Search

Boron determination in blood and tissue samples is a crucial task especially for treatment planning, preclinical research, and clinical application of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Comparison of clinical findings remains difficult due to a variety of analytical methods, protocols, and standard reference materials in use. This paper addresses the comparability of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, quantitative neutron capture radiography, and prompt gamma activation analysis for the determination of boron in biological samples. It was possible to demonstrate that three different methods relying on three different principles of sample preparation and boron detection can be validated against each other and yield consistent results for both blood and tissue samples. The samples were obtained during a clinical study for the application of BNCT for liver malignancies and therefore represent a realistic situation for boron analysis. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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When radioactive materials are released into the environment due to nuclear power plant accidents, they may enter into the body, and exposing it to internal radiation for long periods of time. Although several agents have been developed that help excrete radioactive elements from the digestive tract, only one type of radioactive element can be removed using a single agent. Therefore, we considered the simultaneous removal of caesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr) by utilising the multiple metal removal mechanisms of probiotic bacteria. In this study, the Cs and Sr removal capacities of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were investigated. Observation using an electron probe micro analyser suggested that Cs was accumulated within the bacterial cells. Since Sr was removed non metabolically, it is likely that it was removed by a mechanism different from that of Cs. The amount of Cs and Sr that the cells could simultaneously retain decreased when compared to that for each element alone, but some strains showed only a slight reduction in removal. For example, Bifidobacterium adolescentis JCM1275 could simultaneously retain 55.7 mg-Cs/g-dry cell and 8.1 mg-Sr/g-dry cell. These results demonstrated the potentials of utilizing complex biological system in simultaneous removal of multiple metal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of cypermethrin in the environment and food poses a significant threat to human health. Lactic acid bacteria have shown promise as effective absorbents for xenobiotics and well behaved in wide range of applications. This study aimed to characterize the biosorption behavior of cypermethrin by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RS60, focusing on cellular components, functional groups, kinetics, and isotherms. Results indicated that RS60 exopolysaccharides played a crucial role removing cypermethrin, with the cell wall and protoplast contributing 71.50% and 30.29% to the overall removal, respectively. Notably, peptidoglycans exhibited a high affinity for cypermethrin binding. The presence of various cellular surface groups including –OH, –NH, –CH3, –CH2, –CH, –P = O, and –CO was responsible for the efficient removal of pollutants. Additionally, the biosorption process demonstrated a good fit with pseudo-second-order and Langmuir–Freundlich isotherm. The biosorption of cypermethrin by L. plantarum RS60 involved complex chemical and physical interactions, as well as intraparticle diffusion and film diffusion. RS60 also effectively reduced cypermethrin residues in a fecal fermentation model, highlighting its potential in mitigating cypermethrin exposure in humans and animals. These findings provided valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying cypermethrin biosorption by lactic acid bacteria and supported the advancement of their application in environmental and health-related contexts. Key points: • Cypermethrin adsorption by L. plantarum was clarified. • Cell wall and protoplast showed cypermethrin binding ability. • L. plantarum can reduce cypermethrin in a fecal fermentation model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We search for scalar and tensor non-standard interactions using (anti)-electron neutrino disappearance in oscillation data. We found a slight preference for non-zero CP violation, coming from both tensor and scalar interactions. The preference for CP violation is led by Daya Bay low-energy data with a significance that reaches ~ 1.7σ in the global analysis (and ~ 2.1σ when considering only medium baseline reactors data) compared to the standard neutrino oscillation scenario. In some cases, our results indicate that the atmospheric mass squared difference falls outside the range allowed by accelerator long baseline experiments. This suggests the need for further investigation in future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term "Smart Classroom" has evolved over time and nowadays reflects the technological advancements incorporated in educational spaces. The rapid advances in technology, and the need to create more efficient and creative classes that support both in-class and remote activities, have led to the integration of Artificial Intelligence and smart technologies in smart classes. In this paper we discuss the concept of Artificial Intelligence in Education and present a literature review related to smart classroom technology, with an emphasis on emerging technologies such as AI-related technologies. As part of this survey key technologies related to smart classes used for effective class management that enhance the convenience of classroom environments, the use of different types of smart teaching aids during the educational process and the use of automated performance assessment technologies are presented. Apart from discussing a variety of technological accomplishments in each of the aforementioned areas, the role of AI is discussed, allowing the readers to comprehend the importance of AI in key technologies related to smart classes. Furthermore, through a SWOT analysis, the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of adopting AI in smart classes are presented, while the future perspectives and challenges in utilizing AI-based techniques in smart classes are discussed. This survey targets educators and AI professionals so that the former get informed about the potential, and limitations of AI in education, while the latter can get inspiration from the challenges and peculiarities of educational AI-based systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analytically calculate the neutrino conversion probability Pμe in