\mathbb N}\{0,1})^7, namely (2,4,16,2,2,2,2). Hypothesis 1 states that if a system of equations S \subseteq {x_i \cdot x_j=x_k: i,j,k \in {1,...,7}} \cup {2^{2^{x_j}}=x_k: j,k \in {1,...,7}} has at most five equations and at most finitely many solutions in ({\mathbb N}\{0,1})^7, then each such solution (x_1,...,x_7) satisfies x_1,...,x_7 \leq 16. Hypothesis 1 implies that there are infinitely many composite numbers of the form 2^{2^{n}}+1. Hypotheses 2 and 3 are of similar kind. Hypothesis 2 implies that if the equation x!+1=y^2 has at most finitely many solutions in positive integers x and y, then each such solution (x,y) belongs to the set {(4,5),(5,11),(7,71)}. Hypothesis 3 implies that if the equation x(x+1)=y! has at most finitely many solutions in positive integers x and y, then each such solution (x,y) belongs to the set {(1,2),(2,3)}. We describe semi-algorithms sem_j (j=1,2,3) that never terminate. For every j \in {1,2,3}, if Hypothesis j is true, then sem_j endlessly prints consecutive positive integers starting from 1. For every j \in {1,2,3}, if Hypothesis j is false, then sem_j prints a finite number (including zero) of consecutive positive integers starting from 1.

Agricultural crops productivity is heavily influenced by the strength of their seeds. Current methods for testing seed vigor, such as the germination rate and tetrazolium test, rely on time-consuming human visual inspections. Computer Vision, a crucial technology in smart production processes, offers an automated alternative and is increasingly applied in digital agriculture processes. Here we propose a method that combines YOLOv8 and morphological analysis of seeds using X-ray images to aid seed quality analysts in classifying seed lots based on their physiological potential. We examined the internal morphology of three seed lots and generated X-ray images to train a YOLOv8-based model with a post-segmentation module. This model assessed various parameters such as the total seed area, area filled by the embryo and endosperm, length, width, and calculated the percentage occupied by the embryo and endosperm in relation to the total seed area. Subsequently, seeds were classified into four categories based on the internal area occupied by the endosperm and embryo. Our findings reveal the robust performance of the YOLOv8 model in segmenting and classifying despite the challenges posed by a relatively small dataset. Notably, the proposed model achieved an impressive accuracy of up to 95.6% in identifying and segmenting the endosperm over 1,500 epochs with just 15 training images. The endosperm/seed area ratio, particularly within the 50-60% range covering over 50% of the samples, emerged as a significant metric for evaluating the viability of seed batches.

Scattering of ultrashort X-ray pulses (USP) is an important component of the diffraction analysis of matter using modern USP sources. Usually, the specific scattering of such USPs is not taken into account to determine the structure of a substance. Taking into account the specifics of scattering on complex structures will give more accurate results when deciphering complex structures. In this work, it is shown that when X-ray USPs are scattered on diamond with NV centers, it is necessary to take into account the pulse duration. The results obtained can be very different from the widely used theory of diffraction analysis, which confirms the need to take into account the specifics of USP scattering when diagnosing complex structures. It is also shown that scattering spectra are quite sensitive to the concentration of NV centres in the diamond structure and this can be used in diffraction analysis.

(1) Background: Stereological estimations significantly contributed to our anatomical and physiological understanding of the lung by providing an average distribution of measured parameters over the entire lung parenchyma. However, most structural lung diseases show a very inhomogeneous pattern of alterations. (2) Methods: We developed a novel protocol for the analysis of all pulmonary airspaces. Our pipeline starts with high-resolution synchrotron radiation-based X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM) and consists of (i) image segmentation with the combination of the free machine-learning tool Ilastik and ImageJ and (ii) calculation of the airspace diameter distribution of an entire lung using a diameter map function. To evaluate the new pipeline, lungs from adult mice with cystic fibrosis (CF)-like lung disease (ENaC-transgenic mice) or mice with elastase-induced emphysema were compared to healthy controls. (3) Results: We were able to show the distribution of airspace diameters throughout the entire lung, as well as separately for the conducting airways and the gas-exchange area. In the pathobiological context, we observed an irregular widening of parenchymal airspaces in mice with CF-like lung disease and elastase-induced emphysema. Comparable results were obtained when analyzing lungs imaged with μCT, suggesting that our pipeline is applicable to different kinds of imaging modalities. (4) Conclusions: We conclude that the airspace diameter map is well suited for a detailed analysis of unevenly distributed structural alterations in chronic muco-obstructive lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis and COPD.

Orthohepadnavirus causes chronic hepatitis in a broad range of mammals, including primates, cats, woodchucks, and bats. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein inhibits type-I interferon (IFN) signaling, promoting HBV escape from the innate immune system to establish persistent infection. However, whether X proteins of Orthohepadnavirus viruses in the other species have similar inhibitory activity remains unknown. Here, we investigated the anti-IFN activity of 17 Orthohepadnavirus X proteins derived from various hosts. We observed conserved activity of Orthohepadnavirus X proteins in inhibiting TIR-domain-containing adaptor protein inducing IFN-β (TRIF)-mediated IFN-β signaling pathway through TRIF degradation. X proteins from domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH), a novel member of Orthohepadnavirus, inhibited mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS)-mediated IFNβ signaling pathway comparable with HBV X. These results indicate that inhibition of IFN signaling is conserved in Orthohepadnavirus X proteins.

Present work investigates, in photon energy domains of specific interest for medical imaging, the effect of the escape of X-ray fluorescence from the scintillator materials on the energy resolution of scintillation detector itself. Monolithic as well as pixelated crystals differently sized are considered, in the case of the NaI because it is the gold standard in the field. The volumetric ratio is introduced, as a figure of merit, taking into account, alongside the surface-to-volume ratio, the geometric shape, the elemental composition and also the mean-free-path for the given scintillator and energy. The inter-crystal XRF escape is finally suggested to be considered among the effects producing image blurring in segmented scintillatros due to the spread of events between the primary pixel and the first neighbors ones.

The morphology of virgin reactor powder (RP) of high-density polyethylene HDPE with MW = 160,000 g/mol was investigated with the help of DSC, SEM, SAXS and WAXS methods. The morphological SEM analysis showed, that the main morphological units of RP are macro- and micro-shish kebab structures with significantly different geometric dimensions, as well as individual lamellae of folded chain crystals. Quantitative analysis of an asymmetric SAXS reflection made it possible to reveal the presence of several periodic morphoses in the RP with long periods from 20 nm to 60 nm and to correlate them with the observed powder morphology. According to the DSC crystallinity data, the thickness of the lamellae in each long period was estimated. Their surface energy was calculated in the framework of the Gibbs-Thompson theory. The presence of regular and irregular folds on the surface of the different shish-kebab lamellae is discussed. The percentage of identified morphoses in the RP was calculated. It has been suggested that the specific structure of HDPE RP is due to the peculiarity of polymer crystallization during suspension synthesis in a quasi-stationary regime, in which local overheating and inhomogeneous distribution of shear stresses in a chemical reactor are possible.

