bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and numerical analysis of an oil-flooded air screw expander
Authors: Richter Lukas , Rendlova Zdenka , Planicka Stanislav , Seeger Jan , Taschek Marco , Volf Michal , Pelikan Martin , Linhart Vit
Published: October 2021

This article describes the results of a project whose task is to research and develop a screw expander through the inversion of a screw compressor. The article summarizes aspects of the construction of an experimental device that works with an oil-flooded air screw expander. The expander was subjected to experimental and numerical analysis, the results of which are presented in the article. Numerical analysis to examine the expansion process is performed both on the basis of the analytical geometric description of the working chamber of the expander and on the basis of the geometry obtained from a 3D scan of a real machine. The results of experimental and numerical analysis will be used to integrate an oil-flooded screw expander into an energy unit for the use of low-potential heat, for example in ORC systems.
Operational and economic analysis of a Velox-type combined heat & power plant with a throttle valve
Authors: Smołka Krystian , Wiśniewski Piotr , Majkut Mirosław , Dykas Sławomir
Published: October 2021

For many years, the Department of Power Engineering and Turbomachinery of the Silesian University of Technology has been using a small-capacity (about 500 kWe) steam-gas power plant. Based on many years of experience in operation of this power plant utilizing the Velox-type gas-steam system, an idea arose to modify this type of thermal power cycle to create a combined heat and power (CHP) plant of small capacity, dedicated for distributed heat and power production or production process steam with high temperature. Previous thermodynamic and economic analysis of that type of low-power CHP plant confirmed many advantages of using this type of solution in low-power engineering. The new idea is to add a throttle valve between the economizer and the evaporator for the reference cycle of the gas-steam Velox-type CHP plant. It was further assumed that water would partially be vaporized on the valve. This paper presents a thermodynamic and economic analysis of this type of a system with an added throttle valve. Downstream the valve, the evaporated water fraction is fed directly into the steam superheater. It is determined how such a retrofit affects the system thermodynamic and economic characteristics. The system is modelled in the EBSILON® Professional 14 software.
Accompagner la transition des jeunes avec une maladie chronique
Authors: Mellerio Hélène , Jacquin Paul , Le Roux Enora
Published: October 2021

La transition entre la pédiatrie et la médecine pour adultes est une période charnière pour les adolescents et jeunes adultes porteurs d’une maladie chronique : elle comporte un fort risque de rupture du parcours de soins et de dégradation de l’état de santé à court et long termes. Pour accompagner ce passage, plusieurs plateformes de transition ont été créées ces dernières années en France, dans des hôpitaux pédiatriques ou dans les hôpitaux pour adultes. Leur objectif commun est d’être un lieu ressource offrant un accueil physique des jeunes et de leurs parents autour des questions liées à cette transition, ainsi qu’un accès aux informations utiles à leurs besoins de santé globale. Elles travaillent en partenariat étroit avec les services de soins et les associations de patients. Une forte hétérogénéité de fonctionnement et d’offre de soins est observée dans ces structures encore récentes, qu’il convient de multiplier et de pérenniser. Le principal défi à relever dans les prochaines années est de renforcer les partenariats entre pédiatrie et hôpitaux pour adultes afin de baliser au mieux le parcours de soin des jeunes porteurs d’une maladie chronique.
Medizinische Vorbereitung der Lebendnierenspende
Authors: Renders Lutz , Holzmann-Littig Christopher , Kappler Verena , Wen Ming , Hartmann Daniel , Aßfalg Volker
Published: October 2021

Im Rahmen der Vorbereitung eines Lebendspenders für eine Organspende soll ein ausreichender Gesundheitszustand des Spenders dokumentiert werden, insbesondere auch hinsichtlich einer „normalen“ Nierenfunktion. Um diese richtig einzuschätzen, bedarf es einiger Überlegungen, die in diesem Beitrag erläutert werden. Zur weiteren Abklärung gehören der Ausschluss von Infektionen, Tumorerkrankungen, Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen sowie Einschränkungen der Funktion der Organe oder der Psyche, die eine Lebendspende verhindern. Zusätzlich müssen immunologische Voraussetzungen (Verträglichkeitsprüfung mittels Crossmatch und die Untersuchung der Blutgruppenkompatibilität) nachgewiesen und die Vorgaben nach dem Transplantationsgesetz erfüllt werden. Vonseiten der Transplantationschirurgie gilt es dabei, möglichst früh zu klären, ob der mögliche Spender aufgrund von den bereits erwähnten Vorerkrankungen, Voroperationen oder anatomischen Gegebenheiten überhaupt für eine Spenderoperation geeignet ist. Das interdisziplinäre Team begleitet das Lebendspendenpaar in der Vorbereitungsphase eng, um alle Besonderheiten der Spender kennenzulernen und sie mit einem maximal möglichen Maß an Sicherheit zur Spende bzw. Transplantation zu führen.
Pulmonary Imaging of Immunocompromised Patients during Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation using Non-Contrast-Enhanced Three-Dimensional Ultrashort Echo Time (3D-UTE) MRI
Authors: Metz Corona , Böckle David , Heidenreich Julius Frederik , Weng Andreas Max , Benkert Thomas , Grigoleit Götz Ulrich , Bley Thorsten , Köstler Herbert , Veldhoen Simon
Published: October 2021