the presence of sterile neutrinos, with exact dependence on ∆ m 41 2 and with matter effects explicitly included. Using perturbative expansion in small parameters, the terms involving the small mixing angles θ24 and θ34 can be separated out, with θ34 dependence only arising due to matter effects. We express Pμe in terms of the quantities of the form sin(x)/x, which helps in elucidating its dependence on matter effects and a wide range of ∆ m 41 2 values. Our analytic expressions allow us to predict the effects of the sign of ∆ m 41 2 at a long baseline experiment like DUNE. We numerically calculate the sensitivity of DUNE to the sterile mass ordering and find that this sensitivity can be significant in the range ∣ Δ m 41 2 ∣ ∼ 10 − 4 − 10 − 2 eV2, for either mass ordering of active neutrinos. The dependence of this sensitivity on the value of ∆ m 41 2 for all mass ordering combinations can be explained by investigating the resonance-like terms appearing due to the interplay between the sterile sector and matter effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Frontiers of Information Technology & Electronic Engineering is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Excessive prostate biopsy is a common problem for clinicians. Although some hematological and bi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (bpMRI) parameters might help increase the rate of positive prostate biopsies, there is a lack of studies on whether their combination can further improve clinical detection efficiency. We retrospectively enrolled 394 patients with PSA levels of 4–20 ng/mL who underwent prebiopsy bpMRI during 2010–2021. Based on bpMRI and hematological indicators, six models and a nomogram were constructed to predict the outcomes of biopsy. Furthermore, we constructed and evaluated a risk scoring model based on the nomogram. Age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density (PSAD), systemic immune-inflammation index, cystatin C level, and the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) v2.1 score were significant predictors of prostate cancer (PCa) on multivariable logistic regression analyses (P < 0.05) and the five parameters were used to construct the XYFY nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of the nomogram was 0.916. Based on the nomogram, a risk scoring model (XYFY risk model) was constructed and then we divided the patients into low-(XYFY score: < 95), medium-(XYFY score: 95–150), and, high-risk (XYFY score: > 150) groups. The predictive values for diagnosis of PCa and clinically-significant PCa among the three risk groups were 3.0%(6/201), 41.8%(51/122), 91.5%(65/71); 0.5%(1/201), 19.7%(24/122), 60.6%(43/71), respectively. In conclusion, in this study, we used hematological and bpMRI parameters to establish and internally validate a XYFY risk scoring model for predicting the biopsy outcomes for patients with PSA levels of 4–20 ng/mL and this risk model would support clinical decision-making and reduce excessive biopsies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate neutrino-nucleus interaction modeling is an essential requirement for the success of the accelerator-based neutrino program. As no satisfactory description of cross sections exists, experiments tune neutrino-nucleus interactions to data to mitigate mis-modeling. In this work, we study how the interplay between near detector tuning and cross section mis-modeling affects new physics searches. We perform a realistic simulation of neutrino events and closely follow NOvA’s tuning, the first published of such procedures in a neutrino experiment. We analyze two illustrative new physics scenarios, sterile neutrinos and light neutrinophilic scalars, presenting the relevant experimental signatures and the sensitivity regions with and without tuning. While the tuning does not wash out sterile neutrino oscillation patterns, cross section mis-modeling can bias the experimental sensitivity. In the case of light neutrinophilic scalars, variations in cross section models completely dominate the sensitivity regardless of any tuning. Our findings reveal the critical need to improve our theoretical understanding of neutrino-nucleus interactions, and to estimate the impact of tuning on new physics searches. We urge neutrino experiments to follow NOvA’s example and publish the details of their tuning procedure, and to develop strategies to more robustly account for cross section uncertainties, which will expand the scope of their physics program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial separation of the wave packets (WPs) of neutrino mass eigenstates leads to decoherence and damping of neutrino oscillations. Damping can also be caused by finite energy resolution of neutrino detectors or, in the case of experiments with radioactive neutrino sources, by finite width of the emitted neutrino line. We study in detail these two types of damping effects using reactor neutrino experiments and experiments with radioactive 51Cr source as examples. We demonstrate that the effects of decoherence by WP separation can always be incorporated into a modification of the energy resolution function of the detector and so are intimately entangled with it. We estimate for the first time the lengths σx of WPs of reactor neutrinos and neutrinos from a radioactive 51Cr source. The obtained values, σx = (2 × 10−5 − 1.4 × 10−4) cm, are at least six orders of magnitude larger than the currently available experimental lower bounds. We conclude that effects of decoherence by WP separation cannot be probed in reactor and radioactive source experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The renormalization-group equation (RGE) approach to neutrino matter effects is further developed in this work. We derive a complete set of differential equations for effective mixing elements, masses and Jarlskog-like invariants in presence of a light sterile neutrino. The evolutions of mixing elements as well as Jarlskog-like invariants are obtained by numerically solving these differential equations. We calculate terrestrial matter effects in long-baseline (LBL) experiments, taking NOvA, T2K and DUNE as examples. In both three-flavor and four-flavor frameworks, electron-neutrino survival probabilities as well as the day-night asymmetry of solar neutrino are also evaluated as a further examination of the RGE approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic and optical properties of single-layer (SL) tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) in the presence of substitutional Holmium impurities (Ho W ) are studied. Although Ho is much larger than W, density functional theory (DFT) including spin-orbit coupling is used to show that Ho:SL WS 2 is