Optimum design and accurate control of the internal structure of the laser target materials remain an important goal for various laser physics experiments, especially for generating high flux photon and neutron beams. The low-density material is considered to be one of the most difficult for X-ray study due to its high transparency and imperceptible contrast. To produce clear visualization of foam containing sparse structures we used a high-quality monochromatic X-ray beam of synchrotron radiation source PETRA-III at DESY. The X-ray beam parameters allow tomographic scanning with application of phase contrast retrieval algorithms. A series of 3D images of foam-suspended glass microsphere inside the plastic cylinder were obtained with the quality high enough to observe the internal structure and to visualize uniformity, displacement and surface roughness on both sides of the microsphere. The main object under investigation was a CH-plastic capillary including 10 mg/cc CHO-foam with the centered glass microsphere. The results of this work demonstrate that tomographic visualization based on a high quality X-ray radiation and phase contrast analysis is an effective and useful technique for development of new laser targets containing structured low density materials.

The purpose of this work was to achieve non-destructive detection of the internal defects of in-shell walnuts using X-ray radiography technology based on improved Faster R-CNN network model. First, the FPN structure was added to the feature extraction layer to extract richer image information. Then ROI Align was used to instead of ROI Pooling for eliminating the localization bias problem caused by quantization operation. Finally, the Softer-NMS module was introduced to the final regression layer with the predicted bounding box for improving the localization accuracy of the candidate boxes. The results indicated that the internal defects in intact walnuts with shells could be identified effectively using the proposed improved network model in this study. Specifically, the discrimination accuracy of the in-shell sound, shriveled and empty-shell walnuts were 96.14%, 91.72% and 94.80% respectively, and the highest overall accuracy can reach 94.22 %. Contrasted with original Faster R-CNN network model, the mAP and F1-value of the improved Faster R-CNN model increased by 5.86% and 5.65%, respectively. Consequently, the proposed method can be applied for the in-shell walnuts with shriveled and empty-shell defects.

The G-NUMEN array is the future gamma spectrometer of the NUMEN experiment (Nuclear Matrix Element for the Neutrinoless double beta decay), to be installed around the object point of the MAGNEX magnetic spectrometer at the INFN-LNS laboratory.. This project aims at exploring Double Charge Exchange (DCE) reactions in order to obtain crucial information about the neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ). The primary objective of the G-NUMEN array is to detect the gamma rays emitted from the de-excitation of the excited states populated via DCE reactions with good energy resolution and detection efficiency, amidst a background composed of transitions from competingreaction channels with far higher cross-sections. To achieve this, the G-NUMEN signalswill be processed in coincidence with those generated by the detection of the reaction ejectiles in the MAGNEX Focal Plane Detector(FPD). Under the expected experimental conditions, G-NUMEN detectors will operate at high counting rates, of the order of hundreds of kHz per detector, while maintaining excellent energy and timing resolutions. The complete array will consist of over 100 LaBr3(Ce) scintillators. Initial tests have been conducted on the first detectors of the array, allowing for the determination of their performance at high rates.

An accurate flux measurement of low-energy charged particles trapped in the magnetosphere is necessary for space weather characterization and to study the coupling between the lithosphere and magnetosphere, which allows for the investigation of the correlations between seismic events and particle precipitation from Van Allen belts. In this work, the project of a CubeSat space spectrometer, the Low-Energy Module (LEM), is shown. The detector will be able to perform an event-based measurement of the energy, arrival direction, and composition of low-energy charged particles down to 0.1 MeV. Moreover, thanks to a CdZnTe mini-calorimeter, the LEM spectrometer also allows for photon detection in the sub-MeV range, joining the quest for the investigation of the nature of Gamma-ray bursts. The particle identification of the LEM relies on the ΔE−E technique performed by thin silicon detectors. This multipurpose spectrometer will fit within a 10 × 10 × 10 cm3 CubeSat frame, and it will be constructed as a joint project between the University of Trento, FBK, and INFN-TIFPA. To fulfil the size and mass requirements, an innovative approach, based on active particle collimation, was designed for the LEM; this avoids the heavy/bulky passive collimators of previous space detectors. In this paper, we will present the LEM geometry, its detection concept, the results from the developed GEANT4 simulation, and some characterisations of a candidate silicon detector for the instrument payload.

This article has been studied the synthesis of a new derivative of the known alkaloid cytisine contained in the seeds of plants of Cytisus laburnum L. and Thermopsis lanceolata R.Br., both of the Lugiminosae family. The new compound has been obtained from two biologically active compounds such as isoxazole and cytisine. It has been demonstrated that the reaction led to the single-stage method under very mild conditions to obtain some 4-[(3,5-dimethyl-1,2-oxazole-4-yl)sulfonyl]amides. This class of compounds is promising to obtain the new biologically active compounds. This article has examined in detail a structure with using the 1H and 13C NMR and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy of COSY (1H-1H), HMQC (1H-13C) and NMVS (1H-13C). As a result, the homo- and heteronuclear spin-spin couplings should be established. The X-ray diffraction analysis has determined the spatial structure of a new derivative based on cytisine alkaloid. Thus, its hemorheological activity has been studied.

The quest for surgical advancements regarding the enhancement of the submental and cervicofacial regions has witnessed a remarkable upsurge in recent years. Informed patients are actively seeking sophisticated plastic surgery techniques to achieve comprehensive rejuvenation in these specific areas. Our clinical practice encounters an annual influx of approximately 400 patients, with 20% of them aged over 60, seeking facial rejuvenation encompassing the details of lower third of the face and neck. Common concerns expressed by these patients include sagging of the jawline, the emergence of deep perioral wrinkles, and the formation of "marionette lines" within the lower third of the face. Furthermore, the manifestation of age-related signs, including neck laxity, submental adipose accumulation, "witch's chin" deformity, and weakened platysma musculature, is frequently encountered within this intricate anatomical domain. This review aims to summarize the recent technical improvements, historical evolution, indications, postoperative care and challenges for facial rejuvenation of the lower third of the face and neck. Lastly, the application of minimally invasive procedures as part of a comprehensive approach to an aging face will also be discussed.

This research addresses the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm newborns, caused by insufficient surfactant synthesis, which can lead to serious complications, including pneumothorax, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary hemorrhage, increasing the risk of a fatal outcome. By analyzing chest radiographs and blood gases, we specifically focus on the significant contributions of these parameters to the diagnosis and analysis of the recovery of patients with RDS. The study involved 32 preterm newborns, and the analysis of gas parameters before and after the administration of surfactants and inhalation corticosteroid therapy revealed statistically significant changes in values of parameters such as FiO2, pH, pCO2, HCO3 and BE (Sig.<0.05), ehile the pO2 parameter showed a potential change (Sig.=0.061). Parallel to this, the research emphasizes the development of a lung segmentation algorithm implemented in the MATLAB programming environment. The key steps of the algorithm include preprocessing, segmentation, and visualization for a more detailed understanding of the recovery dynamics after RDS. These algorithms have achieved promising results, with a global accuracy of 0.93±0.06, precision 0.81±0.16 and an F-score of 0.82±0.14. These results highlight the potential application of algorithms in the analysis and monitoring of recovery in newborns with RDS, also underscoring the need for further development of software solutions in medicine, particularly in neonatology, to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of preterm newborns with respiratory distress syndrome.

