bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructing Active BN Sites in Carbon Nanosheets for High‐Capacity and Fast Charging Toward Potassium Ion Storage
Authors: Yang Liuqian , Cao Zhen , Yin Jian , Wang Chunyan , Ouyang Dandan , Zhu Hui , Wang Yanan , Cavallo Luigi , Alshareef Husam N. , Yin Jiao
Published: February 2023

Nitrogen doping is an effective strategy to improve potassium ion storage of carbon electrodes via the creation of adsorption sites. However, various undesired defects are often uncontrollably generated during the doping process, limiting doping effect on capacity enhancement and deteriorating the electric conductivity. Herein, boron element is additionally introduced to construct 3D interconnected B, N co‐doped carbon nanosheets to remedy these adverse effects. This work demonstrates that boron incorporation preferentially converts pyrrolic N species into BN sites with lower adsorption energy barrier, further enhancing the capacity of B, N co‐doped carbon. Meanwhile, the electric conductivity is modulated via the conjugation effect between the electron‐rich N and electron‐deficient B, accelerating the charge‐transfer kinetics of potassium ions. The optimized samples deliver a high specific capacity, high rate capability, and long‐term cyclic stability (532.1 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1, 162.6 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 over 8000 cycles). Furthermore, hybrid capacitors using the B, N co‐doped carbon anode deliver a high energy and power density with excellent cycle life. This study demonstrates a promising approach using BN sites for adsorptive capacity and electric conductivity enhancement in carbon materials for electrochemical energy storage applications.
Dimensionality reduction using elastic measures
Authors: Tucker J. Derek , Martinez Matthew T. , Laborde Jose M.
Published: February 2023

With the recent surge in big data analytics for hyperdimensional data, there is a renewed interest in dimensionality reduction techniques. In order for these methods to improve performance gains and understanding of the underlying data, a proper metric needs to be identified. This step is often overlooked, and metrics are typically chosen without consideration of the underlying geometry of the data. In this paper, we present a method for incorporating elastic metrics into the t‐distributed stochastic neighbour embedding (t‐SNE) and Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP). We apply our method to functional data, which is uniquely characterized by rotations, parameterization and scale. If these properties are ignored, they can lead to incorrect analysis and poor classification performance. Through our method, we demonstrate improved performance on shape identification tasks for three benchmark data sets (MPEG‐7, Car data set and Plane data set of Thankoor), where we achieve 0.77, 0.95 and 1.00 F1 score, respectively.
Naringin against doxorubicin‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice through reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via the up‐regulation of SIRT1
Authors: Xi Yan , Chi Zhongchao , Tao Xufeng , Zhai Xiaohan , Zhao Zirui , Ren Jiaqi , Yang Shilei , Dong Deshi
Published: February 2023

Clinical application of doxorubicin is limited because of its potential side effects. The present study examined whether naringin had protective actions on doxorubicin‐induced liver injury. Male BALB/c mice and alpha mouse liver 12 (AML‐12) cells were used in this paper. The results showed that AML‐12 cells treated with naringin significantly reduced cell injury, reactive oxygen species release and apoptosis level; Moreover, naringin notably alleviated liver injury by decreasing aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and malondialdehyde, and increasing superoxide dismutase, glutathione and catalase levels. Mechanism researches indicated that naringin increased the expression levels of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and inhibited the downstream inflammatory, apoptotic and oxidative stress signaling pathways. Further validation was obtained by knocking down SIRT1 in vitro, which proved the effects of naringin on doxorubicin‐induced liver injury. Therefore, naringin is a valuable lead compound for preventing doxorubicin‐induced liver damage by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via up‐regulation of SIRT1.
Pumping stations for today's steel degassing requirements
Authors: Heitz Ingo , Boller Moritz
Published: February 2023

This article focuses on the vacuum equipment used in vacuum degassing (VD) and vacuum oxygen decarburization (VOD) processes. Despite harsh process conditions caused by outgassing and the process gases themselves, there are various pumping principles and designs of vacuum pumps that can be used. Through clever pump selection there is an opportunity to realize substantial energy and operating resource savings on the vacuum pumping side. Last but not least, a new pump series will be presented that further contributes to cost reduction through higher efficiency.
Vakuumdeponierte dünne Schichten polarisieren
Authors: Sattler René
Published: February 2023

Außergewöhnliche Anwendungen erfordern außergewöhnliche Lösungen. Mit Fachwissen und den technischen Möglichkeiten von heute lassen sich im Bereich der Dünnfilmpolarisatoren auch komplexe Schichtdesigns umsetzen, mit denen sich Funktionalitäten und Anwendungsbereiche erschließen, die für diese Optiken bisher überhaupt nicht in Betracht gezogen wurden – zum Beispiel als „Leuchtkraftverstärker“ in Projektoren oder als „Effizienz‐Boost“ beim Erzeugen von frequenzverdoppelten Laserstrahlen.
3D‐Druck für Hochvakuumanwendungen
Authors: Wolf Christian , Prechtl Martin , Bauer René , Dinkel Michael , Beck Fabian , Franz Leopold , Neumeyer Viktor
Published: February 2023

Anlässlich unseres Jubiläums präsentieren wir von den Lesern unserer Online‐Ausgabe besonders geschätzte Beiträge erneut im Druck. Hier:

Die 3D‐Druck‐Technologie hat den Sprung von einer hobbymäßigen Privatanwendung in den industriellen Fertigungsbereich geschafft. Auf Grund wachsender Zuverlässigkeit der Drucker und zunehmender Material‐diversität, insbesondere im Metallbereich, sind in den kommenden Jahren Steigerungsraten im zweistelligen Prozentbereich möglich.

