Abstract Oxygen-metal ratios are important to the study of irradiated nuclear oxide fuel. Critical performance metrics such as thermal conductivity, constituent redistribution, and melting temperature depend on the degree of departure from UO2.00 stoichiometry and in which direction (hyper- or hypo-stoichiometric) the departure has occurred. This study examined three sintered pellets with compositions of UO2.00, UO2.02, UO2.21 and one un-sintered pellet with a composition of UO2.16. When analysed via electron probe microanalysis, Al-coated pellet accuracy ranged from −1.0 % to 19.4 % while Ir-coated pellet accuracy ranged from −0.5 % to 4.6 %. For both analysis sets the un-sintered pellet exhibited the largest accuracy error. While some pellet heterogeneity contributed to lower-than-expected precision, this method appears suitable for characterising oxygen-metal ratios in irradiated uranium oxide fuels.

• Book : 1324(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.012014-012014
• Keyword :

AbstractBackground and AimsInvasive alien plant species pose a global challenge, and their impact is amplified by globalisation and the accelerating pace of climate change. In mild-climate regions, drought-tolerant invasive plants showing broad environmental tolerance have a competitive advantage. One example isKalanchoe×houghtonii(Crassulaceae), popularly known as “mother of millions”. It is a hybrid resulting from the interploid cross betweenK. daigremontianaandK. delagoensis, both native to Madagascar.Kalanchoe×houghtonii, propagated as an ornamental plant, has emerged as a global invader in less than a century. Four morphotypes of this hybrid have been identified, with different ploidy levels and varying invasive capacities. Here we aim to investigate the genomic variability behind the invasion success ofKalanchoe×houghtonii.MethodsWe sampled 57 accessions ofKalanchoe×houghtonii, K. daigremontiana, K. delagoensisand closely related taxa, including old herbarium materials, from all over the world. We analysed genome size, chromosome numbers, sequenced the whole genome, analysed the complete plastome sequence of each accession, and studied the diversity of the ribosomal RNA genes. We also performed a detailed phylogenomic study using nuclear BUSCO genes.Key ResultsOur study reveals the genetic and cytogenetic variability between morphotypes, and shows that a single tetraploid genotype (morphotype A) dominates all populations, emerging as the first reported clonal hybrid capable of worldwide colonisation. Morphotype A shows a striking genetic uniformity, high phenotypic plasticity, and extremely high rates of vegetative reproduction, representing an example of a “general-purpose genotype”.ConclusionsThe astonishing reproductive capacity, broad adaptability and the speed at whichK.×houghtoniiis colonising new regions by clonal spread highlight the importance of understanding hybridisation and polyploidy in the invasion of ecosystems. Our findings call for the need for risk assessments before developing new hybrids for ornamental plant breeding that may exhibit invasive characteristics.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
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Al ser una Ciencia Social, el Derecho aparece para regular un hecho nuevo después de que este ocurre, como sucedió con la Energía Nuclear. Cuando se supo de la existencia de esta energía y se formaron los primeros grupos de estudio, la regulación jurídica dijo presente y comenzó a ordenar los hechos.  Es importante relatar las condiciones en que se fueron formando estas primeras normas del Derecho nuclear, su contexto histórico y sus efectos.  El presente trabajo describe cómo se fue elaborando el primer acuerdo entre países vinculado a la fabricación de la bomba atómica, el período histórico en el que se originó y cómo se sancionó la primer ley de actividad nuclear de la historia. Estas nuevas disposiciones quedaron en la memoria de las futuras leyes y administraciones nucleares que le siguieron en el tiempo, no sólo en Estados Unidos de América, sino también en el resto del mundo, viciando la relación entre esta nueva forma de generar energía eléctrica y las sociedades que pudieron aprovecharla.

• Book : (54)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.186-186
• Keyword :

Abstract Bialleleic pathogenic variants in LCA5 cause one of the most severe forms of Leber congenital amaurosis, an early-onset retinal disease that results in severe visual impairment. Here, we report the use of gene editing to generate isogenic LCA5 knock-out (LCA5 KO) induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and their differentiation to retinal organoids. The molecular and cellular phenotype of the LCA5 KO retinal organoids was studied in detail and compared to isogenic controls as well as patient-derived retinal organoids. The absence of LCA5 was confirmed in retinal organoids by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. There were no major changes in retinal organoid differentiation or ciliation, however, the localisation of CEP290 and IFT88 was significantly altered in LCA5 KO and patient photoreceptor cilia with extension along the axoneme. The LCA5-deficient organoids also had shorter outer segments and rhodopsin was mislocalised to the outer nuclear layer. We also identified transcriptomic and proteomic changes associated with the loss of LCA5. Importantly, treatment with the small molecules eupatilin, fasudil or a combination of both drugs reduced CEP290 and IFT88 accumulation along the cilia. The treatments also improved rhodopsin traffic to the outer segment and reduced mislocalisation of rhodopsin in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). The improvements in cilia-associated protein localisation and traffic were accompanied by significant changes in the transcriptome towards control gene expression levels in many of the differentially expressed genes. In summary, iPSC-derived retinal organoids are a powerful model for investigating the molecular and cellular changes associated with loss of LCA5 function and highlight the therapeutic potential of small molecules to treat retinal ciliopathies.

• Book : 13(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

Tritium is an isotope essential for nuclear fusion reactor operations. Since it can be used for manufacturing nuclear weapons, nuclear safeguards are required for its peaceful use. This study analyzed and discussed the safeguarding of conceptual tritium production facility. Tritium production capacity of pressurized water reactor was analyzed using MCNP6.2 code. Tritium was assumed to be produced using tritium-producing burnable absorber rods (TPBARs). The 17 X17 nuclear fuel assembly with various loading configurations of TPBARs was designed and simulated as a function of the burnup. Therefore, a formula for analyzing the total tritium produced as a function of burnup and lithium-6 enrichment was developed using a regression methodology. Within the evaluated area, the error of this formula was less than 6.46 %. A conceptual material balance area for a tritium extraction facility (TEF) was assumed. Through literature review, the cases (1, 5, 10 g) of the equivalentsignificant quantity (SQ) of tritium were classified, and TEF σMUF was calculated according to the IAEA’s suggestion (3σMUF < SQ). As a result, the σMUF of TEF was calculated to be within 4–22 g of the equivalent-SQ (1–10 g). Therefore, the number of TPBARs that can be processed per cycle in the TEF was 4–228, depending on the equivalent-SQ value. Thus, the applicability of TEF’s safeguards was discussed

• Book : 57(3)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.1-9
• Keyword :

Abstract Purpose: Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) has limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Recently, PSMA-targeted alpha particle therapy agents using Actinium-225 (225Ac) have shown promising results for prostate cancer treatment, but a significant fraction of patients with advanced mCRPC demonstrate loss of PSMA expression. We have previously reported that PSMA-null and PSMA-positive tumors can be detected and treated effectively with CD46-targeted radiopharmaceuticals. This study evaluates the CD46-targeting PET imaging agent [89Zr]DFO-YS5 and the radioimmunotherapy agent [225Ac]Macropa-PEG4-YS5 in disseminated prostate cancer tumors. Experimental Design: Microtumor lesions, primarily observed in the liver, kidneys, and lungs, were successfully detected with [89Zr]DFO-YS5 PET imaging. We used disseminated 22Rv1 tumors for biodistribution studies, dosimetry assessments, and therapeutic efficacy evaluations of [225Ac]Macropa-PEG4-YS5. Results: Quantitative digital alpha-particle autoradiography revealed high radiation dose deposition from [225Ac]Macropa-PEG4-YS5 in microtumors compared to surrounding liver tissues, although in larger lesions (&gt;1 mm diameter) the dose distribution was heterogeneous. Early treatment of smaller disseminated tumors with uniform radiation dose was more effective in ablating tumors and promoting survival. In late-stage lesions of large size, heterogeneous dose deposition limited therapeutic efficacy, requiring higher administered activity to achieve a complete response. Conclusions: Our findings highlight that [225Ac]Macropa-PEG4-YS5 holds the potential for clinical translation for metastatic prostate cancer and reinforces the value of microdosimetry in understanding the efficacy of and resistance to targeted alpha therapy.

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• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
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AbstractDiabetic retinopathy (DR), as the main ophthalmic complication of diabetes mellitus, is a major eye disorder contributing to blindness. Oxidative stress and inflammation in retinal Müller cells participate in the pathogenesis of DR. This work aims to study the biological role of moscatilin in the progression of DR and the underlying mechanism. High glucose (HG)‐stimulated mouse primary retinal Müller cells and high‐fat diet + streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced DR mouse models were constructed as in vitro and in vivo models, respectively. The effects of moscatilin treatment on oxidative stress and inflammation in HG‐stimulated Müller cells and DR mice were evaluated by detecting intracellular reactive oxygen species production, malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio, as well as proinflammatory cytokine levels through CM‐H2DCFDA staining, commercial kits, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Dual immunofluorescence staining of glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin was used to evaluate the development of Müller cells in mouse retinas. The activity of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway was assessed through western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Moscatilin pretreatment prevented HG‐induced decrease in Müller cell viability. Moscatilin mitigated oxidative stress, inflammation, and extracellular matrix remodeling in HG‐stimulated Müller cells and DR mice. Mechanically, moscatilin reduced the levels of receptor for advanced glycation end products, phosphorylated I‐kappa‐B‐alpha, p‐p65 NF‐κB, p‐p38 MAPK, and p‐JNK in both HG‐stimulated Müller cells and DR mice. Moscatilin plays an antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory role in DR by inhibiting the p38 MAPK/JNK and NF‐κB signaling pathways.

• Book : 19(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
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Abstract Purpose: Current immune checkpoint therapies offer limited benefits for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Novel combinations may enhance immunotherapy efficacy. Patients and Methods: We conducted an open-label, non-comparative platform trial (NCT03835533) in mCRPC to assess nivolumab-based combinations. The cohorts were: A) bempegaldesleukin 0.006 mg/kg and nivolumab 360 mg intravenously Q3W, B) stereotactic body radiation therapy 30-50 Gray, CDX-301 75 μg/kg subcutaneously for 5 days, poly-ICLC 1 mg intramuscularly twice weekly for 3 weeks, and nivolumab 480 mg Q4W, and C) CDX-301 75 μg/kg for 10 days, INO-5151 3 mg intramuscularly on Lead-in Day 8, Day 1 of Cycles 1-3, then Q12W, and nivolumab 480 mg Q4W. The primary endpoint was safety; secondary endpoints included composite response rate (radiographic, PSA, or circulating tumor cell responses), 6-month disease control rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Serial blood and tissue samples were analyzed for pharmacodynamics and association with disease control. Results: 43 patients enrolled (N = 14, 15, 14 in Cohorts A, B, C). Grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 10 (71%), 2 (13%), and 2 (14%) patients, respectively, with one Grade 5 TRAE in Cohort A. Composite response rates were 7% (1/14), 33% (5/15), and 7% (1/14). Across cohorts, 6-month disease control was associated with pre-existing memory/regulatory T cells, TNFα, and other inflammatory pathways. Conclusions: Cohort B, which combined radiation therapy with CDX-301, poly-ICLC, and nivolumab, demonstrated encouraging clinical activity. Pre-existing rather than treatment-induced immune activation was associated with clinical benefit across cohorts, highlighting the importance of baseline immune fitness.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
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Abstract Gamification and social networking can be used as active learning tools, as they have been shown to increase learner motivation. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether they impact students’ knowledge acquisition. This study aimed to share an educational experience for medical students using Kahoot and TikTok as active teaching/learning tools and assessed whether they improve academic performance. A retrospective quasi-experimental study was conducted with 176 students enrolled in radiation oncology in the 2021/22 academic year (control group), who received traditional teaching, and 166 students in the 2022/23 academic year (experimental group), where Kahoot and TikTok were added to traditional teaching. Final exam results of both groups were compared to assess learning differences, as well as those of the experimental group in terms of participation in Kahoot and TikTok and their relationship with the final grade. Comparing the average exam scores of the experimental group to the control group showed an increase of 12.9% in the first group compared to the traditional group (6.02 vs. 7.31 points, p = 0.0001). In the experimental group, students who participated in Kahoot or TikTok increased their mean score by 0.54 points (p = 0.021) and 1.57 points (p = 0.040), respectively, compared to those who did not. A correlated increase in mean test scores was observed based on tool usage: none, Kahoot or TikTok, or both (6.19, 6.88 ± 1.48, and 7.51 ± 1.20 points, p = 0.019). Using Kahoot and TikTok as active learning tools for medical students improved academic performance when integrated with traditional methodology.

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• Pub. Date : 2025
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As a widely used clean energy source, solar energy has demonstrated significant promise across various applications due to its wide spectral range and efficient absorption performance. This study introduces a cross-structured, ultra-broadband solar absorber utilizing titanium (Ti) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) as its foundational materials. The absorber exhibits over 90% absorption within the 280–4000 nm wavelength range and surpasses 95% absorption in the broader spectrum from 542 to 3833 nm through the cavity coupling effect of incident light excitation and the subsequent initiation of the surface plasmon resonance mechanism, thus successfully achieving the goal of broadband high absorption. Through the finite difference time domain method (FDTD) simulation, the average absorption efficiency reaches 97.38% within the range from 280 nm to 4000 nm, and it is 97.75% in the range from 542 nm to 3833 nm. At the air mass of 1.5 (AM 1.5), the average absorption efficiency of solar energy is 97.46%, and the loss of solar energy is 2.54%, which has extremely high absorption efficiency. In addition, thanks to the material considerations, the absorber adopts a variety of high-temperature resistant materials, making the thermal radiation efficiency in a high-temperature environment still good; specifically, at the temperature of 900 K, its thermal radiation efficiency can reach 97.27%, and at the extreme 1800 K temperature, it can still maintain 97.52% of high efficiency thermal radiation, further highlighting its excellent thermal stability and comprehensive performance. The structure exhibits excellent optical absorption and thermal radiation properties, which give it broad applicability as an ideal absorber or thermal emitter. More importantly, the absorber is insensitive to the polarization state of the light and can effectively handle the incident light lines in the wide-angle range. In addition, its photothermal conversion efficiency (Hereafter referred to as pc efficiency) can sustain an elevated level under various temperature conditions, which enables it to flexibly adapt to diverse environmental conditions, especially suitable for the integration and application of solar photovoltaic systems, and further broaden its potential application range in the field of renewable energy.

• Book : 15(2)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.243-243
• Keyword :