Halloysite and kaolinite are dioctahedral TO phyllosilicates that drive the interest of scientists for formulating environmental friendly materials, and consequently in the field of ceramics. The main scope of this study was the understanding of the texture evolution upon the dehydroxylation reaction and the influence of the presence of halloysite. In situ synchrotron (002) and (111) poles figures were recorded on the DiffAbs beamline at SOLEIL Synchrotron, from room temperature to 1000°C, on kaolinite and/or halloysite-rich samples shaped by tape casting. Commercial kaolins and halloysite provided by Imerys company were used. The samples were labeled KRG100, KCS100, H100, KRG50H50 and KRG59H50 in relation with the wt. % of kaolin (KRG, KCS) or halloysite (H) clays. In samples KCS100 and KRG100, a strong texture was observed until in situ annealing at 700°C, with respect to the c-axis of kaolinite. One the contrary, the texture with respect to the c-axis of halloysite for the sample H100 was weak whatever the temperature was. Moreover, this weak texture disappeared before the complete dehydroxylation of halloysite. This is due to the opening of some halloysite tubes. When considering the samples KRG50H50 and KCS50H50, a significant texture was observed with the c-axis preferentially oriented perpendicular to the sample surface . The presence of kaolinite platelets predominated onto the alignment of halloysites tubes. Furthermore, it was noted that the halloysite influenced the (002) diffracted intensity into the temperature range 20 °C and 400 °C. Above 400°C, the behavior obtained for the (002) reflection in samples KRG50H50 and KCS50H50 was similar to the behavior noticed for pure kaolins KRG100 and KCS100 respectively. The dehydroxylation temperature range appeared to be relevant with combined effect of kaolinite and halloysite transformations arising from KRG100 or KCS100 and H100 samples. Therefore, the onset point of dehydroxylation is 550 °C ± 25 °C for KRG100, KCS100 KRG50H50 and KCS50H50. For the pure halloysite H100 sample, the dehydroxylation starts at lower temperature 475°C. It was also noted that during the dehydroxylation of kaolinite, the characteristic portion of ring related to the diffracted intensity of the (111) reflection located at χ = 45 ° tended to disappear above 550 °C and led to the formation of a new transitory phase with a (111) reflection with perpendicular alignment to the c-axis. Indeed, an epitaxial relationship with the (111) kaolinite reflection could be assumed. Further X-ray scattering experiments allowed highlighting the effective offset temperature of the dehydroxylation, which was identified as close to 720 °C. The metakaolinite obtained undergone structural transformation to another transitory phase at 1000°C.

The approach based on molecular modeling was developed to study dNTP derivatives characterized by new polymerase-specific properties. For this purpose, the relative efficiency of PCR amplification with modified dUTPs was studied using Taq, Tth, Pfu, Vent, Deep Vent, Vent (exo-), and Deep Vent (exo-) DNA polymerases. The efficiency of PCR amplification with modified dUTPs was compared with the results of molecular modeling using the known 3D structures of KlenTaq polymerase–DNA–dNTP complexes. The dUTPs were C5-modified with bulky functional groups (the Cy5 dye analogs) or lighter aromatic groups. Comparing the experimental data and the results of molecular modeling revealed the decrease of PCR efficiency in the presence of modified dUTPs with an increase in the number of non-covalent bonds between the substituents and the DNA polymerase (about 15% decrease per one extra non-covalent bond). Generalization of the revealed patterns to all the studied polymerases of the A and B families is discussed herein. The number of non-covalent bonds between the substituents and polymerase amino acid residues is proposed to be a potentially variable parameter for regulating enzyme activity.

This study aims to investigate utilizing Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC), a by-product of sugar beet, as a soil stabilizer for addressing settlement issues beneath pavements. Various tests were conducted to assess the engineering properties of PCC-stabilized subgrades using PCC obtained from Amalgamated Sugar Cooperation in Twin Falls, Idaho. Local loess samples, like those found beneath pavements, were collected for testing purposes. Initial tests involved evaluating the unconfined compressive strength of compacted loess samples, followed by tests on samples mixed with different weight percentages of PCC. The results revealed a significant average increase of 10% to 28% in the strength of loess samples stabilized with 5% PCC compared to the strength of the native soil. The chemical composition and microstructure of PCC were further analyzed through X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDX), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Tests conducted at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). XRD analysis indicates the presence of calcium carbonate and silica. EDX analysis unveiled a carbon content of 9% by weight in PCC, which could contribute to the carbon footprint when it breaks down. Additionally, SEM images displayed an irregular microstructure and particle shape of PCC. Furthermore, the inclusion of PCC improved the resistance of loess to saturation collapse.

Silencing of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene and consequently lack of synthesis of FMR protein (FMRP) are associated with fragile X syndrome, which is one of the most prevalent inherited intellectual disabilities. FMRP is a multifunctional protein involved in many cellular functions in nearly all subcellular compartments under normal conditions and under conditions of cellular stress in both neuronal and non-neuronal cell types. This is achieved through its trafficking signals, nuclear localization signal (NLS), nuclear export signal (NES), and nucleolar localization signal (NoLS), as well as its RNA and protein binding domains, and is modulated by various post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, and methylation. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the interaction networks of FMRP with a special focus on FMRP stress-related functions, including stress granule formation, mitochondrion and endoplasmic reticulum plasticity, ribosome biogenesis, cell cycle control, and DNA damage response.

X-band dual-polarization phased array radar (XPAR-D) possesses high temporal-spatial resolutions and plays a significant role in detecting meso- and micro-scale convective systems. However, the precipitation attenuation it endures necessitates an effective correction method. This study selected radar data from XPAR-D at the peak of Maofeng Mountain in Guangzhou during May 16-17, 2020 from three precipitation stages after quality control. Attenuation coefficients are calculated for different precipitation types through scattering simulations of raindrop size distribution (RSD) data. Drawing upon this, an attenuation correction algorithm (MZH-KDP method) is proposed for radar reflectivity factor (ZH) according to different raindrop types, and is compared to the ZH-KDP method currently in use. The results indicate that the attenuation amount of XPAR-D echoes depends on the attenuation path and echo intensity. When the attenuation path is shorter and the echo intensity is weaker, the amount of attenuation and correction is smaller. Difficulties arise when there are noticeable deviations in such a situation, which are challenging to solve via attenuation correction methods. Longer attenuation paths and stronger echoes highlight the advantages of the MZH-KDP method, while the ZH-KDP method tends to overcorrect the bias. The MZH-KDP method outperforms the ZH-KDP method for different precipitation types. The superior correction capability of the MZH-KDP method provides a significant advantage in improving the performance of XPAR-D for the detection of extreme weather.

A hydrothermal technique with microwave heating (200 °C, 2 hours, 2 magnetrons, 2.45 GHz) was modified to obtain UV-C luminescent LaPO4: Pr3+ colloidal nanorods for the potential use in X-ray cancer theranostics. For further possible biofunctionalization, a compound of tartaric acid formed under basic conditions was used as a coating and stabilizing agent to provide colloidal properties to the surface of nanoparticles in basic to neutral aqueous media, which was confirmed by zeta potential measurements. In addition, the colloidal properties and clustering processes of synthesized LaPO4:Pr3+ nanorods in aqueous solutions with different pH values were studied in real time using a highly sensitive laser ultramicroscope operating according to the “light-sheet” scheme. A comparative analysis of the transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and high-energy spectroscopy showed the different effects of synthesis parameters on the morphological, crystalline and luminescent properties of the obtained nanorods. Through optimization of the synthesis parameters, stable aqueous solutions of m-LaPO4:Pr3+ nanorods with sizes less than 30 nm and an intensity of UV-C luminescence equal to 5-10% of the unmodified nanofibers were obtained.

