bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Pressure Studies of Correlated Electron Systems
Authors: Jorba Pau , Regnat Alexander , Tong Anh , Seifert Marc , Bauer Andreas , Schulz Michael , Franz Christian , Schneidewind Astrid , Kunkemöller Stefan , Jenni Kevin , Braden Markus , Deyerling Andre , Wilde Marc A. , Schilling James S. , Pfleiderer Christian
Published: March 2022

Tuning the electronic properties of transition‐metal and rare‐earth compounds by virtue of changes of the crystallographic lattice constants offers controlled access to new forms of order. The development of tungsten carbide (WC) and moissanite Bridgman cells conceived for studies of the electrical resistivity up to 10 GPa, as well as bespoke diamond anvil cells (DACs) developed for neutron depolarization studies up to 20 GPa is reviewed. For the DACs, the applied pressure changes as a function of temperature in quantitative agreement with the thermal expansion of the pressure cell. A setup is described that is based on focusing neutron guides for measurements of the depolarization of a neutron beam by samples in a DAC. The technical progress is illustrated in terms of three examples. Measurements of the resistivity and neutron depolarization provide evidence of ferromagnetic order in SrRuO3up to 14 GPa close to a putative quantum phase transition. Combining hydrostatic, uniaxial, and quasi‐hydrostatic pressure, the emergence of incipient superconductivity in CrB2is observed. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity in is consistent with emergent Kondo correlations and an enhanced coupling of magneto‐elastic excitations with the conduction electrons at low and intermediate temperatures, respectively.
Experimental Observations versus First‐Principles Calculations for Ni–Mn–Ga Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys: A Review
Authors: Seiner Hanuš , Zelený Martin , Sedlák Petr , Straka Ladislav , Heczko Oleg
Published: March 2022

This review summarizes recent advances in first‐principles simulations of the structural, mechanical, and magnetomechanical properties of Ni–Mn–Ga‐based ferromagnetic shape memory alloys from the perspective of experimental characterization. It focuses on calculations that can capture the main features of the low‐temperature phases, particularly the appearance of spatial modulations, the occurrence of intermartensitic transitions, and the high mobility of the twin boundaries, which allows for magnetically induced reorientation. Although the calculations can only be used to interpret some of these features and are not yet ready to be used as a tool for designing new alloys with the required properties, the gap between experimental observations and simulations is narrowing. When experiments and theory are discussed together, new challenges arise for both. In addition, new results on first‐principles‐determined elastic constants of the 10M martensite of Ni–Mn–Ga are presented and discussed with respect to the high mobility of the twin boundaries.
Stochastic modeling and availability optimization of condenser used in steam turbine power plants using GA and PSO
Authors: Saini Monika , Gupta Nivedita , Shankar Venkatesh Gauri , Kumar Ashish
Published: March 2022

The prominent objective of the present study is to optimize the availability of condenser units in steam turbine power plants. For this purpose, a novel stochastic model is proposed by considering a condenser as a system consisting of seven subsystems. All the time‐dependent random variables associated with failure rates followed exponential distribution while repair rates are arbitrarily distributed. Furthermore, to attain the optimum value of system availability nature‐inspired algorithm has been applied. Predicting the future phenomena is very difficult and most of the existing algorithms have some limitations like stuck at local minima, and slow convergence rate, and so forth. So, in this study proposed model has been optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO)

The expressions for steady‐state availability of the system have been assessed using Chapman‐Kolmogorov differential‐difference equations developed by applying the Markov birth‐death process. The supplementary variable technique has been adopted to solve differential‐difference equations

For a comparative analysis, the steady‐state values, GA, and PSO results are compared. It is revealed that the GA gives the maximum value of availability as 0.9886 corresponding to crossover probability 0.65, population size 50, evaluation 300, and mutation probability 0.5. While using PSO optimum availability value is 0.998152 at 27 iterations, population 55, inertia weight 1, damping ratio 0.85, personal best 1.5, and global best 2. So, PSO results outperform the steady‐state and GA results. It is revealed that mixed bed filter and ejector are the most sensitive components of the condenser those influences most the system effectiveness.
Anaesthetic management of a cat with diabetes mellitus undergoing glucagonoma excision
Authors: Martín Bellido Valeria , Monticelli Paolo , Vettorato Enzo
Published: March 2022

An 11‐year‐old, 3.3 kg, male neutered, domestic longhair cat with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus was referred for surgical excision of a glucagonoma – a pancreatic tumour that produces an excessive amount of glucagon. Methadone was administered intravenously, and anaesthesia was induced intravenously with alfaxalone and maintained with sevoflurane in 100% oxygen. An extradural catheter was placed at the lumbo‐sacral site and its tip was advanced approximately to the second lumbar vertebrae. Preservative‐free buprenorphine and 0.5% levobupivacaine were administered. Intraoperatively, haemodynamic changes were monitored using a non‐invasive cardiac output monitor. During anaesthesia, hyperglycaemia and hypotension were the two main complications recorded. Postoperative analgesia was provided administering 0.25% levobupivacaine extradurally every 4 hours for the first 24 hours. The blood glucose concentration decreased postoperatively, and insulin administration was restarted 7 hours after surgery when the cat started eating voluntarily. No other complications occurred, and the cat was discharged from the hospital 72 hours after the surgery.
Software update: The ORCA program system—Version 5.0
Authors: Neese Frank
Published: March 2022

Version 5.0 of the ORCA quantum chemistry program suite was released in July 2021. ORCA 5.0 represents a major improvement over all previous versions of ORCA and features (1) highly improved performance, (2) increased numerical robustness, (3) a host of new functionality, and (4) greatly improved user friendliness. The article describes the most salient features of the program.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Data Science > Computer Algorithms and Programming

Software > Quantum Chemistry
Pyrolysis and gasification at water resource recovery facilities: Status of the industry
Authors: Winchell Lloyd J. , Ross John J. , Brose Dominic A. , Pluth Thaís B. , Fonoll Xavier , Norton John W. , Bell Katherine Y.
Published: March 2022

Wastewater treatment generates solids requiring subsequent processing. Costs and contaminant concerns (e.g., per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS]) are challenging widely used landfilling and land application practices. These circumstances are partly driving the re‐emergence of pyrolysis and gasification technologies along with beneficial reuse prospects of the char solid residual. Previously, technologies experienced operational challenges leading to revised configurations, such as directly coupling a thermal oxidizer to the reactor to destroy tar forming compounds. This paper provides an overview of pyrolysis and gasification technologies, characteristics of the char product, air emission considerations, and potential fate of PFAS and other pollutants through the systems. Results from a survey of viable suppliers illustrate differences in commercially available options. Additional research is required to validate performance over the long‐term operation and confirm contaminant fate, which will help determine whether resurging interest in pyrolysis and gasification warrants widespread adoption.

Practitioner Points

Pyrolysis and gasification systems are re‐emerging in the wastewater industry.

Direct coupling of thermal oxidizers and other modifications offered by contemporary systems aim to overcome past failures.

Process conditions when coupled with a thermal oxidizer will likely destroy most organic contaminants, including PFAS, but requires additional research.

Three full‐scale facilities recently operated, several in construction or design that will provide operating experience for widespread technology adoption consideration.
Requirements Engineering in the Market Dialogue Phase of Public Procurement: A Case Study of an Innovation Partnership for Medical Technology
Authors: Brataas Gunnar , Hanssen Geir Kjetil , Qiu Xinlu , Græslie Lisa S.
Published: March 2022

Context and Motivation: In 2016, the European Union introduced ‘innovation partnerships’ to facilitate innovative development of the EU through public procurement. Requirements engineering is one of the main challenges in the public procurement of innovative products. Nevertheless, there is little empirical research on public procurement, particularly managing requirements in the pre-tender dialogue phase between potential suppliers and problem owners.

Question/Problem: This paper investigates the market dialogue phase of an innovation partnership project in Norway. We aim to understand critical factors of the dialogue phase that clarify and focus needs and requirements. This leads to the research question: How can we clarify and focus needs and requirements for a new solution in the market dialogue phase?

Principal Ideas/Results: We have conducted a case study at a major Norwegian hospital. The objective of this innovation partnership is to make the emergency room in a Norwegian hospital more efficient. The case study illustrates how requirements have been developed by the joint effort of the procurement team, the active engagement of potential suppliers, and the learning and mutual trust between them. By discussing the vision and getting feedback on opportunities and limitations in existing and projected technologies, the procurement team has refined their ambition and focused on the core of the innovation.

Contribution: This paper contributes to the literature on requirement engineering in public procurement by describing how requirements are focused during the dialogue phase of an innovation partnership facilitated by a cross-functional procurement team with sufficient competencies, resources, and trust.
An ecological study of temporal trends in ‘deaths of despair’ in England and Wales
Authors: Augarde Elizabeth , Gunnell David , Mars Becky , Hickman Matthew
Published: March 2022

Purpose

There is growing interest in the concept of ‘deaths of despair’ (DoD)—defined as deaths from three causes: suicide, drug poisoning, and alcohol-related conditions—as a more comprehensive indicator of the impact of psychological distress on mortality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the degree of commonality in trends and geographic patterning of deaths from these causes in England and Wales.

Methods

WHO mortality data were used to calculate age-standardised, sex-specific temporal trends in DoD mortality and in mortality from suicide, drug poisonings, and alcohol-related conditions in England and Wales, 2001–2016. Three-year average crude rates were calculated for English local authorities for 2016–2018 and associations between rates were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation.

Results

Between 2001 and 2016, the DoD mortality rate increased by 21·6% (males) and 16·9% (females). The increase was largely due to a rise in drug poisoning deaths, with limited tracking between trends in mortality by each cause. DoD mortality risk was highest in middle-aged people; there were rises in all age groups except 15–24 year old males and 65 + females. There were strong positive correlations (r = 0.66(males) and 0.60(females)) between local authority-area drug poisoning and alcohol-specific mortality rates in 2016–2018. Correlations of these outcomes with suicide were weaker (r = 0.29–0.54).