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of non-contrast-enhanced three-dimensional ultrashort echo time (3D-UTE) MRI for pulmonary imaging in immunocompromised patients during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods MRI was performed using a stack-of-spirals 3D-UTE sequence (slice thickness: 2.34mm; matrix: 256 × 256; acquisition time: 12.7–17.6 seconds) enabling imaging of the entire thorax within single breath-holds. Patients underwent MRI before HSCT initiation, in the case of periprocedural pneumonia, before discharge, and in the case of re-hospitalization. Two readers separately assessed the images regarding presence of pleural effusions, ground glass opacities (GGO), and consolidations on a per lung basis. A T2-weighted (T2w) multi-shot Turbo Spin Echo sequence (BLADE) was acquired in coronal orientation during breath-hold (slice thickness: 6.00mm; matrix: 320 × 320; acquisition time: 3.1–5.5 min) and read on a per lesion basis. Low-dose CT scans in inspiration were used as reference and were read on a per lung basis. Only scans performed within a maximum of three days were included in the inter-method analyses. Interrater agreement, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of 3D-UTE MRI were calculated.

Results 67 MRI scans of 28 patients were acquired. A reference CT examination was available for 33 scans of 23 patients. 3D-UTE MRI showed high sensitivity and specificity regarding pleural effusions (n = 6; sensitivity, 92 %; specificity, 100 %) and consolidations (n = 22; sensitivity 98 %, specificity, 86 %). Diagnostic performance was lower for GGO (n = 9; sensitivity, 63 %; specificity, 84 %). Accuracy rates were high (pleural effusions, 98 %; GGO, 79 %; consolidations 94 %). Interrater agreement was substantial for consolidations and pleural effusions (κ = 0.69–0.82) and moderate for GGO (κ = 0.54). Compared to T2w imaging, 3D-UTE MRI depicted the assessed pathologies with at least equivalent quality and was rated superior regarding consolidations and GGO in ~50 %.

Conclusion Non-contrast 3D-UTE MRI enables radiation-free assessment of typical pulmonary complications during HSCT procedure within a single breath-hold. Yet, CT was found to be superior regarding the identification of pure GGO changes.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
Portal Vein Thrombosis: Diagnosis and Endovascular Management
Authors: Ju Connie , Li Xin , Gadani Sameer , Kapoor Baljendra , Partovi Sasan
Published: October 2021

Background Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare but severe entity that can cause clinically significant sequela such as worsening portal hypertension or mesenteric ischemia. Those cases refractory to medical management may be referred for endovascular intervention. Several technical considerations have been described in the literature, but a cohesive comparison of these multiple techniques is lacking.

Methods The purpose of this article is to review the diagnosis and endovascular management of PVT, including areas in which further research is warranted.

Results Cases of PVT can be readily diagnosed using ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment often begins with systemic anticoagulation and endovascular interventions may be used in selected cases. Determining the optimal approach to accessing the portal venous system depends on the underlying disease and chronicity of the thrombus and the degree of occlusion. Once access to the portal venous system is established, catheter-directed therapy may be performed to achieve recanalization.

Conclusion Despite the heterogeneity in patient presentation, cases of PVT can be readily diagnosed across several imaging modalities. Strategizing interventional approaches involves evaluation of the underlying disease and the chronicity of the thrombus.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
Quasielastic neutron scattering study on proton dynamics assisted by water and ammonia molecules confined in MIL-53
Authors: Miyatsu Satoshi , Kofu Maiko , Shigematsu Akihito , Yamada Teppei , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Lohstroh Wiebke , Simeoni Giovanna , Tyagi Madhusudan , Yamamuro Osamu
Published: October 2021

Dynamics of water and other small molecules confined in nanoporous materials is one of the current topics in condensed matter physics. One popular host material is a benzenedicarboxylate-bridging metal (III) complex abbreviated to MIL-53, whose chemical formula is M(OH)[C6H2(CO2)2R2] where M = Cr, Al, Fe and R = H, OH, NH2, COOH. These materials absorb not only water but also ammonia molecules. We have measured the quasi-elastic neutron scattering of MIL-53(Fe)-(COOH)2·2H2O and MIL-53(Fe)-(COOH)2·3NH3 which have full guest occupancy and exhibit the highest proton conductivity in the MIL-53 family. In a wide relaxation time region (τ = 10−12–10−8 s), two relaxations with Arrhenius temperature dependence were found in each sample. It is of interest that their activation energies are smaller than those of bulk H2O and NH3 liquids. The momentum transfer dependence of the relaxation time and the temperature dependence of the relaxation intensity suggest that the proton conduction is due to the Grotthuss mechanism with thermally excited H2O and NH3 molecules.
Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy: When is it feasible to decompose the spectrum?
Authors: Logan J. V. , McAlpine S. W. , Webster P. T. , Morath C. P. , Short M. P.
Published: October 2021

