bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TheGaia-ESO Survey: Chemical tagging in the thin disk
Authors: Spina L. , Magrini L. , Sacco G. G. , Casali G. , Vallenari A. , Tautvaišienė G. , Jiménez-Esteban F. , Gilmore G. , Randich S. , Feltzing S. , Jeffries R. D. , Bensby T. , Bragaglia A. , Smiljanic R. , Carraro G. , Morbidelli L. , Zaggia S.
Published: April 2022

Context.The chemical makeup of a star provides the fossil information of the environment where it formed. Under this premise, it should be possible to use chemical abundances to tag stars that formed within the same stellar association. This idea – known as chemical tagging – has not produced the expected results, especially within the thin disk where open stellar clusters have chemical patterns that are difficult to disentangle.

Aims.The ultimate goal of this study is to probe the feasibility of chemical tagging within the thin disk population using high-quality data from a controlled sample of stars. We also aim at improving the existing techniques of chemical tagging and giving some kind of guidance on different strategies of clustering analysis in the elemental abundance space.

Methods.Here we develop the first blind search of open clusters’ members through clustering analysis in the elemental abundance space using the OPTICS algorithm applied to data from theGaia-ESO survey. First, we evaluate different strategies of analysis (e.g., choice of the algorithm, data preprocessing techniques, metric, space of data clustering), determining which ones are more performing. Second, we apply these methods to a data set including both field stars and open clusters attempting a blind recover of as many open clusters as possible.

Results.We show how specific strategies of data analysis can improve the final results. Specifically, we demonstrate that open clusters can be more efficaciously recovered with the Manhattan metric and on a space whose dimensions are carefully selected. Using these (and other) prescriptions we are able to recover open clusters hidden in our data set and find new members of these stellar associations (i.e., escapers, binaries).

Conclusions.Our results indicate that there are chances of recovering open clusters’ members via clustering analysis in the elemental abundance space, albeit in a data set that has a very high fraction of cluster members compared to an average field star sample. Presumably, the performances of chemical tagging will further increase with higher quality data and more sophisticated clustering algorithms, which will likely became available in the near future.
Strength properties of renewable bio-based lightweight foam concrete incorporating of polypropylene fibre
Authors: Yong Zi Cong , Yew Ming Kun , Yew Ming Chian , Beh Jing Han
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates the incorporating of renewable lightweight bio-based aggregate (RLWBBA) in lightweight foam concrete (LWFC). The aim of this research is to incorporate different volume fraction (Vf) of polypropylene (PP) fibre into LWFC to determine the optimum compressive strength and splitting tensile strength. Four different mix was designed containing different percentage of PP replacement (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%). From the results, the compressive strength of the oil palm shell lightweight foamed concrete with 0.3% of macro polypropylene fibre (OPSLWFC/0.3) had showed the highest compressive strength and splitting tensile strength at 28 days, which are recorded at 4.01 MPa and 0.62 MPa respectively. It also showed the lowest density among all the mix design which is 1152 kg/m3 under demoulded condition. The OPSLWFC/0.3 has increased about 23.38% of 28 days compressive strength and 37.78% of splitting tensile strength compared to the control mix, which contains 0% of fibre proportion. Hence, the findings of this research revealed that the development of environmentally friendly lightweight foamed concrete can be used as an alternative solution for traditional lightweight concrete.
Thermal comfort tests in the selected building in Poland
Authors: Krawczyk Natalia , Zender Maciej
Published: April 2022

The article focuses on research on thermal sensations, thermal preferences and thermal sensations vote. The analysis was made on the basis of examining 6 lecture halls in the “Energis” didactic building of the Kielce University of Technology. Air temperature, relative humidity, black sphere temperature, carbon dioxide concentration and air velocity were measured in the tested rooms. There were also surveys concerning thermal impressions prevailing in the lecture halls. On the basis of the answers obtained by the respondents, charts were drawn up regarding thermal sensations, the assessment of air humidity and thermal preferences. It was found that most of the respondents did not feel well in the conditions in which they were staying. Providing users with the right thermal conditions has a significant impact on their health, productivity and well-being.
The efficiency of effective microorganism (EM) as catalyst in food waste composting using black soldier fly larvae
Authors: Ahmad Irfana Kabir , Basri Noor Ezlin Ahmad , Jalil Nurul ‘Ain Abdul , Amrul Nur Fardilla
Published: April 2022