stable. The magnetic moment of the Ho impurity is found to be 4.75 μ B using spin-dependent DFT. The optical selection rules identified in the optical spectrum match exactly the optical selection rules derived by means of group theory. The presence of neutral Ho W impurities gives rise to localized impurity states (LIS) with f-orbital character in the band structure. Using the Kubo-Greenwood formula and Kohn-Sham orbitals we obtain atom-like sharp transitions in the in-plane and out-of-plane components of the susceptibility tensor, Im χ ‖ and Im χ ⊥ . The optical resonances are in good agreement with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluate the statistical significance of the 3+1 sterile-neutrino hypothesis using νe and ν ¯ e disappearance data from reactor, solar and gallium radioactive source experiments. Concerning the latter, we investigate the implications of the recent BEST results. For reactor data we focus on relative measurements independent of flux predictions. For the problem at hand, the usual χ2-approximation to hypothesis testing based on Wilks' theorem has been shown in the literature to be inaccurate. We therefore present results based on Monte Carlo simulations, and find that this typically reduces the significance by roughly 1 σ with respect to the naïve expectation. We find no significant indication in favor of sterile-neutrino oscillations from reactor data. On the other hand, gallium data (dominated by the BEST result) show more than 5 σ of evidence supporting the sterile-neutrino hypothesis, favoring oscillation parameters in agreement with constraints from reactor data. This explanation is, however, in significant tension (∼ 3 σ) with solar neutrino experiments. In order to assess the robustness of the signal for gallium experiments we present a discussion of the impact of cross-section uncertainties on the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model, which extends the standard model with a new chiral U(1)′ gauge symmetry sector, for the eV-mass sterile neutrino is constructed. It is basically fixed by anomaly free conditions. The lightness of the sterile neutrino has a natural explanation. As a by product, this model provides a WIMP-like dark matter candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We suggest a would-be solution to the solar neutrino tension why solar neutrinos appear to mix differently from reactor antineutrinos, in theoretical respect. To do that, based on an extended theory with light sterile neutrinos added we derive a general transition probability of neutrinos born with one flavor tuning into a different flavor. Three new mass-squared differences are augmented in the extended theory: Δ m ABL 2 ≲ O 10 − 11 eV2 optimized at astronomical-scale baseline (ABL) oscillation experiments and one Δ m SBL 2 ≲ O 1 eV2 optimized at reactor short-baseline (SBL) oscillation experiments. With a so-called composite matter effect that causes a neutrino flavor change via the effects of sinusoidal oscillation including the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein matter effect, we find that the value of ∆m2 measured from reactor antineutrino experiments can be fitted with that from the 8B solar neutrino experiments for roughly Δ m 1 2 ≲ 10 − 13 eV2 and Δ m 2 2 ≃ O 10 − 11 eV2. Nonetheless, we find that the current data (solar neutrino alone) is not precise enough to test the proposed scenario. Future precise measurements of 8B and pep solar neutrinos may confirm and/or improve the value of Δ m 2 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an updated global fit of neutrino oscillation data in the simplest three-neutrino framework. In the present study we include up-to-date analyses from a number of experiments. Concerning the atmospheric and solar sectors, besides the data considered previously, we give updated analyses of IceCube DeepCore and Sudbury Neutrino Observatory data, respectively. We have also included the latest electron antineutrino data collected by the Daya Bay and RENO reactor experiments, and the long-baseline T2K and NOνA measurements, as reported in the Neutrino 2020 conference. All in all, these new analyses result in more accurate measurements of θ13, θ12, Δ m 21 2 and Δ m 31 2 . The best fit value for the atmospheric angle θ23 lies in the second octant, but first octant solutions remain allowed at ∼ 2.4σ. Regarding CP violation measurements, the preferred value of δ we obtain is 1.08π (1.58π) for normal (inverted) neutrino mass ordering. The global analysis still prefers normal neutrino mass ordering with 2.5σ statistical significance. This preference is milder than the one found in previous global analyses. These new results should be regarded as robust due to the agreement found between our Bayesian and frequentist approaches. Taking into account only oscillation data, there is a weak/moderate preference for the normal neutrino mass ordering of 2.00σ. While adding neutrinoless double beta decay from the latest Gerda, CUORE and KamLAND-Zen results barely modifies this picture, cosmological measurements raise the preference to 2.68σ within a conservative approach. A more aggressive data set combination of cosmological observations leads to a similar preference for normal with respect to inverted mass ordering, namely 2.70σ. This very same cosmological data set provides 2σ upper limits on the total neutrino mass corresponding to Σmν< 0.12 (0.15) eV in the normal (inverted) neutrino mass ordering scenario. The bounds on the neutrino mixing parameters and masses presented in this up-to-date global fit analysis include all currently available neutrino physics inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionally selective ligands to address specific cellular responses downstream of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) open up new possibilities for therapeutics. We designed and characterized novel subtype- and pathway-selective ligands. Substitution of position Q34 of neuropeptide Y to glycine (G34-NPY) results in unprecedented selectivity over all other YR subtypes. Moreover, this ligand displays a significant bias towards activation of the Gi/o pathway over recruitment of arrestin-3. Notably, no bias is observed for an established Y1R versus Y2R selective ligand carrying a proline at position 34 (F7,P34-NPY). Next, we investigated the spatio-temporal signaling at the Y1R and demonstrated that G protein-biased ligands promote a prolonged localization at the cell membrane, which leads to enhanced G protein signaling, while endosomal receptors do not contribute to cAMP signaling. Thus, spatial components are critical for the signaling of the Y1R that can be modulated by tailored ligands and represent a novel mode for biased pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional fermented foods are important sources of probiotics, which attract intensive attentions because of their beneficial effects. The potential of probiotic strains to remove heavy metals have also aroused interest from researchers. In this study, the ability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from various fermented foods to removal lead (Pb) was tested, and strains with high removal efficiency were selected and characterized by the use of scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM–EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to investigate the mechanism of lead removal. Two selected strains, identified as Enterococcus faecium DUTYH_16120012 and Enterococcus sp. DUTYH_16120026, were found capable of removing Pb2+ efficiently from MRS broth. Results indicated that initial pH, Pb2+ concentration and growing temperature were important factors affecting lead removal, which might be attributed to the effects of these factors on bacterial growth and physiology. The cell wall played a major role, contributing 80.58 ± 1.65%, in Pb2+ removal by bacterial cells. SEM–EDS and XPS analysis implied that possible chemical compositions of the yellow–brown deposits observed on the cell pellets grown in presence of lead were PbO2 and PbO. FTIR analysis indicated that some functional groups (–OH, –C=O, –N–H, –C–N) were involved in the Pb2+ removal process. The isolated strains demonstrated a potential for lead removal, but further study was needed to reveal the detailed mechanism by which the selected strain removes lead from the growing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neutrino oscillation probabilities in vacuum and matter are discussed, considering the framework of three active and one light sterile neutrinos. We study in detail the rephasing invariants and CP asymmetry observables, and investigate the four-neutrino oscillations in long-baseline neutrino experiments, such as DUNE, NOνA and T2HK. Our results show that the matter effect enhances quite a significantly the oscillation probabilities of electron neutrino and electron antineutrino appearance channels within a certain energy range, while no considerable change arises in the CP asymmetry analysis due to the matter effect. Moreover, separation between the results with and without the sterile neutrino is not so significant and that is also affected by CP-violating phases. Comparing the results for these three experiments, all of them have similar features, nevertheless, sizes and separations of the oscillation probabilities in DUNE are bit larger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the bounds on 3+1 active-sterile neutrino mixing obtained from the first results of the KATRIN experiment. We show that the KATRIN data extend the Mainz and Troitsk bound to smaller values of Δ m 41 2 for large mixing and improves the exclusion of the large- Δ m 41 2 solution of the Huber-Muller reactor antineutrino anomaly. We also show that the combined bound of the Mainz, Troitsk, and KATRIN tritium experiments and the Bugey-3, NEOS, PROSPECT, and DANSS reactor spectral ratio measurements exclude most of the region in the (sin22ϑee, Δ m 41 2 ) plane allowed by the Huber-Muller reactor antineutrino anomaly. Considering two new calculations of the reactor antineutrino fluxes, we show that one, that predicts a lower 235U antineutrino flux, is in agreement with the tritium and reactor spectral ratio measurements, whereas the other leads to a larger tension than the Huber-Muller prediction. We also show that the combined reactor spectral ratio and tritium measurements disfavor the Neutrino-4 indication of large active-sterile mixing. We finally discuss the constraints on the gallium neutrino anomaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zebrafish embryo is an important model in ecotoxicology but the spatial distribution of chemicals and the relation to observed effects is not well understood. Quantitative imaging can help to gain insights into the distribution of chemicals in the zebrafish embryo. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is used to quantify the uptake and the uptake kinetics of the bromine (Br) containing organophosphate naled (Dibrom®, dimethyl-1,2-dibromo-2,2-dichloroethylphosphate) and its distribution in zebrafish embryos using Br as the marker element. During exposure, the Br amounts increase in the embryos parallel to the irreversible inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The final amount of Br in the embryo (545 pmol/embryo) corresponds to a 280-fold enrichment of naled from the exposure solution. However, LC-MS/MS analyses showed that the internal concentration of naled remained below the LOD (7.8 fmol/embryo); also the concentration of its known transformation product dichlorvos remained low (0.85 to 2.8 pmol/embryo). These findings indicate the high reactivity and high transformation rate of naled to other products than dichlorvos. 12C normalized intensity distributions of Br in the zebrafish embryo showed an enrichment of Br in its head region. Kernel density estimates of the LA-ICP-MS data were calculated and outline the high reproducibility between replicated and the shift in the Br distribution during exposure. The Br enrichment indicates a preferential debromination or direct covalent reaction of naled with AChE in this region.ᅟ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the possibility to explain the anomalies in short-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments in terms of sterile neutrinos. We work in a 3+1 framework and pay special attention to recent new data from reactor experiments, IceCube and MINOS+. We find that results from the DANSS and NEOS reactor experiments support the sterile neutrino explanation of the reactor anomaly, based on an analysis that relies solely on the relative comparison of measured reactor spectra. Global data from the νe disappearance channel favour sterile neutrino oscillations at the 3σ level with Δm241≈1.3 eV2 and |Ue4|≈0.1, even without any assumptions on predicted reactor fluxes. In contrast, the anomalies in the ve appearance channel (dominated by LSND) are in strong tension with improved bounds on vμ disappearance, mostly driven by MINOS+ and IceCube. Under the sterile neutrino oscillation hypothesis, the p-value for those data sets being consistent is less than 2.6×10-6. Therefore, an explanation of the LSND anomaly in terms of sterile neutrino oscillations in the 3+1 scenario is excluded at the 4.7σ level. This result is robust with respect to variations in the analysis and used data, in particular it depends neither on the theoretically predicted reactor neutrino fluxes, nor on constraints