bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-Domain Response-Based Structural Assessment of a FOWT – Buckling and Ultimate Strength Assessment
Authors: Moon Wonki , Shen Zhirong , Kyoung Johyun , Lee Hyungtae , Lee Mugyeom , Baquet Aldric , Song Kanghyun , Kim Booki , Kim Jang
Published: January 2023

For more economic power generation, the blade size of offshore floating wind turbine becomes bigger than floating substructure. Consequently, structural load from wind turbine to floating substructure under unsteady turbulent wind condition becomes more important for structural strength assessment. In conventional load-based structural strength assessment, the coupling effect between hull motion and turbine loading is ignored so that the strength assessment based on the conventional methods has high uncertainties. Therefore, class societies recommend fully coupled time-domain analysis of the floating offshore wind turbine and subsequent response-based structural analysis to assess the structural strength.

Present paper introduces an efficient time-domain structural analysis for buckling and ultimate strength assessment. For various design load cases, full-blown time-domain structural analyses are performed by mapping the aero-elastic, hydrodynamic, hydrostatic, inertial and mooring loadings to finite-element structural model. An efficient pseudo-spectral stress synthesizer based on ‘lodal’ response analysis is introduced to enhance the computational efficiency of time-domain structural analysis.

As an application, a floating offshore wind turbine platform designed for Korean offshore wind farm projects is used. Based on full-blown time domain structural analysis, buckling and ultimate strength assessments are performed following the Class Rule provided by Korean Register.
Numerical Investigation of Wave Following Mechanism of Shallow Draft Floating Wind Turbine
Authors: Riyanto Raditya Danu , Papadopoulos Jim M. , Myers Andrew T.
Published: January 2023

Offshore wind is a promising renewable energy source for many coastal populations, predicted to supply as much as 10% of global electricity by 2050. However, the technology has followed a cautious development path, using an onshore-style of turbine and tower, held steadily with an oil-industry type of platform. This approach has avoided major risks but is responsible for high costs, supply chain and infrastructure challenges, and relatively slow innovation due to the difficulties of offshore repair. It may now be appropriate to rethink that approach in search of lower cost and reduced infrastructure requirements.

This paper presents ongoing work on a light floating turbine concept that yaws like a ship at anchor, has a shallow draft, widely spaced buoyancy, and high center of gravity (CG), and holds the rotor both upwind and downwind. Rather than seeking to minimize wave disturbances, the design aims to stiffly follow water elevation by using shallow floats designed to prevent heave amplification. Regular and irregular motions of the system are studied for various mass distributions to identify deviations from the intended wave following motion.
Theorizing a 100% Wind Scenario for Powering the US Eastern Interconnect: Feasibility, System Design, and Lessons For a Higher-Wind-Penetration Future
Authors: Feltis Michael , Wolf Rebecca , Newberry William , Jenney Megan , Udenweze Aloysius , DuPont Bryony
Published: January 2023

As renewable energy sources such as wind and solar begin to contribute a majority share of energy generation and supply, solutions for matching variable power demand to the intermittent supply of generation becomes increasingly pressing. Although it is understood that a composite solution of grid upgrades, energy storage, and advanced power electronics will be needed to account for this issue, the exact scope of the problem is not well defined. By analyzing the Eastern Interconnection (EIC) as though it were powered entirely by new 15 MW offshore wind by 2050, we can place a ceiling on the future costs and quantities of offshore wind for the EIC. This includes turbine capital and O&M turbine costs, storage methodologies, power electronics, and grid restructuring. These amounts are based on previously-determined EIC 2050 power demand projections [1]. The figures produced in these analyses are comparable to current investments made in all energy sectors, and provide context for investments in renewable energy generation methods including offshore wind in the future.
Estimation of Most Probable Maximum Mooring Tensions for FOWT in Shallow Water US East Coast Environments
Authors: Saleh Samer , Alshuwaykh Ahmed , Akers Richard , Thiagarajan Krish , Koo Bonjun , Kim Hyoungchul , Laihomäki Tapio , Arwade Sanjay , Lackner Matthew , Samuelsson Lars
Published: January 2023

The US East Coast has several leased wind energy sites in water depths ranging from 60–100 m, where floating wind turbine systems are feasible. For these systems, designing suitable mooring systems for shallow water depths within the constraints of surviving hurricane conditions can be challenging. This study analyzed a mixed chain-synthetic mooring systems to predict the maximum extreme position and effective tension for different cases. Synthetic ropes, which offer a low cost and superior performance alternative compared to chain and wire ropes, were utilized dominantly in our mooring design. In this study, we simulated the IEA 10 MW reference wind turbine on a semi-submersible floating offshore structure deployed at two sites: Nantucket, MA (WD (Water Depth) = 60 m), and Monhegan, ME (WD = 100 m). For each depth and each mooring configuration, we conducted detailed numerical simulations for three different load design cases DLC 1.6 50-yr return period, DLC 6.1 50-yr return period, and SLC I.1 500-yr return period. The inflow turbulence was based on the Kaimal spectrum with the mean wind speed and turbulent intensity based on individual load cases and return periods. The JONSWAP spectrum was used to model waves with different significant heights and peak periods based on individual load cases. A uniform current was used for all simulation cases. For extreme value predictions, three 1-hour simulations with different seed numbers for the SLC I.1 500-yr return period were performed. The MPME (most probable maximum extreme) value is an extreme value statistic commonly used in the offshore industry. The top 10% of the peaks above a threshold value were further analyzed using a Weibull distribution to obtain MPME values. The effects of mooring material, number of lines per column and the water depth on the MPME as well as cost issues are discussed in the paper.
Electron transport mechanisms in amorphous zinc oxysulfide thin films
Authors: Tsuchii Masato , Chen Zhen , Hirose Yasushi , Hasegawa Tetsuya
Published: January 2023