Post-menopausal women are at risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs), which if undetected and untreated, can lead to significant pain and morbidity. However, OVFs are often not reported by radiologists on routine chest radiographs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in medical applications with improvements in detection and diagnosis. This study aims to investigate the clinical value of a newly developed AI tool, Ofeye 1.0 for automated detection of OVFs on lateral chest radiographs in post-menopausal women (>60 years) who were referred to undergo chest x-rays for other reasons. A total of 510 de-identified lateral chest radiographs from three clinical sites were retrieved and analysed by Ofeye1.0 tool. These images were then reviewed by a consultant radiologist to decide whether there is any fracture present or not with findings served as the reference standard for determining the diagnostic performance of the AI tool. The percentage of radiologist reports which included the OVF was analysed by comparing diagnostic reports with AI findings, while the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of the AI tool were calculated. Out of all the original radiologist reports, missed OVFs were found in 14% images but were detected by the AI tool. The AI tool demonstrated a relatively high specificity 92.8% (95% CI: 89.6, 95.2%), moderate accuracy 80.3% (95% CI: 76,3, 80.4%), PPV 73.7% (95% CI: 65.2, 80.8%) and NPV 81.5% (95%CI: 79, 83.8%), but low sensitivity 49% (95%CI: 40.7, 57.3%). The high false negative results were mainly due to mild OVFs with <20% vertebral height loss. The new AI software tool has high specificity with a low false positive rate of 5.1%, showing that it can be used as a complimentary tool to the routine diagnostic reports for reduction of missed OVF in elderly women. The low sensitivity with high false negative rates indicate the necessity of radiologist’s in identifying and reporting early OVFs.

Bismuth sodium titanate thin films (BNT) were deposited on Pt/SiN substrates by Sol-Gel spin coating technique under O2 atmosphere. Microstructural, structural, and electrical properties of the obtained film were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy micrographs were used to analyze the microstructure of the films. Furthermore, EDX analysis revealed a Na-deficient composition for the obtained film. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy allowed the identification of a pure perovskite BNT phase. Dielectric, ferroelectric, and leakage current measurements revealed good frequency stability of the dielectric constant and dielectric losses for BNT thin film. The results are discussed in terms of Na-deficiency effects on the defect structure of BNT. Further, the film showed attractive electrostatic energy storage properties with energy density that exceeds 1.04 J/cm3 under E = 630 kV/cm.

Accurate treatment planning in radiotherapy essentially decreases secondary damage to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. Due to plans to use a direct, highly collimated, narrow beam with high intensity to treat small area tumors, researchers have studied microbeam radiation therapy extensively. Using a synchrotron beam as the radiation source may help to limit secondary damage, but treatment planning using computerized simulations and dosimetry is still necessary to achieve optimal results. For this purpose, PDA-gel dosimeters were developed and their sensitivity around a 150 keV induced synchrotron X-ray radiation beam was examined via Monte Carlo simulations using the EGS5 code system. The microbeam development is now at the animal study stage. In this study, we simulate the irradiation of a rat's brain. The simulation results obtained spectra for two types of PDA-gel dosimeters that were compared with the spectrum obtained in a modelized brain tumor of a rat. Additionally, percentage depth dose curves were calculated for the brain tissue and the two gels. Correction equations for the dosimeters were obtained from the dose-difference plots. For further references, these equations can be used to calculate the actual dose in a brain tumor in a rat. The Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that PDA-gel dosimeters can be used as a reference technique in planning treatment using synchrotron irradiations and in other medical treatment planning methods.

Background and Objectives: Mechanical and biological complications can lead to system fracture or screw loss on dental implants. Narrow and regular platforms have been used without a consensus about the effect of distance the abutment from the prosthetic platform margin. The aim of this study is to evaluate different insertion torques in the deformation of tri-channel platform connections through two- and three-dimensional measurements with micro-CT. Materials and Methods: 164 implants were divided into groups (platform diameter and type): 3.5, 3.75, and 4.3 mm NP (Narrow Platform), and 4.3 mm RP (Regular Platform). Each implant-platform group was then divided into four subgroups (n = 10) with different torques: T45 (45 Ncm), T80 (80 Ncm), T120 (120 Ncm) and T150 (150 Ncm). The implant-abutment-screw assemblies were scanned and the images obtained were analyzed. Results: A significant difference was observed for the linear and volume measures between the different platforms (p <0.01) and the different implant insertion torques (p <0.01). Qualitative analysis suggested higher deformation resistance for the 3.75 NP compared to the 3.5 NP, and RP was more resistant compared to the NP. Conclusions: The 0.25-mm increment in the implant platform did not increase the resistance to the applied insertion torques; the 4.3-mm implant was significantly stronger compared to the 3.5-mm implant and the proposed micro-CT analysis was considered valid for both 2D and 3D analyses of micro gaps, qualitatively and quantitatively.

The radiation stability of polymer test objects fabricated by direct laser writing is studied. The two groups of 6 cubes (50×50×50 μm3) were printed on a common silicon substrate. 6 cubes were irradiated with X-rays in the synchrotron radiation beam (12 keV, 1010 photons/mm2/s), the other 6 kept non-irradiated for the reference. In each group, the fabrication parameters (laser power and slicing step) were uniformly varied from cube to cube. Each irradiated cube was exposed with the dose of 1013 X-ray photons. The calibration of this dose in the radiological units (Gy) was carried out using the tissue-equivalent thermoluminescent detectors (TLD-800). The corresponding exposition dose was estimated as 30 kGy for each cube. The radiation effects were evaluated by Raman spectroscopy and by morphological changes observed with the raster electron microscope. The primary radiation effect appears in the essential increase of the polymerization degree with consuming carbon-carbon double bonds in favor of the polymer cross-linking. Only one cube of 6 has changed the size and shape due to this effect, while the others retained the initial shape. Morphological changes are connected with the improper fabrication parameters (laser power and slicing step). Properly fabricated objects withstand the X-rays of the synchrotron radiation beam.

Co-doped SnO2 nanocrystals with tetragonal rutile-type (space group P42/mnm) structure have been investigated using in-situ high-pressure synchrotron angle dis-persive X-ray diffraction till 20.9 GPa at ambient temperature. The analysis of ex-perimental results based on Rietveld refinements suggest that rutile-type SnO2 un-dergoes a structural phase transition at 14.2 GPa to an orthorhombic CaCl2-type phase (space group Pnnm) with no coexistence during the phase transition. No further phase transition is observed till 20.9 GPa. The low-pressure and high-pressure phases are related via a group/subgroup relationship. However, as a discontinuous change in the unit-cell volume is detected at the phase transition, thus, the phase transition can be classified as first-order type. On decompression the transition is found to be re-versible. The results are compared with previous high-pressure studies on SnO2.

It is well known that the basis of diffraction analysis of matter is scattering, including scattering of ultrashort laser pulses. In the theory of scattering of ultrashort pulses the pulse duration parameter is usually not taken into account, which leads to some error. This error may be more significant than the considered effects in the scattering of the pulse on the studied structure. In this paper it is shown that the pulse duration parameter should be taken into account when scattering X-ray pulses on oriented diamonds with NV-centers. It is shown that the scattering spectra can be used to judge the orientation of NV centers in the diamond structure. The obtained results may be very different from the widely used theory of diffraction analysis, which confirms the necessity of taking into account the pulse duration parameter in the diagnosis of complex structures.

The treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is characterized by artificial supplementation of pancreatic β-cell ability to regulate sugar levels in the blood. Even though various insulin analogs are crucial for reasonable glycemic control, understanding the dynamic mechanism of the insulin analogs may help to improve the best-protracted insulin analog to assist people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) to live comfortably while maintaining tight glycemic control. Here we present the high-resolution crystal structure of NN304, known as insulin detemir, to 1.7 A resolution at cryogenic temperature. We computationally further investigated our crystal structure's monomeric-dimeric conformation and dynamic profile by comparing it with a previously available detemir structure (PDB ID: 1XDA). Our structure (PDB ID: 8HGZ) obtained at elevated pH provides a distinct alternative dimeric conformation compared to the previous structure, suggesting it might induce an intermediate state in the dissociation pathway of the insulin detemir’s hexamer:dihexamer equilibrium. Combined with orientational cross-correlation analysis by Gaussian Network Model (GNM), this alternate oligomeric conformation offers the distinct cooperative motions of a protracted insulin analog that has not been previously observed.