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) has the potential to determine open volume defect identities and concentrations only if the spectrum can be accurately decomposed into its constituent parts. The intrinsic difficulty of decomposing PALS spectra into their constituent lifetimes and intensities is demonstrated, and it is shown that the global minimum of the objective function does not represent the true solution for a range of typical experimental scenarios. We show that the function currently employed in standard fitting methods cannot be improved upon with alternate weighting schemes. Resolution function width minimally impacts fit decomposition quality but errors are reduced with higher counts. A regression model is developed based on the experimental count, intensity of the defect component, and difference between the defect and bulk lifetime which predicts the anticipated intrinsic error of the objective function global minimum in estimating the fraction of positrons which annihilate in the bulk. This can be employed to determine whether a given PALS spectrum can be successfully decomposed into defect types and lifetimes.
Earth factories: Creation of the elements from nuclear transmutation in Earth’s lower mantle
Authors: Fukuhara Mikio , Yoshino Alexander , Fujima Nobuhisa
Published: October 2021

Stellar nucleosynthesis is a widely acknowledged theory for the formation of all elements in our universe; traditionally, we say that the highest mass stars transmuted lighter elements into heavier elements lighter than iron. Here, we propose that the formation of 25 elements with smaller atomic numbers than iron resulted from an endothermic nuclear transformation of two nuclei confined in the natural compound lattice core of the Earth’s lower mantle at high temperatures and pressures. This process is accompanied by the generation of neutrinos and is influenced by excited electrons generated by stick-sliding during supercontinent evolution, mantle convection triggered by major asteroid collisions, and nuclear fusion in the Earth’s core. Therefore, our study suggests that the Earth itself has been able to create lighter elements by nuclear transmutation.
Analogy approach in solving the problem of a moving electric dipole
Authors: Sautbekov Seil S. , Baisalova Kuralay N. , Sirenko Yuriy K.
Published: October 2021

Using the principle of permutational duality as well as the analogical approach of both electrical and magnetic dipoles, it is possible to obtain a new relativistic magnetic type vector potential of an arbitrarily moving electric point dipole. The specific cases of the magnetic vector potential in the calculation of fields have been considered, and the obtained results have been compared with the research of other scholars.
High-speed Si films based threshold switching device and its artificial neuron application
Authors: Yan Lei , Pei Yifei , Wang Jingjuan , He Hui , Zhao Ying , Li Xiaoyu , Wei Yongxin , Yan Xiaobing
Published: October 2021

Threshold switching (TS) devices are finding increasing use in the hardware implementation of neuromorphic network computing. Here, a simple structured Ag/amorphous Si/Pt TS device with a switching ratio of ∼105 is prepared, with turn-on and turn-off speeds as high as ∼20 ns and ∼16 ns, respectively. We use this TS device to construct a leaky integration-and-firing artificial neuron that emulates key biological neuron features like threshold-driven firing, all-or-nothing spiking, refractory period, intensity-modulated frequency response, and conductance-modulated frequency response. These results suggest that Si film-based TS device artificial neurons have significant potential for building high-speed artificial neural networks.
Thermal conductivity tensor of β-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazoctane (β-HMX) as a function of pressure and temperature
Authors: Perriot Romain , Cawkwell Marc J.
Published: October 2021

We have used reverse non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (RNEMD) simulations to determine the full thermal conductivity tensor for the monoclinic high explosive crystal β-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazoctane (β-HMX). In order to do so for the monoclinic crystal, four directions for heat propagation are used. Effects of the temperature and pressure are investigated between 200 and 500 K and 0 and 5 GPa, respectively, which approximately covers the range where the β polymorph is stable. Simulations are carried out with the Smith–Bharadwaj non-reactive empirical potential [Smith and Bharadwaj, J. Phys. Chem. B 103, 3570 (1999)], which is known to reproduce well the thermo-elastic properties of HMX. Our results indicate that the thermal conductivity, κ, is highly anisotropic, with 36% difference between the two extreme values at 300 K and 0 GPa. A simple function is used to interpolate κ in the pressure-temperature regime considered in this study, which can be used in continuum models. The results from RNEMD simulations compare well with available experimental results from the literature and allow the determination of κ for any direction and temperature and pressure within or around the fitting interval.
Effect of co-flow on fluid dynamics of a cough jet with implications in spread of COVID-19
Authors: Behera Sachidananda , Bhardwaj Rajneesh , Agrawal Amit
Published: October 2021