Amorphous mixed-anion semiconductors (AMASs) such as amorphous zinc oxynitride and amorphous zinc oxysulfide (a-ZnOS) have attracted attention as rare-metal-free amorphous semiconductors that exhibit electron mobility comparable to or greater than the electron mobilities of typical amorphous oxide semiconductors (AOSs), including amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O (a-IGZO). A characteristic feature of AMASs is that their conduction-band minimum (CBM) mainly consists of s-orbitals of the single cation, in contrast to conventional AOSs, whose CBM is composed of s-orbitals of multiple cations. This unique band structure suggests that the potential of carrier electrons in AMASs exhibits less spatial fluctuation than that of carrier electrons in AOSs. In this study, we analyzed the temperature dependence of the electron transport properties of a-ZnOS thin films using the random barrier model to evaluate the potential barrier height and its spatial variation. The analyses revealed that the barrier height of a-ZnOS is comparable to that of a-IGZO. This result was attributed to the large covalent nature of Zn–S bonds strongly influencing the potential at the CBM through the antibonding interaction.
How temperature-dependent silicate weathering acts as Earth’s geological thermostat
Authors: Brantley S. L. , Shaughnessy Andrew , Lebedeva Marina I. , Balashov Victor N.
Published: January 2023

Earth’s climate may be stabilized over millennia by solubilization of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO
2
) as minerals weather, but the temperature sensitivity of this thermostat is poorly understood. We discovered that the temperature dependence of weathering expressed as an activation energy increases from laboratory to watershed as transport, clay precipitation, disaggregation, and fracturing increasingly couple to dissolution. A simple upscaling to the global system indicates that the temperature dependence decreases to ~22 kilojoules per mole because (i) the lack of runoff limits weathering and retains base metal cations on half the land surface and (ii) other landscapes are regolith-shielded and show little weathering response to temperature. By comparing weathering from laboratory to globe, we reconcile some aspects of kinetic and thermodynamic controls on CO
2
drawdown by natural or enhanced weathering.
In Other Journals
Authors: Jiang Di , McCartney Melissa , Szuromi Phil , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Hurtley Stella M. , Lavine Marc S. , Maroso Mattia
Published: January 2023

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Ready, set, share!
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn , Brainard Jeffrey
Published: January 2023

As funders roll out new requirements for making data freely available, researchers weigh costs and benefits
Can California’s floods help recharge depleted aquifers?
Authors: Charles Dan
Published: January 2023

Plans to drown orchards and farm fields to boost groundwater supplies get off to a slow start
Fukushima wastewater release set to start soon
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: January 2023

Japan, facing broad opposition, says dump will pose no risk to Pacific Ocean life or humans
Disturbing the Spatial Organization of Biofilm Communities Affects Expression of
agr
-Regulated Virulence Factors in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Barraza Ivana , Pajon Camryn , Diaz-Tang Gabriela , Marin Meneses Estefania , Abu-Rumman Fatima , García-Diéguez Laura , Castro Victor , Lopatkin Allison J. , Smith Robert P.
Published: January 2023

Bacteria, such as
Staphylococcus aureus
, integrate signals from the environment to regulate genes encoding virulence factors. These signals include those produced by quorum-sensing systems and nutrient availability.
Metagenome-Assembled Genome HetDA_MAG_MH13 of the Family
Devosiaceae
, from a Marine N2-fixing Cyanobacterial Enrichment Culture
Authors: Carlson Harold , Graham Elaina D. , Heidelberg John F. , Webb Eric A.
Published: January 2023

Here, we present a draft genome in the order
Rhizobiales
and family
Devosiaceae
. This draft genome comes from an enrichment of a heterocystous, cyanobacterial diazotroph (HetDA) that was originally living in association with
Trichodesmium
species. This
Rhizobiales
organism is proposed to be an anoxygenic phototroph capable of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia (DNRA).
Diverse Microvirus Genomes Identified in the Stomach of a Sharp-Spined Notothen (Trematomus pennellii) from the Ross Sea (East Antarctica)
Authors: Lopez Jasmine K. M. , Austin Charlotte , Farkas Kata , Kraberger Simona , Davison William , Varsani Arvind
Published: January 2023

Sharp-spined notothen (
Trematomus pennellii
) is an icefish endemic to the southern ocean. From the stomach of an individual, we identified the genomes of 51 microviruses (family
Microviridae
). The major capsid proteins of most of these share the closest similarities to those identified in other marine organisms.
Investigating Environmental Matrices for Use in Avian Influenza Virus Surveillance—Surface Water, Sediments, and Avian Fecal Samples
Authors: Ahrens Ann Kathrin , Selinka Hans-Christoph , Wylezich Claudia , Wonnemann Hubert , Sindt Ole , Hellmer Hartmut H. , Pfaff Florian , Höper Dirk , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Beer Martin , Harder Timm C.
Published: January 2023