Composting is sustainable alternative method which can be utilized to recycle organic wastes. In this research, black soldier fly (BSF) larvae and effective microorganisms (EM) were used together to compost organic waste. This study seeks to investigate the effectiveness of composting food waste using EM together with BSF larvae and to determine whether the growth of BSF larvae is affected by the presence of EM. 5 g of BSF larvae and 300 g of food wastes were put in four different containers with different concentration of EM (0-25%). The larvae were weighed throughout the 13-day experiment, and the changes in food waste volume were recorded to calculate the percentage of frass. Results showed that BSF larvae in the container which has the highest EM concentration (25% EM) produced the highest percentage of compost (89%). Meanwhile, there is a slight difference in the weight of larvae in all samples, where the weight ranges from 5.6 g to 6.5 g. In conclusion, the presence of EM can assist BSF larvae in accelerating the rate of food waste composting.
Pitfalls preventing bone union with EXOGEN Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound
Authors: Hughes Luke D. , Khudr Jamal , Gee Edward , Pillai Anand
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of EXOGEN in achieving union and common pitfalls in its use within the Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) and Salford Royal Foundation Trust (SRFT). Method: Patients receiving EXOGEN therapy between 01/01/2017 and 31/12/2019 at hospitals within MFT and SRFT were identified using EXOGEN logbooks and hospital IT systems. An equal number of patients were included from both sites. Data were retrospectively collected from clinical documents detailing clinical presentation comorbidities, and radiographic images, determining the radiological union post EXOGEN therapy. In addition, local practices were observed and compared to EXOGEN’s standardized guidance for clinicians. Results: Fifty-eight patients were included in the primary review, with 9 subsequently excluded based on insufficient clinical data. 47% of patients achieved radiological union following completion of EXOGEN therapy. Outcomes of the 23 patients with persistent non-union were as follows – 18 were referred for revision surgery, 5 were prescribed further EXOGEN therapy, 2 refused or were unfit for further intervention, and 1 did not have a plan documented. No significant baseline differences were present in both outcome groups. However, at MFT and SRFT, rates of union with EXOGEN are below that previously published in the literature. Conclusion: EXOGEN has proven successful in facilitating union in established cases of non-union without the risk and cost associated with revision surgery. Centre outcome differences may be explained by failure to educate clinicians and patients on the correct use of the EXOGEN device, failure to standardize follow-up or monitor compliance, and must be addressed to improve current services.
Does ERCP position matter? A randomized controlled trial comparing efficacy and complications of left lateral versus prone position (POSITION study)
Authors: Varma Poornima , Ket Shara , Paul Eldho , Barnes Malcolm , Devonshire David A. , Croagh Daniel , Swan Michael P.
Published: April 2022

Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is traditionally performed with patients in the prone position (PP). However, this poses a potentially increased risk of anesthetic complications. An alternative is the left lateral (LL) decubitus position, which is commonly used for endoscopic procedures. Our aim was to compare cannulation rate, time, and outcomes in ERCP performed in LL versus PP.

Patients and methods We conducted a non-inferiority, prospective, randomized control trial with 1:1 randomization to either LL or PP position. Patients > 18 years of age with native papillae requiring a therapeutic ERCP were recruited between March 2017 and November 2018 in a single tertiary center.

Results A total of 253 patients were randomized; 132 to LL (52.2 %) and 121 to PP (47.8 %). Cannulation rates were 97.0 % in LL vs 99.2 % in PP (difference –2.2 % (one-sided 95 % CI: –5 % to 0.6 %). Median time to biliary cannulation was 03:50 minutes in LL vs 02:57 minutes in PP (P = 0.62). Pancreatitis rates were 2.3 % in LL vs 5.8 % in PP (P = 0.20). There were significantly lower radiation doses used in PP (0.23 mGy/m2 in LL vs 0.16 mGy/m2 in PP, P = 0.008) without a difference in fluoroscopy times.

Conclusions Our analysis comparing LL to PP during ERCP shows comparable procedural and anesthetic outcomes, with significantly lower radiation exposure when performed in PP. We conclude that ERCP undertaken in the LL position is not inferior to PP, except for higher radiation exposure, and should be considered as a safe alternate position for patients undergoing ERCP.
Überprüfung der Radionuklidreinheit in ausgewählten Radiotherapeutika
Authors: Freudenberg Robert , Hesse Lorenz , Kotzerke Jörg
Published: April 2022

Ziel Im Zuge der Novellierung des Strahlenschutzrechts kam es zu einer Aktualisierung von Grenzwerten, welche Auswirkungen auf die uneingeschränkte Freigabe von Reststoffen nach nuklearmedizinischer Therapie haben können. Zudem gab es in der Vergangenheit Hinweise auf langlebige Begleitnuklide in 153Sm- und 223Ra-Präparaten. Aus diesem Grund war das Ziel dieser Arbeit, eine Analyse der Radionuklidreinheit von ausgewählten Therapiepräparaten durchzuführen.

Methode Es wurden 48 Proben von insgesamt 12 verschiedenen Therapiepräparaten untersucht. Die qualitative und quantitative Bestimmung der Begleitnuklide wurde an einem Halbleiterdetektor aus hochreinem Germanium (HPGe-Detektor) durchgeführt.

Ergebnis In 90Y-Citrat, 153Sm-Quadramet, 166Ho-QuiremSpheres und 169Er-Erbiumcitrat ließen sich verschiedene Europium-Isotope nachweisen, wobei der größte Anteil mit 7,0 ppm (152Eu), 8,4 ppm (154Eu) und 2,1 ppm (155Eu) in 153Sm gefunden wurde. Als deutliches Begleitnuklid in 169Er zeigte sich 169Yb (513 ppm). Im Falle von 177Lu-Präparaten zeigte sich ein deutlicher Unterschied im Gehalt von 177mLu (0,8 ppm vs. 0,0024 ppm) für zwei Hersteller. Innerhalb der Nachweisgrenzen konnten keine Begleitnuklide bei 90Y-Sphären, 223Ra und 225Ac gefunden werden.

