bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Solved Turbulent Scales in Turbulent Plume Fires
Authors: Ciani F.S. , Bonfiglio P. , Piva S.
Published: May 2023

Plume fires are characterized by a turbulent nature with a large number of different scales. LES is often used to solve the largest structures and to model the smallest ones. Grid size and time steps become decisive to place the limit between resolved and modelled turbulence. Significant information on this limit and its placement can be obtained with spectral analyses of the specific turbulent kinetic energy. While frequency analysis is relatively easy, an analysis in the wavenumber domain is more challenging. The IWC method, typically used in structures and acoustics, is used here for this purpose. IWC method allows to obtain wavenumber spectra with a better resolution than those obtained with a direct approach. Furthermore, in this paper the IWC method is also used in its reverse form to obtain frequency spectra. Although rather dense grids have been chosen, the number of nodes along the plume and their spacing is not such as to guarantee detailed wavenumber spectra with the direct approach and consequently with the reverse IWC. On the contrary, the IWC method provides wavenumber spectra in agreement with those obtained directly, but of much higher quality.
Accuracy in evaluating heat transfer coefficient by RANS CFD simulations in a rectangular channel with high aspect ratio - Part 1: benchmark on a channel with plane walls
Authors: Corti Maria , Gramazio Pasqualino , Fustinoni Damiano , Vitali Luigi , Niro Alfonso
Published: May 2023

Computational Fluid-Dynamics (CFD) simulations are widely used for designing components and devices for heat transfer enhancement, and to this end the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations are often chosen, as they are computationally efficient. In this paper, several numerical simulations have been carried out on convective heat transfer of an air flow through a rectangular channel of 1:10 aspect ratio, 120 mm wide, 840 mm long. Numerical results have been compared to analytical values and experimental data. The configuration of the described numerical model will be used as starting point for detailed investigations of fluid-dynamic and thermal performances of ribbed channels in further analysis.
An exhaustive search optimization of heat transfer and pressure drop in Kelvin’s open cell foams
Authors: Iasiello M , Mauro G M , Bianco N , Andreozzi A , Chiu W K S , Naso V
Published: May 2023

Thanks to their high effective thermal conductivity, specific surface area, and tortuosity, open-cell foams are well-known for their capability to enhance heat transfer in applications such as heat exchangers and volumetric solar air receivers. In the very recent years, innovative manufacturing techniques, including 3D designing and printing, have been looked very helpful to find foam morphologies that allow to maximize heat transfer and minimize pressure drop. Optimal foam structures can be obtained by means of pore-scale simulations, employing an exhaustive search with a bearable computational effort. A multi-objective optimization of convective heat transfer and pressure drop in Kelvin’s foams with air is presented in this paper. A pore-scale numerical model, with a uniform heat flux at the solid/fluid interface, is used to predict the interfacial convective heat transfer coefficient, hc
, and pressure drop, Δp, in the foam. The cell size, porosity, cell anisotropy stretching factor, as well as the inlet velocity and the direction of the air, are assumed as the design variables for the optimization model, while the interfacial convective heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop are chosen as the objective functions to be maximized and minimized, respectively. Pareto fronts ranging from h = 110 W/m2 K and Δp = 0.77 Pa to hc = 460 W/m2 K and Δp = 51 Pa are predicted, within which the optimum point for the chosen foam morphology, air velocity and direction can be selected, according to the chosen criterion.
Boundary element method for contactless estimation of spatially varying internal heat transfer coefficient in circular pipes
Authors: Aimi Alessandra , Bozzoli Fabio , Cattani Luca , Guardasoni Chiara
Published: May 2023

In the present study it is proposed a solution approach of the Inverse Heat Conduction Problem (IHCP) intended at assessing the local heat transfer coefficient on the inner wall of a tube, under a forced convection problem. The estimation method is established on the Boundary Element Method (BEM) combined with the Truncated Singular Value Decomposition (TSVD) methodology, employed to manage the ill-conditioned nature of the problem. The numerical results of the direct problem, built by the BEM, are firstly validated, and consequently adopted as synthetic data inputs to resolve the IHCP and corroborate the whole assessment procedure. This approach is also tested with experimental data about forced convection problem in coiled pipes. In these geometries, the convective heat transfer coefficient changes considerably along the wall periphery and for this reason, it constitutes a perfect example to test the ability of the presented method to infer a spatially varying internal heat transfer coefficient distribution.
Transient analysis of SIRIO using RELAP5/MOD3.3 system code
Authors: Molinari Martina , Narcisi Vincenzo , Caramello Marco , Tarantino Mariano , Giannetti Fabio
Published: May 2023

The main outcome of the present paper is the feasibility analysis of SIRIO (Sistema di rimozione della Potenza di decadimento per Reattori InnOvativi) facility with conditions based on those of its reference facility. The aim of SIRIO project is to study an innovative Decay Heat Removal System (DHRS) for liquid metal reactor and advanced Light Water Reactor (LWR). Such system must ensure passive control of the power removed from the primary system in abnormal condition, and must ensure reactor cooling in both short and long term. This study present numerical simulations developed with RELAP5/MOD3.3, of two operational procedures: the first one is a steady-state and the second one is a transient phase with decay heat generation. The thermal-hydraulic model, developed with RELAP5/MOD3.3, simulates the whole facility including lines, valves, water and gas tanks, and the Molten Salts (MS) gap. Since there is not experimental data, the present paper is a pre-test study based on SIRO facility design.
The effect of different sediment conditions on CO2-CH4 replacement in natural gas hydrates
Authors: Castellani Beatrice , Gambelli Alberto Maria , Minelli Giorgio , Rossi Federico
Published: May 2023