Diese Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der Fertigung von Bauteilen mittels 3D‐Drucks für einen Einsatz im Hochvakuum. Es werden unterschiedliche Komponenten realisiert und auf ihre Vakuumtauglichkeit untersucht.

Wie in dieser Arbeit zudem gezeigt, können herkömmlich hergestellte Standardkomponenten mit gedruckten Teilen vakuumdicht verschweißt werden, was eine kostengünstige Fertigung komplexerer Komponenten wie z. B. einer Vakuumkammer ermöglicht. Darüber hinaus lassen sich funktionale Komponenten bereits im Herstellungsprozess verwirklichen. Die Integration eines Systems aus Strömungskanälen direkt in die Wandung einer Vakuumkammer ist nur ein Beispiel hierfür. Damit lässt sich dieser Rezipient beim Evakuieren ausheizen und im späteren Betrieb effektiv kühlen.
Adding wind power to a wind‐rich grid: Evaluating secondary suitability metrics
Authors: Pearre Nathaniel S. , Swan Lukas G.
Published: February 2023

As the quantity of renewable electricity generation from wind farms increases in a region, the costs associated with integrating it into the broader electricity system also grow. This is primarily due to the need for dispatchable generators that vary power output to compensate for wind farm power variations. Such “balancing services” are an economic cost to the system that is typically not passed on to wind farms. We propose including the use of technical merits other than capacity factor and cost of energy for evaluating new wind farm sites and present a new graphical geospatial method, with the intention of identifying sites that minimize the need for additional electricity balancing service and transmission congestion. Specifically, locations with low correlation to existing wind farms, locations with high correlation to load, locations with high characteristic power time‐shift from existing wind farms, and locations that relieve or do not negatively impact electricity transmission congestion are identified. A geospatial Venn diagram‐based method of visualization is presented. These methods will equip regional planners with new tools to encourage wind farm development in areas that benefit the electricity grid beyond the lowest bid price.
Seeing wildlife behavior in a new way: Novel utilization of computer vision for focal reptile videography behavior study
Authors: Barnes Curt H. , Chumkiew Sirilak , Piyatadsananon Pantip , Strine Colin T.
Published: February 2023

Technology has the potential to assist and directly address ecological topics. Our study compared efficiency and efficacy of foreground‐detection computer vision and manual review methods for understanding behavior, natural history, and ecology of green pit vipers. Between 2015 and 2020 at the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve in Thailand, 18,871 scans (pictures and timelapse recordings) and 1,507 minutes of continuous videos were recorded for 6 adult female, big‐eyed pit vipers (Trimeresurus macrops). MotionMeerkat, an open source computer vision tool for finding ecological events in long video, appeared to be less efficient and overestimated presence of behaviors. Our study suggested that foreground‐detection computer vision methods, exemplified by the program MotionMeerkat, can be free and open‐source as well as easy to learn and use, but may not be as time efficient or fully address the complexity of ecological topics compared to review of images by human observers.
Viscous dissipation and chemical reaction effects on MHD nanofluid flow over a vertical plate in a rotating system
Authors: Padmaja K. , Rushi Kumar B.
Published: February 2023