We discuss the temporal evolution of a cough jet of an infected subject in the context of the spread of COVID-19. Computations were carried out using large eddy simulation, and, in particular, the effect of the co-flow (5% and 10% of maximum cough velocity) on the evolution of the jet was quantified. The Reynolds number (Re) of the cough jet, based on the mouth opening diameter (D) and the average cough velocity, is 13 002. The time-varying inlet velocity profile of the cough jet is represented as a combination of gamma-probability-distribution functions. Simulations reveal the detailed structure of cough jet with and without a co-flow for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The cough jet temporal evolution is similar to that of a continuous free-jet and follows the same routes of instability, as documented for a free-jet. The convection velocity of the cough jet decays with time and distance, following a power-law variation. The cough jet is observed to travel a distance of approximately 1.1 m in half a second. However, in the presence of 10% co-flow, the cough jet travels faster and covers the similar distance in just 0.33 s. Therefore, in the presence of a co-flow, the probability of transmission of COVID-19 by airborne droplets and droplet nuclei increases, since they can travel a larger distance. The cough jet without the co-flow corresponds to a larger volume content compared to that with the co-flow and spreads more within the same range of distance. These simulations are significant as they help to reveal the intricate structure of the cough jet and show that the presence of a co-flow can significantly augment the risk of infection of COVID-19.
Ab initio investigation of structural, electronic, magnetic, elastic, and optical properties of Cs-based chloro-perovskites CsXCl3 (X = Be and Rh)
Authors: Ayaz Umar , Shazia  , Abdullah  , Husain Mudasser , Rahman Nasir , Bonyah Ebenezer
Published: October 2021

Chloro-perovskites having attractive properties, especially lead-containing chloro-perovskites, have potential application in the electrical and electronic industry. However, the toxic nature of lead puts a constraint on its practical applications. In the present study, lead is replaced by Rh and Be in Cs-based chloro-perovskites. The mechanical, optical, electronic, structural, and magnetic properties of the compounds CsRhCl3 and CsBeCl3 are studied by using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method. The band structure study indicates that CsRhCl3 is half-metallic while CsBeCl3 has a semiconducting nature with an indirect bandgap of 2.27 eV. The elastic constant calculated through the IRelast package verified the ionic nature and highly anisotropic and ductile behavior of both compounds. The determined magnetic moment values show the paramagnetic nature of both materials. The investigated optical properties clarify the transmitting nature in the energy range of 0–14.5 eV and the reflecting nature in the range of 14.5–25.5 eV. The compounds are optical conductors in the ultraviolet region.
Cold atmospheric-pressure air plasma jet: Physics and opportunities
Authors: Lu XinPei , Liu DaWei , Xian YuBin , Nie LanLan , Cao YingGuang , He GuangYuan
Published: October 2021

Cold atmospheric-pressure plasma jet generates rich reactive species including reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species with gas temperature close to or at room temperature, which is very attractive for applications such as plasma medicine. However, under one atmospheric pressure, due to the high electron–neutral particles collision frequency (1011–12/s), it is difficult to generate atmospheric pressure plasma while keeping the gas temperature close to or at room temperature. Furthermore, when air rather than noble gases is used as working gas, due to the low energy levels of rotational and vibrational states of nitrogen and oxygen, it becomes extremely challenging to generate cold atmospheric pressure air plasma jet (CAAP-J) with gas temperature close to or at room temperature. Fortunately, after decades of research, several CAAP-Js have been reported. In this review, the state-of-the-art of the development of CAAP-Js is presented. The CAAP-Js are grouped into six categories based on their electrode configuration. A brief discussion on each group of the CAAP-Js is presented. Moreover, the physics of CAAP-Js is discussed, including the dynamics, the striation phenomenon, the temporal behavior of plasma parameters, and the nonequilibrium characteristic of CAAP-Js. Furthermore, the measurements of the reactive species generated by CAAP-Js are briefly reviewed. Finally, discussions and perspective of future research on CAAP-Js are presented.
Global boundedness of functions of finite order that are bounded outside small sets
Authors: Khabibullin B. N.
Published: October 2021

We prove that subharmonic or holomorphic functions of finite order on the plane, in space, or on the unit disc or ball that are bounded above on a sequence of circles or spheres, or on a system of embedded discs or balls, outside some asymptotically small sets are bounded above throughout. Hence, subharmonic functions of finite order on the complex plane, entire or plurisubharmonic functions of finite order, and also convex or harmonic functions of finite order that are bounded above on spheres outside such sets are constants. The results and the approaches to the proofs are new for both functions of one and several variables.

Bibliography: 14 titles.
Uniform approximation of functions by solutions of strongly elliptic equations of second order on compact subsets of
Authors: Paramonov P. V.
Published: October 2021

Criteria for the uniform approximation of functions by solutions of second-order strongly elliptic equations on compact subsets of

are obtained using the method of reduction to similar problems in

, which were previously investigated by Mazalov. A number of metric properties of the capacities used are established.

Bibliography: 16 titles.
Values of the

weight system on a family of graphs that are not the intersection graphs of chord diagrams
Authors: Filippova P. A.
Published: October 2021

The Chmutov-Lando theorem claims that the value of a weight system (a function on the chord diagrams that satisfies the four-term Vassiliev relations) corresponding to the Lie algebra

depends only on the intersection graph of the chord diagram.

We compute the values of the

weight system at the graphs in several infinite series, which are the joins of a graph with a small number of vertices and a discrete graph. In particular, we calculate these values for a series in which the initial graph is the cycle on five vertices; the graphs in this series, apart from the initial one, are not intersection graphs.