Conclusions

DoD mortality is increasing in England and Wales but there is limited evidence of commonality in the epidemiology of cause-specific mortality from the component causes of DoD (suicide, drug poisoning and alcohol-related conditions), indicating the need for tailored prevention for each outcome.
Spectroscopic investigation of faeces with surface-enhanced Raman scattering: a case study with coeliac patients on gluten-free diet
Authors: Fornasaro Stefano , Esposito Alessandro , Florian Fiorella , Pallavicini Alberto , De Leo Luigina , Not Tarcisio , Lagatolla Cristina , Mezzarobba Marica , Di Silvestre Alessia , Sergo Valter , Bonifacio Alois
Published: March 2022

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of faecal samples can be obtained by adding AuNP to their methanol extracts according to the reported protocol, and display bands that are due to bilirubin-like species but also to xanthine and hypoxanthine, two metabolic products secreted by gut bacteria. A total of 27 faecal samples from three different groups, i.e. coeliac patients (n = 9), coeliac patients on gluten-free diet (n = 10) and a control group (n = 8), were characterized with both SERS spectroscopy and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. Significant differences are present between SERS spectra of coeliac patients and those on gluten-free diet, with a marked increase in the relative intensity of both xanthine and hypoxanthine for the latter. Interestingly, these differences do not correlate with bacterial composition as derived from 16S rRNA sequencing.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Robotic Surgery From 2001 to 2021
Authors: Musbahi A. , Rao C. B. , Immanuel A.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Bibliometric analyses are a method of evaluating the quality of research output in a certain domain. Robotic surgery has made vast leaps during the past 20 years and this paper aimed to assess some of the main areas of research using this method.

Methods

A search was undertaken for documents published between 2001 and 2021 from the World of Science database, using the keywords ‘robotic surgery’, ‘robotic assisted surgery’ and ‘robotic‐assisted surgery. Results were compared using numerous bibliometric methodologies, and stratified by source‐specific metrics, author‐specific metrics and country‐specific metrics.

Results

The search yielded 3839 documents, from 879 different sources. Only 2% of sources were found to be within Bradford's Zone 1 of research and the most relevant sources were from the field of urology. The Journal of Urology and Surgical Endoscopy and other Techniques ranked highly among metrics such as H, G, M index and total citations. The top‐rated authors had a H index of 15 in the field of robotic surgery and the total citations reached a peak at 1342. The USA, Japan and Italy were the most productive nations and increased collaborative research is leading to a greater number of multiple‐centre publications.

Conclusion

Research into robotic surgery is still in its infancy with further reviews of the literature and greater output through large randomised controlled trials in multiple centres through collaborative research needed.
Diagnosis of joint invasion in patients with malignant bone tumors: value and reproducibility of direct and indirect signs on MR imaging
Authors: Bodden Jannis , Neumann Jan , Rasper Michael , Fingerle Alexander A. , Knebel Carolin , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Specht Katja , Mogler Carolin , Bollwein Christine , Schwaiger Benedikt J. , Gersing Alexandra S. , Woertler Klaus
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the performance and reproducibility of MR imaging features in the diagnosis of joint invasion (JI) by malignant bone tumors.

Methods

MR images of patients with and without JI (n = 24 each), who underwent surgical resection at our institution, were read by three radiologists. Direct (intrasynovial tumor tissue (ITT), intraarticular destruction of cartilage/bone, invasion of capsular/ligamentous insertions) and indirect (tumor size, signal alterations of epiphyseal/transarticular bone (bone marrow replacement/edema-like), synovial contrast enhancement, joint effusion) signs of JI were assessed. Odds ratios, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and reproducibilities (Cohen’s and Fleiss’ κ) were calculated for each feature. Moreover, the diagnostic performance of combinations of direct features was assessed.

Results

Forty-eight patients (28.7 ± 21.4 years, 26 men) were evaluated. All readers reliably assessed the presence of JI (sensitivity = 92–100 %; specificity = 88–100%, respectively). Best predictors for JI were direct visualization of ITT (OR = 186–229, p < 0.001) and destruction of intraarticular bone (69–324, p < 0.001). Direct visualization of ITT was also highly reliable in assessing JI (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV = 92–100 %), with excellent reproducibility (κ = 0.83). Epiphyseal bone marrow replacement and synovial contrast enhancement were the most sensitive indirect signs, but lacked specificity (29–54%). By combining direct signs with high specificity, sensitivity was increased (96 %) and specificity (100 %) was maintained.

Conclusion

JI by malignant bone tumors can reliably be assessed on preoperative MR images with high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility. Particularly direct visualization of ITT, destruction of intraarticular bone, and a combination of highly specific direct signs were valuable, while indirect signs were less predictive and specific.

Key Points

• Direct visualization of intrasynovial tumor was the single most sensitive and specific (92–100%) MR imaging sign of joint invasion.

• Indirect signs of joint invasion, such as joint effusion or synovial enhancement, were less sensitive and specific compared to direct signs.