Most fluids used in industries possess a constant velocity acting with them. In spite of the fact that there have been a few studies conducted on the topic, the study of fluid flow at a constant velocity using nanofluids is still relatively unexplored. The novelty of this work is the analysis of the heat, and mass transfer of the nanofluid Al2O3–H2O along with a constant velocity in a rotating system with Soret–Dufour effects. This article aims to investigate the MHD nanofluid flow in a vertical plate with a porous medium taking into account viscous dissipation, Joule heating, and a non‐uniform heat source/sink. The investigation is subject to steady‐state incompressible flow through a vertical plate with a magnetic field and chemical reaction effects. Equations pertinent to nanofluid flow have been modeled as nonlinear partial differential equations. These equations are reformed as nondimensional ODEs utilizing suitable similarity transformations. Employing, the Runge–Kutta method the system of ODEs is solved. The physical impacts of the fluid parameters on velocity, temperature, and concentration are illustrated clearly using graphs. Tables are utilized to present the rate of heat, mass transfer as well as the skin‐friction coefficient. A limiting case of our work compared with the existing literature to validate our results. Our results show that when rotation parameter rises from 4 to 6, it decreases the heat transfer rate by 10.8% and mass transfer rate by 5.9%.
The massless single off-shell scalar box integral — branch cut structure and all-order epsilon expansion
Authors: Haug Juliane , Wunder Fabian
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We investigate the single off-shell scalar box integral with massless internal lines in dimensional regularization. A special emphasis is given to higher orders in the dimensional regularization parameter epsilon, its branch cut structure, and kinematic limits. Common representations of the box integral introduce superficial branch cuts, which we eliminate to all orders in the epsilon expansion. In the literature so far a satisfactory solution for this issue only exists up to finite order in the epsilon expansion. However, for certain calculations at NNLO in perturbation theory, higher orders in epsilon of this integral are required. In this paper, we present results to all orders in epsilon in terms of single-valued polylogarithms and explicitly determine the real and imaginary part of the box integral in all kinematic regions.
1-form symmetry versus large N QCD
Authors: Cherman Aleksey , Jacobson Theodore , Neuzil Maria
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We show that large N QCD does not have an emergent ℤN 1-form symmetry. Our results suggest that a symmetry-based understanding of (approximate) confinement in QCD would require some further generalization of the notion of generalized global symmetries.
Dressed vs. pairwise states, and the geometric phase of monopoles and charges
Authors: Csáki Csaba , Dong Zi-Yu , Telem Ofri , Terning John , Yankielowicz Shimon
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We construct the Faddeev-Kulish dressed multiparticle states of electrically and magnetically charged particles, incorporating the effects of real and virtual soft photons. We calculate the properties of such dressed states under Lorentz transformations, and find that they can be identified with the pairwise multi-particle states that transform under the pairwise little group. The shifts in the dressing factors under Lorentz transformations are finite and have a simple geometric interpretation. Using the transformation properties of the dressed states we also present a novel, fully quantum field theoretic derivation of the geometric (Berry) phase obtained by an adiabatic rotation of the Dirac string, and also of the Dirac quantization condition. For half integer pairwise helicity, we show that these multiparticle states have flipped spin-statistics, reproducing the surprising fact that fermions can be made out of bosons.
Reducing the number of different members in truss layout optimization
Authors: Lu Hongjia , Xie Yi Min
Published: February 2023

Despite the long history of the truss layout optimization approach, its practical applications have been limited, partly due to high manufacturing costs associated with complex optimized structures consisting of members with different cross-sectional areas and member lengths. To address this issue, this study considers optimizing truss structures comprising limited types of members. On this topic, two distinct problems are considered, wherein the first problem, members of the same type share the same cross-sectional area (i.e., section-type problem); and in the second problem, members of the same type share the same cross-sectional area and length (i.e., member-type problem). A novel post-processing approach is proposed to tackle the target problems. In this approach, the optimized structures from the traditional layout and geometry optimization approaches are used as the starting points, members of which are then separated into groups by the k-means clustering approach. Subsequently, the clustered structures are geometrically optimized to reduce the area and length deviations (i.e., the differences between member area/length values and the corresponding cluster means). Several 2D and 3D examples are presented to demonstrate the capability of the proposed approaches. For the section-type problem, the area deviations can be reduced to near 0 for any given cluster number. The member-type problem is relatively more complex, but by providing more clusters, the maximum length deviation can be reduced below the target thresholds. Through the proposed clustering approach, the number of different members in the optimized trusses can be substantially decreased, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Normal forms for Dirac–Jacobi bundles and splitting theorems for Jacobi structures
Authors: Schnitzer Jonas
Published: February 2023

The aim of this paper is to prove a normal form Theorem for Dirac–Jacobi bundles using a recent techniques of Bursztyn, Lima and Meinrenken. As the most important consequence, we can prove the splitting theorems of Jacobi pairs which was proposed by Dazord, Lichnerowicz and Marle. As another application we provide an alternative proof of the splitting theorem of homogeneous Poisson structures.
Dithiotreitol pre-treatment of synovial fluid samples improves microbiological counts in peri-prosthetic joint infection
Authors: Drago Lorenzo , Romanò Delia , Fidanza Andrea , Giannetti Alessio , Erasmo Rocco , Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Romanò Carlo Luca
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Synovial fluid cultures of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) may be limited by bacteria living in the fluids as biofilm-aggregates. The antibiofilm pre-treatment of synovial fluids with dithiotreitol (DTT) could improve bacterial counts and microbiological early stage diagnosis in patients with suspected PJI.

Methods

Synovial fluids collected from 57 subjects, affected by painful total hip or knee replacement, were divided into two aliquots, one pre-treated with DTT and one with normal saline. All samples were plated for microbial counts. Sensitivity of cultural examination and bacterial counts of pre-treated and control samples were then calculated and statistically compared.

Results

Dithiothreitol pre-treatment led to a higher number of positive samples, compared to controls (27 vs 19), leading to a statistically significant increase in the sensitivity of the microbiological count examination from 54.3 to 77.1% and in colony-forming units count from 1884 ± 2.129 CFU/mL with saline pre-treatment to 20.442 ± 19.270 with DTT pre-treatment (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report showing the ability of a chemical antibiofilm pre-treatment to increase the sensitivity of microbiological examination in the synovial fluid of patients with peri-prosthetic joint infection. If confirmed by larger studies, this finding may have a significant impact on routine microbiological procedures applied to synovial fluids and brings further support to the key role of bacteria living in biofilm-formed aggregates in joint infections.
Functional morphology and biomechanics of arthropods
Authors: Wan Chao , Gorb Stanislav
Published: February 2023