Vanadium(IV) chalcogenide materials are of increasing interest for use in catalysis and energy conversion-related applications. Since no ternary compounds are yet known in the V–Se–Te system, we studied ternary VwSeyTe2–y (w = 1.10, 1.13; y = 0.42, 0.72) phases crystallizing in space group P3m1 (no. 164). Two single-crystal specimens with differing compositions of a solid solution were obtained using the ceramic method. All products were characterized by either single-crystal or powder X-ray diffraction. The lattice parameters increase with rising tellurium content in accordance to the larger ionic radius of the tellurium anion compared to selenium. The chemical compositions were confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Further, magnetic measurements revealed mostly antiferromagnetic properties. Simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetric analyses in nitrogen atmosphere showed endothermic decomposition accompanied by the formation of VN. The results of this work can serve as a basis for the synthesis of new phases in the V–Se–Te and related vanadium chalcogenide systems.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and the Hepatitis B virus protein X (HBx) are a major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In CHB, HBx induces mitochondrial dysfunction, exhaustion and impaired function in hepatocytes. Restoring hepatocyte health along with reduction in virus replication could be an ideal treatment of CHB. Thiourea derivatives are well known for their antiviral property though their effect on mitochondrial and/ or hepatocyte health is obscure. The current pilot study focus on the repurposing of DSA-00, DSA-02, and DSA-09 on mitochondrial health and hepatocyte replenishment. HepG2.2.15 cells were treated with these, alongside Entecavir (ETV). The proteomics analysis showed DSA-00 and ETV were enriched with proteins associated with antiviral responses. DSA-00 additionally showed increase in proteins linked to mitochondrial response. DSA-02 showed association with innate immune system and citric acid cycle. DSA-09 displayed pathways similar to DSA-00 and ETV. The treated groups exhibited enhanced bio-energetic and antiviral response compared to the untreated group. FACS analysis, validated thiourea derivatives restored exhausted hepatocytes by targeting mitochondrial potential and function. Our findings suggest that (DSA-00, DSA-02, and DSA-09) may hold potential as a novel treatment strategy restoring mitochondrial healthy along with anti-viral response in CHB.

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)/ Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) polymer nanocomposite films have been prepared, and the relationship between their structural, thermal and nanoscale morphologi-cal properties, and their photoluminescent response, has been investigated. Although according to X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) the incorporation of GQDs does not significantly affect the percentage crystallinity of the PVA matrix, for a range of added GQD concentrations, Atomic Force Micros-copy (AFM) showed the formation of islands with apparent crystalline morphology on the surface of the PVA/GQD films, with GQD presumably acting as a nucleating agent for island growth. The incorporation of GQD also led to the formation of characteristic surface pores with increased stiffness and frictional contrast, according to Ultrasonic Force Microscopy (UFM) and Frictional Force Microscopy (FFM) data. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the films were found to de-pend both on the amount of GQD incorporated and on the film morphology. For GQD loads > 1,2wt%, a GQD-related band was observed at ~ 1650 cm-1 in FT-IR, along with an increase in the PL band at lower energy. For a load of ~2wt% GQD, the surface morphology was characterized by extended cluster aggregates with lower stiffness and friction than the surrounding matrix, and the PL signal decreased.

The extent of micro-phase separation in polyurethanes (PUs) depended on the molecular weight, the chemical nature and the structure of the polyol/soft segments. Balanced properties in PUs were obtained by using blends of polyols during synthesis. No previous studies have been devoted to understand the interactions between the soft segments that affect the properties of the PUs. In this study, different blends of two polyols of different nature (polyester – PE - and polycarbonate diol - CD) and similar molecular weight were prepared and their structural, thermal, surface, viscoelastic and self-adhesion properties were assessed. PE showed larger number of structural repeating units and higher number of polar groups than CD, but the carbonate-carbonate interactions in CD were stronger than the ester-ester interactions in PE. The blending of CD and PE imparted synergic structural properties, particularly in the ones containing less than 50 % PE, they were associated to the disrupt of carbonate-carbonate interactions in CD and the formation of new ester-carbonate and hydroxyl-carbonate interactions. Therefore, higher glass transition temperatures, a new diffraction peak at 2θ = 24°, one additional thermal degradation at 426-436 °C, and less steeper decline of the storage moduli to lower temperature were found in CD+PE blends with less than 50 wt.% PE. Furthermore, the different interactions between the polyol chains in the blends were also evidenced on their surface properties, and all CD+PE blends showed self-adhesion property which seemed related to the existence of ester-carbonate and carbonate-carbonate interactions.

Cytokines are mediators of inflammation that could lead to fibrosis. The aim was to monitor cytokine levels in saliva and serum after locally fractionated radiotherapy of the head and neck in mice and investigate associations with salivary gland fibrosis and hyposalivation. C57BL/6 mice were randomized to sham or X-ray irradiation of 66 Gy in 10 fractions over 5 days. Blood and saliva were collected on day -7, 5, 35, 80 and 105 with following cytokine analysis. The harvested submandibular salivary gland was assessed for presence of fibrosis. Decision tree regression analysis was used to investigate whether cytokine levels could predict late endpoints in terms of hyposalivation or fibrosis. Significant formation of fibrosis in gland tissue and reduced saliva production was found after irradiation. The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, TNF, TIMP1, G-CSF, KC and MIP-1α showed increased levels in saliva in irradiated mice and strong correlation with late endpoints. The decision tree analysis largely separated controls from irradiated animals with IL-1α being the strongest predictor. Pro-inflammatory cytokines in saliva, but not in serum, were associated with late endpoints. This indicates that cytokine expression in saliva is a good biomarker for local salivary gland damage with IL-1α as the strongest single predictor.

In a previous companion study, satellite data were used to describe peculiar characteristics of ocean surface wave fields, generated by two extra-tropical cyclones (ETCs) rapidly propagating in the North Atlantic. Based on a 2D parametric wave model, further details are now provided to analyse and interpret the spatio-temporal evolution of ETC very intense generated waves. Significant wave height and wavelength values are shown to reach extreme values, 18 m and 500 m, respectively. Resulting energetic swell systems waves then radiate in the whole eastern part of North Atlantic, and more particularly in the Norwegian sea region. Moving to higher latitudes, wind forcing characteristics of ETCs evolve, with the shape of the wind field changing from quasi-cyclonic to "air jets/Icelandic lows". In this paper, the resulting swell generation and propagation, after the deformation of an individual ETC, are studied, as well. Confirmed with comparisons with multi-satellite observations, the application of the parametric-2D wave-ray model is demonstrated to provide robust and highly detailed information on wave generation under very complex wind regime changes.

Candida boidinii NAD+-dependent formate dehydrogenase (CbFDH) has gained significant attention for its potential applications in the production of biofuels and various industrial chemicals from inorganic carbon dioxide. In this study, we present an atomic X-ray crystal structure of the apo CbFDH to 1.4 Å resolution determined at cryogenic temperature at the Turkish Light Source, “Turkish DeLight”. This structure offers a comprehensive view of the apo enzyme's dynamics, filling the gaps in our understanding from previous studies. Also, comparison of our high-resolution apo and previously available holo enzyme structures reveals major conformational changes of this dynamic enzyme in the absence and presence of the coenzyme and substrate/inhibitor complexes. Collectively all these information may provide invaluable insights into future protein engineering efforts that could enhance enzymatic activity and stability, potentially increasing its efficiency and effectiveness of CbFDH in industrial processes.