Schlussfolgerung Für die gefundenen Begleitnuklide resultiert vielfach eine Überschreitung der Grenzwerte für die uneingeschränkte Freigabe. Das hat zur Folge, das alternative Freigabeverfahren (Verlängerung der Abklingdauer, spezifische Freigabe, Freigabe im Einzelfall) oder eine Abgabe an Landessammelstellen in Erwägung gezogen werden müssen. Zusätzlich sind technische Verfahren zur Reduktion oder Vermeidung von Begleitnukliden ein möglicher Lösungsansatz. Konsequenzen für die Strahlenexposition des Patienten konnten ausgeschlossen werden.
Long-Term Outcomes of Excimer Laser-Assisted Penetrating Keratoplasty Using a Commercially Available Laser System – A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Daniel Moritz Claudius , Jiang Jana , Lang Stefan J. , Lapp Thabo , Gross Nikolai , Wacker Katrin , Böhringer Daniel , Maier Philip , Reinhard Thomas
Published: April 2022

Background Favorable functional outcomes have been reported after excimer laser-assisted penetrating keratoplasty (EXL PKP). But this technique has not been widely adopted, and there
are reports on EXL PKP from only a very limited number of institutions. Some of these results refer to operations carried out with laser systems that are not commercially available. In this
retrospective case series, we report the long-term outcome of EXL PKP using the Schwind Amaris 500E laser system.

Material and Methods This retrospective consecutive case series included 30 eyes of 29 patients who had undergone EXL PKP between 2010 and 2013. Primary outcome measures were
topographic astigmatism and visual acuity. Secondary outcome measures were the rates of graft rejection and graft failure, and the rate of grafts with an endothelial cell density below 500
cells/mm2. Survival analyses were carried out for the following endpoints: visual acuity, rate of graft rejection, and rate of grafts with endothelial cell densities higher than
500 cells/mm2.

Results The median interquartile range (IQR) duration of follow-up was 45 (36) months. The indications for PKP were keratoconus (n = 21), corneal scarring (n = 6), Fuchs endothelial
dystrophy (n = 1), and corneal dystrophy other than Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (n = 2). The median (IQR) topographic astigmatism at the end of the follow-up period was 5.3 (2.9) D.
Forty-five months after surgery, 73% of all eyes had a visual acuity better than 0.3 LogMAR. The rate of graft rejection after 45 months of follow-up was 32%. All eyes maintained endothelial
cell densities higher than 500 cells/mm2. There was no graft failure.

Conclusions EXL PKP is a safe and effective surgical procedure. No general conclusions can be drawn on the refractive outcome of EXL PKP. Potential advantages, such as a higher
degree of graft-host congruity, that could possibly improve the refractive outcome should be weighed against the higher costs of EXL PKP.
Caveolins: Expression of Regulating Systemic Physiological Functions
in Various Predicaments
Authors: Upadhyay Prabhat Kumar , Vishwakarma Vishal Kumar , Srivastav Ritesh Kumar
Published: April 2022

Caveolins are membrane proteins which contains caveolae. They are present in the
plasma membrane. Many researchers found that caveolae have been associated with
expression of the caveolins in major physiological networks of mammalian cells.
Subtypes of caveolin including caveolin-1 and caveolin-2 have been found in
micro arteries of rat brain, while caveolin-3 has been found in astrocytes.
Caveolin-1 and caveolae play important roles in Alzheimer’s disease,
cancer, ischemic preconditioning-mediated cardio-protection, postmenopausal
alterations in women, and age-related neurodegeneration. Caveolin-1 may modify
fatty acid transmembrane flux in adipocytes. The discovery of a link between
ischemia preconditioning, cardio-protection, and endothelial nitric oxide
synthase has supported cardiovascular research tremendously. Therefore,
caveolins are effective in regulation of cellular, cardiovascular, brain, and
immune processes. They ascertain new signalling pathways and link the
functionalities of these pathways. This review paper focuses on contribution of
caveolins in various conditions, caveolin expression at the molecular level and
their physiological effects in many organ systems.
Veränderung von Teilaspekten der sehbezogenen Lebensqualität nach 3-monatiger Verwendung einer App zur Kategorisierung von Metamorphopsien
Authors: Claessens Daniela , Krüger Ronald V. , Grötzinger Lilly
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund Verzerrtes Sehen (Metamorphopsie) ist ein Leitsymptom bei Netzhauterkrankungen und kann mit der App MacuFix kategorisiert werden. Die App zeigt auf einem Bildschirm
wiederholt Szenen, die aus 4 quadratischen Feldern mit einem Gittermuster aus horizontalen und vertikalen weißen Linien auf schwarzem Hintergrund bestehen. Eines der 4 Felder unterscheidet
sich durch stärker verzerrte Linien von den übrigen 3 Feldern und soll bei monokularer Betrachtung ausgewählt werden. Diese Auswahl wird wiederholt getroffen, bis ein Algorithmus den
kleinsten vom Auge korrekt detektierten Verzerrungsunterschied ermittelt hat. In dieser prospektiven, kontrollierten Pilotstudie wurde untersucht, welchen Einfluss der Einsatz der App
MacuFix im Vergleich zur Anwendung des Amsler-Gitters auf die sehbezogene Lebensqualität hatte.

Patienten/Material und Methoden 45 Patienten, bei denen ein- oder beidseits Metamorphopsien bestanden, wurden für die Studie rekrutiert. Die sehbezogene Lebensqualität vor und nach
einer 3-monatigen optionalen Anwendung der App MacuFix als Heimtest bzw. des Amsler-Gitters wurde durch Anwendung des Fragebogens National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25
verglichen.

Ergebnisse 45 Teilnehmer (18 Frauen, 27 Männer) waren im Durchschnitt 68 Jahre alt (SD ± 9,7) und hatten eine mittlere bestkorrigierte Sehschärfe von 0,6 (SD ± 0,25). Von 90 Augen
wiesen 18 keine Makulopathie auf. Eine altersbedingte Makuladegeneration bestand in 52 Augen, eine epiretinale Gliose in 6, ein Makulaforamen in 1 Auge. Ein Makulaödem lag bei 2 Augen
aufgrund von Diabetes, bei 4 Augen aufgrund von Uveitis, bei 1 Auge nach retinaler Venenthrombose, bei 4 Augen aufgrund eines Irvine-Gass-Syndroms und bei 2 Augen aufgrund einer Retinopathia
centralis serosa vor. Nach 3 Monaten nutzten 35 Personen die App als Heimtest, 8 Personen setzten das Amsler-Gitter ein und 2 verwendeten keinen Test. Die App-Nutzer zeigten eine
hochsignifikante Verbesserung der sehbezogenen Lebensqualität bei Fragen zur psychischen Gesundheit und zu Sorgen um die Sehkraft sowie eine signifikante Verbesserung in Bezug auf Leistung,
Niedergeschlagenheit, Kontrolle und peinliche Situationen.

Schlussfolgerung Der Einsatz der App MacuFix kann möglicherweise Teilaspekte der sehbezogenen Lebensqualität verbessern.
Localization-assisted stimulated Brillouin scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Zanini Giulia , Scarcelli Giuliano
Published: April 2022

Brillouin spectroscopy has emerged as a promising modality to noninvasively probe the mechanical properties of biologically relevant materials. Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) has the potential to improve measurement speed and resolution by exploiting a resonant amplification of the scattered signal, yet current SBS spectrometers have not provided significant improvements due to fundamental and practical limitations of illumination and detection parameters. To overcome this challenge, here we derive a signal localization theory for the Brillouin spectral domain and accordingly design an SBS spectrometer with much improved performances compared to state-of-the-art systems. We present experimental and simulated data validating our theory, which result in a tenfold improvement in acquisition speed, or an order of magnitude improved spectral precision, for SBS spectral measurements when properly optimizing the SBS photon detection architecture.
Between first language influence, exonormative orientation and migration
Authors: Meierkord Christiane , Isingoma Bebwa
Published: April 2022

Like other Englishes, Ugandan English is not a homogeneous variety. Being a second language to the vast majority
of its multilingual speakers, it is, inevitably, influenced by their first languages. However, first language influence is just
one factor that continues to shape Ugandan English. This paper reports on how influence from exonormative teaching models and the
effects of migration, which constantly results in frequent and regular contact between second language speakers of various first
languages, contribute to its architecture. It does so by focusing on and carefully investigating future time expressions in a
corpus of authentic spoken interactions across Ugandans, the face-to-face conversations of the Uganda component of the
International Corpus of English.
Upgrading the performance of functional Cu–Cr–Zr alloys for resistance welding electrodes
Authors: Ibrahim Mervat , Moussa Mohamed E. , Reda Reham
Published: April 2022

The gravity die casting method was used to produce functional Cu–Cr–Zr alloys with various compositions. The functional electrical, mechanical, and wear properties of Cu–Cr–Zr alloys were studied at different aging times at 500°C. The optimum aging time that results in the best combination of hardness and functional electrical properties changes with the chemical composition of the alloys; the alloys with higher Zr content require a longer time to attain peak hardness. Complicated wear mechanisms are active in the Cu–Cr–Zr alloys. The alloys with the highest Zr and Cr contents exhibit the highest hardness and tensile strength with low wear resistance. The best Cr content is found to be just below the solubility limit at the solutionizing temperature.
Duplex treatment with Hastelloy cage on AISI 5160 steel cutting tools
Authors: Araújo Armystron G. F. , Naeem M. , Araújo Luciane N. M. , Libório Maxwell S. , Danelon Miguel R. , Monção Renan M. , Rossino Luciana S. , Feitor Michelle C. , do Nascimento Rubens M. , Costa Thércio H. C. , Sousa Rômulo R. M.
Published: April 2022

AISI 5160 steel has high toughness and ductility. However, in specific applications, better tribological performance is required. In this sense, the study's objective was to perform plasma nitriding with Hastelloy's cathodic cage followed by the conventional plasma nitriding in AISI 5160 steel to produce high hardness and wear resistance. The results showed that the samples and cutting tools subjected to this process showed higher wear resistance than untreated samples and high-speed steel tools. The sample submitted to treatments with 450°C and 3 h showed greater surface hardness and less volume loss in the mechanical and machining tests. Therefore, the duplex treatment presented in this work with posterior plasma nitriding proved efficient with the low processing time.
Friction stir welding of aluminium to magnesium: A critical review
Authors: Xu Yang , Ke Liming , Mao Yuqing , Yang Ping , Niu Pengliang
Published: April 2022