Representatives of arthropods, the largest animal phylum, occupy terrestrial, aquatic, arboreal, and subterranean niches. Their evolutionary success depends on specific morphological and biomechanical adaptations related to their materials and structures. Biologists and engineers have become increasingly interested in exploring these natural solutions to understand relationships between structures, materials, and their functions in living organisms. The aim of this special issue is to present the state-of-the-art research in this interdisciplinary field using modern methodology, such as imaging techniques, mechanical testing, movement capture, and numerical modeling. It contains nine original research reports covering diverse topics, including flight, locomotion, and attachment of the arthropods. The research achievements are essential not only to understand ecological adaptations, and evolutionary and behavioral traits, but also to drive prominent advances for engineering from exploitation of numerous biomimetic ideas.
Anastomotic stricture prediction in patients with esophageal atresia with distal fistula
Authors: Newland Natalia , Snajdauf Jiri , Kokesova Alena , Styblova Jitka , Hradsky Ondrej , Meusel Isabel , Kucerova Barbora , Kyncl Martin , Simsova Magdalena , Mixa Vladimir , Rygl Michal
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To investigate potential early risk factors for anastomotic stricture formation and assess the predictive role of post-operative esophagrams.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients with esophageal atresia with distal fistula (EA/TEF) operated between 2011 and 2020. Fourteen predictive factors were tested for stricture development. Esophagrams were used to calculate early (SI1) and late (SI2) stricture index (SI = anastomosis diameter/upper pouch diameter).

Results

Of 185 patients operated for EA/TEF in the 10-year period, 169 patients met the inclusion criteria. Primary anastomosis was performed in 130 patients and delayed anastomosis in 39 patients. Stricture formed in 55 patients (33%) within 1 year from anastomosis. Four risk factors showed strong association with stricture formation in unadjusted models: long gap (p = 0.007), delayed anastomosis (p = 0.042), SI1 (p = 0.013) and SI2 (p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis showed SI1 as significantly predictive of stricture formation (p = 0.035). Cut-off values using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were 0.275 for SI1 and 0.390 for SI2. The area under the ROC curve demonstrated increasing predictiveness from SI1 (AUC 0.641) to SI2 (AUC 0.877).

Conclusions

This study identified an association between long gap and delayed anastomosis with stricture formation. Early and late stricture indices were predictive of stricture formation.
Factors influencing successful reconstruction of tympanic membrane perforations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Illés Kata , Gergő Dorottya , Keresztély Zsuzsanna , Dembrovszky Fanni , Fehérvári Péter , Bánvölgyi András , Csupor Dezső , Hegyi Péter , Horváth Tamás
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis, our study aimed to provide information about the factors that influence the success of tympanic membrane reconstruction.

Methods

Our systematic search was conducted on November 24, 2021, using the CENTRAL, Embase, and MEDLINE databases. Observational studies with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up on type I tympanoplasty or myringoplasty were included, while non-English articles, patients with cholesteatoma or specific inflammatory diseases, and ossiculoplasty cases were excluded. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021289240) and PRISMA reporting guideline was used. Risk of bias was evaluated with the QUIPS tool. A random effect model was used in the analyses. Primary outcome was the rate of closed tympanic cavities.

Results

After duplicate removal, 9454 articles were found, of which 39 cohort studies were included. Results of four analyses showed significant effects: age (OR: 0.62, CI 0.50; 0.78, p value: 0.0002), size of the perforation (OR: 0.52, CI 0.29; 0.94, p value: 0.033), opposite ear condition (OR: 0.32, CI 0.12; 0.85, p value: 0.028), and the surgeon’s experience (OR: 0.42, CI 0.26; 0.67, p value: 0.005), while prior adenoid surgery, smoking, the site of the perforation, and discharge of the ear did not. Four factors: etiology, Eustachian tube function, concomitant allergic rhinitis, and duration of the ear discharge were analyzed qualitatively.

Conclusions

The age of the patient, the size of the perforation, the opposite ear status, and the surgeon’s experience have a significant effect on the success of tympanic membrane reconstruction. Further comprehensive studies are needed to analyze the interactions between the factors.

Level of evidence

Not applicable.
Respiratory viruses in medicolegal autopsies during the winter season 2021/2022: observations after reduction of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions
Authors: Plenzig S. , Kettner M. , Berger A. , Ciesek S. , Verhoff M. A. , Rabenau H. F.
Published: February 2023

In the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, measures were taken to protect the population from infection. These were almost completely lifted in several countries in the spring of 2022. To obtain an overview of the spectrum of respiratory viruses encountered in autoptical routine case work, and their infectivity, all autopsy cases at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Frankfurt/M. with flu-like symptoms (among others) were examined for at least 16 different viruses via multiplex PCR and cell culture. Out of 24 cases, 10 were virus-positive in PCR: specifically, 8 cases with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), 1 with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and 1 with SARS-CoV-2 and the human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), as a double infection. The RSV infection and one of the SARS-CoV-2 infections were only detected due to the autopsy. Two SARS-CoV-2 cases (postmortem interval of 8 and 10 days, respectively) showed infectious virus in cell culture; the 6 other cases did not show infectious virus. In the RSV case, virus isolation by cell culture was unsuccessful (Ct value of 23.15 for PCR on cryoconserved lung tissue). HCoV-OC43 was measured as non-infectious in cell culture, with a Ct value of 29.57. The detection of RSV and HCoV-OC43 infections may shed light on the relevance of respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2 in postmortem settings; however, further, more extensive studies are needed for a robust assessment of the hazard potential due to infectious postmortem fluids and tissues in medicolegal autopsy settings.
Lazy Parameter Tuning and Control: Choosing All Parameters Randomly from a Power-Law Distribution
Authors: Antipov Denis , Buzdalov Maxim , Doerr Benjamin
Published: February 2023