Implementation of novel blood-based biomarkers is desired to reduce diagnostic delay and burden for myositis patients. In this retrospective study, the potential of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) was explored in an established patient cohort diagnosed with immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM; n=21), sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM; n=18), polymyositis (PM; n=3), dermatomyositis (DM; n=2), and anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS; n=1), comparing with healthy controls (n=10) and patients with a hereditary neuromuscular disorder (n=14). CXCL10 and GDF15 were quantified in sera with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunolocalized in skeletal muscle tissue. In myositis patients, serum CXCL10 levels were significantly increased 9.6--fold compared to healthy and 4.2-fold compared to disease controls. Mean levels in IBM (929±658 pg/ml) were significantly higher than in IMNM (425±324 pg/ml). With the threshold set to 180pg/ml of CXCL10, myositis patients could be differentiated from healthy and disease controls with a sensitivity of 0.80 and a specificity of 0.71. Incorporating a threshold of 300 pg/ml for GDF15 reduced false negatives to two IMNM patients only. Subsets of muscle-infiltrating immune cells expressed CXCL10, and serum levels correlated with muscle inflammation grade. We propose adding circulating CXCL10 and GDF15 to the blood-based diagnostic toolkit for myositis as a valuable patient-friendly approach.

The present work describes the synthesis, characterization and photomineralization activity of synthesized Ce1-xZnxO2-x solid solution catalysts allowing the degradation of Diclofenac as a model of anti-inflammatory medicines in water. Oxygen deficient photocatalysts Ce1-xZnxO2-x (CeZnx), produced with mixing ZnO and CeO2 have been characterized for their crystallographic parameters, specific surface area and morphology. Photomineralization activity determinations using TOC analysis have shown efficient diclofenac photooxidation under sunlight. Moreover, results indicate that coexistence of Zn2+, Ce4+ and oxygen vacancies rate in CeZnx solid solution are key factors for strong drug mineralization. Finally, CeZn0.1 which is one of the photocatalysts synthesized in the present work represents a cheap and efficient reagent for organic matter photomineralization in wastewater.

Our daily activities hinge on the flexibility of our fingers, and a fractured finger can significantly disrupt these routines. The finger bones enable us to bend and fold the fingers and thumb to pick up or grasp objects and do all of our daily activities. A broken finger can cause adverse effects on our daily life activities. It is important to treat broken finger as soon as possible. Swift and precise treatment begins with capturing multiple X-rays, followed by the critical step of fracture detection in these images. Relying on the naked eye for this task carries the risk of overlooking small fractures. To address this issue an automated diagnoses of fractured fingers from images is required for which the current research employs advanced deep learning models—ResNet34, ResNet50, ResNet101, ResNet152, VGG-16, and VGG-19—to classify finger images from the Musculoskeletal Radiographs (MURA) dataset as either fractured or non-fractured. The results emphasize the consistently strong performance of ResNet models, attaining an impressive accuracy of 81.9%. This surpasses VGG models by 3.4% and establishes ResNet as the new benchmark for state-of-the-art accuracy.

The average sizes \ {\bar{L}}_{i\ } and their dispersion W_i along the i-th axis of crystallites in powders are used to determine the X-ray diffraction sizes, D_{i\ XRD}, averaged over crystallite columns within the BWA method. Numerical calculations have been carried out for an orthorhombic lattice of crystallites, such as LiFePO4, NMC, having Lamé's g-type superellipsoid shape. For Lognormal distributions, the analytical expression for the normalized coefficient Kn is found and includes two constants. The first K_{g,0} is a constant at W→0, the second K_g is a constant depending on the g -type shape. The dependences of D_{i\ XRD} are also calculated for Normal distribution. A fairly simple equation can be obtained as a result of analytical transformations in the framework of experimentally validated approximations. However, a simpler way is to carry out numerical computer calculations with subsequent approximation of the calculated curves. Using the obtained analytical expressions to control technologies from nuclear fuel to cathode materials will improve the efficiency of flexible energy network especially storage in autonomous and standby power plants.

The objective of this study is to clarify the effect of restoring the lowered masticatory muscle functional pressure and correcting the imbalance of bilateral masticatory muscle functional pressure on jawbone growth during growth and development with quantitative evaluation of the changes in micro/nanostructural characteristics of entheses. Male Wistar rats aged 4 weeks were divided into an experimental group injected with a botulinum toxin serotype A (BoNT/A) formulation to reduce muscle function (BTX group) and a control group (CTRL group). They were euthanized after 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 weeks after measuring the difference between the midline of the upper and lower incisors. The mandibles were harvested for histological examination, second harmonic generation imaging, and quantitative evaluation of biological apatite (BAp) crystal alignment. The midline difference decreased with age in weeks. In rats from 6 weeks after BoNT/A administration to 12 weeks after administration, collagen fibre bundle diameter was significantly smaller in the BTX group; the difference between the two groups decreased with increasing age. BAp crystal alignment was significantly different on the X-axis and the Y-axis on the BTX group from 6 weeks after BoNT/A administration to 10 weeks after administration. Asymmetry of mandibular bone formation caused by load imbalance during growth could be corrected by adjustment of the function of the masseter muscle on either side.

Advanced composite materials have drawn significant interest in the last years as an alternative to traditional materials due to their higher performance. However, industry struggle to provide low-cost, higher occupational safety, lower footprint with composites, making them suitable for holistic analyses. Therefore, the material design becomes an essential element that can impact the competitiveness, particularly in terms of productivity, circularity, safety, sustainability, and quality of the value chain. The Material Design-for-eXcellence is a state-of-art methodology for material performance multi-dimensional assessment along its life cycle phases, either useful to support ma-terial selection for new products or also to new material design support optimizing resource effi-ciency. In this methodology, the material behaviour and its multiple characteristics assessment, and the manufacturing processes efficiency are evaluated. The framework considers the analogy of product design holistic approaches, as Lean Design-for-X, to organize and assess the mul-ti-dimensional performance for each “X” Material Property. In this work, it was possible to observe that the bio-based composites solutions could be a good sustainable alternative for several sectors. Every day researchers are creating more new materials, having a diversity of properties at different scales, Material Design-for-eXcellence must also in the near future consider other factors. Hence, additional studies are thus foreseen to explore and develop this new tool.

