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A seven-band co-integrated antenna for 5G/6G operations in sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave frequencies
Influence of silica-fume’s addition technique and curing conditions on microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of geopolymer
Abstract Geopolymer as ecofriendly and energy saving material is estimated as excellent building material in construction sector. The current study focuses on studying the influence of silica fume mixing technique, its contents (2.3, 4.6, 6.9%) and curing conditions on microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of metakaolin-based geopolymers. Two mixing methods and two various curing conditions (air and 100% relative humidity) were utilized for production of geopolymers. The prepared geopolymers were investigated by various techniques such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The bulk density, apparent porosity and compressive strength were also examined. The results revealed that the aforementioned parameters were significantly affected the properties of the produced geopolymers. The physico-mechanical properties were improved when the geopolymers prepared by the proposed method (Dissolving silica fume in 12 M NaOH before mixing with metakaolin), as compared to that prepared by other method (mixing of silica fume with metakaolin before addition of NaOH). The properties of geopolymers cured in air were better than that cured in 100% relative humidity. The optimum percentage of silica fume that gave the best properties was 2.3%, after which the properties were reduced. The geopolymers that contained 2.3% silica fume, exhibited the highest compressive strength (45.13 and 39.97 MPa), while the geopolymers that contained 6.9% silica fume displayed the lowest compressive strength (17.11 and 15.5 MPa), when cured in air or 100% RH, respectively.
ATOH8 is crucial for the differentiation of human trophoblast stem cells into extravillous trophoblasts
Abstract The transcription factor ATOH8 regulates cell fate and differentiation during development. Loss of ATOH8 leads to defects in murine placenta development, yet its specific functions in self-renewal and differentiation of human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) remain poorly understood. Here, we reveal that ATOH8 is critical for extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) formation while being dispensable for the self-renewal of TSCs. We show predominant ATOH8 expression in EVTs compared to syncytiotrophoblasts (STs) and TSCs. Knockdown (KD) of ATOH8 in TSCs does not alter their morphology, proliferation, or self-renewal marker expression, indicating that ATOH8 is not required for TSC maintenance. However, during EVT differentiation, ATOH8 expression gradually increases and its depletion results in pronounced morphological abnormalities, impaired expression of EVT markers, sustained TSC marker expression, and abolished invasive capacity. Conversely, ATOH8 overexpression (OE) under self-renewing conditions modestly induces EVT markers, whereas its OE during ST differentiation disrupts ST formation by reducing cell fusion and aberrantly activating EVT genes. Transcriptomic profiling reveals that the loss of ATOH8 during EVT differentiation disrupts pathways critical for placental development, including extracellular matrix organization and PI3K-AKT signaling. We also show that ATOH8 functions within a cooperative network of EVT regulators, reciprocally regulating their expression and maintaining a transcriptional circuit essential for EVT specification. Collectively, these findings establish ATOH8 as an indispensable regulator of EVT differentiation and invasive function, orchestrating EVT-specific gene programs and pathways alongside other key transcription factors to ensure proper EVT formation.
Prediction of hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke patients using clinico-radiomics models
Atmospheric profiles associated with pyrocumulonimbus in southeast Australia
Abstract Pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) are thunderstorms generated by wildfires. They present significant risks to first responders and civilian populations in southeast Australia and in many regions around the world. PyroCb are increasingly common in southeast Australia, with the majority of recorded events occurring in the last 20 years. We constructed, examined, and statistically compared median atmospheric profiles for pyroCb-producing and large standard (non-pyroCb-producing) wildfires in the southeast Australian mainland over a 30-year time period (1991–2020). We found that pyroCb in southeast Australia frequently develop on days with hot, relatively dry, very unstable, and moderately windy surface and low-level conditions that are favourable for wildfire spread. These conditions often occur in conjunction with steep mid-level lapse rates and significant diurnal mid-level moisture advection, resulting in conditions at least conditionally favourable for high-based thunderstorm development. PyroCb and standard wildfire events have similar wind profiles, particularly in the lower-levels, but pyroCb tend to be associated with lower winds in the mid- and upper-levels of the troposphere. However, variability within the pyroCb-related data suggests that pyroCb in southeast Australia can form in a variety of atmospheric conditions. These results may have important implications for forecasting pyroCb potential.
A simple analytical model for Neanderthal disappearance due to genetic dilution by recurrent small-scale immigrations of modern humans
Abstract The disappearance of Neanderthals remains a subject of intense debate, with competing hypotheses attributing their demise to demographic decline, environmental change, competition with Homo sapiens , or genetic assimilation. Here, we present a mathematical model demonstrating that small-scale Homo sapiens immigrations into Neanderthal populations, providing recurrent gene mixing, could have led to almost complete genetic substitution over 10,000–30,000 years. Our model, grounded in neutral species drift, does not require selective advantage or catastrophic events but shows that sustained gene flow from a demographically larger species could account for Neanderthals’ genetic absorption into modern humans within a time-frame consistent with archaeological evidence. This scenario aligns with growing evidence of interbreeding and genetic introgression through recurrent H. sapiens immigration waves, providing a parsimonious explanation for the observed patterns of Neanderthal ancestry in present-day Eurasian populations. Although other factors may have contributed to the decline of Neanderthals, our results highlight genetic admixture as a possible key mechanism driving their disappearance.
Downscaled ERA5 Land addresses agrometeorological data scarcity in North African basins
Abstract A reliable estimate of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) requires several meteorological inputs, which may be unavailable in regions with limited data availability. In this regard, this study aimed to address the following objectives: First, to evaluate the effectiveness of ERA5_Land (ERA5_L hereafter) weather forecasts in providing daily agrometeorological variables for the period 2003–2021 at 10 study sites distributed over both plain and mountainous areas in a North African basin. Second, to investigate whether downscaling the ERA5_L data (10 km) to station scale (250 m) using a quasi-physical based model, MicroMet, could improve the reliability of the meteorological variables. Third, to compare the performance of the original ERA5_L reanalysis data and the disaggregated ERA5_L data (MicroMet) as potential sources for accurate estimation of ET0 on a daily time scale. Finally, to assess the long-term spatiotemporal changes in ET0 across the Tensift basin over the period 1950–2021, and the influence of climate variables and topography on ET0 variability. The findings of the study revealed that the original ERA5_L estimates of air temperature (Tair) were the most accurate among the studied variables, followed by solar radiation (Rs), relative humidity (RH), and wind speed (u2). When considering the disaggregated daily ERA5_L data, Tair exhibited the highest performance, followed by RH, u2, and Rs. Tair and especially u2 demonstrated an improvement across the plain and mountainous sites. However, Rs was generally degraded after MicroMet. Then, a comparison was conducted between daily ET0 obtained considering both datasets and show similar correlations between ground and simulated data but with an overestimation of ET0 after MicroMet. Finally, the retrospective analysis of ET0 showed three main phases with a decrease of ET0 between 1950 and 1970, a nearly steady period during 1970–2000, and a significant increase from 2000 to 2021. This study provides a comprehensive insight on the potential and limitations of ERA5_L products in arid North African regarding irrigation and water management under climate variability.
JUHCCR-v1: a database for hand-drawn electrical and electronics circuit component recognition
Synthesis of silk fibroin and silver nanoparticles for enhanced functionality in cellulosic textiles
Abstract This study investigates the synthesis of silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their application to cotton textiles to enhance functional properties for potential biomedical use. The nanoparticles were synthesized using chemical reduction and nanoprecipitation methods, and their formation and stability were confirmed through UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). Cotton fabrics were subsequently modified with SFNPs, AgNPs, and a combined SF-AgNPs formulation. Characterization confirmed the successful deposition and interaction of nanoparticles with cellulose fibers. The treated textiles demonstrated improved antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , along with enhanced antioxidant performance as evidenced by DPPH radical scavenging assays. Notably, the combined SF-AgNPs treatment exhibited synergistic effects, providing stronger antimicrobial durability and higher antioxidant capacity compared to single-nanoparticle treatments. These findings highlight the potential of SFNPs and AgNPs as effective nanomaterials for producing multifunctional, bioactive cotton textiles with promising applications in healthcare and biomedical fields.