• A combination of the most specific direct signs of joint invasion showed best results with perfect specificity and PPV (both 100%) and excellent sensitivity and NPV (both 96 %).
Learning the shape of female breasts: an open-access 3D statistical shape model of the female breast built from 110 breast scans
Authors: Weiherer Maximilian , Eigenberger Andreas , Egger Bernhard , Brébant Vanessa , Prantl Lukas , Palm Christoph
Published: March 2022

We present theRegensburg Breast Shape Model(RBSM)—a 3D statistical shape model of the female breast built from 110 breast scans acquired in a standing position, and the first publicly available. Together with the model, a fully automated, pairwise surface registration pipeline used to establish dense correspondence among 3D breast scans is introduced. Our method is computationally efficient and requires only four landmarks to guide the registration process. A major challenge when modeling female breasts from surface-only 3D breast scans is the non-separability of breast and thorax. In order to weaken the strong coupling between breast and surrounding areas, we propose to minimize thevarianceoutside the breast region as much as possible. To achieve this goal, a novel concept calledbreast probability masks(BPMs) is introduced. A BPM assigns probabilities to each point of a 3D breast scan, telling howlikelyit is that a particular point belongs to the breast area. During registration, we use BPMs to align the template to the target as accurately as possibleinsidethe breast region and only roughly outside. This simple yet effective strategy significantly reduces the unwanted variance outside the breast region, leading to better statistical shape models in which breast shapes are quite well decoupled from the thorax. The RBSM is thus able to produce a variety of different breast shapes as independently as possible from the shape of the thorax. Our systematic experimental evaluation reveals a generalization ability of 0.17 mm and a specificity of 2.8 mm. To underline the expressiveness of the proposed model, we finally demonstrate in two showcase applications how the RBSM can be used for surgical outcome simulation and the prediction of a missing breast from the remaining one. Our model is available athttps://www.rbsm.re-mic.de/.
Velocity-based resistance training: do women need greater velocity loss to maximize adaptations?
Authors: Rissanen J. , Walker S. , Pareja-Blanco F. , Häkkinen K.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Men and women typically display different neuromuscular characteristics, force–velocity relationships, and differing strength deficit (upper vs. lower body). Thus, it is not clear how previous recommendations for training with velocity-loss resistance training based on data in men will apply to women. This study examined the inter-sex differences in neuromuscular adaptations using 20% and 40% velocity-loss protocols in back squat and bench press exercises.

Methods

The present study employed an 8-week intervention (2 × week) comparing 20% vs. 40% velocity-loss resistance training in the back squat and bench press exercises in young men and women (~ 26 years). Maximum strength (1-RM) and submaximal-load mean propulsive velocity (MPV) for low- and high-velocity lifts in squat and bench press, countermovement jump and vastus lateralis cross-sectional area were measured at pre-, mid-, and post-training. Surface EMG of quadriceps measured muscle activity during performance tests.

Results

All groups increased 1-RM strength in squat and bench press exercises, as well as MPV using submaximal loads and countermovement jump height (P < 0.05). No statistically significant between-group differences were observed, but higher magnitudes following 40% velocity loss in 1-RM (g = 0.60) and in low- (g = 1.42) and high-velocity (g = 0.98) lifts occurred in women. Training-induced improvements were accompanied by increases in surface EMG amplitude and vastus lateralis cross-sectional area.

Conclusion

Similar increases in strength and power performance were observed in men and women over 8 weeks of velocity-based resistance training. However, some results suggest that strength and power gains favor using 40% rather than 20% velocity loss in women.
Assessment of agricultural sustainability in European Union countries: a group-based multivariate trajectory approach
Authors: Magrini Alessandro
Published: March 2022

Sustainability of agriculture is difficult to measure and assess because it is a multidimensional concept that involves economic, social and environmental aspects and is subjected to temporal evolution and geographical differences. Existing studies assessing agricultural sustainability in the European Union (EU) are affected by several shortcomings that limit their relevance for policy makers. Specifically, most of them focus on farm level or cover a small set of countries, and the few exceptions covering a broad set of countries consider only a subset of the sustainable dimensions or rely on cross-sectional data. In this paper, we consider yearly data on 12 indicators (5 for the economic, 3 for the social and 4 for the environmental dimension) measured on 26 EU countries in the period 2004–2018 (15 years), and apply group-based multivariate trajectory modeling to identify groups of countries with common trends of sustainable objectives. An expectation-maximization algorithm is proposed to perform maximum likelihood estimation from incomplete data without relying on an explicit imputation procedure. Our results highlight three groups of countries with distinguished strong and weak sustainable objectives. Strong objectives common to all the three groups include improvement of productivity, increase of personal income in rural areas, reduction of poverty in rural areas, increase of production of renewable energy, rise of organic farming and reduction of nitrogen balance. Instead, enhancement of manager turnover and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are weak objectives common to all the three groups of countries. Our findings represent a valuable resource to formulate new schemes for the attribution of subsidies within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Conservation of Latin America freshwater biodiversity: beyond political borders
Authors: Kuemmerlen Mathias , Batista-Morales Angélica María , Bruder Andreas , Turak Eren , de Oliveira Roque Fabio
Published: March 2022