Most evolutionary algorithms have multiple parameters and their values drastically affect the performance. Due to the often complicated interplay of the parameters, setting these values right for a particular problem (parameter tuning) is a challenging task. This task becomes even more complicated when the optimal parameter values change significantly during the run of the algorithm since then a dynamic parameter choice (parameter control) is necessary. In this work, we propose a lazy but effective solution, namely choosing all parameter values (where this makes sense) in each iteration randomly from a suitably scaled power-law distribution. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, we perform runtime analyses of the$$(1+(\lambda ,\lambda ))$$(1+(λ,λ))genetic algorithm with all three parameters chosen in this manner. We show that this algorithm on the one hand can imitate simple hill-climbers like the$$(1+1)$$(1+1)EA, giving the same asymptotic runtime on problems like OneMax, LeadingOnes, or Minimum Spanning Tree. On the other hand, this algorithm is also very efficient on jump functions, where the best static parameters are very different from those necessary to optimize simple problems. We prove a performance guarantee that is comparable to the best performance known for static parameters. For the most interesting case that the jump sizekis constant, we prove that our performance is asymptotically better than what can be obtained with any static parameter choice. We complement our theoretical results with a rigorous empirical study confirming what the asymptotic runtime results suggest.
Antimicrobial activity of ceftibuten-avibactam against a global collection of Enterobacterales from patients with urinary tract infections (2021)
Authors: Sader Helio S. , Carvalhaes Cecilia G. , Huband Michael D. , Mendes Rodrigo E. , Castanheira Mariana
Published: February 2023

We evaluated the in vitro activity of ceftibuten-avibactam against Enterobacterales causing urinary tract infection (UTI). A total of 3216 isolates (1/patient) were consecutively collected from patients with UTI in 72 hospitals from 25 countries in 2021 then susceptibility tested by CLSI broth microdilution. Ceftibuten-susceptible breakpoints currently published by EUCAST (≤ 1 mg/L) and CLSI (≤ 8 mg/L) were applied to ceftibuten-avibactam for comparison. The most active agents were ceftibuten-avibactam (98.4%/99.6% inhibited at ≤ 1/ ≤ 8 mg/L), ceftazidime-avibactam (99.6% susceptible [S]), amikacin (99.1%S), and meropenem (98.2%S). Ceftibuten-avibactam (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.06 mg/L) was fourfold more potent than ceftazidime-avibactam (MIC50/90, 0.12/0.25 mg/L) based on MIC50/90 values. The most active oral agents were ceftibuten (89.3%S; 79.5% inhibited at ≤ 1 mg/L), levofloxacin (75.4%S), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX; 73.4%S). Ceftibuten-avibactam inhibited 97.6% of isolates with an extended-spectrum β-lactamase phenotype, 92.1% of multidrug-resistant isolates, and 73.7% of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) at ≤ 1 mg/L. The second most active oral agent against CRE was TMP-SMX (24.6%S). Ceftazidime-avibactam was active against 77.2% of CRE isolates. In conclusion, ceftibuten-avibactam was highly active against a large collection of contemporary Enterobacterales isolated from patients with UTI and exhibited a similar spectrum to ceftazidime-avibactam. Ceftibuten-avibactam may represent a valuable option for oral treatment of UTI caused by multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales.
Identification of FAT4 as a positive prognostic biomarker in DLBCL by comprehensive genomic analysis
Authors: Lv Liyang , Qi Xiaolong , Wang Chun , Ma Yutong , Nie Yuling , Abulaiti Renaguli , Zhang Fang , Shi Qiping , Kou Zhen , Abuduer Muhebaier , Zhai Shunsheng , An Li , Huang Qin , Gu Zailinuer , Ou Qiuxiang , Liu Hong , Wang Zengsheng , Shao Yang , Sun Zhenzhu , Fu Ling , Wang Xiaomin , Mao Min , Li Yan
Published: February 2023

