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يضم الكتاب ثلاث قصص طويلة مترجمة، واثنتين قصيرتين، منهم الذبابة لـ جورج لانجيلان ترجمة محمد عبد العزيز، ميمنتو لـ جوناثان نولان ترجمة محمد عبد العزيز، جميعكم أيها الموتى الأحياء لـ روبرت هينلاين ترجمة محمد الدواخلي، الحارس لـ آرثر سي كلارك ترجمة نادر أسامة، حيث شكلت الأعمال السابقة مصدر وحي لأعمال سينمائية عديدة، تنوعت بين الخيال العلمي والرعب، ومرفق بكل قصة مقال إنبطاعي عن الفيلم المستوحى منها، ومدى إشتباكه مع النص الأصلي.

The consumption of packaged water in Ghana has grown significantly in recent years. By 2017, “sachet water”—machine-sealed 500ml plastic bags of drinking water—was consumed by 33% of Ghanaian households. Reliance on sachet water has previously been associated with the urban poor, yet recent evidence suggests a customer base which crosses socioeconomic lines. Here, we conduct a repeated cross-sectional analysis of three nationally representative datasets to examine the changing demography of sachet water consumers between 2010 and 2017. Our results show that over the course of the study period sachet water has become a ubiquitous source of drinking water in Ghana, with relatively wealthy households notably increasing their consumption. In 2017, the majority of sachet water drinking households had access to another improved water source. The current rate and form of urbanisation, inadequate water governance, and an emphasis on cost recovery pose significant challenges for the expansion of the piped water supply network, leading us to conclude that sachet water will likely continue to be a prominent source of drinking water in Ghana for the foreseeable future. The main challenge for policymakers is to ensure that the growing sachet water market enhances rather than undermines Ghana’s efforts towards achieving universal and equitable access to clean drinking water and sanitation.

A bstract We present possible strategies for anomaly detection of rare particle decays and exotic hadrons, such as pentaquarks, in low-background environments such as those characteristic of diffractive events and ultraperipheral pp, p-A, or A-A collisions at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Our models are trained with toy samples representing the UPC processes measured until now by the ALICE Collaboration. When samples containing rare processes such as J/ ψ → 4 π and pentaquark production, where the number of injected pentaquark events is estimated based on current experimentally available upper limits, and those for J/ ψ → 4 π are estimated through the branching ratio of the decay channel, are analyzed, the rare processes are flagged as anomalous by the models. This approach demonstrates the applicability of such a technique for searches for new physics in the current and future data sets at collider experiments with high purity, while also allowing for the measurement of upper limits for the production of exotica.

Surface layers (S-layers) are crystalline protein coats surrounding microbial cells. S-layer proteins (SLPs) regulate their extracellular self-assembly by crystallizing when exposed to an environmental trigger. However, molecular mechanisms governing rapid protein crystallization in vivo or in vitro are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the Caulobacter crescentus SLP readily crystallizes into sheets in vitro via a calcium-triggered multistep assembly pathway. This pathway involves 2 domains serving distinct functions in assembly. The C-terminal crystallization domain forms the physiological 2-dimensional (2D) crystal lattice, but full-length protein crystallizes multiple orders of magnitude faster due to the N-terminal nucleation domain. Observing crystallization using a time course of electron cryo-microscopy (Cryo-EM) imaging reveals a crystalline intermediate wherein N-terminal nucleation domains exhibit motional dynamics with respect to rigid lattice-forming crystallization domains. Dynamic flexibility between the 2 domains rationalizes efficient S-layer crystal nucleation on the curved cellular surface. Rate enhancement of protein crystallization by a discrete nucleation domain may enable engineering of kinetically controllable self-assembling 2D macromolecular nanomaterials.