Latin America’s tremendous socio-cultural and biological diversity has evolved along tightly intertwined, far-reaching river networks. Decisions taken by any one country, may have strong impacts on the regional and even global biodiversity conservation agenda, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity. Here we comment on four perspectives complementing actions suggested by Azevedo-Santos et al. (2021) in their Commentary “Conservation of Brazilian freshwater biodiversity: Thinking about the next 10 years and beyond”. This contribution aims at attaining an effective conservation of freshwater biodiversity in Latin America, particularly in the context of the ongoing negotiations on the Global Biodiversity Framework. Our suggestions put forward cross-border perspectives, urging governments to engage in actions that consider the reality of and threats to transnational ecosystems such as many river basins of Latin America and elsewhere.
Making Sense of Vicarious Responsibility: Moral Philosophy Meets Legal Theory
Authors: Glavaničová Daniela , Pascucci Matteo
Published: March 2022

Vicarious responsibility is a notoriously puzzling notion in normative reasoning. In this article we will explore two fundamental issues, which we will call the “explication problem” and the “justification problem”. The former issue concerns how vicarious responsibility can plausibly be defined in terms of other normative concepts. The latter issue concerns how ascriptions of vicarious responsibility can be justified. We will address these two problems by combining ideas taken from legal theory and moral philosophy. Our analysis will emphasise the importance of the voluntary involvement of the normative parties considered liable in a relation with other normative parties who causally contributed to a prohibited state-of-affairs.
A Change of Heart: Human Cardiac Tissue Engineering as a Platform for Drug Development
Authors: Bremner Samantha B. , Gaffney Karen S. , Sniadecki Nathan J. , Mack David L.
Published: March 2022

Purpose of Review

Human cardiac tissue engineering holds great promise for early detection of drug-related cardiac toxicity and arrhythmogenicity during drug discovery and development. We describe shortcomings of the current drug development pathway, recent advances in the development of cardiac tissue constructs as drug testing platforms, and the challenges remaining in their widespread adoption.

Recent Findings

Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) have been used to develop a variety of constructs including cardiac spheroids, microtissues, strips, rings, and chambers. Several ambitious studies have used these constructs to test a significant number of drugs, and while most have shown proper negative inotropic and arrhythmogenic responses, few have been able to demonstrate positive inotropy, indicative of relative hPSC-CM immaturity.

Several engineered human cardiac tissue platforms have demonstrated native cardiac physiology and proper drug responses. Future studies addressing hPSC-CM immaturity and inclusion of patient-specific cell lines will further advance the utility of such models for in vitro drug development.
Impact of metal mining on per capita family income in Peru
Authors: Mamani René Paz Paredes , Mayta Roberto Arpi , Flores Roberto Chávez , Uchiri Faustino Ccama
Published: March 2022

The objective of the research was to measure the impact of metal mining production on per capita family income at the district level, during the period 2003 and 2019. For this purpose, the data from the United Nations report and the econometric methodology of difference in differences were used with and without spatial effects. The results without spatial effect show that the impact of mining on monthly per capita family income between 2003 and 2019 was 207.42 soles. However, considering the effects of spatial spillover, the total impact was 291.61 soles, which is decomposed into a direct and indirect impact of 189.77 soles and 101.84 soles, respectively. Likewise, the results suggest that there is a total impact of 77.25 soles on the per capita family income of the neighboring non-mining district. These results suggest that there is ample space for the design and implementation of public policies for the mining sector.
21-Component compositionally complex ceramics: Discovery of ultrahigh-entropy weberite and fergusonite phases and a pyrochlore-weberite transition
Authors: Qin Mingde , Vega Heidy , Zhang Dawei , Adapa Sarath , Wright Andrew J. , Chen Renkun , Luo Jian
Published: March 2022

Two new high-entropy ceramics (HECs) in the weberite and fergusonite structures, along with the unexpected formation of ordered pyrochlore phases with ultrahigh-entropy compositions and an abrupt pyrochlore-weberite transition, are discovered in a 21-component oxide system. While the Gibbs phase rule allows 21 equilibrium phases, 9 out of the 13 compositions examined possess single HEC phases (with ultrahigh ideal configurational entropies: ∼2.7kB per cation or higher on one sublattice in most cases). Notably, (15RE1/15)(Nb1/2Ta1/2)O4 possess a single monoclinic fergusonite (C2/c) phase, and (15RE1/15)3(Nb1/2Ta1/2)1O7 form a single orthorhombic (C2221) weberite phase, where 15RE1/15 represents Sc1/15Y1/15La1/15Pr1/15Nd1/15Sm1/15Eu1/15Gd1/15Tb1/15Dy1/15Ho1/15Er1/15Tm1/15 Yb1/15Lu1/15. Moreover, a series of eight (15RE1/15)2+x(Ti1/4Zr1/4Ce1/4H1/4)2−2x(Nb1/2Ta1/2)xO7 specimens all exhibit single phases, where a pyrochlore-weberite transition occurs within 0.75 < x < 0.8125. This cubic-to-orthorhombic transition does not change the temperature-dependent thermal conductivity appreciably, as the amorphous limit may have already been achieved in the ultrahigh-entropy 21-component oxides. These discoveries expand the diversity and complexity of HECs, towards many-component compositionally complex ceramics (CCCs) and ultrahigh-entropy ceramics.
State of the art review on physiochemical and engineering characteristics of fly ash and its applications
Authors: Ram Amit Kumar , Mohanty Supriya
Published: March 2022