Natural gas hydrates are the largest reservoir of natural gas on earth and represent an important solution for the transition from the actual energy scenario to a renewable one. Methane, contained in hydrate reservoirs, can be replaced with carbon dioxide, so that the obtained fuel is neutral in terms of climate-changing emissions and therefore equivalent to renewable energy sources. The experimental tests presented in this paper are devoted to study the CO2-CH4 replacement process in natural gas hydrates in presence of water salt. Test are carried out in a lab scale reactor of 1 l volume. The investigation aims at obtaining data on methane recovery rate, CO2 sequestration, composition of the obtained outlet CO2/CH4 mixture, as well as spatial distribution of hydrates thanks to the analysis of temperature profiles. Temperature analysis is used to determine hydrates’ spatial distribution within the sediment. The number of methane hydrate moles formed with salt water is lower than that with pure water. During CO2 injection, not only CH4-CO2 replacement took place, but also new CO2 hydrate formation. The exchange factor, in fact, ranges from 0.11 to 0.4 for tests with salt.
Microgrid application of liquefied air energy storage (LAES) systems
Authors: Castellani Beatrice , Kaur Parminder , Sciacovelli Adriano , Rossi Federico , Ding Yulong
Published: May 2023

An energy and economic analysis on small-scale LAES (liquefied air energy storage) system is presented. The LAES operative parameters were analyzed via MATLAB simulations. The optimal case is given with a flowrate of 1000 kg/h and 4 turbine expansions, resulting in a net electric power output in the discharging process of 260 kW and the optimal values are 450 K for inlet temperature and 150 bar for the discharge pressure. For the charging process the specific consumption is significantly affected by the storage pressure. Also the round trip efficiency is influenced by the storage pressure: for a storage pressure of 8 bar, it is about 25% compared to the 12% in case of a storage pressure equal to 1.10 bar. The LCOS obtained is between 1.2 €/kWh and 1.8 €/kWh. This values are higher than other results in literature due to the scale of the system.
Experimental Characterization of the Airflow within a Car Cabin
Authors: Bertone M. , Sciacchitano A. , Arpino F. , Canale C. , Cortellessa G. , Grossi G. , Moretti L.
Published: May 2023

The ventilation flow in a car cabin has been experimentally investigated. The study has been carried out in a car commercially available, by testing one ventilation mode (panel-vent mode) at one fan strength (level 3 of the 4 available) with fresh air intake (without any re-circulation). The flow velocity at the exit of the vents has been measured using a 5-hole pressure probe. The flow velocity fields inside the car cabin have been measured by particle image velocimetry (PIV) in three longitudinal sections: (i) the car centre plane, including both the front and rear area; (ii) the driver’s seat centre plane, only in the front area; (iii) the passenger’s seat centre plane, only in the front area. At these longitudinal planes, the time-average flow velocity is presented and discussed. The experimental results provide new insights in the ventilation flow in a car cabin.
Experimental analysis of drop size distribution and nucleation site density during dropwise condensation from humid air flow
Authors: Mirafiori M , Tancon M , Bortolin S , Martucci A , Del Col D
Published: May 2023

Condensation of the water vapor present in the air is a heat and mass transfer process encountered in many applications as humid air dehumidification and water harvesting. Depending on the wettability characteristics of the surface, condensation can take place in filmwise mode or in dropwise mode with the formation of discrete liquid droplets over the condensing surface. While dropwise condensation (DWC) of pure steam was found to promote a considerable enhancement of the heat transfer compared to filmwise condensation, when dealing with humid air DWC more investigation is needed. Modeling of DWC from humid air requires the calculation of the heat flow rate through a single droplet and the determination of the drop-size distribution. The heat exchanged through a single droplet depends on the heat and mass transfer resistances, while the drop-size distribution is also affected by nucleation site density and droplets mobility. Therefore, to better understand the DWC phenomenon with humid air and for the validation of the models, it is necessary to measure the heat flux (total and latent), droplet population and nucleation site density. In the present work, condensation tests from humid air are performed over two square (40 mm x 40 mm) aluminum samples that display different wettability. The experimental apparatus consists of a closed air loop with two main components: the environmental chamber and the test chamber. The air is conditioned in the environmental chamber and then it flows inside the test section where the vapor present in the humid air is condensed over the vertical metallic sample. Two variable speed fans are used to circulate the air. The test section is designed for heat and mass transfer measurements and for simultaneous visualization of the condensation process. As a peculiar characteristic of the present experimental technique, all the test section assembly is suspended on a high precision balance allowing a precise measurement of the mass of condensate. The effect of surface wettability on the heat and mass transfer during DWC is investigated. Time-lapse videos of the condensation process are acquired at different magnifications. By using a homemade MATLAB® program for droplet detection, recorded images are analysed allowing the determination of both the drop size density distribution (small and large droplet population) and the nucleation sites density.
Condensation heat transfer of superheated vapour of R1234ze(E) and R134a inside a brazed plate heat exchanger
Authors: Cattelan G , Azzolin M , Diani A , Rossetto L , Del Col D
Published: May 2023