Aluminium/magnesium hybrid structure has been paid increasing attention recently due to its excellent lightweight. However, aluminium/magnesium is easy to form pores, cracks, and massive intermetallic compounds when fusion welding is used. Friction stir welding is as solid-state method, which avoids the above-mentioned problems caused by fusion welding. This article systematically reviews recent progress in friction stir welding of aluminium/magnesium from temperature field, metal flow and weld composition. Moreover, the effects of control parameters on the temperature field, metal flow and weld composition are discussed objectively, respectively. Finally, this work puts forward some problems that need to be solved urgently in the future based on summarising the recent progress of friction stir welding of aluminium/magnesium.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of ZK60 alloy prepared using spark plasma sintering
Authors: Ma Luosheng , Ma Lili , Jin Peipeng , Feng Xinya
Published: April 2022

ZK60 magnesium alloy was prepared via the spark plasma sintering technique in the temperature range of 350–450°C with an interval of 50°C. The effect of the sintering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy was investigated. The three sintered alloys contained the α-Mg phase and a small fraction of the MgZn2 phase, and exhibited dense microstructures containing equiaxed grains. The alloy sintered at 400°C exhibited the highest relative density among the three alloys, with an average grain size of 5.42 µm. The yield strength, compressive strength, and fracture strain of the alloy were 130, 270 MPa, and 8%, respectively, corresponding to the most favourable mechanical properties among the three alloys.
Shift of switching threshold in low-dimensional semiconductor-based complementary inverters via inkjet printing
Authors: Jung Seoyeon , Lee Jihyun , Park Juhee , Pak Sangyeon , Lim Jungmoon , Cha SeungNam , Kim Bongjun
Published: April 2022

MoS2 crystals grown by chemical vapor deposition are suited for realization of practical 2D semiconductor-based electronics. In order to construct complementary circuits with n-type MoS2, another p-type semiconductor, whose performance can be adjusted corresponding to that of MoS2 in the limited chip area, has to be sought. Herein, we present a method for tuning switching threshold voltages of complementary inverters simply via inkjet printing without changing their channel dimensions. Random networks of inkjet printed single-walled carbon nanotubes are formed as p-channels beside MoS2, and their density and thickness are controlled by varying the number of printed layers. As a result, p-type transistor characteristics as well as inverter characteristics are facilely tuned only by varying the number of printed layers.
Recent progress on the low and high temperature performance of nanoscale engineered Li-ion battery cathode materials
Authors: Jayasree Silpasree S , Murali Aswathy S , Nair Shantikumar , Santhanagopalan Dhamodaran
Published: April 2022

Lithium ion batteries (LIB) are the domain power house that gratifies the growing energy needs of the modern society. Statistical records highlight the future demand of LIB for transportation and other high energy applications. Cathodes play a significant role in enhancement of electrochemical performance of a battery, especially in terms of energy density. Therefore, numerous innovative studies have been reported for the development of new cathode materials as well as improving the performance of existing ones. Literature designate stable cathode-electrolyte interface (CEI) is vital for safe and prolonged high performance of LIBs at different cycling conditions. Considering the context, many groups shed light on stabilizing the CEI with different strategies like surface coating, surface doping and electrolyte modulation. Local temperature variation across the globe is another major factor that influences the application and deployment of LIB chemistries. In this review, we discuss the importance of nano-scale engineering strategies on different class of cathode materials for their improved CEI and hence their low and high temperature performances. Based on the literature reviewed, the best nano-scale engineering strategies investigated for each cathode material have been identified and described. Finally, we discuss the advantages, limitations and future directions for enabling high performance cathode materials for a wide range of applications.
Optimized scintillation strip design for the DANSS upgrade
Authors: Alekseev I. , Belov V. , Bystryakov A. , Danilov M. , Ershova A. , Filosofov D. , Fomina M. , Kazartsev S. , Kobyakin A. , Kozlenko N. , Kuznetsov A. , Machikhiliyan I. , Mamedov F. , Medvedev D. , Nesterov V. , Novinsky D. , Perminov K. , Rozova I. , Rumyantseva N. , Rusinov V. , Salamatin A. , Samigullin E. , Shevchik Ye. , Shirchenko M. , Shitov Yu. , Skrobova N. , Starostin A. , Štekl I. , Svirida D. , Tarkovsky E. , Yakovleva A. , Yakushev E. , Zhitnikov I. , Zinatulina D.
Published: April 2022

DANSS is a one cubic meter plastic scintillator detector
with a primary goal of sterile neutrino searches at a commercial
nuclear reactor. Due to its highly advantageous location, fine
segmentation and ability to change the distance to the neutrino
production origin, DANSS is ahead of many similar experiments around
the world in terms of the counting rate, signal to background ratio
and sterile neutrino exclusion regions. Yet a moderate energy
resolution of the detector prevents further progress in the physics
program. The main challenge of the planned upgrade is to achieve an
energy resolution of 12% at 1 MeV. The new design of the main
sensitive element — the plastic scintillation strip — is the
most important step forward. The strip prototypes were manufactured
and tested at the pion beam of the PNPI synchrocyclotron. More than
twice higher light output together with fairly flat detector
response uniformity, longitudinal timing information and other
optimizations will help to reach the upgrade goal. This paper
discusses the drawbacks of the current strip version, outlines the
new features of the proposed upgrade, describes the beam test
procedure and presents the test results reflecting the advantages of
the new strip design in comparison with the current version.
Effect of constant current and pulsed current gas tungsten arc welding process on microstructure and mechanical properties of superalloy 59 joints
Authors: N Sivakumar , Gandhi B Sanjay , Kumar K Senthil , Arulmurugan B
Published: April 2022