from any single experiment. Irrespective of the anomalies, we provide updated constraints on the allowed mixing strengths |Uα4| (α=e,μ,τ) of active neutrinos with a fourth neutrino mass state in the eV range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of harmful metals from the intestinal environment can be inhibited by various ions which can interfere with the adsorption of target metal ions. Therefore, it is important to understand the ion selectivity and adsorption mechanism of the adsorbent. In this study, we estimated the adsorption properties of Lactobacillus casei JCM1134 by analyzing the correlation between its maximum adsorption level (qmax) for seven metals and their ion characteristics. Some metal ions showed altered adsorption levels by L. casei JCM1134 as culture growth time increased. Although it was impossible to identify specific adsorption components, adsorption of Sr and Ba may depend on capsular polysaccharide levels. The maximum adsorption of L. casei JCM1134 (9 h of growth in culture) for divalent metal ions was in the following order: Cu2+ > Ba2+ > Sr2+ > Cd2+ > Co2+ > Mg2+ > Ni2+. The qmax showed a high positive correlation with the ionic radius. Because this tendency is similar to adsorption occurring through an ion exchange mechanism, it was inferred that an ion exchange mechanism contributed greatly to adsorption by L. casei JCM1134. Because the decrease in the amount of adsorption due to prolonged culture time was remarkable for metals with a large ion radius, it is likely that the adsorption components involved in the ion exchange mechanism decomposed over time. These results and analytical concept may be helpful for designing means to remove harmful metals from the intestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering by the COHERENT collaboration has set on quantitative grounds the existence of an irreducible neutrino background in direct detection searches of Weakly Interacting Massive Dark Matter candidates. This background leads to an ultimate discovery limit for these experiments: a minimum Dark Matter interaction cross section below which events produced by the coherent neutrino scattering will mimic the Dark Matter signal, the so-called neutrino floor. In this work we study the modification of such neutrino floor induced by non-standard neutrino interactions within their presently allowed values by the global analysis of oscillation and COHERENT data. By using the full likelihood information of such global analysis we consistently account for the correlated effects of non-standard neutrino interactions both in the neutrino propagation in matter and in its interaction in the detector. We quantify their impact on the neutrino floor for five future experiments: DARWIN (Xe), ARGO (Ar), Super-CDMS HV (Ge and Si) and CRESST phase III (CaWO4). Quantitatively, we find that non-standard neutrino interactions allowed at the 3σ level can result in an increase of the neutrino floor of up to a factor ~ 5 with respect to the Standard Model expectations and impact the expected sensitivities of the ARGO, CRESST phase III and DARWIN experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation of toxic metal ions in food and water is nowadays a growing health-related problem. One detoxification method involves the use of microorganisms naturally inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The purpose of this study was to prove that lactic acid bacteria derived from the GIT are able to effectively remove Cd from water solution. Seven strains of lactobacilli, out of 11 examined, showed tolerance to high concentrations of cadmium ions. The metal-removal efficiencies of these seven lactobacilli ranged from 6 to 138.4 μg/h mg. Among these bacteria, Lactobacillus gallinarum and Lactobacillus crispatus belonged to the highest (85%) Cd-removal efficiency class. An analysis of the zeta potential ( ζ) indicated that the bacterial cell surface had a negative charge at the pH ranging from 3 to 10. The presence of carboxyl, amide, and phosphate groups was favorable for Cd binding to the cell surface, which found confirmation in FTIR-ATR spectra. Elemental SEM/EDS analysis and TEM imaging not only confirmed the adsorption of Cd on the cell envelope but also gave us a reason to suppose that Lb. crispatus accumulates metal ions inside the cell. Our findings open perspectives for further research on the new biological function of GIT lactobacilli as natural biosorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In presence of non-standard neutrino interactions the neutrino flavor evolution equation is affected by a degeneracy which leads to the so-called LMA-Dark solution. It requires a solar mixing angle in the second octant and implies an ambiguity in the neutrino mass ordering. Non-oscillation experiments are required to break this degeneracy. We perform a combined analysis of data from oscillation experiments with the neutrino scattering experiments CHARM and NuTeV. We find that the degeneracy can be lifted if the non-standard neutrino interactions take place with down quarks, but it remains for up quarks. However, CHARM and NuTeV constraints apply only if the new interactions take place through mediators not much lighter than the electroweak scale. For light mediators we consider the possibility to resolve the degeneracy by using data from future coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering experiments. We find that, for an experiment using a stopped-pion neutrino source, the LMA-Dark degeneracy will either be resolved, or the presence of new interactions in the neutrino sector will be established with high significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a method for the determination of boron in aliphatic and aromatic trifluoroborates (including perfluorinated ones), ethers, and organoboron compounds containing dioxoborolane fragments, pyridine, and pyrazole rings, and triple bonds. The substances were decomposed by the oxygen flask combustion method. Boron was determined on an Agilent 4100 microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometer. A number of organic compounds were analyzed, and the mass fraction of boron was determined with an error less than ±0.3 abs. %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical method using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was developed and applied to assess enrichment of B-containing p-boronophenylalanine-fructose (BPA-f) and its pharmacokinetic distribution in human tissues after application for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). High spatial resolution (50 μm) and limits of detection in the low parts-per-billion range were achieved using a Nd:YAG laser of 213 nm wavelength. External