The recent restrictions on the use of refrigerants with high Global Warming Potential (GWP) have pushed the research to consider alternative solutions, such as the HydroFluoroOlefins, as possible replacements. Even though they are generally mildly flammable, their GWP is significantly lower compared to those of the HydroFluoroCarbons. This paper presents experimental measurements of R1234ze(E) and R134a heat transfer coefficients during condensation inside a brazed plate heat exchanger. Experimental tests during condensation heat transfer have been conducted considering different degrees of superheating, subcooling and outlet vapour quality. The condensation temperature varies between 34.6 °C and 42.3 °C and the refrigerant mass flux is between 9 kg m−2 s−1 and 49 kg m−2 s−1. The results showed that the heat transfer coefficients measured with R134a are between 4% and 8% higher than those of R1234ze(E). Complete condensation experiments showed that an increase in the liquid subcooling degree significantly reduces the thermal performance at low refrigerant mass velocities. In some cases, the plate area occupied by liquid refrigerant reached almost 30% of the overall heat transfer area, thus decreasing by 2.7 times the average heat transfer coefficient when passing from 3 K to 8 K subcooling degree. A comparison with the predictions of some empirical models is also presented to assess which one can better predict the experimental data.
uRANIA: μ-RWELL and sRPC for neutron detection
Authors: Farinelli R. , Balossino I. , Benvivenni G. , Cibinetto G. , Fiore S. , Felici G. , Garzia I. , Gatta M. , Giovannetti M. , Lanza L. , Lavezzi L. , Mezzadri G. , Morello G. , Papalino G. , Pietropaolo A. , Poli Lener M. , Scodeggio M.
Published: May 2023

The goal of the uRANIA-V (μ-RWELL Advanced Neutron Imaging Apparatus) project is the
development of an innovative thermal neutron detector based on micro-Resistive WELL
(μ-RWELL) technology and surface Resistive Plate Counter (sRPC) technology. A thin layer of
 10B4C on the cathode surface allows the thermal neutron conversion into 7Li and
 α ions to be easily detected in the active volume of the device. These charged particles
ionize the gas in the detectors and the readout measures the signal. Test results with different
converter layouts show that a thermal neutron (25meV) detection efficiency between
5 ÷ 10 % can be achieved with a single detector. A detailed comparison between the
experimental data and the full simulation of the neutron physics and the detector behavior has
been performed. Future applications of these technologies range from neutron diffraction imaging
to radioactive waste monitor or radiation portal monitoring for homeland security. In this
proceeding, the results of the neutron conversion optimization of the Boron thickness and the
converted geometry will be discussed together with the development of new electronics integrated
with μ-RWELL and sRPC. Experimental results and simulation measurements will be compared.
Operation and readout of the CGEM inner tracker
Authors: Farinelli R.
Published: May 2023

A recently approved ten-year extension of the BESIII experiment (IHEP, Beijing) motivated
an upgrade program for both the accelerator and the detector. In particular, the current inner
drift chamber is suffering from aging and the proposal is to replace it with a detector based on
the cylindrical GEM technology. The CGEM inner tracker consists of three coaxial layers of triple
GEM. The tracker is expected to restore efficiency, improve z-determination and secondary vertex
position reconstruction with respect to the current inner tracker, with a resolution of
130 μm in the xy-plane and better than 300 μm along the beam direction. A dedicated
readout system was developed for data acquisition. Signals from the detector strips are processed
by TIGER, a custom 64-channel ASIC, designed using CMOS 110 nm UMC technology, that provides an
analog charge readout via a fully digital output with a linear charge readout up to about 50 fC,
less than 3 ns jitter. TIGER continuously streams over-threshold data in trigger-less mode to an
FPGA-based readout module, called GEM Read Out Card, specifically designed for this system. The
module configures the ASICs and organizes the incoming data by building the event packets when the
trigger arrives. Two of the three layers have been in operation in Beijing since January 2020
remotely controlled.
NUV-HD SiPMs with metal-filled trenches
Authors: Merzi Stefano , Brunner Stefan E. , Gola Alberto , Inglese Alessandro , Mazzi Alberto , Paternoster Giovanni , Penna Michele , Piemonte Claudio , Ruzzarin Maria
Published: May 2023

In this paper we present the performance of a new SiPM that is sensitive to blue light and features narrow metal-filled trenches placed in the area around the single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) that allow an almost complete suppression the internal optical crosstalk. In particular, we show the benefits of this technological upgrade in terms of electro-optical SiPM performance when compared to the previous technology which had only a partial optical screening between the SPADs. The most relevant effect is the much higher bias voltage that can be applied to the new device before the noise diverges. This allows to optimize and improve both the photon-detection efficiency and the single-photon time resolution. We also coupled the SiPMs to LYSO scintillators to verify the performance for possible application in Positron-Emission Tomography. Thanks to the better electro-optical features we were able to measure an improved coincidence time resolution. Furthermore, the optimal voltage operation region is substantially larger, making this SiPM more suitable for real system application where thousands of channels have to provide stable and reproducible performance.
Gaussian Process-based calculation of look-elsewhere trials factor
Authors: Ananiev V. , Read A.L.
Published: May 2023

