bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of raised inner strike point equilibria scenario in ITER for detritiation from beryllium co-deposits
Authors: Park Jae-Sun , Bonnin Xavier , Pitts Richard , Gribov Y. , Wauters Tom , Kavin A.A. , Lukash V.E. , Khayrutdinov R.R.
Published: May 2023

In ITER, tritium retention primarily occurs through co-deposition with beryllium. To avoid exceeding the strict tritium inventory limit, efficient tritium recovery techniques are essential. Baking is the ITER baseline for tritium recovery, but its effectiveness in removing tritium from thick beryllium layers is limited. A raised strike point scenario is considered an alternative method for removing tritium from the ITER inner vertical divertor target by heating components via plasma flux. This paper presents SOLPS-ITER code simulations conducted under various conditions, assessing the divertor performance and tritium outgassing of the raised strike point scenario. As the strike point is raised, recycled neutrals are not efficiently baffled by the dome and scrape-off layer, significantly changing the neutral trajectory and ionization source distribution. This improves detachment accessibility but worsens core-edge compatibility compared to the baseline scenario. However, in the partially detached condition, the impact of raising the strike point, perpendicular transport, and q
95 on target heat flux is not significant, as it primarily scales with the input power. Target heat flux is translated to target surface temperature using a simplified heat transfer model that considers the 3D target monoblock geometry and active cooling condition, excluding Be layer thermal properties. For partially detached divertor conditions, the bulk tungsten monoblock surface temperature remains below the baking temperature, which is insufficient for efficient tritium outgassing under the actively cooled ITER divertor condition. However, considering the potential thermal contact resistance between the beryllium and tungsten layers, which may significantly impact temperature distribution, the temperature of the beryllium layer can be raised to a level sufficient for efficient tritium outgassing. Therefore, the raised strike point scenario can be considered as an alternative in-vessel tritium removal technique.
SOLPS-ITER predictive simulations of the impact of ion-molecule elastic collisions on strongly detached MAST-U Super-X divertor conditions
Authors: Myatra O. , Moulton D. , Dudson B. , Lipschultz B. , Newton S. , Verhaegh K. , Fil A.
Published: May 2023

The role of ion-molecule (

D
+

−

D
2

) elastic collisions in strongly detached divertor conditions has been studied in the MAST-U Super-X configuration using SOLPS-ITER. Two strongly detached steady state solutions were compared, one obtained through a main-ion fuelling scan and the other through a nitrogen seeding scan at fixed fuelling rate. A significant difference in the electron–ion recombination (EIR) levels was observed; significant EIR in strongly detached conditions in the fuelling scan and negligible EIR throughout the seeding scan. This is partly because the fuelling scan achieves electron temperatures (

T

e

) as low as 0.2 eV near the divertor target, compared to 0.8 eV in the seeding scan (EIR increases strongly below

T

e

≈
1

eV), and partly due to higher divertor plasma densities achieved in fuelling scan. Features of the strongly detached seeded cases, i.e. higher temperatures and negligible EIR, are recovered in the fuelling scan by turning off

D
+

−

D
2

elastic collisions. Analysis suggests that dissipation mechanisms like line radiation and charge exchange (important for detachment initiation) become weak when

T

e

falls below 1 eV, and that

D
+

−

D
2

elastic collisions are necessary for further heat dissipation and access to strongly recombining conditions in the fuelling scan. In the seeding scan, heat dissipation through

D
+

−

D
2

elastic collisions is weak. This could be because our nitrogen seeding simulations do not include interactions between nitrogen ions and neutrals, and the strongly detached cases contain high levels of

N
+

in the divertor. As a result, the

N
+

acts like a reservoir of energy and momentum which appears to weaken the impact of

D
+

−

D
2

elastic collisions on the divertor plasma energy and momentum balance, making it more difficult to access recombining conditions. This suggests that some of the differences between seeding and fuelling scans could be because energy and momentum exchange between impurities and neutrals is not sufficiently captured in our simulations.
Dynamic Mode Decomposition of merging wind turbine wakes
Authors: Zormpa M. , Le Clainche S. , Ferrer E. , Vogel C.R. , Willden R.H.J.
Published: May 2023

The design and operation of wind farms is significantly affected by the impact that upstream turbine wakes have on the power production and fatigue loading of subsequent turbines; often called the wake effect. In this work, two types of flows are considered: the wake of a single turbine with a laminar inflow and the combined wake of two turbines operating in-line where the upstream wake results in an unsteady inflow for the downstream turbine. Those two scenarios are simulated using large eddy simulation (LES) and the actuator line method (ALM). The spatio-temporal velocity fields are analyzed by means of high order dynamic mode decomposition (HODMD), a well established variant of the DMD. The results show that most of the higher frequencies characterizing the laminar case are instead dominated by the lower frequency modes in the combined wake. This suggests that structures emerging from the blade rotations in a wind turbine wake may be less significant for describing the wake dynamics when the rotor is operating in the unsteady wake of an upstream rotor.
Investigations of Farm-to-Farm Interactions and Blockage Effects from AWAKEN Using Large-Scale Numerical Simulations
Authors: Cheung Lawrence , Hsieh Alan , Blaylock Myra , Herges Thomas , deVelder Nathaniel , Brown Kenneth , Sakievich Philip , Houck Daniel , Maniaci David , Kaul Collen , Rai Raj , Hamilton Nicholas , Rybchuk Alex , Scott Ryan , Thedin Regis , Brazell Michael , Churchfield Matthew , