To evaluate the biocontrol potential of the cell-free fermentation filtrate (CFFF) of Bacillus atrophaeus strain YL84 against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV), this study systematically investigated the effects of the CFFF at various dilution ratios on FOV mycelial growth, conidial germination, cellular nucleic acid leakage, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Furthermore, the environmental stability of its antifungal activity was assessed. In addition, a dual-culture assay was conducted to evaluate the antagonistic activity of strain YL84 against FOV. The results of the dual-culture assay showed that strain YL84 significantly inhibited the growth of FOV, with an inhibition rate of 81.06%. Subsequently, the YL84 CFFF exerted significant inhibitory effects on FOV mycelial growth and conidial germination across different concentrations, achieving maximum inhibition rates of 75.68% and 77.56%, respectively. Notably, the treated mycelia exhibited a significant increase in cellular nucleic acid leakage and elevated levels of MDA, a product of lipid peroxidation, suggesting that the CFFF may disrupt the integrity of the pathogen’s cell membrane. Stability assays revealed that the CFFF possessed substantial tolerance to high temperatures, ultraviolet irradiation, and hypersaline environments, although it remained sensitive to strongly alkaline conditions. Greenhouse pot experiments further confirmed the efficacy of YL84 CFFF in controlling cotton Fusarium wilt, with a maximum control efficacy of 69.21%. Moreover, the treatment induced the upregulation of defense-related enzyme activities in the plants, suggesting that the CFFF may function through both direct antifungal action and the elicitation of host-induced resistance. Component identification via Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Ion Mobility–Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-IMS-Q-TOF-MS) suggested that the filtrate is rich in structurally diverse compounds that were putatively identified as potential antimicrobial substances, predominantly classified as terpenoids and their derivatives. In conclusion, this study provides a systematic evaluation and supporting evidence for the further development of B. atrophaeus YL84 as a biocontrol agent.

The genetic basis for Tibetan sheep adaptation to different high-altitude environments remains unknown. This study conducted whole-genome resequencing on 80 Tibetan sheep individuals from four major distribution areas on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Based on the high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained, an analysis of population-level genomic selection signals was performed. Population genomic analysis revealed that Tibetan sheep distributed across China originated in northern China but showed evidence of gene flow from South Asian sheep. Between populations from extremely high-altitude and mid-altitude regions, selection analyses identified five strongly positive selected genes (HIF1AN [Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha Subunit Inhibitor], HBE1 [Hemoglobin Subunit Epsilon 1], HBE2 [Hemoglobin Subunit Epsilon 2], TNFAIP3 [TNF Alpha Induced Protein 3], RAD50 [RAD50 Double Strand Break Repair Protein]). These genes are associated with adaptation to hypoxia and intense UV radiation in high-altitude environments. Selection analyses between populations from extremely high-altitude and mid-altitude regions identified five strongly selected genes (HIF1AN [Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Alpha Subunit Inhibitor], HBE1 [Hemoglobin Subunit Epsilon 1], HBE2 [Hemoglobin Subunit Epsilon 2], TNFAIP3 [TNF Alpha Induced Protein 3], RAD50 [RAD50 Double Strand Break Repair Protein]) associated with hypoxia and intense UV radiation in high-altitude environments. Comparative genomic analyses of populations in cold and arid environments identified several candidate genes related to energy and water homeostasis, as well as hair development (TP53 [Tumor Protein P53], ATG101 [Autophagy Related 101], ATP12A [ATPase H+/K+ Transporting Non-Gastric Alpha2 Subunit], KRT80 [Keratin 80], KRT7 [Keratin 7]). Additionally, Tibetan sheep in the high-altitude arid deserts exhibit stronger adaptive selection for energy homeostasis and water utilization; meanwhile, the HIF-1 [Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1] signaling pathway helps counteract oxidative stress induced by extreme water scarcity in the plateau environment. Our study supports the hypothesis that Tibetan sheep originated in northern China and identifies distinct adaptive features in the Tibetan sheep genome corresponding to their habitats.