One of the most extensively studied topics in dozens of studies is the alteration process of ilmenite, the formation of leucoxene and the presence of some impurity oxides; SiO2 and Al2O3. The altered Egyptian black sand ilmenite grains of relatively lower magnetic characters are studied using the binocular microscope and the Cameca SX-100 microprobe instrument. Both of individual brown and black altered grains separated at 0.5 and 1 ampere values are investigated. The detection of the Various alteration phases, the mechanism of formation, their molecular formulas & limits, and the role of SiO2&Al2O3 in alteration mechanisms are detected. The alteration phases includes: pseudorutile (psr) and leached pseudorutile (lpsr) of different phases in addition also to rutile. Few analyzed spots are detected to be leached ilmenite (lilm). Several Excel softwares are adopted to calculate the chemical formulas of each alteration phase. The contents of TiO2 and Fe2O3 of all the investigated psr-lpsr in the study range between 59.16-86.56%, and 37.3-6.68%, respectively. The Ti/(Ti+Fe) ratio for these formulas ranges between 0.60 and 0.88. The psr-lpsr chemical formulas of all the investigated grains range as follows: Fe2.01-0.50Ti3O8.97-4.50(OH)0.03-4.50 . The concluded lowest cationic iron content of the well defined accepted lpsr phase is 0.5 with a corresponding molecular formula of Fe0.50Ti3O4.5(OH)4.5. It was concluded that in the region of 68-70 TiO2%, the mechanism of ilmenite alteration may be changed where neither all the analyzed TiO2 of the spot nor all the calculated structural water are contained within the molecular formula of lpsr. There are other associated mineral phases containing for some TiO2 and also some structural water which most probably are removed from the lpsr phase. As the analyzed spots are located at highly fissured locations, as the alteration process is relatively faster and the lpsr phase can be broken into rutile and hematite. Also, as the analyzed TiO2 and structural and/or molecular water contents increase, as the darkness of the BSE image areas of the grain increases; this may reflect the existence of an individual TiO2 phase; most probably rutile, mixed in homogeneity with the existed lpsr component. As the content of TiO2 increases; within a definite TiO2 range (80-85%), as the associated contents of Al2O3&SiO2 increase. When the contents of the structural and/or molecular water contained within the lpsr phases decreases; the sum total oxides is more than 98%, the contents of Al2O3 are highly depleted. In the late alteration stages, the lpsr structure does not suddenly collapse but gradually producuing other associated mineral phases. The relatively enriched contents of SiO2 and/or Al2O3 in some secondary rutile grains can be explained as most of the SiO2% is associated with mol water or bearing for mol and/or str water necessary for the leachability of Fe3+ from the psr structure. The XRD patterns of the investigated grains before and after roasting at 1100 oC for one hour are detected and interpreted.

Severe combined immunodeficiency disorders (SCID) are a genetically heterogeneous group of inherited defects characterized by severe abnormalities of immune system development and function that lead to a wide spectrum in clinical manifestations. A subgroup of patients presents a disabling and life-threatening clinical course. In these cases, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant provides a curative approach. The occurrence of SCID-associated lymphoproliferative disorders is rare and occur mostly in adenosine deaminase-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency disorders, after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Epstein Barr virus infection is present in the majority of individuals with primary immunodeficiency developing lymphoma, revealing compromised anti-tumour surveillance of virally transformed cells. Herein, we report a rare case of diffuse large B cell lymphoma occurring in an Epstein Barr virus negative, non-transplanted X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency 4-months-old infant, successfully treated with immunotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. This case suggests that Epstein Barr virus -independent mechanism of neoplastic transformation must take action in severe combined immunodeficiency associated lymphoma and unveils the curative potential of donor T cells after allogeneic transplantation.

Categorical data analysis of 2 x 2 contingency tables is extremely common, not least because they provide odds and risk ratio statistics in medical research. The χ2 test is most often used, although some researchers use the likelihood ratio test (LRT). Does it matter which test is used? This paper argues that the LRT rather than the χ2 test should be used when we are interested in testing whether two variables are independent, as is typically the case. In contrast, the χ2 test should be reserved for where the data appear to match too closely a particular hypothesis (e.g. the null hypothesis), as may occur in the investigation of data integrity. Finally, it is argued that the evidential approach provides a consistent and coherent way in which tests can be made for each of these situations.

A novel approach based on response surface methodology (RSM) was developed to predict and apply the best extraction conditions for the isolation of various-type polyphenolic antioxidants from the dried flower buds of Magnolia x soulangeana Soul.-Bod. var. ‘Lennei’ (Magnoliaceae). As a method of choice, ultrasound-assisted extraction was used and the optimized extraction parameters (temperature, time of extraction, the composition of aqueous-ethanolic extractants and solvent to solid ratio) have been determined using a central composite design factorial analysis, followed by appropriate spectrophotometric methods (with Folin–Ciocalteu and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl reagents) to determine the antioxidant and antiradical potential of extracts, respectively. The use of 66.8% (V/V) ethanol, as the extraction solvent during the 55.2 min extraction protocol, and the ratio of extractant volume to herbal substance of 46.8 mL/g gave the highest total yield of bioactive antioxidant phenolics in the extract obtained. For this herbal preparation, qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed using combined chromatographic (LC), spectroscopic (PDA) and tandem mass spectrometric (ESI-QTOF–MS/MS) techniques. A detailed phytochemical profiling, conducted for the first time, documented substantial amounts of polyphenolic antioxidants, especially phenylethanoids and flavonoids in the flower buds of M. soulangeana ‘Lennei’. Their average total content exceeded 30.3 and 36.5 mg/g dry weight, respectively.

Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles are under investigation for a wide range of applications in nanomedicine. The structural, molecular and physicochemical properties of chitosan nanoparticles have a direct bearing on their efficacy in drug conjugation and delivery, gene delivery, and tissue engineering. Herein we report on the structural, morphological and molecular properties of chitosan nanoparticles synthesized using the ionic gelation method with the intended purpose of being used for drug delivery. The chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) were prepared in the 0.25 to 1.0% w/v concentration range, whereas separate samples of the 1.0% w/v CS-NPs were also functionalized with polyethylene oxide (PEO) alone and with a diblock copolymer of PEO and polypropylene glycol (PPG). The average size of the CS-NPs was determined from TEM imaging to be in the range of 11.3 to 14.8 nm. The XRD and TEM analyses show that the CS-NPs have semi-crystalline structure with the degree of crystallinity depending upon the nature of synthesis. Our results show that functionalizing the 1.0% w/v CS-NPs with PEO increases the degree of crystallinity whereas functionalizing with the diblock copolymer PEO - PPG results in a significant increase in their degree crystallinity. The CS/TPP concentration (CS:TPP fixed at 1:1 ratio) had no apparent effect on the degree of crystallinity of the CS-NPs. The results from the FTIR analysis confirm incorporation of TPP with CS in the CS-NPs. Additionally, FTIR analysis shows an enhancement of hydrogen bonding that is consistent with the increase in the degree of crystallinity of the CS-NPs.

Modern gastroenterology, which occupies the pages of scientific journals without alternative, began as an initiative of manufacturers of diagnostic equipment. For widespread advertising, they selected practical doctors who were not familiar with the methodology of science and superficial knowledge of physiology. This is how a group led by DeMeester arose, which in 1976 published the DeMeester score, i.e., the normal limit for esophageal pH monitoring. pH <4, less than 4% of the time per day was considered normal, i.e., it was unreasonably claimed that such reflux is physiological. This article proves that this study was carried out with numerous methodological errors, which led to an erroneous conclusion. For a long time, pH monitoring was considered the gold standard and with its help hypotheses were proposed that form the basis of modern gastroenterology. The article proves the fallacy of 13 hypotheses, which are presented as theories. Numerous articles using pH monitoring have publicized this method. Practitioners became "great scientists", equipment manufacturers became successful businessmen. Over time, they found other groups of practitioners to promote devices for impedance ph monitoring, high-resolution manometry, and many others. At the same time, a network of reviewers who believe in the infallibility of the luminaries do not allow studies that contradict their faith to be published. Thus, fundamental science was destroyed, which alone could assess the harm of false research both for science and for patients. Conclusion This study provides a list of hypotheses, that were previously considered theories, but since scientific evidence has proven these assumptions to be false, they should be excluded from subsequent use and citation.