We also derive a formula for the generating functions of the projections of graphs equal to the joins of an arbitrary graph and a discrete graph to the subspace of primitive elements of the Hopf algebra of graphs. Using the formula thus obtained, we calculate the values of the

weight system at projections of the graphs of the indicated form onto the subspace of primitive elements. Our calculations confirm Lando’s conjecture concerning the values of the

weight system at projections onto the subspace of primitives.

Bibliography: 17 titles.
Orthogonality in nonseparable rearrangement-invariant spaces
Authors: Astashkin S. V. , Semenov E. M.
Published: October 2021

Let

be a nonseparable rearrangement-invariant space and let

be the closure of the space of bounded functions in

. Elements of

orthogonal to

, that is, elements

,

, such that

for each

, are investigated. The set of orthogonal elements

is characterized in the case when

is a Marcinkiewicz or an Orlicz space. If an Orlicz space

is considered with the Luxemburg norm, then the set

is the algebraic sum of

and

. Each nonseparable rearrangement-invariant space

such that

is shown to contain an asymptotically isometric copy of the space

.

Bibliography: 17 titles.
Concentrations of CHCl
Authors: He Zhen , Ni Jie , Yang Gui-Peng , Yu Hong , Zhang Jing
Published: October 2021

Environmental context Atmospheric trace gases called volatile halocarbons (VHCs) significantly contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. The oceans are a primary source of VHCs, and concentrations and fluxes of selected VHCs in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea were measured. These data, and the influence of marine environmental factors on these parameters, provide information which will permit the assessment of the marine contribution of VHC behaviour and impact. Abstract Concentrations of five volatile halocarbons (VHCs), that is, chloroform (CHCl3), trichloroethylene (C2HCl3), tetrachloroethylene (C2Cl4), bromoform (CHBr3) and chlorodibromomethane (CHBr2Cl), were measured in the South Yellow Sea (SYS) and East China Sea (ECS) during autumn in 2011. The average (min–max) concentrations of CHCl3, C2HCl3, C2Cl4, CHBr2Cl and CHBr3 in surface seawater were 63.91 (24.63–361.23), 28.46 (1.82–85.77), 21.04 (9.85–89.31), 20.92 (7.98–59.89) and 75.91 (0.04–537.04) pmol L−1 respectively. The five VHCs exhibited a point distribution in autumn with clearly defined patterns in certain areas. In the vertical profiles, the highest concentrations of VHCs generally appeared in the upper mixing layer. Different VHCs were correlated with different environmental parameters, such as temperature, salinity, chlorophyll a (Chl-a), nutrient levels and bacteria. These results revealed that the sources of these VHCs were influenced by the Yangtze River effluent and Kuroshio waters as well as the biogenic release. Diurnal bimodal cycles were obvious in the concentrations of the five VHCs in the ECS. In general, concentrations peaked around noon, likely owing to biological production and photochemical mechanisms, and a secondary peak occurred around midnight, possibly resulting from a combination of respiration, zooplankton feeding and tidal action. The estimated sea-to-air fluxes showed that the study area was a net source of the five VHCs in the atmosphere during the study period.
Current knowledge and the future potential of extracellular vesicles in mammalian reproduction
Authors: Tesfaye Dawit , Menjivar Nico , Gebremedhn Samuel
Published: October 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contain various functional classes of vesicles, namely exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, represent the major nano-shuttle to transfer bioactive molecules from donor to recipient cells to facilitate cell-to-cell communication in the follicular, oviduct, and uterine microenvironments. In addition to transferring various molecular cargos in the form of miRNAs, mRNAs, proteins, lipids, and DNA molecules, the relative proportion of those molecular cargos in the reproductive fluids can be associated with the physiological and pathological condition of the host animal. Inside the follicle, EV-mediated circulation of miRNAs has been reported to be associated with the growth status of the enclosed oocytes, the metabolic status, and the advanced maternal aging of the animal. Importantly, EVs have the potential to protect their cargo molecules from extracellular degradation or modification while travelling to the recipient cells. This fact together with the enormous availability in almost all biological fluids and spent culture media make them attractive in the search for biomarkers of oocyte/embryo developmental competence, receptive maternal environment and a multitude of reproductive pathophysiological conditions. One of the key factors that have contributed to the lower efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is the absence of several maternal in vivo factors in the ART procedures. For this, several studies have been conducted to supplement various components present in the follicular and oviductal fluids into the existing ART procedures and significant positive impacts have been observed in terms of embryo cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, resistance to stress, and survival after cryopreservation. The potential of EVs in shuttling protective messages against environmental and physiological stressors has been evidenced. The effective use of the EV-coupled molecular signals against stress-associated conditions has the potential to pave the path for the application of these protective signals against oxidative stress-associated pathological conditions including PCOS, ageing, and endometritis. In this review, we provide current knowledge and potential future use of EVs as remedies in reproductive pathophysiological conditions, mainly in follicular and oviductal microenvironments.
Inherent hepatocytic heterogeneity determines expression and retention of edited
F9
alleles post-AAV/CRISPR infusion
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zhang Lin , Zhang Guo-Wei , Mao Jian-Hua , Xi Xiao-Dong , Jiang Lu , Lv Gang , Lu Jing , Shen Yan , Chen Zhu , Zhu Jiang , Chen Sai-Juan
Published: October 2021