This research paper investigates the microstructure, microsegregation and mechanical behaviour of Ni-based superalloy 59 which is an important candidate in the pollution control application. The weld joints were produced with continuous current gas tungsten arc welding (CCGTAW) and pulsed current gas tungsten arc welding (PCGTAW) by applying both autogenous mode and filler wire ERNiCrMo-13. Weld flaws and weld aspect ratio of weld joints were identified using a macro analysis. An optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to examine the microstructure of the welded joints. PCGTA weldments exposed refined grain structure, reduced heat-affected zone and narrow weld bead compared to CCGTAW. Microsegregation of the alloying elements at the weld center (WC) and weld interface (WI) was examined using Energy Dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The findings of the metallurgical characterisation proved that the PCGTA weldments offer minimal microsegregation at the interdendritic region in comparison to CCGTA weldments. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) examination reveals that there is a 16.7% enhancement in grain refinement in the autogenous mode and a 17.4% improvement in the filler wire ERNiCrMo-13 when switching from CCGTA to PCGTA welding. Tensile, Charpy impact and microhardness tests were used to assess the strength, toughness and hardness of the weld joints. Weld joints fabricated by PCGTAW offers higher tensile strength (∼1.4 to 1.6%), higher toughness (∼4.4 to 5.4%), and higher hardness (∼4.8 to 7.7%) than CCGTAW weld joints.
Resonance modes of a metal-semiconductor-metal multilayer mediated by electric charge
Authors: Isobe Kazuma , Hanamura Katsunori
Published: April 2022

Electromagnetic fields around metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) multilayers with square island top layers were numerically simulated to elucidate the difference in physics between the circuit resonance and Fabry–Pérot interference mediated by the surface plasmon polaritons (SPP). In the current study, the top and bottom metal layers were made of gold, and the intermediate semiconductor layer was a gallium antimony (GaSb). The lumped-element and Fabry–Pérot interference models showed less accuracy when the island width of the MSM multilayer was comparatively smaller. Since the capacitor and SPP could not be supported between the top and bottom gold layers, the anti-reflection mode of the gold–GaSb bilayer mainly affected the absorptance. However, when the width of the island was sufficiently large, the time-lapse development of the electromagnetic fields at resonant wavelengths showed strong electric and magnetic responses relating to the circuit resonance. Simultaneously, the electric fields depicted the movement of the electric charge, which coupled to the short-range surface plasmon polariton (SRSP) existing at the thin GaSb layer sandwiched by two gold layers. The wavelength of the SRSP approximately corresponded to that of the Fabry–Pérot interference. It was revealed that the lumped-element and Fabry–Pérot interference models indicated the same resonant mode from two different perspectives in physics.
Myosin II proteins are required for organization of calcium-induced actin networks upstream of mitochondrial division
Authors: Kage Frieda , Vicente-Manzanares Miguel , McEwan Brennan C. , Kettenbach Arminja N. , Higgs Henry N.
Published: April 2022

It is shown that all three nonmuscle myosins participate in rapid cytosolic calcium-induced actin network organization and are enriched in this network. Surprisingly, myosin IIC plays a role equal to that of IIA and IIB, despite being 220- and 14-fold less abundant.
Sexual Dimorphism in Body Size and Wing Loading for Three Cicada Species
Authors: Shi Peijian , Jiao Yabing , Niklas Karl J , Li Yirong , Guo Xuchen , Yu Kexin , Chen Long , Hurd Lawrence E
Published: April 2022

Sexual dimorphism in body size has been observed for many insect species. However, whether dimorphism influences the flight performance for closely related insects or between the genders of conspecifics has seldom been examined. Wing loading (i.e., body mass/total wing area, WL = M/A) is an important indicator of flight efficiency and maneuverability. We examined the potential for sexual dimorphism and interspecific differences in wing loading for three cicada species (Cryptotympana atrata, Meimuna mongolica, and Platypleura kaempferi) and tested the hypothesis that females have higher WLs than males possibly because they must carry the extra weight of eggs. There were significant dimorphic differences in body mass and WL for each of the three species. However, there were no significant dimorphic differences in total wing area for C. atrata and M. mongolica, whereas P. kaempferi females had larger mean total wing area than males. Among the three cicada species, males had lower WLs (and by inference, greater maneuverability) than females. In addition, the M vs. A scaling exponent (i.e., α) was numerically significantly greater than unity (i.e., α > 1). Thus, WL should scale with respect to M with α > 1, which accounts for why females have a larger WL than males. We interpret these results to indicate that gender dimorphism in body size and flight performance likely reflect selection on traits affecting reproductive success that, in turn, likely depend on flight maneuverability.
Art and Ethico-Political Value
Authors: Clavel-Vázquez Adriana
Published: April 2022