The molecular landscapes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remained to be comprehensively investigated with an urgent need to identify novel prognostic biomarkers guiding prognostic stratification and disease monitoring. Baseline tumor samples of 148 DLBCL patients were analyzed using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) for mutational profiling, whose clinical reports were retrospectively reviewed. In this cohort, the subgroup of old DLBCL patients (age at diagnosis > 60,N = 80) exhibited significantly higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores and International Prognostic Index than their young counterparts (age at diagnosis ≤ 60,N = 68). As revealed by the NGS results,PIM1(43.9%),KMT2D(31.8%),MYD88(29.7%), andCD79B(27.0%) were identified as the most frequently mutated genes. Aberrations of genes of the immune escape pathway were significantly enriched in the young subgroup, while the altered epigenetic regulators were more abundant in the old patients.FAT4mutation was identified as a positive prognostic biomarker, associated with longer progression-free survival and overall survival in the entire cohort and the old subgroup, using the Cox regression analyses. However, the prognostic function ofFAT4was not reproduced in the young subgroup. We comprehensively analyzed the pathological and molecular characteristics of old and young DLBCL patients and demonstrated the prognostic value ofFAT4mutation, which requires further validation with sizable cohorts in future research.
Virtual element formulation for gradient elasticity
Authors: Wriggers Peter , Hudobivnik Blaž
Published: February 2023

The virtual element method has been developed over the last decade and applied to problems in solid mechanics. Different formulations have been used regarding the order of ansatz, stabilization of the method and applied to a wide range of problems including elastic and inelastic materials and fracturing processes. This paper is concerned with formulations of virtual elements for higher gradient elastic theories of solids using the possibility, inherent in virtual element methods, of formulatingC1-continuous ansatz functions in a simple and efficient way.
Left atrial strain assessment using cardiac computed tomography in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hosokawa Takaaki , Kawakami Hiroshi , Tanabe Yuki , Fukuyama Naoki , Yoshida Kazuki , Ohara Kentaro , Kitamura Takuya , Kawaguchi Naoto , Kido Tomoyuki , Nagai Takayuki , Inoue Katsuji , Yamaguchi Osamu , Kido Teruhito
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To evaluate left atrial (LA) function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) by LA strain assessment using cardiac computed tomography (CT-derived LA strain).

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective study of 34 patients with HCM and 31 non-HCM patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) using retrospective electrocardiogram-gated mode. CT images were reconstructed every 5% (0–95%) of the RR intervals. CT-derived LA strain (reservoir [LASr], conduit [LASc], and booster pump strain [LASp]) were semi-automatically analyzed using a dedicated workstation. We also measured the left atrial volume index (LAVI) and left ventricular longitudinal strain (LVLS) for the left atrial and ventricular functional parameters to assess the relationship with CT-derived LA strain.

Results

CT-derived LA strain significantly correlated with LAVI: r = − 0.69, p < 0.001 for LASr; r = − 0.70, p < 0.001 for LASp; and r = − 0.35, p = 0.004 for LASc. CT-derived LA strain also significantly correlated with LVLS: r = − 0.62, p < 0.001 for LASr; r = − 0.67, p < 0.001 for LASc; and r = − 0.42, p = 0.013 for LASp. CT-derived LA strain in patients with HCM was significantly lower than that in non-HCM patients: LASr (20.8 ± 7.6 vs. 31.7 ± 6.1%, p < 0.001); LASc (7.9 ± 3.4 vs. 14.2 ± 5.3%, p < 0.001); and LASp (12.8 ± 5.7 vs. 17.6 ± 4.3%, p < 0.001). Additionally, CT-derived LA strain showed high reproducibility; inter-observer correlation coefficients were 0.94, 0.90, and 0.89 for LASr, LASc, and LASp, respectively.

Conclusion

CT-derived LA strain is feasible for quantitative assessment of left atrial function in patients with HCM.
Heart Failure and Multimorbidity in Asia
Authors: Ang Nathalie , Chandramouli Chanchal , Yiu Kelvin , Lawson Claire , Tromp Jasper
Published: February 2023

Purpose of the Review

Multimorbidity, the presence of two or more comorbidities, is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and worsens clinical outcomes. In Asia, multimorbidity has become the norm rather than the exception. Therefore, we evaluated the burden and unique patterns of comorbidities in Asian patients with HF.

Recent Findings

Asian patients with HF are almost a decade younger than Western Europe and North American patients. However, over two in three patients have multimorbidity. Comorbidities usually cluster due to the close and complex links between chronic medical conditions. Elucidating these links may guide public health policies to address risk factors. In Asia, barriers in treating comorbidities at the patient, healthcare system and national level hamper preventative efforts.

Asian patients with HF are younger yet have a higher burden of comorbidities than Western patients. A better understanding of the unique co-occurrence of medical conditions in Asia can improve the prevention and treatment of HF.
Effect of Surfactant Type on Foaming Properties of Milk
Authors: Ho Thao M. , Tanzil Andre , Bhandari Bhesh R. , Bansal Nidhi
Published: February 2023

The presence of low molecular weight surfactants is suspected as one of the causes of poorly foaming milk, as they can interfere with milk proteins in the formation and stabilization of foam. Here, we explore the effect of various surfactants on the foaming properties of reconstituted skim milk powders. Each surfactant is different in electrical charge and molecular weight, including cleaning O- and E-coded chemicals, Tween 80, sucrose stearate, sodium oleate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, benzalkonium chloride, and lecithin. The results showed that surfactants had different effects on foamability, foam stability, and structure, due to their varied effects on milk properties (e.g., pH, zeta potential, and surface tension). E-coded chemicals and sucrose stearate markedly decreased milk foamability, while the impact of Tween 80 and lecithin was considered detrimental to foam stability, as they mostly induced the production of large air bubbles in the foam.
The (in)visibility of lost wax casting moulds in the archaeological record: observations from an archaeological experiment
Authors: Rose Thomas , Fabian Peter , Goren Yuval
Published: February 2023