Significance

Application scope, underlying mechanisms, and potential limitation of AAV/CRISPR-mediated hepatic gene editing remain unexplored. Here we report that a synthetic enhancer/promoter (P2) incorporation empowered AAV/CRISPR to restore FIX-encoding capacity of a severe
F9
defect involving the regulatory region. Systemic analyses revealed a critical role of host cell heterogenicity in determining the therapeutic benefit of this regimen, wherein a subclinical inflammation posttreatment regulated the P2 activity and the retention of the edited
F9
alleles in a hepatocytic subset–dependent manner. Moreover, preeminent hepatic presence of hematopoietic cells implicated their involvement in fueling and restricting this hepatic inflammation. Collectively, these results characterize the critical factors determining the efficacy and durability of AAV/CRIPSR-mediated gene editing in dealing with complicated hepatic monogenic disorders.
Second half part of the apple
Authors: Ahlgren Katrin , Magnusson Ulrika
Published: October 2021

This article investigates the use of friendship metaphors in texts by adult second language writers, in relation
to the occurrence and function of metaphor and the writers’ discursive constructions of identity. The texts come from the final
assessment in Swedish for Immigrants (SFI), a language program in basic Swedish. The analysis confirmed the initial assumption
that the emotional and existentially loaded theme of friendship allows for the use of metaphor. The results also
showed that the experience of writers as newcomers in Sweden played out in the metaphors that were used and their contexts.

In order to categorize the found metaphors, a model was developed to show how systematic
metaphors reflect functions and values related to three thematic categories: guidance and help, belonging and
inclusion, and sharing and solidarity. For several metaphors, the metaphoricity was created through
novel and unidiomatic wording, i.e. a kind of neologism that can be considered a communication strategy.

The importance of using universal and abstract themes in language testing is emphasized, to enable second language
writers to express different facets of experience and knowledge through existential thoughts and attitudes – not only as language
learners and newcomers, but also as social agents who create and keep transnational relations through friends.
Multiphase steel microstructure and properties optimisation through a new heat treatment process
Authors: Gołaszewski Adam , Szawłowski Jerzy , Świątnicki Wiesław A.
Published: October 2021

The aim of this work was to develop a new heat treatment technology, which allowed an ultrafine-grained multiphase microstructure in 35CrSiMn5-5-4 structural steel to be obtained. This microstructure was produced by the heat treatment, usually applied to TRIP steels, but with an additional pre-heat treatment step. It was shown that the additional pre-heat treatment resulted in a radical change of the microstructure which became more homogenous and much more fine-grained in comparison with the conventional TRIP steel microstructure. TEM observations revealed the microstructure composed of a mixture of ultra-fined grains of ferrite, bainite and retained austenite. Owing to the pre-heat treatment, 35CrSiMn5-5-4 steel gains higher strength and plasticity parameters in comparison to the steel after the treatment without the preliminary heat treatment.
Low-Temperature Baking Effect of the Radio-Frequency Nb3Sn Thin Film Superconducting Cavity
Authors: Yang Ziqin , Huang Shichun , He Yuan , Lu Xiangyang , Guo Hao , Li Chunlong , Niu Xiaofei , Xiong Pingran , Song Yukun , Wu Andong , Xie Bin , You Zhiming , Chu Qingwei , Tan Teng , Pan Feng , Lu Ming , Luo Didi , Zhang Junhui , Zhang Shenghu , Zhan Wenlong
Published: October 2021

The Nb3Sn thin film cavity, having the potential to be operated at a higher temperature and higher gradient compared to the cavity made from bulk niobium, is one of the most promising key technologies for the next-generation radio-frequency superconducting accelerators. In our work, several 1.3 GHz single-cell TESLA-shaped Nb3Sn thin film cavities, coated by the vapor diffusion method, were tested at Peking University and Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. It was observed that the performance of the Nb3Sn thin film cavities in the tests without the slow cooling down procedure and the effective magnetic field shielding was significantly improved by using a low temperature baking at 100 °C for 48 hours. Although the peak electric field of the cavity remained unchanged, the rapid drop of the unloaded Q value (Q
0) with the increasing accelerating field (Q-slope) was effectively eliminated, resulting in an improvement of the Q
0 in the intermediate field region by ∼ 8 times. Furthermore, under better test conditions with the shielded magnetic field less than 5 mG and the slow cooling down procedure in the temperature range of 25–15 K, the Q
0 was still improved by about 20%. Our study shows that the low temperature baking can be an effective supplement to the effective post-treatment for the Nb3Sn thin film cavity.
Elastic Modulus, Hardness, and Fracture Toughness of Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Hu Shan , Xu Pengyu , de Vasconcelos Luize Scalco , Stanciu Lia , Ni Hongwei , Zhao Kejie
Published: October 2021

Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) is a promising inorganic solid electrolyte due to its high Li+ conductivity and electrochemical stability for all-solid-state batteries. Mechanical characterization of LLZTO is limited by the synthesis of the condensed phase. Here we systematically measure the elastic modules, hardness, and fracture toughness of LLZTO polycrystalline pellets of different densities using the customized environmental nanoindentation. The LLZTO samples are sintered using the hot-pressing method with different amounts of Li2CO3 additives, resulting in the relative density of the pellets varying from 83% to 98% and the largest grain size of 13.21 ± 5.22 μm. The mechanical properties show a monotonic increase as the sintered sample densifies, elastic modulus and hardness reach 158.47 ± 10.10 GPa and 11.27 ± 1.38 GPa, respectively, for LLZTO of 98% density. Similarly, fracture toughness increases from 0.44 to 1.51 MPa⋅m1/2, showing a transition from the intergranular to transgranular fracture behavior as the pellet density increases. The ionic conductivity reaches 4.54 × 10−4 S/cm in the condensed LLZTO which enables a stable Li plating/stripping in a symmetric solid-state cell for over 100 cycles. This study puts forward a quantitative study of the mechanical behavior of LLZTO of different microstructures that is relevant to the mechanical stability and electrochemical performance of all-solid-state batteries.
Direct integration of SAW resonators on industrial metal for structural health monitoring applications
Authors: Mengue P , Hage-Ali S , Zhgoon S , Paulmier Baptiste , Floer Cécile , Bartoli Florian , Elmazria O
Published: October 2021

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors are very promising for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications as they have the advantages of being robust, passive (batteryless), remotely interrogated (wireless) and can even be packageless. This paper describes ultralow-profile SAW resonators that can be directly fabricated and integrated on metallic parts in industrial facilities. They are based on piezoelectric thin films (ZnO) which are directly sputtered on polished industrial titanium (Ti) and stainless steel. With this approach, no sensor glue-bonding to the target is needed, and measurement errors related to this step are avoided. Demonstrator devices have been studied numerically and experimentally. The structural properties of the ZnO thin films were characterized through x-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. A preferred orientation (002) was achieved with a roughness of 50 nm on the top surface. Resonators were microfabricated and their functional parameters (i.e. resonance frequency, quality factor and electromechanical coupling) were extracted through impedance measurements and fitted with a Butterworth-van Dyke model. By increasing applied temperatures (up to 450 °C) and the strain (up to 1800 μϵ), a linear decrease of the resonance frequency has been shown. A temperature coefficient of frequency of −46.4 ppm °C−1 and a good strain sensitivity (1.49 ppmμϵ−1) were obtained, thus making the structure promising as a high temperature and strain sensing element in industrial SHM applications.
Analysis of thermo-plasmonic lab-on-fiber probes in liquid environments
Authors: Giaquinto M , Principe S , Micco A , Persiano G V , Ricciardi A , Cusano A
Published: October 2021

Lab-on-fiber (LOF) optrodes are recently emerging not only as valid platforms for biosensing, but also as promising light-controlled actuators in drug-delivery, optical trapping and thermo-ablation systems. In this regard, the thermo-plasmonic effect has been recognized as an intriguing tool for conferring to the optical fiber the capability of interacting with the external environment through the fine control of local overheating actuated by light in the range of few mW. However, the evaluation of the thermo-plasmonic overheating on small areas such as that of a standard single mode fiber tip is not trivial, especially in liquid solutions, where these probes typically operate. Here we demonstrate that by functionalizing the metallic nanostructure of LOF devices with a thermoresponsive smart materials, it is possible to measure the light-induced overheating on the fiber tip. Specifically, we monitored the plasmonic resonance wavelength shift induced by the temperature-dependent swelling dynamics of different microgel films deposited on the nanostructure. We find a local overheating of about 8 °C mW−1, i.e. also in line with our theoretical predictions based on numerical simulations. Our results demonstrate that the proposed approach is a valid methodology for the direct and continuous monitoring of the temperature changes in LOF devices induced by the input optical power in liquid environment. Our findings lay the basis for the analysis of thermo-plasmonic optical fiber probes exploitable in many applications, especially for the life science sector.
Doubly heavy tetraquarks in an extended chromomagnetic model *
Authors: Weng Xin-Zhen , Deng Wei-Zhen , Zhu Shi-Lin
Published: October 2021

Using an extended chromomagnetic model, we perform a systematic study of the masses of doubly heavy tetraquarks. We find that the ground states of the doubly heavy tetraquarks are dominated by the color-triplet

configuration, which is opposite to that of fully heavy tetraquarks. The combined results suggest that the color-triplet configuration becomes more important when the mass difference between the quarks and antiquarks increases. We find three stable states that lie below the thresholds of two pseudoscalar mesons. They are the

tetraquark,

tetraquark, and

tetraquark.
A construction principle for proper scoring rules
Authors: Brehmer Jonas
Published: October 2021

Proper scoring rules enable decision-theoretically principled comparisons of probabilistic forecasts. New scoring rules can be constructed by identifying the predictive distribution with an element of a parametric family and then applying a known scoring rule. We introduce a condition which ensures propriety in this construction and thereby obtain novel proper scoring rules.
Bayesian finite mixture of regression analysis for cancer based on histopathological imaging–environment interactions
Authors: Im Yunju , Huang Yuan , Tan Aixin , Ma Shuangge
Published: October 2021