Background Radiation oncology (RO) is increasingly recognized as a complex system characterized by the intricate interplay of professionals, patients, technology, and environmental factors. However, systematic methods to assess the interconnectivity in RO remain limited, leading to potential oversimplifications of this multifaceted field. This study quantitatively assesses evolving complexity and nonlinearity in radiation oncology using system-thinking tools. The goal is to create a measurable framework to guide adaptive management in clinical practice. Methods Using Shannon Entropy, we analyze the evolving complexity in RO. Dynamic system simulations, including adapted predator-prey models and the SimPy discrete-event simulation library, are utilized to study nonlinearity and interactions within RO. Process mining with event log data assesses the conformance of RO processes, while social network analysis explores self-organization among RO actors. Results Our findings reveal a marked increase in the complexity and nonlinearity of RO. Simulations and process mining demonstrate emergent behavior, self-organization, and adaptability within the system. Conclusions The inherent nonlinearity, complexity, emergence, adaptability, and self-organization in RO systems validate the view of RO as a complex system. This insight calls for a shift towards ‘system thinking’ in managing, leading, and operating within the RO field. This approach will better accommodate the dynamic, interconnected nature of RO, ensuring more effective and adaptable healthcare outcomes.

Background Radiation induces pronounced and widespread histopathological damage in the testes, which exhibit a high degree of radiosensitivity; consequently, the utilization of effective radioprotective agents has become increasingly crucial for mitigating radiation-associated toxic outcomes, particularly infertility. Purpose The present investigation aimed to comprehensively evaluate the capacity of selenium-L-methionine to mitigate radiation-induced histopathological and molecular alterations within testicular tissue, thereby assessing its potential as a radioprotective agent. Material and Methods Rats were randomized into four groups: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (rad group), which received a single 10 Gy irradiation on day 2; Group 3 (sel group), which received intraperitoneal selenium-L-methionine (4 mg/kg) for six consecutive days; and Group 4 (rad+sel group), which received the same selenium-L-methionine regimen followed by 10 Gy irradiation 30 minutes after the second day’s administration. On the seventh day, all animals were euthanized, and testicular tissue and blood samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results In the testicular tissues of the radiation-exposed groups, deformed and abnormal seminiferous tubule structures, a reduction in germ cell numbers, and sloughing of tubular epithelial cells were observed. Seminiferous tubule diameters, Johnsen’s testicular biopsy scores, epididymal sperm motility, and the expression levels of Connexin 43, HSP70, PCNA, StAR, CAT, and SOD were decreased in the irradiated group, whereas TGFB1, IL-6, and MMP9 levels were increased. Selenium-L-methionine treatment largely reversed these radiation-induced changes. Conclusions The addition of selenium-L-methionine to radiotherapy yielded promising radioprotective outcomes, and this therapeutic effect positions selenium-L-methionine as a potential novel radioprotective agent. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical markers used in the study—including MMP9, Connexin 43, HSP70, PCNA, and StAR served as sensitive indicators for detecting radiation-induced damage in testicular tissue. Nevertheless, larger-scale and long-term studies are required to validate these findings and to further substantiate the potential use of selenium-L-methionine as a radioprotective agent in clinical practice.

Exposure to space radiation poses various health risks, so accurately estimating radiation dose in space is crucial. Herein, we integrated 301 transcriptomic profiles from 30 spaceflight datasets and developed radiation-dose estimation models for the space environment using a genetic algorithm. Two models were constructed in this work: one using gene expression fold changes as input (fold change model) and the other using gene degrees as input (degree model). Of note, we initially constructed a single sample network (SSN) for each spaceflight sample, respectively, and the degrees that represented the node (gene) features were extracted from the SSNs. Moreover, we not only constructed estimation models applicable to all tissues (overall models) but also developed specific models for each tissue (tissue models), enabling our models to be used across various task scenarios. According to the experimental results, all models demonstrate excellent performance in radiation dose estimation during spaceflight, and our genetic algorithm models achieve good predictive performance with a limited number of genes. We identified radiation-responsive genes, mainly involved in DNA repair, cell cycle, protein/amino acid metabolic pathways, energy metabolic pathways, nervous system development and differentiation, and cancer pathways. Through the expression and interaction patterns of these genes, we found that the space radiation environment could induce health risks such as cancers, psychiatric/neurological disorders, liver injury/toxicity disorders. In summary, the presented approach yields promising results for estimating radiation doses and supports the assessment of radiation risks in space environments.