Work in feminist and critical race aesthetics brings out a complex interaction between aesthetic, ethical, and political value. The interest in ethico-political considerations is also found in recent literature around art and ethics, such as debates about the work of immoral artists, cultural appropriation and heritage, and art in public spaces. These discussions are characterized by a social structural approach to the ethico-political value of art that focuses on relations between artworks, other artefacts, and individuals in specific sociohistorical contexts and as they emerge from specific social organizations. In this paper I present the main features and assumptions behind these social structural approaches to the values of art. I examine accounts that take ethico-political value to depend on artworks’ contributions to public discourse and on their role in constituting social structures.
Parliamentary Primaries After Democratic Transitions: Explaining Reforms To Candidate Selection In Ghana
Authors: Dodsworth Susan , Alidu Seidu M , Bauer Gretchen , Alidu Bukari Gbensuglo
Published: April 2022

Candidate selection procedures play a crucial role in shaping parliaments and influencing the quality of democracy. Yet, our understanding of what motivates parties to reform candidate selection mechanisms at specific points in time is limited. To address this gap, we examine the experience of Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC), which reformed its selection procedures in 2015 allowing all party members to vote in primary elections for parliamentary candidates. We ask what triggered these reforms and identify four motivations—the confluence of which explains why the reforms were adopted in 2015. These motivations were: making the party more democratic by expanding participation, reducing the cost of the primary process, building the party’s organizational capacity, and keeping up with the party’s main competitor. Together, these led NDC leaders to believe that reforms would benefit the party. However, a divergence between actual and intended effects meant some of these benefits were not realized, so the NDC reversed its reforms. This case suggests that the current shift towards more inclusive candidate selection mechanisms across parts of Africa will not be linear: party leaders will adopt such reforms when they believe it is in their party’s interest.
COVID-19 risk factors amongst 14,786 care home residents: an observational longitudinal analysis including daily community positive test rates of COVID-19, hospital stays and vaccination status in Wales (UK) between 1 September 2020 and 1 May 2021
Authors: Hollinghurst Joe , Hollinghurst Robyn , North Laura , Mizen Amy , Akbari Ashley , Long Sara , Lyons Ronan A , Fry Rich
Published: April 2022

Background

COVID-19 vaccinations have been prioritised for high risk individuals.

Aim

Determine individual-level risk factors for care home residents testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Study design

Longitudinal observational cohort study using individual-level linked data from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) databank.

Setting

Fourteen thousand seven hundred and eighty-six older care home residents (aged 65+) living in Wales between 1 September 2020 and 1 May 2021. Our dataset consisted of 2,613,341 individual-level daily observations within 697 care homes.

Methods

We estimated odds ratios (ORs [95% confidence interval]) using multilevel logistic regression models. Our outcome of interest was a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. We included time-dependent covariates for the estimated community positive test rate of COVID-19, hospital inpatient status, vaccination status and frailty. Additional covariates were included for age, sex and specialist care home services.

Results

The multivariable regression model indicated an increase in age (OR 1.01 [1.00,1.01] per year), community positive test rate (OR 1.13 [1.12,1.13] per percent increase), hospital inpatients (OR 7.40 [6.54,8.36]), and residents in care homes with non-specialist dementia care (OR 1.42 [1.01,1.99]) had an increased odds of a positive test. Having a positive test prior to the observation period (OR 0.58 [0.49,0.68]) and either one or two doses of a vaccine (0.21 [0.17,0.25] and 0.05 [0.02,0.09], respectively) were associated with a decreased odds.

Conclusions

Care providers need to remain vigilant despite the vaccination rollout, and extra precautions should be taken when caring for the most vulnerable. Minimising potential COVID-19 infection for care home residents when admitted to hospital should be prioritised.
Patterns of lifestyle behaviours from mid- through later-life in relation to exceptional episodic memory performance in older women: the Nurses’ Health Study
Authors: Wagner Maude , Grodstein Francine
Published: April 2022

Objectives

to model and compare patterns from mid- to late-life of body mass index (BMI), alternate Mediterranean diet (A-MeDi) and physical activity, between women with exceptional episodic memory over age 80 and cognitively average controls. Our goal was to examine if lifestyle risk factors in early adulthood may be identified which promote exceptional memory status later in life.

Methods

a case–control sample nested within the Nurses’ Health Study (initiated in 1976), including 7,557 cognitively healthy participants who survived to age 80 and had a cognitive assessment at 80–87 years. We defined women with exceptional memory (n = 455) as those with a composite score of episodic memory ≥1.5 standard deviation above the mean. Then, we selected 2,275 cognitively average controls with a score within 1 standard deviation of the mean, matched by age and education. Patterns of BMI, A-MeDi and physical activity at 52–62 through age 82 years were estimated between groups using latent process mixed models.

Results

In midlife, women with exceptional episodic memory had similar BMI (mean difference [MD] = −0.07 kg/m2 [95% confidence intervals {CI}:−0.41; 0.26]) but better adherence to A-MeDi (MD = +0.25 points [0.08; 0.43]) and more physical activity (MD = +3.50 metabolic-equivalent h/week [1.97; 5.09]) than controls. However, with ageing, both groups had similar patterns; both initially gained and later lost weight, had less activity and declining diet quality (all group-by-time interactions P > 0.07).

Conclusions

our findings suggest that lifestyle factors differ primarily at earlier ages for those with exceptional versus average episodic memory, thus lifestyle may be most important in earlier life to preserve high levels of memory.
Dermatopathology Laboratory Green Initiatives
Authors: Chisholm Cary , Hayford Kelvin , Stewart Megan
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Climate change and the accumulation of greenhouse gases pose challenges for humanity. The laboratory can reduce the environmental impact of routine operations.