The focus of this study is to critically review the physiochemical and engineering properties of the fly ash and its applications in various fields. The utilization of fly ash has become a widespread area, but the amount of utilization is still a serious issue. It has many beneficial qualities (such as pozzolanic property, fineness, spherical shape, lightweight, etc.), which enhance its properties and make it suitable for its utilization as a new construction material. For the bulk utilization of fly ash, it should be employed in the areas independent of any other parameters. So that, the disposal problem can be reduced significantly. The knowledge of its physiochemical characteristic helps in the judgment of appropriate fly ash for any particular type of work. Fly ash can be utilized in other areas such as asphalt concrete, geopolymer concrete, ground improvement, agricultural sector, roller compacted concrete, brick, etc. that will reduce the existing ashes, and also the disposal problem can be solved appreciably. The implementation of fly ash must be avoided below the natural ground water level and below 4 °C temperature conditions.
Perfusion-Based Recellularization of Rat Livers with Islets of Langerhans
Authors: Demko Peter , Hillebrandt Karl H. , Napierala Hendrik , Haep Nils , Tang Peter , Gassner Joseph M. G. V. , Kluge Martin , Everwien Hannah , Polenz Dietrich , Reutzel-Selke Anja , Raschzok Nathanael , Pratschke Johann , Sauer Igor M. , Struecker Benjamin , Dobrindt Eva M.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Artificial organs might serve as alternative solutions for whole organ transplantation. Decellularization of a liver provides a non-immunogenic matrix with the advantage of three afferent systems, the portal vein, the hepatic artery and the bile duct. This study aims to evaluate the recellularization of rat livers with islets of Langerhans via the bile duct and the portal vein for the comparison of different perfusion routes.

Methods

Rat livers were decellularized in a pressure-controlled perfusion manner and repopulated with intact isolated islets of Langerhans via either the portal vein or the bile duct.

Results

Repopulation via the portal vein showed islet clusters stuck within the vascular system demonstrated by ellipsoid borders of thick reticular tissue around the islet cluster in Azan staining. After recellularization via the bile duct, islets were distributed close to the vessels within the parenchymal space and without a surrounding reticular layer. Large clusters of islets had a diameter of up to 1000 µm without clear shapes.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the bile duct to be superior to the portal vein for repopulation of a decellularized rat liver with islets of Langerhans. This technique may serve as a bioengineering platform to generate an implantable and functional endocrine neo-pancreas and provide scaffolds with the anatomic benefit of three afferent systems to facilitate co-population of cells.
Understanding the Impact of Spot Market Electricity Price on Wastewater Asset Management Strategy
Authors: Do Phuong , Chow Christopher W. K. , Rameezdeen Raufdeen , Gorjian Nima
Published: March 2022

Development of an advanced pumping control scheme is one of the useful methods that can be applied in operational optimisation of wastewater pumps. Optimisation of pumping control can benefit the utility by overall cost saving using different electricity pricing schemes from the energy market. As electricity prices can be varied based on the spot market in some countries such as Australia, the consideration of operating the pumps at the most favourable electricity price, when managed correctly, can offer remarkable savings. This paper provides understanding on the electricity spot price behaviour of South Australia in the National Electricity Market (NEM). Half-hourly electricity spot price data of over 22 years from January 1999 to June 2021 were analysed to investigate the key characteristics of spot prices, including seasonality (intraday, intraweek and seasonal price patterns), spiky behaviour and occurrences of negative prices. In addition, the possible impacts of other factors on electricity spot prices such as electricity demand and weather conditions on pump control were examined. Results indicate a strong relationship between electricity demand and spot price with the Pearson correlation coefficient up to R = 0.95, and extreme high spot prices tended to occur on scorching days with the maximum temperature above 35 °C when air-conditioner usage was high. This paper also explains the importance of electricity spot prices in the wastewater pump on/off operations and analyses opportunities for cost savings by including electricity spot price forecasts as an input of the smart controller to enhance the efficiency of the real-time pumping control.
Impact of engine oil volatility and viscosity on blow-by aerosol formation
Authors: Scheiber Kai-Michael , Nowak Niclas , Lorenz Magnus Lukas , Pfeil Jürgen , Koch Thomas , Kasper Gerhard
Published: March 2022