There are thousands of rare genetic diseases that could be treated with classical gene therapy strategies such as the addition of the defective gene via viral or non-viral delivery or by direct gene editing. However, several genetic defects are too complex for these approaches. These “genomic mutations” include aneuploidies, intra and inter chromosomal rearrangements, large deletions, or inversion and copy number variations. Chromosome Transplantation (CT) refers to the precise substitution of an endogenous chromosome with an exogenous one. By the addition of an exogenous chromosome and the concomitant elimination of the endogenous one, every genetic defect, irrespective of its nature, could be resolved. In the current review, we analyze the state of the art of this technique and discuss its possible application to human pathology. CT might not be limited to the treatment of human diseases. By working on sex chromosomes, we showed that female cells can be obtained from male cells, since chromosome-transplanted cells can lose either sex chromosome, giving rise to 46,XY or 46,XX diploid cells, a modification that could be exploited to obtain female gametes from male cells. Moreover, CT could be used in veterinary biology, since entire chromosomes containing an advantageous locus could be transferred to animals of zootechnical interest without altering their specific genetic background and the need for long and complex interbreeding. CT could also be useful to rescue extinct species if only male cells were available. Finally, the generation of “synthetic” cells could be achieved by repeated CT into a recipient cell. CT is an additional tool for genetic modification of mammalian cells.

Industrial radiography is a pivotal non-destructive testing (NDT) method that ensures quality and safety in a wide range of industrial sectors. Conventional human-based approaches, however, are prone to challenges in defect detection accuracy and efficiency, primarily due to the high inspection demand from manufacturing industries with high production throughput. To solve this challenge, numerous computer-based alternatives have been developed, including Auto-mated Defect Recognition (ADR) using deep learning algorithms. At the core of training, these algorithms demand large volumes of data that should be representative of real-world cases. However, the availability of digital X-ray radiography data for open research is limited by non-disclosure contractual terms in the industry. This study presents a pipeline that is capable of modeling synthetic images based on statistical information acquired from X-ray intensity distribution from real digital X-ray radiography images. Through meticulous analysis of the intensity distribution in digital X-ray images, the unique statistical patterns associated with the exposure conditions used during image acquisition, type of component, thickness variations, beam divergence, anode heel effect, etc., are extracted. The realized synthetic images were utilized to train deep learning models, yielding an impressive model performance with mean intersection over union (IoU) of 0.93, and mean dice coefficient of 0.96, on real unseen digital X-ray radiography images. This methodology is scalable and adaptable, making it suitable for diverse industrial applications.

The pulse duration in short-pulse schemes for Self-Amplified Spontaneous Emission Free Electron Lasers (SASE FELs) is limited by the FEL coherence time. A recently proposed concept allows to overcome the coherence time barrier and to get much shorter pulses. When the lasing part of an electron bunch is much shorter than the coherence time, one can suppress the radiation in the long main undulator while preserving microbunching within that short lasing slice. Then a short radiation pulse is produced in a relatively short radiator. A possible suppression method, an excessive reverse undulator taper, is discussed and illustrated numerically in this paper. We also performed first experimental tests of this method at the soft X-ray FEL user facility FLASH. The measured pulse duration approaches 1 fs (FWHM) at the wavelength of 5 nm.

The details of the solar flare production mechanisms are not yet completely understood. One of the standing questions is the anisotropy of the X-ray flux, especially in strong flares. It can be studied indirectly by analysing the characteristics of flares at different positions on the visible disc. In this paper, the durations, peak and integral fluxes of strong (X-class) solar flares from cycles 22--25 are considered with respect to their apparent position on the Sun. It is found that there exists a significant north--south asymmetry in all three parameters, which also varies depending on the phase of the solar cycle (with general predominance of the south). This confirms the results of previous studies. A weaker and less significant east--west asymmetry is found as well, partly supported by literature. A previously undetected centre-to-limb asymmetry is reported (in favour of the limb) in all three parameters. All three asymmetries are enhanced during the solar minimum, which could hint at their connection to the large scale magnetic structuring of the Sun. The prevalence of strong solar flares near the limb at the solar minimum has clear space weather warning implications.

In the context of high-temperature water vapor treatment, Zn-Mg-Al alloy-coated steel sheets exhibit the emergence of a black surface. This study aims to explore the factors and mechanisms contributing to surface blackening by inducing black surfaces on Zn-Mg-Al alloy-coated steel sheets, which were fabricated through molten coating subjected to water vapor treatment at 150 degrees Celsius. The surfaced composition was predominantly identified as ZnO, a zinc oxide film, validated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Morphological analysis of the surface and cross-section post-water vapor treatment revealed a disrupted lamellar structure with diffused features, resulting in the formation of an oxide film. Optical properties analysis demonstrated an increased absorbance and a decreased bandgap energy after water vapor treatment, indicative of an augmented blackening effect. Consequently, the high-temperature water vapor treatment led to the formation of oxides on the surface, with the highly reactive Mg and Al extracting oxygen from the predominantly present ZnO surface. This process resulted in the creation of an oxygen-deficient oxide, ultimately causing surface blackening.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound particles released from cells, and their cargo can alter the function of recipient cells. EVs from X-irradiated cells have been shown to play a likely role in non-targeted effects. However, EVs derived from proton irradiated cells have not yet been studied. We aimed to investigate and compare the proteome of EVs and their cell of origin after proton or X-irradiation. The EVs were derived from a human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell line exposed to 0, 4, or 8 Gy with either protons or X-rays. The EVs and irradiated OSCC cells underwent liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for protein identification. Interestingly, we found different protein profiles both in the EVs and in the OSCC cells after proton irradiation compared to X-irradiation. In the EVs, we found that protons cause a downregulation of proteins involved in cell growth and DNA damage response compared to X-rays. In the OSCC cells, proton and X-irradiation induced dissimilar cell death pathways and distinct DNA damage repair systems. These results are of potential importance for understanding how non-targeted effects in normal tissue can be limited and for future implementation of proton therapy in the clinic.

The flux growth of InVO4 bulk single crystals has been explored for the first time. The reported eutectic composition at a ratio of V2O5:InVO4 = 1:1 could not be used as a self-flux, since no sign of melting was observed up to 1100 °C. Crystals of InVO4 of typical size 0.5×1×7 mm3 were obtained using copper pyrovanadate (Cu2V2O7) as a flux, using Pt crucibles. XRD confirmed the orthorhombic Cmcm structure. Rests of flux material were observed on the sample surface, with occasional traces of Pt indicating some level of reaction with the crucible. X-ray absorption spectroscopy showed that oxidation states of indium and vanadium ions are +3 and +5, respectively. The size and high quality of the obtained InVO4 crystals makes them excellent candidates for the further study of their physical properties.

Hidradenitis suppurativa and Langerhans cell histiocytosis are rare disorders that can reveal similar clinical manifestations, making differential diagnosis difficult. A definitive diagnosis requires biopsy and histological confirmation in suspicious cases. The complex pathophysiology of these diseases has still not been understood, therefore the treatment is still a challenge for physicians. It is seen with predilection in the intertriginous areas of the body, predominantly in the axillary region, rarely requiring a surgical procedure. However perineal, perianal, and gluteal HS usually necessitates some form of surgical treatment. Langerhans cell histiocytosis (histiocytosis X) is a very rare systemic disease manifested by clonal cell proliferation of histiocytic-dendritic nature, with pseudonodular manifestation that deeply infiltrates the hypodermis and ulcerates the epidermis on the surface. Langerhans cells are dendritic, antigen-presenting cells localized in the suprabasal regions of the squamous epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes, which help regulate the immune system. In this report, we present our experience with extensive gluteal, perineal, and perianal hidradenitis suppurativa and Langerhans cell histiocytosis cases, including our treatment methods and outcomes.