Methods

Our laboratory implemented several recycling initiatives in 2021, including shredding plastic and recycling 10% formalin, xylene, and reagent alcohols. Additional insulation has reduced electricity costs, and we have plans to derive 100% of our electricity from solar in 2022.

Results

Recycling leads to decreases in reagent purchase by several hundred gallons. Our lab reduced its carbon footprint by a minimum of 68.52 tons, with an anticipated $43,000 savings in purchases and waste disposal during 2022.

Conclusions

Regardless of an individual’s environmental consciousness, green initiatives have several tangible benefits. Recycling helps mitigate climate change and decrease the laboratory’s carbon footprint. These measures also insulate the laboratory from supply shortages and lead to significant, tangible monetary savings.
Coping Style Moderates the Effect of Pain on Depression Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bradson Megan L , Cadden Margaret H , Guty Erin T , Riegler Kaitlin E , Thomas Garrett A , Graham-Engeland Jennifer E , Arnett Peter A
Published: April 2022

Objective

The present study examined coping style as a possible moderator in the relationship between pain and depression in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Methods

Fifty-four PwMS completed a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery and psychosocial questionnaires that assessed physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. Using four pain indices (i.e., average pain, current pain, pain intensity, and pain interference) from the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), an overall pain index was created to capture a more comprehensive index of individuals’ overall pain intensity and interference. The COPE questionnaire was used to derive three coping indices: active coping, avoidant coping, and a composite cope index that accounts for the relative contributions of both active and avoidant coping. The Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS) was used to measure depressive symptomatology. A series of hierarchical linear regressions were conducted with depressive symptoms as the outcome variable.

Results

Regression analyses revealed that the interactions between overall pain and each conceptualization of coping were significant (p = .001–.003). Simple effects tests revealed that overall pain only predicted depressive symptoms in PwMS with low active coping (p < .001), high avoidant coping (p < .001), and less adaptive coping via the composite coping index (p < .001).

Conclusion

We found that pain predicted depressive symptoms in PwMS who utilized more avoidant and less active coping strategies. Interventions aimed to improve coping style may be effective in enhancing the ability to manage pain and, subsequently, improve depression outcomes in MS.
Detecting sparse microbial association signals adaptively from longitudinal microbiome data based on generalized estimating equations
Authors: Sun Han , Huang Xiaoyun , Huo Ban , Tan Yuting , He Tingting , Jiang Xingpeng
Published: April 2022

The association between the compositions of microbial communities and various host phenotypes is an important research topic. Microbiome association research addresses multiple domains, such as human disease and diet. Statistical methods for testing microbiome–phenotype associations have been studied recently to determine their ability to assess longitudinal microbiome data. However, existing methods fail to detect sparse association signals in longitudinal microbiome data. In this paper, we developed a novel method, namely aGEEMIHC, which is a data-driven adaptive microbiome higher criticism analysis based on generalized estimating equations to detect sparse microbial association signals from longitudinal microbiome data. aGEEMiHC adopts generalized estimating equations framework that fully considers the correlation among different observations from the same subject in longitudinal data. To be robust to diverse correlation structures for longitudinal data, aGEEMiHC integrates multiple microbiome higher criticism analyses based on generalized estimating equations with different working correlation structures. Extensive simulation experiments demonstrate that aGEEMiHC can control the type I error correctly and achieve superior performance according to a statistical power comparison. We also applied it to longitudinal microbiome data with various types of host phenotypes to demonstrate the stability of our method. aGEEMiHC is also utilized for real longitudinal microbiome data, and we found a significant association between the gut microbiome and Crohn’s disease. In addition, our method ranks the significant factors associated with the host phenotype to provide potential biomarkers.
Semi-deconvolution of bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data with application to metastatic progression in breast cancer
Authors: Lei Haoyun , Guo Xiaoyan A , Tao Yifeng , Ding Kai , Fu Xuecong , Oesterreich Steffi , Lee Adrian V , Schwartz Russell
Published: April 2022

Motivation

Identifying cell types and their abundances and how these evolve during tumor progression is critical to understanding the mechanisms of metastasis and identifying predictors of metastatic potential that can guide the development of new diagnostics or therapeutics. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has been especially promising in resolving heterogeneity of expression programs at the single-cell level, but is not always feasible, e.g. for large cohort studies or longitudinal analysis of archived samples. In such cases, clonal subpopulations may still be inferred via genomic deconvolution, but deconvolution methods have limited ability to resolve fine clonal structure and may require reference cell type profiles that are missing or imprecise. Prior methods can eliminate the need for reference profiles but show unstable performance when few bulk samples are available.

Results

In this work, we develop a new method using reference scRNA-seq to interpret sample collections for which only bulk RNA-seq is available for some samples, e.g. clonally resolving archived primary tissues using scRNA-seq from metastases. By integrating such information in a Quadratic Programming framework, our method can recover more accurate cell types and corresponding cell type abundances in bulk samples. Application to a breast tumor bone metastases dataset confirms the power of scRNA-seq data to improve cell type inference and quantification in same-patient bulk samples.

Availability and implementation

Source code is available on Github at https://github.com/CMUSchwartzLab/RADs.