Large-scale SARS-CoV-2 sequencing indicates prior community circulation of the viral strain associated with Germany’s largest meat processing plant
Abstract A SARS-CoV-2 outbreak at a meat processing plant (MPP) in the German district of Gütersloh accounted for 18% of Germany’s SARS-CoV-2 cases in June 2020 and was subject of intense public interest, including the speculation that the outbreak strain may have been imported by foreign MPP workers. We sequenced the SARS-CoV-2 genomes of 1,438 SARS-CoV-2 samples collected from Gütersloh MPP workers for serial diagnostic testing and screening purposes (“outbreak samples”; approximate case coverage 68%) and of 157 samples collected from Gütersloh-area cases for routine diagnostic purposes (“community samples”). Greater than 98% of outbreak samples carried the outbreak-associated strain, defined by eight mutations and lineage B.1.329, confirming the overall clonality of the outbreak and showing that potential secondary introductions of other viral lineages had an at most limited role. Of fifteen viral sub-lineages detected in early outbreak-associated samples sequenced by another study, only one showed substantial persistence into the peak outbreak period, suggesting that transmission dynamics within the MPP were influenced by bottlenecks and superspreading-like patterns. While the detection of B.1.329 in community samples peaked during the outbreak, it was found to be present in community samples between March and September 2020, with the first exact matches to the outbreak strain appearing in April 2020. We found no epidemiological connections between early B.1.329-carrying community cases and the MPP, and a GISAID search for B.1.329 did not identify any samples collected outside of Germany. The outbreak strain was therefore likely circulating within the community before the outbreak and there was no indication of importation by MPP workers. Our study demonstrates how large-scale viral genome sequencing can contribute to the investigation of outbreaks and inform public discourse.
Analysis of the CO2 adsorption on AC: experimentation and statistical studies
Manually weighted taxonomy classifiers improve species-specific rumen microbiome analysis compared to unweighted or average weighted taxonomy classifiers
Research on an innovative magnetic helix hybrid excitation rotary generator with remarkable power density and efficiency for wave energy conversion
24-hour movement behaviours are cross-sectionally associated with cognitive function in healthy adults aged 55 years and older
Training convolutional neural networks with the Forward–Forward Algorithm
Abstract Recent successes in image analysis with deep neural networks are achieved almost exclusively with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), typically trained using the backpropagation (BP) algorithm. In a 2022 preprint, Geoffrey Hinton proposed the Forward–Forward (FF) algorithm as a biologically inspired alternative, where positive and negative examples are jointly presented to the network and training is guided by a locally defined goodness function. Here, we extend the FF paradigm to CNNs. We introduce two spatially extended labeling strategies, based on Fourier patterns and morphological transformations, that enable convolutional layers to access label information across all spatial positions. On CIFAR10, we show that deeper FF-trained CNNs can be optimized successfully and that morphology-based labels prevent shortcut solutions on dataset with more complex and fine features. On CIFAR100, carefully designed label sets scale effectively to 100 classes. Class Activation Maps reveal that FF-trained CNNs learn meaningful and complementary features across layers. Together, these results demonstrate that FF training is feasible beyond fully connected networks, provide new insights into its learning dynamics and stability, and highlight its potential for neuromorphic computing and biologically inspired learning.
Impactor relics of CI-like chondrites in Chang’e-6 lunar samples
The impact history of the Moon provides the opportunity to better understand mass transfer in the Solar System. While Earth’s meteorite collection serves as a key reference for material flux in the Earth–Moon system, it suffers from profound biases arising from Earth’s orbital dynamics and atmospheric filtering. Systematic identification and classification of meteorites on the airless Moon thus provide additional critical constraints for reconstructing the primordial accretion history and impactor population of the inner Solar System. However, identifying impactors on the Moon remains challenging due to their vaporization upon colliding at high velocities with the lunar surface. In situ remote sensing has previously detected chondritic impactor materials in the South-Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin of the far side of the Moon. The first opportunity to measure materials from the SPA basin has come via the Chang’e-6 (CE-6) mission, which returned samples from the Apollo basin inside the SPA basin. In this study, we screened seven olivine-porphyritic clasts as potential impactor relics in regolith returned by the CE-6 mission. These clasts were identified, via textural characterization, olivine Fe–Mn–Zn systematics, and in-situ triple oxygen isotopes, as impact relics solidified from melted chondritic parent bodies. Intriguingly, the parent body of all the identified impactor relics in this study resemble CI-like chondrites, a volatile-rich meteorite group that is relatively rare in Earth’s meteorite collection. The detection and classification of these impactor relics impose significant constraints on the proportions of meteoritic materials in the Earth–Moon system and their potential contributions to water inventories on the lunar surface.