Semiconductor technologies are susceptible to radiation effects. The particle incidence in susceptible areas of an integrated circuit (IC) can generate physical interactions capable of producing errors. This paper predicts the IC cross sections for Single Event Effects. The cross section is a metric that provides an IC’s susceptibility to radiation. It deals with particle source interaction and physical design volumes. This work evaluates the IC cross section, exploring the physical design characteristics of susceptible regions in logic gates. It explores particles with low LET, identifying the charge collection areas. Also, the heavy ions are used to evaluate the critical cross section range. Distinct benchmark circuits were simulated to characterize sensitivity trends. The influence of circuit input conditions along with cells’ susceptibility reveals significant findings. The results indicate a difference up to ten times between low- and high-energy particles. Consequently, predicting the IC cross section at an early stage of the design flow is essential, especially for electronics devices used in radiation environments.

Radiation anomaly detection using continuous wavelet transform and Zernike moments.

This study examines how canopy closure and vertical vegetation layering within habitat patches in an urban park shape microclimatic conditions and thermal comfort. Habitat patches were identified using a plant-based habitat classification approach. The sky view factor (SVF) was calculated, and microclimate measurements were conducted using fixed and portable sensors. Thermal comfort was assessed using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), Humidex, and mean radiant temperature (Tₘᵣₜ), while the park's contextual cooling effect relative to the surrounding urban fabric was quantified through park cooling intensity (PCI) based on control point comparisons. The results indicate that single-layer patches exhibited the highest maximum temperatures during summer, whereas three- and five-layered structures tended to reduce daytime temperature peaks. Although increased layering in summer reduced daytime temperatures, it was associated with elevated nighttime maxima under certain conditions. In autumn, five-layered structures produced the lowest average temperatures, while permeable three-layered patches composed of tree, shrub, and groundcover combinations. Regarding the radiative environment, multi-layered and evergreen-dominant patches showed reduced Tₘᵣₜ and substantially suppressed midday heat stress, whereas more open and weakly layered patches exhibited increased Tₘᵣₜ and heat stress exposure ≥ 26°C during periods of intense solar radiation. In winter, higher SVF increased daytime heat gains but amplified nighttime temperature variability through radiative loss and wind exposure. Overall, the findings offer a seasonally and spatially applicable framework for understanding how multi-layered vegetation structures contribute to thermal comfort in urban park environments.

Establishing the geological structure of complex sedimentary sections in oil- and gas-bearing areas of Ukraine, specifically their lithological and stratigraphic division, is quite challenging and often ambiguous when interpreting the sequence of sedimentary rock layers. The aim of the work was to study the possibility of lithological and stratigraphic division of a geological section based on the results of natural gamma-ray spectrometry in the interval of the boundaries between the Tournaisian and Visean deposits within the Plyskiv-Lysohorskyi outcrop of the crystalline basement of the Dnipro-Donets Basin. The methodology for studying the boundaries between the Tournaisian and Visean deposits was based on the results of the distribution of the concentration of radioactive isotopes of natural gamma radiation obtained directly during the drilling of exploration and prospecting wells. In addition, core material was taken from the Visean and Tournaisian stages of the Lower Carboniferous coal deposits, and its lithological and petrographic study was carried out by macroscopic description of core samples, preparation and description of thin sections, as well as X-ray structural and gamma-spectrometric analyses of the material composition of the sample collection. In general, the quantitative presence of natural radioactive elements was determined. Based on the results of these comprehensive geological and geophysical studies, it was established that the distribution of natural radioactive elements in the intervals of deposit occurrence depends on the lithological composition of the rocks and, accordingly, changes in the conditions of the sedimentation, which causes changes in the distribution of radioactive elements. Therefore, this particular feature of the structure can be used to trace the boundaries of lithotype distribution in horizons of different stratigraphic thicknesses. Considering that the radioactivity of polymictic rocks was characterised by a significant cumulative effect, and was caused by the increased radioactivity of the rock matrix skeleton and the clay material that fills the intergranular space. Therefore, it is advisable to determine clay content using gamma-ray spectrometry results based on the concentration of potassium-40 or gamma logging data. The introduction of such approaches not only facilitates the identification of boundaries between deposits but also enables the reconstruction of the physical and geological conditions under which the sedimentation of different lithotypes of rock was deposited