Apart from mould and core remnants attached to metal objects from the Chalcolithic Southern Levant (ca. 4500–3800 BCE), production remains of early lost wax casting are seemingly invisible in the archaeological record. An experiment using reproduced casting moulds was performed to simulate the Chalcolithic processes to investigate whether the moulds might have deteriorated to an unrecognisable state after the casting process. Results from previous studies on mould remains attached to metal objects were complemented with ethnographical accounts for the experimental set-up. The moulds were prepared from local clays already in use during the Chalcolithic. Petrography, simple alteration tests, and general technological considerations reveal that preservation may be poor but is still visible to the naked eye. The preservation of multi-layered fragments is crucial, despite their friable or brittle state after casting. A further, previously unmentioned, clear indication of lost wax casting moulds may be the combination of vegetal temper with mineral/rock temper in their clay paste. This composition derives purely from technological considerations and is independent of depositional and post-depositional processes.
Diet Gut Microbiota Axis in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence
Authors: Kunasegaran Thubasni , Balasubramaniam Vinod R. M. T. , Arasoo Valliammai Jayanthi Thirunavuk , Palanisamy Uma Devi , Ramadas Amutha
Published: February 2023

Purpose of Review

Although gut microbiota have been associated with the etiology of some diseases, the influence of foods on gut microbiota, especially among pregnant women, remains unclear. Hence, a systematic review was performed to investigate the association between diet and gut microbiota and their influence on metabolic health in pregnant women.

Recent Findings

We performed the systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 protocol to investigate the association between diet and gut microbiota and their influence on metabolic role in pregnant women. Five databases were searched for relevant peer-reviewed articles published in English since 2011. Two-staged screening of 659 retrieved records resulted in the inclusion of 10 studies. The collated findings suggested associations between nutrient intakes and four key microbes: Collinsella, Lachnospira, Sutterella, Faecalibacterium, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in pregnant women.

Summary

Dietary intakes in pregnancy were found to modify the gut microbiota and positively influence the cell metabolism in pregnant women. This review, however, emphasizes the importance of conducting well-designed prospective cohorts to investigate the role of changes in dietary intakes within the pregnancy and the influence of such changes on gut microbiota.
The influence of AAR coupler features on estimation of in-train forces
Authors: Yadav Om Prakash , Vyas Nalinaksh S.
Published: February 2023

Inadequate management of large in-train forces transferred through coupler systems of a railway train leads to running and structural failures of vehicles. Understanding these phenomena and their mitigation requires accurate estimation of relative motions and in-train forces between vehicle bodies. Previous numerical studies have ignored inertia of coupling elements and the impacts between couplers. Thus, existing models underestimate the additional dynamic variations in in-train forces. Detailed multi-body dynamic models of two AAR (Association of American Railroads) coupler systems used in passenger and freight trains are developed, incorporating coupler inertia and various slacks. Due to the modeling and simulation complexities involved in a full train model, with such details of coupler system, actual longitudinal train dynamics is not studied. A system comprising only two coupling units, inter-connecting two consecutive vehicles, is modeled. Considered system has been fixed at one end and an excitation force is applied at the other end, to mimic a relative force transmission through combined coupler system. Simulation results obtained from this representative system show that, noticeable influence in in-train forces are expected due to the combined effect of inertia of couplers and intermittent impacts between couplers in the slack regime. Maximum amplitude of longitudinal reaction force, transferred from draft gear housing to vehicle body, is expected to be significantly higher than that predicted using existing models of coupler system. It is also observed that the couplers and knuckles are subjected to significant longitudinal and lateral contact forces, due to the intermittent impacts between couplers. Thus, accurate estimation of draft gear reaction force and impact forces between couplers are essential to design vehicle and coupler components, respectively.
A High-Entropy B2 Heusler Alloy
Authors: Çakır Aslı , Acet Mehmet , Farle Michael
Published: February 2023

The properties of high-entropy alloys containing five or more elements show systematic evolutions with varying valence-electron concentration. This can allow them to be tailored to carry a particular feature or a property. We have prepared a six-component alloy (MnFeCoNiCu)$$_{75}$$

75

Al$$_{25}$$

25

, where MnFeCoNiCu makes up the high-entropy part with $$e/a=9.0$$

e
/
a
=
9.0

and the added 25 at.% Al causes the whole of the material to take up a B2-ordered structure with $$e/a=7.5$$

e
/
a
=
7.5

. Because the structure becomes ordered, the material partially loses its high-entropy character but acquires a ferromagnetic Heusler-like property with a Curie temperature of 525 K and an average magnetic moment of 0.8 $$\upmu _{\text {B}}$$

μ
B

. The whole of the system mimics Co$$_3$$

3

Al, which cannot be stabilized under normal conditions.
Theories of Doctrinal Development in the Catholic Church
Authors: Seewald Michael
Published: February 2023