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) have a wide host range in the avian metapopulation and, occasionally, transmission to humans also occurs. Surface water plays a particularly important role in the epidemiology of AIV, as the natural virus reservoir is found in aquatic wild birds.
Acetylation of Cyclic AMP Receptor Protein by Acetyl Phosphate Modulates Mycobacterial Virulence
Authors: Di Yuchang , Xu Siyue , Chi Mingzhe , Hu Youwei , Zhang Xiao , Wang Honghai , Zhang Wenhong , Zhang Xuelian
Published: January 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
Mtb
) is the causative agent of tuberculosis, and the ability of
Mtb
to survive harsh host conditions has been the subject of intensive research. As a result, we explored the molecular mechanisms guiding downstream target genes of CRP when
Mtb
responds to its environment.
Supplemental Material: New insights into the age and origin of two small Cretaceous seamount chains proximal to the Northwestern Hawaiian Ridge
Authors: Sotomayor A. , Balbas A.
Published: January 2023

Includes raw data for 40Ar/39Ar age determinations and metadata related to sample collection.  
Clinical academics’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study of challenges and opportunities when working at the clinical frontline
Authors: Trusson Diane , Rowley Emma , Bramley Louise
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This study explored the experiences of clinical academics during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to identify challenges and benefits associated with returning to, or increasing hours at, the clinical frontline.

Design

Qualitative data were gathered from a combination of written responses to questions posed in an email and 10 semi-structured interviews between May and September 2020.

Setting

Two higher education institutions and three NHS Trusts in the East Midlands of England.

Participants

Written responses were received from 34 clinical academics including doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. A further 10 participants were interviewed either by telephone or online, via Microsoft Teams.

Results

Participants described challenges experienced in returning full-time to the clinical frontline. These included having to refresh or learn new skills and the pressure of managing the competing priorities of NHS and higher education institutions. Benefits of being on the frontline included having the confidence and flexibility to deal with an evolving situation. Also, the ability to quickly assess and communicate the latest research and guidance to colleagues and patients. In addition, participants reported identifying areas for research during this time.

Conclusion

Clinical academics can contribute their knowledge and skills to frontline patient care in times of pandemic. It is therefore important to ease that process in preparation for potential future pandemics.
Changing characteristics of post-COVID-19 syndrome: Cross-sectional findings from 458 consultations using the Stanford Hall remote rehabilitation assessment tool
Authors: Houston Andrew , Tovey C , Rogers-Smith K , Thompson K , Ladlow P , Barker-Davies R , Bahadur S , Goodall D , Gough M , Norman J , Phillip R , Turner P , Cranley M , O'Sullivan O
Published: January 2023

Background

In the UK, there have been multiple waves of COVID-19, with a five-tier alert system created to describe the transmission rate and appropriate restrictions. While acute mortality decreased, there continued to be a significant morbidity, with individuals suffering from persistent, life-restricting symptoms for months to years afterwards. A remote rehabilitation tool was created at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall to assess post-COVID-19 symptoms and their impact on the UK military.

This study aims to understand changes in post-COVID-19 syndrome between wave 1 and wave 2, identify interactions between alert level and symptoms and investigate any predictive nature of acute symptoms for postacute symptomology in a young, physically active population.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of 458 consecutive remote rehabilitation assessments performed at DMRC Stanford Hall between 2 April 2020 and 29 July 2021. Consultations were coded, anonymised, and statistical analysis was performed to determine associations between acute and postacute symptoms, and between symptoms, alert levels and waves.

Results

435 assessments were eligible; 174 in wave 1 and 261 in wave 2. Post-COVID-19 syndrome prevalence reduced from 43% to 2% between the waves. Acutely, widespread pain was more prevalent in wave 2 (p<0.001). Postacutely, there was increased anxiety (p=0.10) in wave 1 and increased sleep disturbance (p<0.001), memory/concentration issues (p<0.001) and shortness of breath/cough (p=0.017) in wave 2. Increasing alert level was associated with increased postacute symptom prevalence (p=0.046), with sleep disturbance increasing at higher alert level (p=0.016). Acute symptoms, including fatigue, sleep disturbance and myalgia, were associated with multiple postacute symptoms.

Conclusions

This study reports the overall prevalence and symptom burden in the UK military in the first two waves of COVID-19. By reporting differences in COVID-19 in different waves and alert level, this study highlights the importance of careful assessment and contextual understanding of acute and postacute illnesses for individual management plans.
ACLR and military service: time to rethink?
Authors: Cain David Charles , Parker P
Published: January 2023

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a common injury that affects young, active individuals, normally managed with reconstruction in this age group. Current UK Armed Forces policy precludes prospective applicants from joining with an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This isdue to the perceived risk of premature osteoarthritis (OA), graft rupture or clinical failure, all of which could make the service person medically non-deployable.

The most recent evidence shows that an ACL rupture without associated significant meniscal or osteochondral defect has a similar likelihood of developing OA as to that of the uninjured knee after reconstruction at 20 years postoperatively.