Exploited in radiation environments, including space, nuclear reactors and large accelerators, fibers would experience significant parameter change induced by the interaction with radiation, including radiation induced attenuation, radiation induced refractive index change, radiation induced lifetime change and radiation induced luminescence, which would then result in severe performance degradation of the fiber laser system. Here, the response characteristics of Yb-doped fiber lasers to gamma-ray radiation are investigated through both experiments and simulations. The performance variation of various fiber components after gamma radiation, including passive fiber, pump combiner, fiber Bragg grating and active fiber, is studied and compared with an accumulated total dose up to 1000 Gy. And, experiments show that, in a fiber laser system, the active fiber is the most sensitive part to gamma radiation, while various passive fiber components show negligible response. Then, impacts of cavity configuration parameters, such as pump scheme and active fiber length, on the response of fiber lasers are explored through series of radiation experiments. It’s shown that, compared to forward pump, backward pump scheme helpful to improve the radiation-resistant capability of fiber lasers. And, lasers with relatively shorter active fiber show smaller power drop when operated in radiation situations. Besides, corresponding simulations are carried out with the previously developed multi-physics thermal model considering hundred-watt level Yb-doped fiber lasers, demonstrating consistent results with the experiments. This research should be instructive for the design optimization of fiber laser systems operated in radiation environments.

Ultra-low background radiation inhibits head and neck tumor via ATM downregulation mediated mitochondrial dysfunction.

Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation and high humidity in the natural environment pose significant risks to human skin. Research indicates that the human skin surface becomes highly susceptible to various dermatological conditions when the UV index exceeds level 7. Similarly, humidity surpassing 70% can induce diseases such as eczema, dermatitis, and various allergic reactions. There is a compelling need for real-time monitoring of ambient UV levels and humidity intensity. In this work, high-performance optoelectronic logic gates (OELGs) based on a CsPbCl3/p-Si heterojunction were fabricated by a two-step spin-coating method. Based on different bias voltages and light intensity, the five logic functions (AND, OR, NOR, NOT and NAND) of the OELGs were implemented. Specifically, the OR gate was displayed for real-time environmental monitoring. Whatever the UV intensity exceeds level 7 or the ambient humidity surpasses 70%, the device outputs signal "1" to trigger the alarm, suggesting that individuals take timely protective measures. The findings illustrate the substantial potential of CsPbCl3/p-Si heterojunction OELGs for applications in skin safety monitor systems.

NUCLEUS is a cryogenic detection experiment which aims to measure Coherent Elastic Neutrino–Nucleus Scattering (CEnu NS) and to search for new physics at the Chooz nuclear power plant in France. This article reports on the prediction of particle-induced backgrounds, especially focusing on the sub-keV energy range, which is a poorly known region where most of the CEnu NS signal from reactor antineutrinos is expected. Together with measurements of the environmental background radiations at the experimental site, extensive Monte Carlo simulations based on the Geant4 package were run both to optimize the experimental setup for background reduction and to estimate the residual rates arising from different contributions such as cosmic ray-induced radiations, environmental gammas and material radioactivity. The NUCLEUS experimental setup is predicted to achieve a total rejection power of more than two orders of magnitude, leaving a residual background component which is strongly dominated by cosmic ray-induced neutrons. In the CEnu NS signal region of interest between 10 and 100 eV, a total particle background rate of sim 250 d−1 kg−1 keV−1 is expected in the CaWO4 target detectors. This corresponds to a signal-to-background ratio gtrsim 1, and therefore meets the required specifications in terms of particle background rejection for the detection of reactor antineutrinos through CEnu NS.