Particulate emissions from diesel engines are a matter of public concern and continued industrial development. For an internal combustion engine, particles may originate either from the after treatment box or from the crankcase ventilation system. This paper quantifies and discusses particle sources within the crankcase ventilation system of a medium-duty 4-cylinder and a heavy-duty 6-cylinder engine and their dependence on the engine oil parameters viscosity (expressed as Noack number) and HTHS volatility. Crankcase aerosol spectra were measured by an optical particle counter in the size range of 0.3–5 µm. For a few cases data of filter samples downstream the separator unit are discussed for the total blow-by aerosol. Engines were found to behave very similarly with regard to changes in either oil parameter, with volatility generally being the far stronger factor of influence. Total particle mass concentration increased by a factor of up to 5 for a rise in Noack volatility of about 13–25%. The mass concentration downstream of the separator also increases with oil volatility. A variation of HTHS viscosity from 3.5 to 2.6 mPas generated a marginal change in aerosol output by a factor of about 1.2. However, and unexpectedly, the most viscose oil generated the relatively highest particle mass concentrations for both engines.
Preparation and Properties of Antibacterial Polyhexamethylene Biguanide/Palygorskite Composites as Zearalenone Adsorbents
Authors: Kang Yu R. , Mu B. , Zhu G. , Zhu Yong F. , Wang Ai Q.
Published: March 2022

Due to the environmental problems derived from the use of common surfactants as modifiers for clay mineral adsorbents to mitigate mycotoxin contamination of animal feeds, finding non-toxic modifiers to prepare safe and efficient adsorbents is necessary. The objective of the present study was, therefore, to modify acidified palygorskite with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) to obtain antibacterial polyhexamethylene biguanide/palygorskite (PHMB/Plg) composites for the removal of zearalenone, a common mycotoxin. The PHMB/Plg composites were characterized and analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and isothermal nitrogen adsorption analysis. The adsorption properties of the composites with respect to zearalenone and their antibacterial activity with respect toEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureuswere studied. The results indicated that the hydrophobicity of palygorskite was enhanced after modification with PHMB, which could effectively improve the adsorption property of palygorskite toward the nonpolar zearalenone molecules. The adsorption capacity of PHMB/Plg increased with increasing amounts of polyhexamethylene biguanide and increasing pH. The adsorption data were described well by pseudo-second order kinetics and by the Langmuir adsorption model. The maximum adsorption capacity was 2777 μg/g. When the amount of PHMB added increased to 15 wt.%, the composites obtained exhibited good antibacterial performance, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations forEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureuswere both at 2.5 mg/mL.
Directive 2311.01 on the Law of War Program (U.S. Dept. Defense)
Authors: VanLandingham Rachel E.
Published: March 2022

The significance of Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 2311.01E, The Law of War Program (DODD 2311.01E), last updated in 2020, is not simply rhetorical. Born in 1974 in immediate reaction to the well-publicized atrocities committed by U.S. service members in Vietnam (such as at My Lai and Song Thang), the original directive represented the most tangible and highest-level expression of the U.S. executive branch's desire that its members comply with the laws and customs of war. Beyond important symbolism, the original regulation created a true law of war program in more than name only by establishing an interrelated set of measures focused on training, reporting, and investigating with designated offices and positions of responsibility—measures expressly crafted to ensure law of war adherence. DODD 2311.01E maintains and improves the original 1974 program's compliance architecture, and in doing so operationalizes, more than any other DOD or military initiative, the U.S. national commitment that its military should live by the law of war's precepts.
Generalized Bloch type periodicity and applications to semi-linear differential equations in banach spaces
Authors: Wei Yanyan , Chang Yong-Kui
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we mainly introduce some new notions of generalized Bloch type periodic functions namely pseudo Bloch type periodic functions and weighted pseudo Bloch type periodic functions. A Bloch type periodic function may not be Bloch type periodic under certain small perturbations while it can be quasi Bloch type periodic in sense of generalized Bloch type periodic functions. We firstly show the completeness of spaces of generalized Bloch type periodic functions and establish some further properties such as composition and convolution theorems of such functions. We then apply these results to investigate existence results for generalized Bloch type periodic mild solutions to some semi-linear differential equations in Banach spaces. The obtained results show that for each generalized Bloch type periodic input forcing disturbance, the output mild solutions to reference evolution equations remain generalized Bloch type periodic.
Probability, valuations, hyperspace: Three monads on top and the support as a morphism
Authors: Fritz Tobias , Perrone Paolo , Rezagholi Sharwin
Published: March 2022

We consider three monads on
$\mathsf{Top}$
, the category of topological spaces, which formalize topological aspects of probability and possibility in categorical terms. The first one is the Hoare hyperspace monad H, which assigns to every space its space of closed subsets equipped with the lower Vietoris topology. The second one is the monad V of continuous valuations, also known as the extended probabilistic powerdomain. We construct both monads in a unified way in terms of double dualization. This reveals a close analogy between them and allows us to prove that the operation of taking the support of a continuous valuation is a morphism of monads
$V \to H$
. In particular, this implies that every H-algebra (topological complete semilattice) is also a V-algebra. We show that V can be restricted to a submonad of
$\tau$
-smooth probability measures on
$\mathsf{Top}$
. By composing these morphisms of monads, we obtain that taking the supports of
$\tau$
-smooth probability measures is also a morphism of monads.
Hydrogen Flooding of a Coal Core: Effect on Coal Swelling
Authors: Iglauer Stefan , Akhondzadeh Hamed , Abid Hussein , Paluszny Adriana , Keshavarz Alireza , Ali Muhammad , Giwelli Ausama , Esteban Lionel , Sarout Joel , Lebedev Maxim
Published: March 2022