Applicants should be considered for service following an ACL rupture without significant concurrent meniscal or osteochondral defect who have undergone ACLR and 18 months of rehabilitation. We recommend these applicants to be graded P2 Medically Fully Deployable (MFD) as per the Joint Service Publication (JSP) guidance for service personnel who undergo ACLR.
Reassessing cow comfort measures on Canadian dairy farms after a recommendation of improvements
Authors: Palacio S. , Zambelis A. , Adam S. , Bergeron R. , Pellerin D. , Haley D. , DeVries T.J. , Vasseur E.
Published: January 2023

In a previous study (Assessment 1), an on-farm assessment tool was used to establish a standard across 60 Quebec dairy farms using animal-, stall-, and management-based measures of cow comfort. The objective of the present follow-up study (Assessment 2) was to perform a reassessment using an identical cow comfort assessment tool on a subset of the original farms expected to benefit most from applying the recommended changes, and to determine the effects of the modifications on cow comfort. From the subsample of farms, 24 reported applying stall modifications based on recommendations from Assessment 1 with the aim of promoting cow comfort (Adopters), while the remaining 10 farms did not (Non-adopters). The assessment tool included 19 target areas, grouped into 9 critical areas based on measures of cow comfort that considered housing, feed-water, health, and welfare. The on-farm report of Assessment 1 was found to increase producer awareness of issues in cow comfort measures on farms, as shown by an improvement in stall design according to recommendations based on cow body dimensions and reduced injury prevalence. Routine reassessment of cow comfort measures may be important to use in supporting target achievement improvements as part of welfare improvement strategies.
Optimal dynamic spatial closures can improve fishery yield and reduce fishing-induced habitat damage
Authors: Poulton Anna J. , Sethi Suresh A. , Ellner Stephen P. , Smeltz T. Scott
Published: January 2023

Bottom-towed fishing gears produce significant amounts of seafood globally but can result in seafloor habitat damage. Spatial closures provide an important option for mitigating benthic impacts, but their performance as a fisheries management policy depends on numerous factors, including how fish respond to habitat quality changes. Spatial fisheries management has largely focused on marine protected areas with static locations, overlooking dynamic spatial closures that change through time. To investigate the performance of dynamic closures, we develop a spatial fishery model with fishing-induced habitat damage, where habitat quality can affect both fish productivity and movement. We find that dynamic spatial closures often achieve greater harvest and habitat protection than fixed marine protected areas or conventional nonspatial maximum sustainable yield management, especially under strong habitat–stock interactions. Determining optimal dynamic spatial closures may require considerable information, but we find that simple policies of fixed-schedule rotating closures also perform well. Dynamic spatial closures have received less attention as fisheries management tools, and our results demonstrate their potential value for addressing both harvest and habitat impacts from fishing.
Critical slowing down along the separatrix of Lotka–Volterra model of competition
Authors: Chatterjee Sauvik , Acharyya Muktish
Published: January 2023

The Lotka–Volterra model of competition has been studied by numerical simulations using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg algorithm. The stable fixed points, unstable fixed point, saddle node, basins of attraction, and the separatices are found. The transient behaviors associated with reaching the stable fixed point are studied systematically. It is observed that the time of reaching the stable fixed point in any one of the basins of attraction depends strongly on the initial distance from the separatrix. As the initial point approached the separatrix, this time was found to diverge logarithmically. The divergence of the time, required to reach the stable fixed point, indicates the critical slowing down near the critical point in equilibrium phase transition. A metastable behavior was also observed near the saddle fixed point before reaching the stable fixed point.
A statistical field theory underlying the thermodynamics of Ricci flow and gravity
Authors: Luo M. J.
Published: January 2023

This paper proposes a statistical field theory of quantum reference frame underlying Perelman’s analogies between his formalism of the Ricci flow and the thermodynamics. The theory is based on a [Formula: see text] quantum nonlinear sigma model (NLSM), interpreted as a quantum reference frame system which a to-be-studied quantum system is relative to. The statistic physics and thermodynamics of the quantum frame fields is studied by the density matrix obtained by the Gaussian approximation quantization. The induced Ricci flow of the frame fields and the Ricci–DeTurck flow of the frame fields associated with the density matrix are deduced. In this framework, the diffeomorphism anomaly of the theory has a deep thermodynamic interpretation. The trace anomaly is related to a Shannon entropy in terms of the density matrix, which monotonically flows and achieves its maximal value at the flow limit, called the Gradient Shrinking Ricci Soliton (GSRS), corresponding to a thermal equilibrium state of spacetime. A relative Shannon entropy with respect to the maximal entropy gives a statistical interpretation to Perelman’s partition function, which is also monotonic and gives an analogous H-theorem to the statistical frame fields system. A temporal static three-space of a GSRS four-spacetime is also a GSRS in lower three-dimension, we find that it is in a thermal equilibrium state, and Perelman’s analogies between his formalism and the thermodynamics of the frame fields in equilibrium can be explicitly given in the framework. By extending the validity of the Equivalence Principle to the quantum level, the quantum reference frame fields theory at low energy gives an effective theory of gravity, a scale-dependent Einstein–Hilbert action plus a cosmological constant is recovered. As a possible underlying microscopic theory of the gravitational system, the theory is also applied to understand the thermodynamics of the Schwarzschild black hole.
Rotation in vacuum and scalar background: Are there alternatives to Newman–Janis algorithm?
Authors: Makukov Maxim , Mychelkin Eduard
Published: January 2023