The contemporary Catholic Church finds itself in deep crisis as it questions which elements are essential to the Catholic faith, and which can be changed. Bringing a longue durée perspective to this issue, Michael Seewald historicizes the problem and investigates how theologians of the past addressed it in light of the challenges that they faced in their time. He explores the intense intellectual efforts made by theologians to explain how new components were added to Christian doctrine over time, and that dogma has always been subject to change. Acknowledging the historic cleavage between 'conservatives' who refer to tradition, and reformers, who formulate their arguments to address contemporary needs, Seewald shows that Catholic thought is intellectually expansive, enabling the Church to be transformed in order to meet the challenges of the present day. His book demonstrates how theology has dealt with the realization that there is a simultaneity of continuity and discontinuity in doctrinal matters.
Digital Communication and Media Linguistics
Authors: Gnach Aleksandra , Weber Wibke , Engebretsen Martin , Perrin Daniel
Published: February 2023

This textbook offers an interdisciplinary, comprehensive and state-of-the-art overview of the media linguistics approaches to explain and understand digital communication and multimodality. Linking the fields of communication studies, applied linguistics and journalism, it grounds communication practices in a deep understanding of the social and societal implications of language use in digital media. The tools to analyse multimodal texts are analysed in light of the advantages and constraints that different communication modes pose, both individually and in combination. Aimed at upper level undergraduates and graduates in applied linguistics, communication and media studies, including journalism and PR, this textbook contains case studies and professional examples highlighting the interplay between language use and digital communication and encouraging the reader to reflect on the themes covered, and put the acquired knowledge into practice. Online resources for students include videos, writing techniques, a guide to multimodal texts analysis, additional case studies and a glossary.
Scottish Orientalists and India
Authors: Powell Avril A.
Published: February 2023

A detailed assessment of how Western thinking about India developed in the nineteenth century, focusing on the exceptionally full lives of the scholar-administrator Muir brothers.
The Homiletic Writings of Archbishop Wulfstan
Authors: Lionarons Joyce Tally
Published: February 2023

First full study of the homilies of Archbishop Wulfstan, bringing out their most characteristic themes and concerns.
A method for determining the lift-to-drag
ratio of a propelled hang-glider
Authors: Wolf J.
Published: February 2023

A method of determination of the wing lift-to-drag
ratio of a propelled hang-glider in steady, level
flight is described. The method requires a
relatively small number of flight parameters to be
measured. These measurements have been reduced
successfully to the tilt angle of the propelling
“trike”, i.e. a closed, wheeled, cabin hanging under
the wing, and to the force on the flying controls
only. The recording of these parameters and actual
flight speed and altitude is sufficient to
determine, after simple processing, the experimental
speed and drag polars of the wing. The method is
useful, in particular, for flexible wing research
and development and allows quick aerodynamic
tests.
Technical Note
Authors: Hassenpflug W. C.
Published: February 2023

Two-dimensional potential flow expressed by means of
the complex potential function uses Euler
coordinates, i.e. a fixed point approach. However,
there are many cases where the identical particle
time is required, for example the settling time of
suspended particles, heat convection (because in
incompressible potential flow the heat and flow
equations are uncoupled), and dispersion of fluid
particles due to distortion.

In real variables the differential equation for the
Lagrange time is generally too complicated because
it involves two coordinates as functions of time. In
the following a differential equation of single
complex variable is derived.
The aerodynamics of the compound helicopter
configuration
Authors: Bühler M. , Newman S. J.
Published: February 2023

A computational method has been developed to
investigate the aerodynamic interaction between a
helicopter rotor and the fuselage in steady-state
level forward flight. In order to model a compound
helicopter the fuselage is fitted with wings. The
model uses deformable vortex rings for the rotor
wake, a source panel representation of the fuselage
and a lifting surface method for the wings which can
handle arbitrary geometries. The wake representation
is based on a free wake analysis, relaxing the nodal
points on the vortex rings and wing wake elements
according to the induced velocities in the flow
field after every time step. In this way, neither
wake is restricted to planar shape. At each time
step the fuselage and wing forces were calculated.
The trim attitude of the fuselage was determined by
the pressure field surrounding it using a potential
flow model for the external flow and a fully
developed turbulent boundary layer model on the
fuselage surface. Parametric studies were carried
out to determine the influence of wing position,
wing span, wing angle of incidence and advance ratio
on the results. The computer program incorporates a
graphical postprocessing output routine allowing the
visualisation of the wake shape, the induced
velocity and the angles of incidence on the rotor
disc to be made, together with the velocities at
various wing stations and the lift coefficients
along the span.
The boundary layer on a flat plate in
hypervelocity flow
Authors: Mallinson S. G. , Gai S. L. , Mudford N. R.
Published: February 2023

The high enthalpy and high Mach number effects on flat
plate boundary layer flow are examined. In
particular, the behaviour of the density profile
under high enthalpy, real gas conditions is
considered. Mach-Zehnder interferograms of the flow
over a flat plate are analysed using a
two-dimensional Fourier transform procedure in order
to obtain the density field. The comparison between
theory and experiment is only fair. It must be
pointed out, however, that the real gas effects on
the density profiles were found to be small.
Estimation of the velocity boundary layer thickness
as obtained from a measurement of the thermal
boundary layer thickness is seen to compare well
with a theoretical prediction.