Hydrogen is a clean fuel which has the potential to drastically decarbonize the energy supply chain. However, hydrogen storage is currently a key challenge; one solution to this problem is hydrogen geo‐storage, with which very large quantities of H2 can be stored economically. Possible target formations are deep coal seams, and coal permeability is a key parameter which determines how fast H2 can be injected and withdrawn again. However, it is well known that gas injection into coal can lead to coal swelling, which drastically reduces permeability. We thus injected H2 gas into a coal core and measured dynamic permeability, while imaging the core via x‐ray micro‐tomography at reservoir conditions. Importantly, no changes in coal cleat morphology or permeability were observed. We conclude that H2 geo‐storage in deep coal seams is feasible from a fundamental petro‐physical perspective; this work thus aids in the large‐scale implementation of a hydrogen economy.
Parameterizing Tabular‐Iceberg Decay in an Ocean Model
Authors: Huth A. , Adcroft A. , Sergienko O.
Published: March 2022

Large tabular icebergs account for the majority of ice mass calved from Antarctic ice shelves, but are omitted from climate models. Specifically, these models do not account for iceberg breakup and as a result, modeled large icebergs could drift to low latitudes. Here, we develop a physically based parameterization of iceberg breakup based on the “footloose mechanism” suitable for climate models. This mechanism describes breakup of ice pieces from the iceberg edges triggered by buoyancy forces associated with a submerged ice foot fringing the iceberg. This foot develops as a result of ocean‐induced melt and erosion of the iceberg freeboard explicitly parameterized in the model. We then use an elastic beam model to determine when the foot is large enough to trigger calving, as well as the size of each child iceberg, which is controlled with the ice stiffness parameter. We test the breakup parameterization with a realistic large iceberg calving‐size distribution in the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory OM4 ocean/sea‐ice model and obtain simulated iceberg trajectories and areas that closely match observations. Thus, the footloose mechanism appears to play a major role in iceberg decay that was previously unaccounted for in iceberg models. We also find that varying the size of the broken ice bits can influence the iceberg meltwater distribution more than physically realistic variations to the footloose decay rate.
Sestrin2 protects against cholestatic liver injury by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis
Authors: Han Daewon , Kim Haeil , Kim Soojin , Le Qui Anh , Han Seung Yun , Bae Jeongyun , Shin Hye Won , Kang Hyun-Goo , Han Kyung Ho , Shin Jongdae , Park Hwan-Woo
Published: March 2022

Chronic exposure to bile acid in the liver due to impaired bile flow induces cholestatic liver disease, resulting in hepatotoxicity and liver fibrosis. Sestrin2, a highly conserved, stress-inducible protein, has been implicated in cellular responses to multiple stress conditions and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. However, its role in cholestatic liver injury is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the role of hepatic Sestrin2 in cholestatic liver injury and its underlying mechanisms using in vivo and in vitro approaches. Hepatic Sestrin2 expression was upregulated by activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBP-β) after treatment with bile acids and correlated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses. Bile-duct ligation (BDL)-induced hepatocellular apoptosis and liver fibrosis were exacerbated in Sestrin2-knockout (Sesn2−/−) mice. Moreover, Sestrin2 deficiency enhanced cholestasis-induced hepatic ER stress, whereas Sestrin2 overexpression ameliorated bile acid-induced ER stress. Notably, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator AICAR reversed bile acid-induced ER stress in Sestrin2-deficient cells. Furthermore, Sestrin2 deficiency promoted cholestasis-induced hepatic pyroptosis by activating NLRP3 inflammasomes. Thus, our study provides evidence for the biological significance of Sestrin2 and its relationship with cholestatic liver injury, suggesting the potential role of Sestrin2 in regulating ER stress and inflammasome activation during cholestatic liver injury.
Mechanism of the trivalent lanthanides’ persistent luminescence in wide bandgap materials
Authors: Li Leipeng , Li Tianyi , Hu Yue , Cai Chongyang , Li Yunqian , Zhang Xuefeng , Liang Baolai , Yang Yanmin , Qiu Jianrong
Published: March 2022

The trivalent lanthanides have been broadly utilized as emitting centers in persistent luminescence (PersL) materials due to their wide emitting spectral range, which thus attract considerable attention over decades. However, the origin of the trivalent lanthanides’ PersL is still an open question, hindering the development of excellent PersL phosphors and their broad applications. Here, the PersL of 12 kinds of the trivalent lanthanides with the exception of La3+, Lu3+, and Pm3+ is reported, and a mechanism of the PersL of the trivalent lanthanides in wide bandgap hosts is proposed. According to the mechanism, the excitons in wide bandgap materials transfer their recombination energy to the trivalent lanthanides that bind the excitons, followed by the generation of PersL. During the PersL process, the trivalent lanthanides as isoelectronic traps bind excitons, and the binding ability is not only related to the inherent arrangement of the 4f electrons of the trivalent lanthanides, but also to the extrinsic ligand field including anion coordination and cation substitution. Our work is believed to be a guidance for designing high-performance PersL phosphors.