The Newman–Janis (NJ) algorithm is the standard approach to rotation in general relativity which, in vacuum, builds the Kerr metric from the Schwarzschild spacetime. Recently, we have shown that the same algorithm applied to the Papapetrou antiscalar spacetime produces a rotational metric devoid of horizons and ergospheres. Though exact in the scalar sector, this metric, however, satisfies the Einstein equations only asymptotically. We argue that this discrepancy between geometric and matter parts (essential only inside gravitational radius scale) is caused by the violation of the Hawking–Ellis energy conditions for the scalar energy–momentum tensor. The axial potential functions entering the metrics appear to be of the same form both in vacuum and scalar background, and they also coincide with the linearized Yang–Mills field, which might hint at their common nongravitational origin. As an alternative to the Kerr-type spacetimes produced by NJ algorithm we suggest the exact solution obtained by local rotational coordinate transformation from the Schwarzschild spacetime. Then, comparison with the Kerr-type metrics shows that the Lense–Thirring phenomenon might be treated as a coordinate effect, similar to the Coriolis force.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Tax Avoidance: Evidence from the 2018 Tax Reform in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Chii-Shyan
Published: January 2023

This paper examines the relation between corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and corporate tax avoidance in the context of Taiwan’s change from an imputation to classical tax system in 2018. Using a sample of 1,277 listed firms from 2015 to 2020, I determine that, after 2018, firms engage in tax avoidance to a greater extent. Furthermore, firms that perform well in CSR are less likely to engage in tax avoidance. After the 2018 legislative change, firms with high CSR performance are less likely to engage in tax avoidance to a greater extent. These results are consistent with the stakeholder theory and withstand a battery of robustness checks.
CREDIT RISK, LIQUIDITY RISK AND FEEDBACK EFFECTS ON MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS: AN EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE IN ECUADOR
Authors: UQUILLAS ADRIANA , SIMBAÑA BELEN
Published: January 2023

Ten years of data from an Ecuadorian microfinance entity together with data on macroeconomic variables was analyzed. Through a Vector Autoregressive Model, we established a one-way causal relationship between credit and liquidity risks. The model includes the feedback effects through successive deterioration of credit portfolio and illiquidity spreading and the effects of macroeconomics and financial variables on these risks. Our results corroborate the importance of incorporating new contagion channels in microfinance institutions’ risk management, which helps microfinance institutions become financially sustainable, generating a relatively stable level of profitability that can improve the entrepreneur’s economic situation.
Nanoparticles in Joint Arthroplasties
Authors: Thomson Rebecca J. , Limberg Afton K. , Van Citters Douglas W.
Published: January 2023

Joint arthroplasty, specifically total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA), are two of the highest value surgical procedures. Over the last several decades, the materials utilized in these surgeries have improved and increased device longevity. However, with an increased incidence of TKA and THA surgeries in younger patients, it is crucial to make these materials more durable. The addition of nanoparticles is one technology that is being explored for this purpose. This review focuses on the addition of nanoparticles to the various parts of arthroplasty surgery comprising of the metallic, ceramic, or polyethylene components along with the bone cement used for fixation. Carbon additives proved to be the most widely studied, and could potentially reduce stress shielding, improve wear, and enhance the biocompatibility of arthroplasty implants.
Direct Measurements of Ionic Transport Behavior of Dual-Layer Porous Electrodes
Authors: Liu Baichuan , James Nicole , Hamedi Amir-Sina , Yao Adrian , Trask Stephen , Mazzeo Brian , Wheeler Dean R.
Published: January 2023

To improve power and cycling performance of lithium-ion batteries, dual-layer or porosity-gradient electrodes have been proposed. By engineering a higher porosity close to the separator, the intention is to improve ion transport where it is most impactful. In this research, MacMullin numbers of two dual-layer anode samples are tested using an impedance measurement technique developed previously. To characterize the microstructure of each layer independently, we developed an improved transmission-line model that accounts for each layer’s properties.Virtual experiments using COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate impedance measurements are used to examine and improve the accuracy of the numerical inversion procedure. The results for the two dual-layer anodes studied show that MacMullin numbers follow expected trends, though the anodes are quite different from each other.
Blood flow restriction during high-intensity interval cycling exacerbates psychophysiological responses to a greater extent in females than males
Authors: McClean Zachary J. , Young Abbey , Pohl Andrew J. , Fine Nowell M. , Burr Jamie F. , MacInnis Martin , Aboodarda Saied J.
Published: January 2023

To our knowledge, no study has explored sex differences in the neuromuscular, perceptual, and cardiorespiratory indices characterizing exercise tolerance during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with blood flow restriction (BFR) applied only during rest periods. Our results suggest that BFR elicited a decline in exercise performance that could be attributed to integration of psychophysiological responses. However, this integration was sex-dependent where females demonstrated an exacerbated rate of change in these responses compared with males.
Efficacy of perinatal pharmacotherapeutic actions for survival of very preterm newborn rabbits at 26-day gestation
Authors: Chen Meimei , Xu Yaling , Guo Xiaojing , Sun Bo
Published: January 2023