In high-energy physics it is a recurring challenge to
efficiently and precisely (enough) calculate the global significance
of, e.g., a potential new resonance. We propose a new method that
models the significance in the search region as a Gaussian Process.
The kernel of the Gaussian Process is approximated with a covariance
matrix and is calculated with a carefully designed set of
background-only data sets, comparable in number to the random
background-only data sets used in a typical analysis that relies on
the average upcrossings of the significance. The trials factor for
both low and moderate significances can subsequently be calculated
to the desired precision with a computationally inexpensive random
sampling of the Gaussian Process. In addition, once the covariance
of the Gaussian Process is determined, the average number of
upcrossings can be computed analytically. In our work we give some
highlights of the analytic calculation and also discuss some
peculiarities of the trials factor estimation on a finite grid. We
illustrate the method with studies of three complementary
statistical models.
Integrating massive RNA-seq data to elucidate transcriptome dynamics in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Hu Qian Sheng , Shi Meng-Wei , Wang Dan-Yang , Fear Justin M , Chen Lu , Tu Yi-Xuan , Liu Hong-Shan , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Shuai-Jie , Yu Shan-Shan , Oliver Brian , Chen Zhen-Xia
Published: May 2023

The volume of ribonucleic acid (RNA)-seq data has increased exponentially, providing numerous new insights into various biological processes. However, due to significant practical challenges, such as data heterogeneity, it is still difficult to ensure the quality of these data when integrated. Although some quality control methods have been developed, sample consistency is rarely considered and these methods are susceptible to artificial factors. Here, we developed MassiveQC, an unsupervised machine learning-based approach, to automatically download and filter large-scale high-throughput data. In addition to the read quality used in other tools, MassiveQC also uses the alignment and expression quality as model features. Meanwhile, it is user-friendly since the cutoff is generated from self-reporting and is applicable to multimodal data. To explore its value, we applied MassiveQC to Drosophila RNA-seq data and generated a comprehensive transcriptome atlas across 28 tissues from embryogenesis to adulthood. We systematically characterized fly gene expression dynamics and found that genes with high expression dynamics were likely to be evolutionarily young and expressed at late developmental stages, exhibiting high nonsynonymous substitution rates and low phenotypic severity, and they were involved in simple regulatory programs. We also discovered that human and Drosophila had strong positive correlations in gene expression in orthologous organs, revealing the great potential of the Drosophila system for studying human development and disease.
Recent trends in RNA informatics: a review of machine learning and deep learning for RNA secondary structure prediction and RNA drug discovery
Authors: Sato Kengo , Hamada Michiaki
Published: May 2023

Computational analysis of RNA sequences constitutes a crucial step in the field of RNA biology. As in other domains of the life sciences, the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques into RNA sequence analysis has gained significant traction in recent years. Historically, thermodynamics-based methods were widely employed for the prediction of RNA secondary structures; however, machine learning-based approaches have demonstrated remarkable advancements in recent years, enabling more accurate predictions. Consequently, the precision of sequence analysis pertaining to RNA secondary structures, such as RNA–protein interactions, has also been enhanced, making a substantial contribution to the field of RNA biology. Additionally, artificial intelligence and machine learning are also introducing technical innovations in the analysis of RNA–small molecule interactions for RNA-targeted drug discovery and in the design of RNA aptamers, where RNA serves as its own ligand. This review will highlight recent trends in the prediction of RNA secondary structure, RNA aptamers and RNA drug discovery using machine learning, deep learning and related technologies, and will also discuss potential future avenues in the field of RNA informatics.
Hot Mail: Temperature Exposure during Mail Return of an Immunochemical Fecal Occult Blood Test
Authors: Laven-Law Geraldine , Bastin Dawn , Fraser Robert J L , Cock Charles , Young Graeme P , Winter Jean M , Symonds Erin L
Published: May 2023

Background

Fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) are widely used for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening; however, high ambient temperatures were found to reduce test accuracy. More recently, proprietary globin stabilizers were added to FIT sample buffers to prevent temperature-associated hemoglobin (Hb) degradation, but their effectiveness remains uncertain. We aimed to determine the impact of high temperature (>30°C) on OC-Sensor FIT Hb concentration with current FITs, characterize FIT temperatures during mail transit, and determine impact of ambient temperature on FIT Hb concentration using data from a CRC screening program.

Methods

FITs were analyzed for Hb concentration after in vitro incubation at different temperatures. Data loggers packaged alongside FITs measured temperatures during mail transit. Separately, screening program participants completed and mailed FITs to the laboratory for Hb analysis. Regression analyses compared the impact of environmental variables on FIT temperatures and separately on FIT sample Hb concentration.

Results

In vitro incubation at 30 to 35°C reduced FIT Hb concentration after >4 days. During mail transit, maximum FIT temperature averaged 6.4°C above maximum ambient temperature, but exposure to temperature above 30°C was for less than 24 hours. Screening program data showed no association between FIT Hb concentration and maximum ambient temperatures.

Conclusions

Although FIT samples are exposed to elevated temperatures during mail transit, this is brief and does not significantly reduce FIT Hb concentration. These data support continuation of CRC screening during warm weather with modern FITs with a stabilizing agent when mail delivery is ≤4 days.
Origins of attainment: do brother correlations in occupational status and income overlap?
Authors: Karlson Kristian Bernt , Birkelund Jesper Fels
Published: May 2023

We study the overlap in the overall impact of family background on two widely studied labour market outcomes by considering whether brother similarities in occupational status are rooted in the same underlying family characteristics that affect brother similarities in income. We extend previous research using sibling correlations as an omnibus measure of total family background impact on a given outcome by directly quantifying how brother correlations in occupational status and income overlap. We apply a novel variance components model to data from Denmark and the United States, two countries known to follow a contradictory pattern: While income mobility is much lower in the United States, occupational mobility is virtually similar. Apart from confirming this pattern, we find a substantial overlap, around 70 per cent, in brother similarities in income and occupational status in both countries. Conventional family background variables account for less than one-fifth of this overlap in each country, suggesting that shared family origins of attainment in these two domains are constituted by largely unknown family characteristics. We speculate what these characteristics might be.
Constructing Racial Visibility: Biracial “Occupation Children” in the Third Reich, 1933–1937
Authors: Roos Julia
Published: May 2023

In summer 1937, approximately four hundred to six hundred German descendants of Allied soldiers of color born in post-World War I Rhineland were forcedly sterilized. The Nazis vilified the children, referring to them as Rheinlandbastarde (“Rhineland bastards”). We still know relatively little about the fates of individual victims and the role of local perpetrators. This article uses anthropologist Wolfgang Abel’s 1933 study of biracial Besatzungskinder (“occupation children”) from Wiesbaden to shed fresh light on the interplay between local and national dynamics in the coming of the 1937 sterilization campaign. Drawing on many hitherto unexplored archival sources, the article traces the lives of several biracial children. The case of the Rhenish children shows that Nazi leaders worried that “racial difference” often was invisible. A key goal thus focused on constructing the children’s racial visibility. Officials, physicians, and teachers embedded in local communities often played a crucial role in ferreting out biracial children and marking them as racial “Others.” Simultaneously, the case of Wiesbaden suggests that instances where local actors contested important elements of ascriptions of racial “Otherness” to biracial Besatzungskinder may have hardened Nazi leaders’ resolve to pursue the children’s sterilizations outside existing legal norms and procedures.
A constitutional contingency: A reply to Zhaoxin Jiang
Authors: Lin Chien-Chih
Published: May 2023

The thesis of the article by Zhaoxin Jiang, “The Untold Leader of Judicial Review: China’s Constitutional Court (1948–71) and the Innovative Constitutionalism,” is highly innovative, and the materials it uses are invaluable to understanding the Council of Grand Justices. Nonetheless, several key contentions of the article are not fully supported by—or indeed are contradicted by—the existing evidence. This Reply provides some competing analyses and interpretations of the three topics in the article: (i) the characterization of the Council at its founding; (ii) the interactions between Chiang Kai-shek and judicial elites; and (iii) the performance of the Council in Taiwan.
Impacts of dietary fiber level on growth performance, apparent digestibility, intestinal development, and colonic microbiota and metabolome of pigs
Authors: Zhao Yan , Liu Chang , Niu Jin , Cui Zixu , Zhao Xinyu , Li Wenxin , Zhang Yanwei , Yang Yang , Gao Pengfei , Guo Xiaohong , Li Bugao , Kim Sung Woo , Cao Guoqing
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to investigate the roughage tolerance of different breeds of pigs. Mashen (MS; n = 80) and Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY; n = 80) pigs with an initial body weight of 20 ± 0.5 kg were randomly allotted to four diet treatments (n = 20 of each breed) with different fiber levels. The dietary fiber levels increased by adding 0% to 28% soybean hull to replace corn and soybean meal partially. According to the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) level, all treatments were MS_9N (9% NDF), MS_13.5N (13.5% NDF), MS_18N (18% NDF), MS_22.5N (22.5% NDF), DLY_9N (9% NDF), DLY_13.5N (13.5% NDF), DLY_18N (18% NDF), and DLY_22.5N (22.5% NDF). The growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and colonic short-chain fatty acids of pigs were measured. The colonic microbiota and metabolome were analyzed using 16S rDNA gene sequencing and UHPLC–MS/MS. The average daily gain and daily feed intake of MS_18N and DLY_13.5N were increased compared with MS_9N and DLY_9N, respectively (P < 0.05). The digestibility of NDF and acid detergent fiber of MS_18N were greater than that of MS_9N (P < 0.05). The villus height/crypt depth (V/C) of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of MS_18N and MS_22.5N increased compared with MS_9N (P < 0.05), and the V/C of duodenum and ileum of DLY_22.5N decreased compared with DLY_9N (P < 0.05). The colonic acetic acid and butyric acid concentrations of MS_18N were greater than those of MS_9N and MS_13.5N (P < 0.05). The concentrations of acetic acid and butyric acid of DLY_13.5N increased compared with DLY_9N (P < 0.05). Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group in MS_18N and Methanobrevibacter in MS_22.5N increased compared with other groups (P < 0.05). Increasing the NDF level in diets changed the lipid and amino acid metabolism pathways. In conclusion, appropriate fiber levels can promote pigs’ growth performance and intestinal development. The optimum fiber level of the MS pig was 18% NDF, while that of the DLY pig was 13.5%. This result indicates that MS pigs had strong fiber fermentation ability due to the higher abundance of the colonic microbiota that could fully ferment fiber and provide extra energy to MS pigs.
Priority for Organ Donors in the Allocation of Organs: Priority Rules from the Perspective of Equality of Opportunity
Authors: Albertsen Andreas
Published: May 2023