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Finite mixture of regression (FMR)—as an important heterogeneity analysis technique when an outcome variable is present—has been extensively employed in cancer research, revealing important differences in the associations between a cancer outcome/phenotype and covariates. Cancer FMR analysis has been based on clinical, demographic, and omics variables. A relatively recent and alternative source of data comes from histopathological images. Histopathological images have been long used for cancer diagnosis and staging. Recently, it has been shown that high-dimensional histopathological image features, which are extracted using automated digital image processing pipelines, are effective for modeling cancer outcomes/phenotypes. Histopathological imaging–environment interaction analysis has been further developed to expand the scope of cancer modeling and histopathological imaging-based analysis. Motivated by the significance of cancer FMR analysis and a still strong demand for more effective methods, in this article, we take the natural next step and conduct cancer FMR analysis based on models that incorporate low-dimensional clinical/demographic/environmental variables, high-dimensional imaging features, as well as their interactions. Complementary to many of the existing studies, we develop a Bayesian approach for accommodating high dimensionality, screening out noises, identifying signals, and respecting the “main effects, interactions” variable selection hierarchy. An effective computational algorithm is developed, and simulation shows advantageous performance of the proposed approach. The analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data on lung squamous cell cancer leads to interesting findings different from the alternative approaches.
846 Dysphagia Rates in Single- And Multiple-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ong C S , Oh L , Ghozy S , Dmytriw A , Mobbs R , Phan K , Dibas M , Faulkner H
Published: October 2021

Aim

To conduct a meta-analysis to assess dysphagia complicating single-level and multiple-level (≥2) anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery.

Method

Electronic searches were performed using four electronic databases from their inception to December 2017. Relevant studies reporting the rate of dysphagia as an endpoint for patients undergoing ACDF for degenerative disease, myelopathy, cervical canal stenosis or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were identified according to prior inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using a fixed effect model. P-scores were used to rank the levels of ACDF based on the rate of dysphagia. I2 was used to explore heterogeneity.

Results

Ten studies were identified and included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, with a total of 4,018 patients identified; 2,362 patients underwent single-level ACDF, while 1,656 underwent multiple level (≥2 ACDF). The mean age ranged from 49.45 to 57.77 years. Mean follow-up time ranged from 2 days to 27.3 months. Overall, meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant higher dysphagia rate for multiple-level ACDF (6.6%) than for single-level ACDF (4%) (P heterogeneity =0.151, OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.05–1.91, I2=32%).

Conclusions

Dysphagia is a relatively common complication in the early postoperative period following ACDF and may cause patients significant discomfort and distress. This meta-analysis demonstrates a higher rate of dysphagia with multiple-level ACDF than with single-level ACDF at a period of 12–24 months.
677 Quick, Simple and just as Effective – Comparing PM:L3 Ratio to NELA, P-POSSUM and NSQIP Scores for Emergency Laparotomy
Authors: Ming J Y , Holmes M , Pockney P , Gani J
Published: October 2021

Aim

Multiple tools (NELA, P-POSSUM, ACS-NSQIP) are available to assess mortality risks in patients requiring emergency laparotomy(1–3), but they are time-consuming to perform and have had limited uptake in routine clinical practice in many countries(4). Simpler measures, including psoas muscle:L3 vertebrae (PM:L3) ratio(5,6), may be useful alternates. This measure is quick to perform, requiring no special skills or equipment apart from basic CT viewing software.

Method

We performed an analysis on all patients in the Hunter Emergency Laparotomy Audit (HELA) database, from January 2016 to December 2017. HELA is a retrospective review of all emergency laparotomy undertaken in a discrete area in NSW, Australia. Patients with an available CT abdomen were included (N = 500/562). A single slice axial CT image at the L3 endplate level was analysed using ImageJ® software to measure the area of L3 and bilateral psoas muscles. This can be done using normal PACS software in routine practice.

Results

PM:L3 ratios in this cohort have a mean of 1.082 (95%CI 1.042-1.122; range 0.141-3.934). PM:L3 ratio is significantly lower (p < 0.00001) in those patients who did not survive beyond 30 days (mean 0.865 [95% CI 0.746-0.984 ]) and 90 days (mean 0.888 [95%CI 0.768-1.008]) compared to patients that survived these periods (30 day mean 1.106 [95% vs. 1.033-1.179], 90 day mean 1.112 [95% CI 1.070-1.154]) . These associations are similar to those calculated by established risk assessment models.

Conclusions

PM:L3 ratio is a reliable, quick and easy risk assessment tool to identify high risk patients undergoing emergency laparotomy.
482 Is Subspecialisation Important for Emergency Laparotomy Outcomes?
Authors: Chowdhury S , Musbahi A , Agarwal A
Published: October 2021

Introduction

High mortality and morbidity is associated with Emergency Laparotomy. This study looks at outcomes of different subspecialties of surgeons performing Emergency Laparotomies identified from National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA).

Method

Results

Conclusions