Soil-to-plant transfer and radiological risk assessment of naturally occurring radionuclides in vegetables from Ilorin, Nigeria.

Next-generation pixel-based read-out ASICs for high-energy physicsexperiments face demanding performance and integration requirements. A flexible,pixel-level simulation framework is essential to design, validate, and optimizethe readout architecture and its building blocks. This contribution presents aSystemVerilog-UVM verification framework developed for the IGNITE project, a 28 nm CMOS pixel readout and processing ASIC designed for high-intensity4D-tracking with spatial resolution <10 μm and timing resolution <50 ps inharsh radiation environments. The verification environment comprises modularverification components for configuration, parameterized random and clusteredhit generation, and I/O monitoring, supporting realistic stimulus andcoverage-driven verification. The framework enables scalable and reusableverification of pixel architectures, achieving high coverage and reduceddevelopment effort across multiple ASIC generations.

&lt;b&gt;Motivation&lt;/b&gt; : With the rapid development of the low-altitude economy, increasing attention has been paid to the radiation environment safety of low-altitude aircraft such as drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Traditional views hold that the dense lower atmosphere is an effective barrier against cosmic radiation, but the shrinking feature sizes of modern integrated circuits (ICs) have significantly increased their susceptibility to single-event effects (SEEs). Most conventional studies have focused on the effects of particles such as neutrons and protons, while systematic evaluations of the risks induced by muons —the most abundant charged particles at sea level—remain scarce, particularly during extreme solar events. Therefore, this study quantitatively evaluates the muon-induced SEE risks of lowaltitude aircraft in different regions of China under both static cosmic ray backgrounds and Ground Level Enhancements (GLEs), aiming to provide critical insights for the operational safety of next-generation low-altitude aviation platforms.&lt;br&gt; &lt;b&gt;Methods&lt;/b&gt; : This study employs city-specific atmospheric models and simulates atmospheric shower processes over different cities within the CORSIKA framework, yielding reliable energy spectra of lowenergy muons (10–100 MeV) across diverse regions. Drawing on electrical simulation data from other research groups, this study estimates muon-induced SEE cross sections in transistors with different process nodes, covering Bulk, FD-SOI, and FinFET processes. Subsequently, by integrating solar energetic particle (SEP) energy spectra associated with Ground Level Enhancement (GLE) events, we evaluate muoninduced SEE risks for systems of varying sizes under both static conditions (only cosmic-ray injection) and GLE event scenarios.&lt;br&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt; : Our results indicate that under static conditions, flight control systems (with 1 MB of memory) incorporating advanced process-node (≤ 45nm) Bulk transistors are exposed to non-negligible muon-induced SEE risks across all cities in China. In contrast, systems utilizing FD-SOI transistors can effectively alleviate such risks. For systems with large memory capacities (1 GB), irrespective of the process technology employed, redundancy and other radiation-hardening measures must be adopted. Regarding GLE events, this study innovatively introduces the concept of muon hazard levels to evaluate regional variations in risk. Specifically, during GLEs, the aggravation of muon-induced SEE risks in mid-to-low latitude regions is negligible, whereas high-latitude regions experience a significant rise in such risk.

Opportunities from energy-loss near-edge fine structure analysis to track chemical and structural damage in zircon.

Reducing the detection limit of the radon monitor with less humidity influence based on electrostatic collection method and CR-39 detector.

KURAMA vs. Safecast: Radiation data comparison in Fukushima following whole-area decontamination.

Ionizing radiation (IR) induced sex-specific reproductive and offspring developmental toxicity in Zebrafish.