By establishing a very preterm rabbit model with 26-day gestation (term 31 days), optimal survival length for 50% of animals in groups was achieved by comparing regimens of combined antenatal glucocorticoids, postnatal surfactant and inhaled nitric oxide, with a low tidal volume ventilation strategy. The efficacies of pharmacotherapeutic action were associated with significantly improved lung mechanics, ameliorated lung injury and pneumothorax, and enhanced surfactant phospholipid metabolism, along with variable mRNA expression profiles characterizing the response patterns.
Neurophysiological mechanisms of exertional dyspnea in post-pulmonary embolism syndrome
Authors: Milne Kathryn M. , James Matthew D. , Smyth Reginald M. , Vincent Sandra G. , Singh Namisha , D’Arsigny Christine L. , de-Torres Juan P. , de Wit Kerstin , Johri Amer , Neder J. Alberto , O’Donnell Denis E. , Phillips Devin B.
Published: January 2023

This study is the first to show that increased exertional dyspnea in patients with post-pulmonary embolism (PE) syndrome, without overt pulmonary hypertension, was strongly associated with elevated inspiratory neural drive (IND) to the diaphragm during exercise, compared with healthy controls. The greater IND was associated with impairments in pulmonary gas exchange and significant deconditioning. Our results help to explain why many patients with post-PE syndrome report significant dyspnea at relatively low levels of physical activity.
BPFC-SDNs: A Blockchain-Based and Policy-Oriented Forwarding Control for the SDN Interdomain
Authors: Ma Yingying , Wang Zhaocheng , Chang Chaowen , Wu Ping
Published: January 2023

Policy-oriented forwarding control has been widely recognized in a software-defined network (SDN). However, in the multidomain SDN scenario, policy-oriented forwarding control confronts the challenges that the lack of a higher-level abstraction policy paradigm, cross-domain policy unknowability and policy conflict, a distributed and untrusted communication environment, and latency sensitivity. To tackle these challenges, this article proposes BPFC-SDNs, a blockchain-based and policy-oriented forwarding control for the SDN interdomain. As the basis of BPFC-SDNs, we define an attribute-based interdomain forwarding control policy paradigm and implement secure and trusted cross-domain information and policy sharing based on blockchain. The main idea of BPFC-SDNs is to achieve cross-domain dataflow forwarding control based on the global collaborative policy. Specifically, we propose a physically centralized and logically isolated architecture to ensure efficient and secure information exchange between the SDN and blockchain. Moreover, we design a combined on-chain and off-chain functional model to separate forwarding control from the blockchain, which enables forwarding control based on trusted data while avoiding the introduction of high latency and computational overhead of the blockchain. Finally, we implement a prototype for BPFC-SDNs, and the experimental results indicate that BPFC-SDNs can provide effective forwarding control for the SDN interdomain with acceptable latency and good scalability.
Recurrent COVID-19 Waves and Lockdown: Impact on Daily Life and Mental Health of People in Nepal
Authors: Poudel Anju , Lamichhane Anjana , Gautam Sital , Ghimire Gita Devi , Sharma Sharada
Published: January 2023

Background. Lockdown is recognized as an effective measure in limiting the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the world. However, recurrent COVID-19 infection and the extension of lockdown have threatened the livelihoods of people, mainly socioeconomic and mental health dimensions. Objective. The present study is aimed at identifying the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the daily life and mental health of the general population of Nepal. Furthermore, the study identified the predictors of the mental health status of the people during COVID-19 lockdown. Methods. The study was conducted among 354 Nepalese people specifically the breadwinner of the family. Respondents completed the questionnaires related to the sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19, and its impact on various aspects of life, including mental health via Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21). Data was collected through the web-based method, Google Forms questionnaire. Respondents were contacted through email and social networks (Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Viber) following a snowball approach. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify significant demographic, COVID-related, and socioeconomic factors associated with mental health outcomes. Results. Based on DASS-21 scores, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 46.6% (mild: 22.3%, moderate: 16.7%, severe: 6.5%, and extremely severe: 1.1), 42.1% (mild: 10.2%, moderate: 18.6%, severe: 11.6%, and extremely severe: 1.7%), and 39% (mild: 16.7%, moderate: 12.7%, and severe: 9.6%), respectively. Various factors associated with COVID-19, its lockdown measures, and sociodemographic characteristics of the people were identified as the significant predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress among the general population of Nepal. Conclusion. The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on individuals’ work, income, education, living standard, lifestyle, and consequently mental health is significant. The study findings warrant the importance of understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals’ all aspects of life and timely monitoring and appropriate intervention on risk groups to reduce the severity and chronicity of mental health problems.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Increased DNA Damage in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA-SMC)
Authors: Tavris Bengi S. , Peters Andreas S. , Böckler Dittmar , Dihlmann Susanne
Published: January 2023