Should priority in the allocation of organs be given to those who have previously donated or declared their willingness to do so? This article examines the Israeli priority rule in light of two prominent critiques of priority rules, pertaining to failure to reciprocate and unfairness. The scope and content of these critiques are interpreted from the perspective of equality of opportunity. Because the Israeli priority rule may be reasonably criticized for unfairness and failing to reward certain behaviors, the article develops an adjusted priority rule, which removes and adjust the elements in the Israeli priority rule deemed problematic. However, such a priority rule is complex to the extent that it may fail to increase donation rates and furthermore introduce new concerns of fairness, as the better off may be better able to navigate the complex adjusted priority rule.
Transcriptomic and metabolic profiling of watermelon uncovers the role of salicylic acid and flavonoids in the resistance to cucumber green mottle mosaic virus
Authors: Liu Mei , Kang Baoshan , Wu Huijie , Aranda Miguel A , Peng Bin , Liu Liming , Fei Zhangjun , Hong Ni , Gu Qinsheng
Published: May 2023

Understanding the mechanisms underlying plant resistance to virus infections is crucial for viral disease management in agriculture. However, the defense mechanism of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) against cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) infection remains largely unknown. In this study, we performed transcriptomic, metabolomic, and phytohormone analyses of a CGMMV susceptible watermelon cultivar ‘Zhengkang No.2’ (‘ZK’) and a CGMMV resistant wild watermelon accession PI 220778 (PI) to identify the key regulatory genes, metabolites, and phytohormones responsible for CGMMV resistance. We then tested several phytohormones and metabolites for their roles in watermelon CGMMV resistance via foliar application, followed by CGMMV inoculation. Several phenylpropanoid metabolism-associated genes and metabolites, especially those involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, were found to be significantly enriched in the CGMMV-infected PI plants compared with the CGMMV-infected ‘ZK’ plants. We also identified a gene encoding UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) that is involved in kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside biosynthesis and controls disease resistance, as well as plant height. Additionally, salicylic acid (SA) biogenesis increased in the CGMMV-infected ‘ZK’ plants, resulting in the activation of a downstream signaling cascade. SA levels in the tested watermelon plants correlated with that of total flavonoids, and SA pre-treatment up-regulated the expression of flavonoid biosynthesis genes, thus increasing the total flavonoid content. Furthermore, application of exogenous SA or flavonoids extracted from watermelon leaves suppressed CGMMV infection. In summary, our study demonstrates the role of SA-induced flavonoid biosynthesis in plant development and CGMMV resistance, which could be used to breed for CGMMV resistance in watermelon.
Trinity II: The luminosity-dependent bias of the supermassive black hole mass–galaxy mass relation for bright quasars at z = 6
Authors: Zhang Haowen , Behroozi Peter , Volonteri Marta , Silk Joseph , Fan Xiaohui , Aird James , Yang Jinyi , Hopkins Philip F
Published: May 2023

Using recent empirical constraints on the dark matter halo–galaxy–supermassive black hole (SMBH) connection from z = 0–7, we infer how undermassive, typical, and overmassive SMBHs contribute to the quasar luminosity function (QLF) at z = 6. We find that beyond Lbol = 5 × 1046 erg s−1, the z = 6 QLF is dominated by SMBHs that are at least 0.3 dex above the z = 6 median M•–M* relation. The QLF is dominated by typical SMBHs (i.e. within ±0.3 dex around the M•–M* relation) at Lbol ≲ 1045 erg s−1. At z ∼ 6, the intrinsic M•–M* relation for all SMBHs is slightly steeper than the z = 0 scaling, with a similar normalization at $M_* \sim 10^{11} \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$. We also predict the M•–M* relation for z = 6 bright quasars selected by different bolometric luminosity thresholds, finding very good agreement with observations. For quasars with Lbol > 3 × 1046 (1048) erg s−1, the scaling relation is shifted upwards by ∼0.35 (1.0) dex for 1011M⊙ galaxies. To accurately measure the intrinsic M•–M* relation, it is essential to include fainter quasars with Lbol ≲ 1045 erg s−1. At high redshifts, low-luminosity quasars are thus the best targets for understanding typical formation paths for SMBHs in galaxies.
ES Risks and Shareholder Voice
Authors: He Yazhou Ellen , Kahraman Bige , Lowry Michelle
Published: May 2023

We examine whether shareholder votes in environmental and social (ES) proposals are informative about firms’ ES risks. ES proposals are unique in that they nearly always fail. We examine whether mutual funds’ support for these failed proposals contains information about the ES risks that firms face. Higher support in failed ES proposals predicts subsequent ES incidents and the effects of these incidents on shareholder value. Examining the detailed records of fund votes, we find that agency frictions between a group of shareholders contribute to proposal failure.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online
Supporting Medical Education Innovation: Evaluation of a Grants Initiative
Authors: Santen Sally A. , Van Rite Eric , Hammoud Maya , Lomis Kimberly D. , Elliott Victoria Stagg , Heckman Kevin , Andrews John S. , Ayala Sarah B. , Richardson Judee
Published: May 2023

Problem

Medical education must evolve to meet the changing needs of patients and communities. Innovation is a critical component of that evolution. As medical educators pursue innovative curricula, assessments, and evaluation techniques, the impact of innovations may be limited by minimal funding. The American Medical Association (AMA) Innovation Grant Program, launched in 2018, seeks to address the gap in funding and stimulate educational innovation and research in medical education.