calibration by means of B-enriched standards based on whole blood proved to yield precise quantification results. Using this calibration method, quantification of B in cancerous and healthy tissue was carried out. Additionally, the distribution of B was investigated, providing B enrichment in the investigated tissues. Quantitative imaging of B by means of LA-ICP-MS was demonstrated as a new option to characterise the efficacy of boron compounds for BNCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobility protocols allow hosts to change their location or network interface while maintaining ongoing sessions. While such protocols can facilitate vertical mobility in a cost-efficient and access agnostic manner, they are not sufficient to address all security issues when used in scenarios requiring local mobility management. In this paper, we propose a new scheme that makes Host Identity Protocol (HIP) able to serve as an efficient and secure mobility protocol for wireless heterogeneous networks while preserving all the advantages of the base HIP functions as well. Our proposal, called Heterogeneous Mobility HIP (HMHIP), is based on hierarchical topology of rendezvous Servers (RVSs), signaling delegation, and inter-RVS communication to enable secure and efficient network mobility support in the HIP layer. Formal security analysis using the AVISPA tool and performance evaluation of this method are provided; they confirm the safety and efficiency of the proposed solution. HMHIP reduces handover latency and packet overhead during handovers by achieving registration locally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an updated result from the ICARUS experiment on the search for νμ→ νe anomalies with the CNGS beam, produced at CERN with an average energy of 20 GeV and traveling 730 km to the Gran Sasso Laboratory. The present analysis is based on a total sample of 1995 events of CNGS neutrino interactions, which corresponds to an almost doubled sample with respect to the previously published result. Four clear νe events have been visually identified over the full sample, compared with an expectation of 6.4±0.9 events from conventional sources. The result is compatible with the absence of additional anomalous contributions. At 90 % and 99 % confidence levels, the limits to possible oscillated events are 3.7 and 8.3 respectively. The corresponding limit to oscillation probability becomes consequently 3.4×10 −3 and 7.6×10 −3, respectively. The present result confirms, with an improved sensitivity, the early result already published by the ICARUS Collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an early result from the ICARUS experiment on the search for a ν→ ν signal due to the LSND anomaly. The search was performed with the ICARUS T600 detector located at the Gran Sasso Laboratory, receiving CNGS neutrinos from CERN at an average energy of about 20 GeV, after a flight path of ∼730 km. The LSND anomaly would manifest as an excess of ν events, characterized by a fast energy oscillation averaging approximately to $\sin^{2}(1.27\Delta m^{2}_{\mathrm{new}}L/E_{\nu})\approx 1/2$ with probability $P_{\nu_{\mu}\rightarrow \nu_{e}} = 1/2 \sin^{2}(2\theta_{\mathrm{new}})$. The present analysis is based on 1091 neutrino events, which are about 50 % of the ICARUS data collected in 2010-2011. Two clear ν events have been found, compared with the expectation of 3.7±0.6 events from conventional sources. Within the range of our observations, this result is compatible with the absence of a LSND anomaly. At 90 % and 99 % confidence levels the limits of 3.4 and 7.3 events corresponding to oscillation probabilities $\langle P_{\nu_{\mu}\rightarrow \nu_{e}}\rangle \le 5.4 \times 10^{-3}$ and $\langle P_{\nu_{\mu}\rightarrow \nu_{e}}\rangle \le 1.1 \times 10^{-2} $ are set respectively. The result strongly limits the window of open options for the LSND anomaly to a narrow region around (Δ m,sin(2 θ))=(0.5 eV,0.005), where there is an overall agreement (90 % CL) between the present ICARUS limit, the published limits of KARMEN and the published positive signals of LSND and MiniBooNE Collaborations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallium and short baseline reactor neutrino experiments indicate a shortdistance anomalous disappearance of electron antineutrinos which, if interpreted in terms of neutrino oscillations, would lead to a sterile neutrino mass inconsistent with standard cosmological models. This anomaly is difficult to measure at 1 km baseline experiments because its disappearance effects are degenerate with that of θ13. The flux normalization independent measurement of θ13 at Daya Bay breaks this degeneracy, allowing an unambiguous differentiation of 1-3 neutrino oscillations and the anomalous disappearance at Double Chooz and RENO. The resulting anomaly is consistent with that found at very short baselines and suggests a downward revision of RENO's result for θ13. A MCMC global analysis of current cosmological data shows that a quintom cosmology is just compatible at 2σ with a sterile neutrino with the right mass to reproduce the reactor anomaly and to a lesser extent the gallium and LSND/MiniBooNE anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an up-to-date global analysis of solar, atmospheric, reactor, and accelerator neutrino data in the framework of three-neutrino oscillations. We provide results on the determination of θ13 from global data and discuss the dependence on the choice of reactor uxes. We study in detail the statistical significance of a possible deviation of θ23 from maximal mixing, the determination of its octant, the ordering of the mass states, and the sensitivity to the CP violating phase, and discuss the role of various complementary data sets in those respects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the utilization of 4-(2-pyridylazo) resorcinol (PAR) as a chelating reagent for in-column derivatization and the determination of trace Co, Fe, and Ni ions by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector. A good separation of Co, Fe, and Ni chelates were achieved by using an Inertsil ODS-3 column and a mobile phase, consisted of methanol-THF-water mixture (50:5:45) containing ammonium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) and PAR. After full optimization, good repeatability of retention times (relative standard deviation (RSD) < 0.05%) and peak areas (RSD < 1.7%) was achieved as well as a good linearity ( r > 0.9991). The detection limits ( S/ N = 3), expressed as micrograms per liter, were 0.50 (Co), 9.07 (Fe), and 2.00 (Ni). The applicability and the accuracy of the developed method were estimated by the analysis of spiked water samples and certified reference material BCR 715 wastewater-SRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal chondrocytes (FCs) have recently been identified as an alternative cell source for cartilage tissue engineering applications because of their partially chondrogenically differentiated phenotype and developmental plasticity. In this study, chondrocytes derived from fetal bovine cartilage were characterized and then cultured on commercially available Cytodex-1 and Biosilon microcarriers and thermosensitive poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate)-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PHEMA-PNIPAAm) beads produced by us. Growth kinetics of FCs were estimated by means of specific growth rate and metabolic activity assay. Cell detachment from thermosensitive microcarriers was induced by cold treatment at 4 °C for 20 min or enzymatic treatment was applied for the detachment of cells from Cytodex-1 and Biosilon. Although attachment efficiency and proliferation of FCs on PHEMA-PNIPAAm beads were lower than that of commercial Cytodex-1 and Biosilon microcarriers, these beads also supported growth of FCs. Detached cells from thermosensitive beads by cold induction exhibited a normal proliferative activity. Our results indicated that Cytodex-1 microcarrier was the most suitable material for the production of FCs in high capacity, however, 'thermosensitive microcarrier model' could be considered as an attractive solution to the process scale up for cartilage tissue engineering by improving surface characteristics of PHEMA-PNIPAAm beads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastic and fracture behavior of LaNiO have been assessed. Fracture stress and elastic modulus of porous LaNiO were evaluated from room temperature (RT) up to 900 °C on the basis of 4-point bending tests. Both parameters increase slightly from RT to 700 °C. However, at higher temperatures the elastic modulus decreases, whereas the fracture stress increases. In addition, elastic modulus and damping/internal friction of dense specimens were measured by a resonance method. A strong change of elastic modulus and internal friction between RT and 100 °C appears to be related to an orthorhombic-tetragonal phase transition. No indications of phase transition can be observed at higher temperatures. Although thermogravimetric measurements suggest that oxygen was continuously released from the lattice up to 1000 °C with increasing temperature, the thermal expansion coefficient showed a rather stable value from RT up to 1000 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation and crystallization behaviors of a mechanically alloyed AlNiTiZr amorphous alloy were studied by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry in the present study. The effective activation energy of the crystallization was determined by the Kissinger and Ozawa equations, respectively. The two equations yield close results and the average activation energy is 252 ± 13 kJ/mol. The resultant crystalline products were Al and AlNi, and the crystallization mechanism is two- or three-dimensional nucleation and growth controlled by the diffusion of atoms. The thermal stability of the alloy was evaluated by a continuous transformation diagram obtained by the extended Kissinger equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Americans. The high mortality rate is mainly attributed to the invasiveness and metastasis of advanced prostate cancer. Targeting the molecules involved in metastasis could be an effective mode of treatment for prostate cancer. In this study, the therapeutic potential of siRNA-mediated targeting of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), and cathepsin B (CB) in prostate cancer was carried out using single and bi-cistronic siRNA-expressing constructs. Downregulation of MMP-9, uPAR, and CB inhibited matrigel invasion, in vitro angiogenesis and wound-healing migration ability of PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cell lines. In addition, the siRNA treatments induced apoptosis in the tumor cells as determined by TUNEL and DNA laddering assays. An attempt to elucidate the apoptotic pathway showed the involvement of FAS-mediated activation of caspases-8 and -7. Further, mice with orthotopic prostate tumors treated with siRNA-expressing vectors showed significant inhibition in tumor growth and migration. In conclusion, we report that the siRNA-mediated knockdown of MMP-9, uPAR, and CB inhibits invasiveness and migration of prostate cancer cells and leads to apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:We hypothesized that low serum selenium was associated with anemia in humans.Subjects:A total of 2092 adults aged 65 and older, in the third National Nutrition Examination Survey, Phase 2 (1991–1994) (NHANES III).Methods:Examination of the relationship between serum selenium and hematological indices in NHANES III.Results:Anemia, defined by World Health Organization criteria, was present in 12.9%. Mean serum selenium among non-anemic and anemic adults was 1.60 and 1.51 μmol l−1 (P=0.0003). The prevalence of anemia among adults in the lowest to highest quartiles of serum selenium was 18.3, 9.5, 9.7 and 6.9%, respectively (P=0.0005). The proportion of adults in the lowest quartile of selenium among those who were non-anemic or who had anemia due to nutritional causes, chronic inflammation, renal disease or unexplained anemia was 9.9, 27.5, 17.5, 24.0 and 15.4%, respectively. An increase in loge selenium was associated with a reduced risk of anemia (odds ratio per one standard deviation increase 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.58–0.97, P=0.03), adjusting for age, race, education, body mass index and chronic diseases.Conclusion:Low serum selenium is independently associated with anemia among older men and women in the United States.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2009) 63, 93–99; doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602889; published online 5 September 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the role of the antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in androgen-independent human prostate cancer (PC-3) cells'growth rate in vitro and in vivo. MnSOD levels were found to be lower in parental PC-3 cells compared to nonmalignant, immortalized human prostate epithelial cells (P69SV40T). To unravel the role of MnSOD in the prostate cancer phenotype, PC-3 cells were stably transfected with MnSOD cDNA plasmid. The MnSOD protein and activity levels in clones overexpressing MnSOD were increased seven- to eightfold. These cell lines showed elongated cell doubling time, reduced anchorage-independent growth in soft agar compared to parental PC-3 (Wt) cells, and reduced growth rate of PC-3 tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice. Flow cytometric studies showed an increase in membrane potential in the MnSOD-overexpressing clone (Mn32) compared to Wt and Neo cells. Also, production of extracellular H2O2 was increased in the MnSOD-overexpressing clones. As determined by DNA cell cycle analysis, the proportion of cells in G1?phase was enhanced by MnSOD overexpression. Therefore, MnSOD not only regulates cell survival but also affects PC-3 cell proliferation by retarding G1 to S transition. Our results are consistent with MnSOD being a tumor suppressor gene in human prostate cancer.Oncogene (2005) 24, 77-89. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1208145 Published online 15 November 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have established that strontium chromate and a mixture of modified zinc phosphate and calcium-containing pigment inhibit substantially the corrosion of low-carbon steel in slightly acid rain solution. We observed mainly the anodic control of corrosion in the extract of chromate pigment and mixed control in the extract of a mixture of nonchromate pigments. Zinc ions in corrosive media enhance significantly the protective action of this pigment mixture. Here, a crystal-like protective film, consisting of calcium and zinc phosphates, is formed on the surface of steel. The extracts of chromate pigment and a mixture of nonchromate pigments in a slightly acid medium increase the resistance of low-carbon steel to corrosion fatigue in the stages of crack initiation and growth. Thus, the necessary prerequisites are created for enhancing the service life of steel constructions with organic coatings, containing inhibiting pigments, under conditions of the joint action of a corrosive medium and cyclic loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the effects of a low mixing temperature on dough rheology and the quality of bread were investigated. In the experiments, strong flour samples (Type 550), 1.5% salt, 3% of yeast and 1% additive mixture were used and dough samples were mixed at 17 ?C (low temperature), 23 ?C (control) and 30 ?C (high temperature). Five different periods (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min) were applied at the bulk fermentation stage. At the final proofing stage, the dough was fermented until it reached a constant height. It was determined that almost every bread from dough samples mixed at 17 ?C resulted in not only the highest bread volume and bread weight, but also the best texture, elasticity and crumb structure. The results of dough samples mixed at 23 ?C were worse than those of dough samples mixed at 17 ?C. The worst results were obtained from dough samples mixed at 30 ?C (high temperature). As a result, it may be concluded that the quality of bread from dough samples mixed at low temperature (17 ?C) is superior to those from dough samples mixed at the higher temperatures. Besides these findings, it may also be stated that prolonging the period of bulk fermentation in dough samples mixed at 17 ?C positively develops baking performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increases in abundance of cathepsin B transcript and protein correlate with increases in tumor grade and alterations in subcellular localization and activity of cathepsin B. The enzyme is able to degrade the components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and activate other proteases capable of degrading ECM. To investigate the role played by this protease in the invasion of brain tumor cells, we transfected SNB19 human glioblastoma cells with a plasmid containing cathepsin B cDNA in antisense orientation. Control cells were transfected with vector alone. Clones expressing antisense cathepsin B cDNA exhibited significant reductions in cathepsin B mRNA, enzyme activity and protein compared to controls. Matrigel Invasion assay showed that the antisense-transfected cells had a markedly diminished invasiveness compared with controls. When tumor spheroids containing antisense transfected SNB19 cells expressing reduced cathepsin B were co-cultured with fetal rat brain aggregates, invasion of fetal rat brain aggregates was significantly reduced. Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) expressing parental cells and antisense transfectants were generated for detection in mouse brain tissue without any post-chemical treatment. Intracerebral injection of SNB19 stable antisense transfectants resulted in reduced tumor formation in nude mice. These results strongly support a role for cathepsin B in the invasiveness of human glioblastoma cells and suggest cathepsin B antisense may prove useful in cancer therapy. Oncogene (2001) 20, 3665–3673. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a method for estimating the size, and consequently effort and duration, of object oriented software development projects. Different estimates may be made in different phases of the development process, according to the available information. We define an adaptation of traditional function points, called ``Object Oriented Function Points'', to enable the measurement of object oriented analysis and design specifications. Tools have been constructed to automate the counting method. The novel aspect of our method is its flexibility. An organization can experiment with different counting policies, to find the most accurate predictors of size, effort, etc. in its environment. The method and preliminary results of its application in an industrial environment are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-soluble and water-insoluble pentosans extracted from wheat and water-soluble pentosans extracted from rye were added in concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% to flour samples having different qualities. The effects of these pentosans on the physical and technological properties of the dough and bread and bread staling were then determined. Results show that all three pentosans markedly increased the water absorption and loaf volume, and retarded bread staling. Water-soluble rye pentosans in particular showed the most desirable effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, lipid peroxide and total sulfhydryl contents and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) were investigated in the plasma of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. No significant change was found in lipid peroxidation or antioxidant systems in the plasma of patients with BPH and prostate cancer. The results indicate that evaluation of the prooxidant-antioxidant balance in the plasma of BPH and prostate cancer patients cannot be used as a marker to discriminate between these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]