Campylobacter jejuni is a pathogenic bacterium that causes gastroenteritis in humans yet is a widespread commensal in wild and domestic animals, particularly poultry. Using RNA sequencing, we assessed C. jejuni transcriptional responses to medium supplemented with human fecal versus chicken cecal extracts and in extract-supplemented medium versus medium alone. C. jejuni exposed to extracts had altered expression of 40 genes related to iron uptake, metabolism, chemotaxis, energy production, and osmotic stress response. In human fecal versus chicken cecal extracts, C. jejuni displayed higher expression of genes involved in respiration ( fdhTU ) and in known or putative iron uptake systems ( cfbpA , ceuB , chuC , and CJJ81176_1649–1655 [here designated 1649–1655 ]). The 1649–1655 genes and downstream overlapping gene 1656 were investigated further. Uncharacterized homologues of this system were identified in 33 diverse bacterial species representing 6 different phyla, 21 of which are associated with human disease. The 1649 and 1650 ( p19 ) genes encode an iron transporter and a periplasmic iron binding protein, respectively; however, the role of the downstream 1651–1656 genes was unknown. A Δ 1651 – 1656 deletion strain had an iron-sensitive phenotype, consistent with a previously characterized Δ p19 mutant, and showed reduced growth in acidic medium, increased sensitivity to streptomycin, and higher resistance to H 2 O 2 stress. In iron-restricted medium, the 1651–1656 and p19 genes were required for optimal growth when using human fecal extracts as an iron source. Collectively, this implicates a function for the 1649–1656 gene cluster in C. jejuni iron scavenging and stress survival in the human intestinal environment. IMPORTANCE Direct comparative studies of C. jejuni infection of a zoonotic commensal host and a disease-susceptible host are crucial to understanding the causes of infection outcome in humans. These studies are hampered by the lack of a disease-susceptible animal model reliably displaying a similar pathology to human campylobacteriosis. In this work, we compared the phenotypic and transcriptional responses of C. jejuni to intestinal compositions of humans (disease-susceptible host) and chickens (zoonotic host) by using human fecal and chicken cecal extracts. The mammalian gut is a complex and dynamic system containing thousands of metabolites that contribute to host health and modulate pathogen activity. We identified C. jejuni genes more highly expressed during exposure to human fecal extracts in comparison to chicken cecal extracts and differentially expressed in extracts compared with medium alone, and targeted one specific iron uptake system for further molecular, genetic, and phenotypic study. Direct comparative studies of C. jejuni infection of a zoonotic commensal host and a disease-susceptible host are crucial to understanding the causes of infection outcome in humans. These studies are hampered by the lack of a disease-susceptible animal model reliably displaying a similar pathology to human campylobacteriosis. In this work, we compared the phenotypic and transcriptional responses of C. jejuni to intestinal compositions of humans (disease-susceptible host) and chickens (zoonotic host) by using human fecal and chicken cecal extracts. The mammalian gut is a complex and dynamic system containing thousands of metabolites that contribute to host health and modulate pathogen activity. We identified C. jejuni genes more highly expressed during exposure to human fecal extracts in comparison to chicken cecal extracts and differentially expressed in extracts compared with medium alone, and targeted one specific iron uptake system for further molecular, genetic, and phenotypic study.

This study aimed to build automated detection models—one by brain regional volume (V-model), and the other by radiomics features of the whole brain (R-model)—to differentiate mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from cognitive normal (CN), and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The objectives are to compare the models and identify whether radiomics or volumetry can provide a better prediction for differentiating different types of dementia. Method: 582 MRI T1-weighted images were retrieved from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database, which is a multicenter operating open source database for AD. In total, 97 images of AD, 293 images of MCI patient and 192 images of cognitive normal were divided into a training, a validation and a test group at a ratio of 70:15:15. For each T1-weighted image, volumetric segmentation was performed with the image analysis software FreeSurfer, and radiomics features were retrieved by imaging research software 3D slicers. Brain regional volume and radiomics features were used to build the V-model and R-model, respectively, using the random forest algorithm by R. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of both models were used to evaluate their diagnostic accuracy and reliability to differentiate AD, MCI and CN. Results: To differentiate MCI and CN, both V-model and R-model achieved excellent performance, with an AUC of 0.9992 ± 0.0022 and 0.9850 ± 0.0032, respectively. No significant difference was found between the two AUCs, indicating both models attained similar good performance. In MCI and AD differentiation, the V-model and R-model yielded AUC of 0.9986 ± 0.0013 and 0.9714 ± 0.0175, respectively. The best performance was to differentiate AD from CN, where the V-model and R-model yielded AUC of 0.9994 ± 0.0019 and 0.9830 ± 0.009, respectively. The results suggested that both volumetry and radiomics approaches could be used in differentiating AD, MCI and CN, based on T1 weighted MR images using random forest algorithm successfully. Conclusion: This study showed that the radiomics features from T1-weighted MR images achieved excellence performance in differentiating AD, MCI and CN. Compared to the volumetry method, the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity are slightly lower in using radiomics, but still attained very good and reliable classification of the three stages of neurodegenerations. In view of the convenience and operator independence in feature extraction, radiomics can be a quantitative biomarker to differentiate the disease groups.

Introduction: Amyloid-β protein (Aβ) is one of the biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The recent application of interhemispheric functional connectivity (IFC) in resting-state fMRI has been used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for early dementia. In this study, we focused on the level of Aβ accumulated and its effects on the major functional networks, including default mode network (DMN), central executive network (CEN), salience network (SN), self-referential network (SRN) and sensory motor network (SMN). Methods: 58 participants (27 Hi Aβ (HiAmy) and 31 low Aβ (LowAmy)) and 25 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. [18F]flutemetamol PET/CT was performed for diseased groups, and MRI scanning was done for all participants. Voxel-by-voxel correlation analysis was done for both groups in all networks. Results: In HiAmy, IFC was reduced in all networks except SN. A negative correlation in DMN, CEN, SRN and SMN suggests high Aβ related to IFC reduction; However, a positive correlation in SN suggests high Aβ related to an increase in IFC. In LowAmy, IFC increased in CEN, SMN, SN and SRN. Positive correlation in all major brain networks. Conclusion: The level of Aβ accumulated demonstrated differential effects on IFC in various brain networks. As the treatment to reduce Aβ plaque deposition is available in the market, it may be an option for the HiAmy group to improve their IFC in major brain networks.

Extreme weather damages and disrupts transport infrastructure in a multitude of ways. Heavy rainfall and ensuing landslides or flooding may lead to road or rail closures; extreme heat can damage road surfaces, or cause tracks, signalling or electronic equipment to overheat, or thermal discomfort for passengers. As extreme weather is expected to occur more frequently in the future, transport infrastructure owners and operators must increase their preparedness in order to reduce weather-related service disruption and the associated financial costs. This article presents a two-sided framework for use by any organisation to develop climate-change-ready transport infrastructure, regardless of their current level of knowledge or preparedness for climate change. The framework is composed of an adaptation strategy and an implementation plan, and has the overarching ambition to embed climate change adaptation within organisational procedures so it becomes a normal function of business. It advocates adaptation pathways, i.e., sequential adaptive actions that do not compromise future actions. The circular, iterative structure ensures new knowledge, or socio-economic changes may be incorporated, and that previous adaptations are evaluated. Moreover, the framework aligns with existing asset management procedures (e.g., ISO standards) or governmental or organisational approaches to climate change adaptation. By adopting this framework, organisations can self-identify their own level of adaptation readiness and seek to enhance it.