Approach

In 2018 and 2019, the Innovation Grant Program targeted innovation in content areas including health systems science, competency-based medical education, coaching, learning environment, and emerging technology. The authors reviewed the content of applications and final reports for the 27 projects completed during the first 2 years of the program. They also noted measures of success (completion of project, achievement of grant objectives, development of transferrable educational product, dissemination).

Outcomes

In 2018, the AMA received 52 submissions and funded 13 proposals, dispersing $290,000 ($10,000 and $30,000 grants). In 2019, the AMA received 80 submissions and funded 15 proposals, dispersing $345,000. Among the 27 completed grants, 17 (63%) supported innovations related to health systems science. Fifteen (56%) were used to create educational products that could be shared, such as new assessment tools, curricula, and teaching modules. Five grant recipients (29%) published articles and 15 (56%) presented at national conferences.

Next Steps

The grant program advanced educational innovations, particularly in health systems science. The next steps will involve examining the long-term outcomes and impact of the completed projects on medical students, patients, and the health system; the professional development of the grantees; and the adoption and dissemination of the innovations.
The Impact of Lumbopelvic Realignment Versus Prevention Strategies at the Upper-instrumented Vertebra on the Rates of Junctional Failure Following Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Passias Peter G. , Williamson Tyler K. , Joujon-Roche Rachel , Krol Oscar , Tretiakov Peter , Imbo Bailey , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Owusu-Sarpong Stephane , Lebovic Jordan , Mir Jamshaid , Dave Pooja , McFarland Kimberly , Vira Shaleen , Diebo Bassel G. , Park Paul , Chou Dean , Smith Justin S. , Lafage Renaud , Lafage Virginie
Published: May 2023

Study Design/setting.

Retrospective

Objective.

Evaluate the surgical technique that has the greatest influence on the rate of junctional failure following ASD surgery.

Summary of Background Data.

Differing presentations of adult spinal deformity(ASD) may influence the extent of surgical intervention and the use of prophylaxis at the base or the summit of a fusion construct to influence junctional failure rates.

Materials and Methods.

ASD patients with two-year(2Y) data and at least 5-level fusion to the pelvis were included. Patients were divided based on UIV: [Longer Construct: T1-T4; Shorter Construct: T8-T12]. Parameters assessed included matching in age-adjusted PI-LL or PT, aligning in GAP-relative pelvic version or Lordosis Distribution Index. After assessing all lumbopelvic radiographic parameters, the combination of realigning the two parameters with the greatest minimizing effect of PJF constituted a good base. Good s was defined as having: (1) prophylaxis at UIV (tethers, hooks, cement), (2) no lordotic change(under-contouring) greater than 10° of the UIV, (3) preoperative UIV inclination angle<30°. Multivariable regression analysis assessed the effects of junction characteristics and radiographic correction individually and collectively on the development of PJK and PJF in differing construct lengths, adjusting for confounders.

Results.

In all, 261 patients were included. The cohort had lower odds of PJK(OR: 0.5,[0.2–0.9];P=0.044) and PJF was less likely (OR: 0.1,[0.0–0.7];P=0.014) in the presence of a good summit. Normalizing pelvic compensation had the greatest radiographic effect on preventing PJF overall (OR: 0.6,[0.3–1.0];P=0.044). In shorter constructs, realignment had a greater effect on decreasing the odds of PJF(OR: 0.2,[0.02–0.9];P=0.036). With longer constructs, a good summit lowered the likelihood of PJK(OR: 0.3,[0.1–0.9];P=0.027). A good base led to zero occurrences of PJF. In patients with severe frailty/osteoporosis, a good summit lowered the incidence of PJK(OR: 0.4,[0.2–0.9]; P=0.041) and PJF (OR: 0.1,[0.01–0.99];P=0.049).

Conclusion.

To mitigate junctional failure, our study demonstrated the utility of individualizing surgical approaches to emphasize an optimal basal construct. Achievement of tailored goals at the cranial end of the surgical construct may be equally important, especially for higher-risk patients with longer fusions.

Level of Evidence.

3.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery With Digital Pathology Improves Surgical Quality and Efficiency: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cho Mi Yeon , Kim Soo Chan , Choi Ye Seul , Jang Dong Su , Heo Seok-Jae , Choi Yoon Jung , Chung Kee-Yang , Roh Mi Ryung , Kim Jihee
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Mohs micrographic surgery, involving pathology of the surgical margin, has the lowest recurrence rate for skin cancer. Moreover, because of technological advances, digital pathology systems are gradually being adopted in hospitals. Yongin Severance Hospital was the first hospital to construct a fully digitalized pathology system in Korea.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficiency and characteristics of the digital pathology system for Mohs micrographic surgery.