There is increasing evidence for enhanced oxidative stress in the vascular wall of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Mitochondrial damage and dysfunction are hypothesized to be actors in altered production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. However, the role of mitochondria and oxidative stress in vascular remodelling and progression of AAA remains uncertain. We here addressed whether mitochondrial dysfunction is persistently increased in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from AAA compared to healthy VSMC. AAA-derived VSMC cultures (AAA-SMC,

n
=
10

) and normal VSMC cultures derived from healthy donors (

n
=
7

) were grown in vitro and analysed for four parameters, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction: (i) mitochondrial content and morphology, (ii) ROS production and antioxidative response, (iii) NADP+/NADPH content and ratio, and (iv) DNA damage, in the presence or absence of angiotensin II (AngII). AAA-SMC displayed increased mitochondrial circularity (rounded shape), reduced mitochondrial area, and reduced perimeter, indicating increased fragmentation and dysfunction compared to healthy controls. This was accompanied by significantly increased O2- production, reduced NADP+/NADPH levels, a lower antioxidative response (indicated by antioxidative response element- (ARE-) driven luciferase reporter assays), more DNA damage (determined by percentage of γ-H2A.X-positive nuclei), and earlier growth arrest in AAA-SMC. Our data suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are persistently increased in AAA-SMC, emphasizing their implication in the pathophysiology of AAA.
Congenital Tufting Enteropathy, a Rare Cause of Diarrhea and Malnourishment in Arab Child with Genetic and Histopathology Investigations
Authors: Alkhalifa Shooq , Darwish Aysha , Awadh Mohamed , Alkhalifa Salman M. , Darwish Abdulla
Published: January 2023

Congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE), also known as intestinal epithelial dysplasia (IED), is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to EPCAM gene mutation. It is a rare congenital enteropathy that presents in early infancy as an intractable diarrhea that is independent of breast formula feeding that requires life-long total parental nutrition (TPN) to acquire adequate calories and fluid intake or small bowel transplantation in severe cases. Here, we report a case of intestinal failure due to congenital tufting enteropathy in a 3-year-old girl who presented with loose stools and failure to thrive. This study aims to review the literature about CTE and discuss the clinicopathological aspects and to be able to distinguish it from other causes of congenital diarrheal disorders (CDDs).
Multicenter Phase II Trial of the PARP Inhibitor Olaparib in RecurrentIDH1-andIDH2-mutant Glioma
Authors: Fanucci Kristina , Pilat Mary Jo , Shyr Derek , Shyr Yu , Boerner Scott , Li Jing , Durecki Diane , Drappatz Jan , Puduvalli Vinay , Lieberman Frank Scott , Gonzalez Javier , Giglio Pierre , Ivy S. Percy , Bindra Ranjit S. , Omuro Antonio , LoRusso Patricia
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 and IDH2 mutations (IDH1/2mt) are frequent in glioma. Preclinical studies suggest IDH1/2mts confer “BRCAness” phenotype, a vulnerability that can be targeted through PARP inhibition. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a multicenter study of olaparib monotherapy in patients with IDH1/2mt gliomas.

Methods:

Patients with recurrent, contrast-enhancing IDH1/2mt gliomas were enrolled in a two-step phase II trial; the primary endpoint was overall response rate per Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria. Olaparib 300 mg orally twice daily was given.

Results:

A total of 15 evaluable patients were enrolled. Histology was astrocytoma (N = 12) and oligodendroglioma (N = 3). Most toxicities were grade 1 or 2. Best response was stable disease (SD) in 9 (60%) patients. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.63 months and median overall survival was 20.7 months. For patients with SD, median PFS was 5.53 months; 4 patients had SD for >6 months. Among patients with best response progressive disease (N = 6), 5 had grade 4 tumor and 4 had known CDKN2A alteration. PFS was 5.23 months for grades 2 or 3 tumors (N = 10) versus 1.8 months for grade 4 (N = 5; P = 0.0013).

Conclusion:

The study did not meet the prespecified response-based activity threshold for moving to step 2. However, prolonged SD was observed in patients with grades 2 and 3 histologies, suggesting olaparib monotherapy could be of clinical benefit in select populations. Grade 4 tumors per 2021 World Health Organization classification defined by histology or CDKN2A alteration derived no benefit from this drug, highlighting the usefulness of this classification for future patient stratification and trial design.

Significance:

A single-arm phase II trial of olaparib in IDH-mutant glioma demonstrated clinically significant prolonged SD for select patients with grade 2/3 disease, suggesting potential benefit of olaparib in IDH-mutant gliomas.
Focal Therapy for Renal Cancer: Comparative Trends in the USA and Germany from 2006 to 2020 and Analysis of the German Health Care Landscape
Authors: Flegar Luka , Thoduka Smita George , Mahnken Andreas H. , Figiel Jens , Heers Hendrik , Aksoy Cem , Eisenmenger Nicole , Groeben Christer , Huber Johannes , Zacharis Aristeidis
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate trends of FT for in-patient treatment of renal RCC in the USA and Germany. Methods: We analyzed the SEER database for the USA and the nationwide German hospital billing database each from 2006 to 2019 for a RCC diagnosis in combination with FT, radical nephrectomy, and partial nephrectomy. FT was defined as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cryotherapy. Linear regression analysis was performed to detect changes over time. Results: For the USA, we included 7,318 FT cases. The share of FT increased from 2.4% in 2006 to 6.4% in 2019 (p < 0.001). For Germany, we identified 2,920 FT cases. The share of FT increased from 0.7% in 2006 to 2.0% in 2019 (p < 0.001). The number of RFAs in the USA steadily increased by 227% from a total of 93 in 2006 to 304 in 2019 while the number of cryotherapies in the USA steadily increased by 289% from a total of 127 in 2006 to 494 in 2019 (p < 0.001). The number of RFAs in Germany increased by 344% from a total of 59 in 2006 to 262 in 2019 (p < 0.001) while the number of cryotherapies steadily increased by 43% from a total of 54 in 2006 to 77 in 2019 (p < 0.001). In Germany, RFA is significantly more performed than cryotherapy while in the USA cryotherapy is more frequently applied. Conclusion: We observed a constant increase of FT in the USA and Germany for RCC in-patient treatment with a higher share in the USA.
Überlappungssyndrom (Overlap-Syndrom) bei einem 12-jährigen Mädchen mit systemischem Lupus erythematodes und Anti-OJ-Antikörper-positiver Polymyositis: ein Fallbericht
Authors: Lin Kan-Hsuan , Kao Jun-Kai
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund: Die besondere Erscheinungsform des Überlappungssyndroms bei Kindern erschwert eine genaue Diagnose. Kinder mit Überlappungssyndrom verfügen über spezifische Antikörper – oder auch nicht. Wir stellen den Fall eines 12-jährigen Mädchens vor, bei dem ein Überlappungssyndrom von systemischem Lupus erythematodes (SLE) und juveniler Polymyositis (JPM) diagnostiziert wurde und das positiv auf Anti-OJ-Antikörper getestet wurde. Fallvorstellung: Wir beschreiben den Fall eines 12-jährigen Mädchens, bei dem im Alter von 7 Jahren ein SLE diagnostiziert wurde und das bei der Aufnahme Fieber zusammen mit einem Schmetterlingserythem, periungualen Erythemen, allgemeiner Schwäche und multiplen Gelenkschmerzen aufwies. Die Patientin hatte nach intravenöser Verabreichung von Methylprednisolon anhaltende Gelenkschmerzen und Schwäche und klagte 1 Woche nach der Aufnahme über eine Gehunfähigkeit mit positivem Test auf das Gowers-Zeichen, begleitet von erhöhten Alanin-Aminotransferase (ALT)- und Kreatin-Phosphokinase (CPK)-Werten. Die Ergebnisse der Nervenleitgeschwindigkeitsmessung waren normal. Die Elek­tromyografie zeigte eine starke Spontanaktivität und myopathische Aktionspotenziale der motorischen Einheiten im rechten Deltamuskel, Bizeps und Iliopsoas, zusätzlich zu einem Flimmern und leichten myopathischen Aktionspotenzialen der motorischen Einheiten im rechten Musculus rectus femoris. Die Magnetresonanztomografie zeigte diffus erhöhte Signalintensitäten in den myofaszialen Ebenen der beidseitigen Iliopsoas-, Gluteus-, Obturator- und Pectineus-Muskeln und der ischiocruralen Muskulatur. Antinukleäre Antikörper-, Anti-RNP- und Rheumafaktor-IgG-Tests waren positiv und bei den Autoantikörpern gegen entzündliche Myopathien wurde eine Positivität der Anti-OJ-Antikörper festgestellt, was stark auf eine Autoimmunmyositis hindeutete. Die hochauflösende Computertomografie der Lunge ergab einen leichten Perikarderguss ohne Anzeichen einer interstitiellen Lungenerkrankung. Wir begannen mit einer intravenösen Methylprednisolon-Behandlung, gefolgt von Cyclosporin, Mycophenolatmofetil und oralen Steroiden. Nach der oben genannten Behandlung kam es zu einer klinischen Besserung mit einem verzögert und langsam absinkenden CPK-Wert, und sie wurde nach dem 18. Tag des Krankenhausaufenthalts entlassen. Schlussfolgerung: Ein Überlappungssyndrom mit entzündlicher Myositis kann Jahre später in pädiatrischen SLE-Fällen auftreten. Wir sollten wachsam sein, wenn bei Patienten mit SLE ein neues Krankheitsbild auftritt, das durch verminderte SLE-spezifische Autoantikörpertiter, positive Anti-RNP-Antikörper und erhöhte CPK-Werte gekennzeichnet ist. Die Behandlung des Überlappungssyndroms von SLE und JPM erfolgt auf individueller Basis und der Verlauf unterscheidet sich zwischen pädiatrischen und erwachsenen Patienten.
Off-Target Effects of Cancer Therapy on Development of Therapy-Induced Arrhythmia: A Review
Authors: Leiva Orly , Bohart Isaac , Ahuja Tania , Park David
Published: January 2023

Background: Advances in cancer therapeutics have improved overall survival and prognosis in this patient population; however, this has come at the expense of cardiotoxicity including arrhythmia. Summary: Cancer and its therapies are associated with cardiotoxicity via several mechanisms including inflammation, cardiomyopathy, and off-target effects. Among cancer therapies, anthracyclines and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are particularly known for their pro-arrhythmia effects. In addition to cardiomyopathy, anthracyclines may be pro-arrhythmogenic via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and altered calcium handling. TKIs may mediate their cardiotoxicity via inhibition of off-target tyrosine kinases. Ibrutinib-mediated inhibition of CSK may be responsible for the increased prevalence of atrial fibrillation. Further investigation is warranted to further elucidate the mechanisms behind arrhythmias in cancer therapies. Key Messages: Arrhythmias are a common cardiotoxicity of cancer therapies. Cancer therapies may induce arrhythmias via off-target effects. Understanding the mechanisms underlying arrhythmogenesis associated with cancer therapies may help design cancer therapies that can avoid these toxicities.