Background Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in women, with radiotherapy (RT) playing a key role in its treatment. Advances in RT techniques, such as 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D‐CRT) and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), have improved dose precision and reduced side effects. However, RT modality selection and treatment planning remain manual, time‐consuming, and subject to variability. Purpose This study presents and validates TARS‐B (Treatment Automation and Radiotherapy Selection for Breast Cancer), an automated framework that combines a deep learning‐based decision‐making module (DMF) for selecting the optimal RT technique and a fully automated treatment planning system (ATP) for generating deliverable plans that meet clinical quality standards and are deemed acceptable for clinical use. Materials and Methods TARS‐B functions in two stages. First, the DMF analyzes individual patient data to determine whether 3D‐CRT or IMRT is more appropriate. Second, the ATP generates the corresponding treatment plan. For 3D‐CRT, a field‐in‐field (FiF) method is used to enhance dose homogeneity and minimize hotspots. For IMRT, the DMF provides neural network‐based dose predictions, which are used to generate constraints for organs‐at‐risk (OARs). Both processes are fully scripted within the treatment planning system (TPS). The framework was tested on 60 breast cancer patients: 30 originally treated with 3D‐CRT and 30 with IMRT. Two analyses were conducted. First, the ATP's performance was evaluated by comparing automated plans with their manually generated clinical counterparts for both techniques. Second, the full TARS‐B pipeline was assessed by applying the DMF to select the RT modality and automatically generating the plan, comparing results to the original clinical plans. Dosimetric parameters, including planning target volume (PTV) coverage, OAR constraints, and low‐ and intermediate‐dose bath, were analyzed. Planning times were also compared. Results No statistically significant differences (p>0.005 p > 0.005 ) were found between manual and automated plans in key dosimetric metrics, including PTV coverage (V95% % ), hotspots (V105% % ), and OAR constraints, for both 3D‐CRT and IMRT. TARS‐B confirmed the appropriateness of 3D‐CRT in all patients originally treated with it and recommended re‐planning with 3D‐CRT for 15 of 30 IMRT cases. Of these, 14 re‐plans met all criteria; one failed due to anatomical anomalies. Re‐planning led to a reduction in low‐dose bath (up to 2800 cm3 \\rm cm³ ) and intermediate‐dose bath (up to 3000 cm3 \\rm cm³ ). The reduction in intermediate‐dose bath was statistically significant (p<0.005 p < 0.005 ). Planning times decreased substantially: from 157.4±116.2 157.4 ± 116.2to 2.0±1.3 2.0 ± 1.3min for IMRT, and from 112±70 112 ± 70to 5±4 5 ± 4min for 3D‐CRT (p<0.005 p < 0.005 ). Conclusions TARS‐B effectively automates both the selection of the most appropriate RT technique and the generation of high‐quality treatment plans. This framework improves workflow efficiency, reduces planning time, and preserves dosimetric quality, highlighting its potential for clinical implementation in breast cancer RT.

Despite rigorous characterization of the role of acetylcholine in retinal development, long-term effects of its absence as a neurotransmitter are unknown. One of the unanswered questions is how acetylcholine contributes to the functional capacity of mature retinal circuits. The current study investigates the effects of disrupting cholinergic signalling in mice, through deletion of vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) in the developing retina, pigmented epithelium, optic nerve and optic stalk, on electrophysiology and structure of the mature retina. A combination of electroretinography, optical coherence tomography imaging and histological evaluation assessed retinal integrity in mice bearing retina- targeted (embryonic day 12.5) deletion of VAChT (VAChTSix3-Cre-flox/flox) and littermate controls at 5 and 12 months of age. VAChTSix3-Cre-flox/flox mice did not show any gross changes in nuclear layer cellularity or synaptic layer thickness. However, VAChTSix3-Cre-flox/flox mice showed reduced electrophysiological response of the retina to light stimulus under scotopic conditions at 5 and 12 months of age, including reduced a-wave, b-wave, and oscillatory potential (OP) amplitudes and decreased OP peak power and total energy. Reduced a-wave amplitude was proportional to the reduction in b-wave amplitude and not associated with altered a-wave 10%-90% rise time or inner and outer segment thicknesses. This study used a novel genetic model in the first examination of function and structure of the mature mouse retina with disruption of cholinergic signalling. Reduced amplitude across the electroretinogram wave form does not suggest dysfunction in specific retinal cell types and could reflect underlying changes in the retinal and/or extraretinal microenvironment. Our findings suggest that release of acetylcholine by VAChT is essential for the normal electrophysiological response of the mature mouse retina.