METHODS

The medical records of 80 patients with skin cancer who underwent Mohs micrographic surgery from March 2020 to August 2022 were analyzed for the number of frozen margins, number of stages, operation time, and recurrence rate to compare cases based on the pathology system.

RESULTS

Overall, 23 and 57 patients were examined using the conventional and digital pathology systems, respectively. The mean number of final stages was 0.494 lower (p-value = .008), the time from the previous to the next stage was 0.687-fold shorter (p = .002), and the rate of switching from positive to negative margins was 1.990 times higher (p = .044) in the digital than the conventional group.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective single-center experience; short follow-up time.

CONCLUSION

Digital pathology reduces operative time and increases accuracy in Mohs micrographic surgery.
Nasal Retainer 2.0: A New, Cheap, and Reliable Method to Prepare Custom-made Nostril Retainer for Nasal Reconstruction
Authors: Torresetti Matteo , Pau Alberto , Pelliccioni Michele , Di Benedetto Giovanni
Published: May 2023

Total nasal reconstruction always represents a challenge for the plastic surgeon, who must deal both with the reconstructive procedure and compliance of the patient. This kind of reconstruction often requires more than one step. Therefore, more prolonged and emphasized scarring than normal can occur, thus resulting in a higher risk of nostril stenosis. Although several nasal retainers have been described, traditional premade retainers could be poorly tolerated by patients and need to be adequately customized to improve patient compliance. Herein, the authors propose a new, cheap, and reliable method to prepare customized nasal retainers which can be used after every step of nasal reconstruction.
Predicting the RSV Surge: Pediatric RSV Patterns of the COVID Pandemic
Authors: Zven Sidney , Dorr Madeline , Malloy Allison M. W. , Susi Apryl , Nylund Cade M. , Hisle-Gorman Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

Historically, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection trends have been predictable. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated precautions impacted RSV disease patterns. RSV infection trends during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic may have predicted the 2022 surge in pediatric RSV infections. A continued emphasis on increased viral testing will allow for early recognition and preparation for future public health crises.
Long Term Cardiovascular Health Effects of Intelligent Physical Exercise Training Among Office Workers—A 2 Year Follow up of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Christiansen Helle Joon , Søgaard Karen , Justesen Just Bendix , Sjøgaard Gisela , Dalager Tina
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aim of the study is to assess long-term effects of intelligent physical exercise training (IPET) on cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and cardiometabolic measures.

Methods

Office workers were randomized to a control group (CG, n = 194) or a training group (TG, n = 193). The TG received 1-hour weekly IPET during paid working hours for 2 years and recommendations to perform 30-minute leisure time physical activity 6 d/wk (LPA).

Results

Training group compared with CG demonstrated a significantly larger increase in VO2max of 0.13 ± 0.06 L/min and improved cardiometabolic measures at 1-year follow-up that were maintained at 2-year follow-up, with larger increases in VO2max among high-adherence participants.

Conclusions

Intelligent physical exercise training and LPA showed the potential for long-term improved VO2max and cardiometabolic measures. These findings emphasize the effectiveness of integrating IPET during paid working hours, and the significance of adherence to training was underlined.
Responsible Imputation of Missing Speech Perception Testing Data & Analysis of 4,739 Observations and Predictors of Performance
Authors: Pavelchek Cole , Lee David S. , Walia Amit , Michelson Andrew P. , Ortmann Amanda , Gentile Brynn , Herzog Jacques A. , Buchman Craig A. , Shew Matthew A.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To address outcome heterogeneity in cochlear implant (CI) research, we built imputation models using multiple imputation by chained equations (MICEs) and K-nearest neighbors (KNNs) to convert between four common open-set testing scenarios: Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant word (CNCw), Arizona Biomedical (AzBio) in quiet, AzBio +5, and AzBio +10. We then analyzed raw and imputed data sets to evaluate factors affecting CI outcome variability.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study of a national CI database (HERMES) and a nonoverlapping single-institution CI database.

Setting

Multi-institutional (32 CI centers).

Patients

Adult CI recipients (n = 4,046 patients).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Mean absolute error (MAE) between imputed and observed speech perception scores.

Results

Imputation models of preoperative speech perception measures demonstrate a MAE of less than 10% for feature triplets of CNCw/AzBio in quiet/AzBio +10 (MICE: MAE, 9.52%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.40–9.64; KNN: MAE, 8.93%; 95% CI, 8.83–9.03) and AzBio in quiet/AzBio +5/AzBio +10 (MICE: MAE, 8.85%; 95% CI, 8.68–9.02; KNN: MAE, 8.95%; 95% CI, 8.74–9.16) with one feature missing. Postoperative imputation can be safely performed with up to four of six features missing in a set of CNCw and AzBio in quiet at 3, 6, and 12 months postcochlear implantation using MICE (MAE, 9.69%; 95% CI, 9.63–9.76). For multivariable analysis of CI performance prediction, imputation increased sample size by 72%, from 2,756 to 4,739, with marginal change in adjustedR2(0.13 raw, 0.14 imputed).

Conclusions

Missing data across certain sets of common speech perception tests may be safely imputed, enabling multivariate analysis of one of the largest CI outcomes data sets to date.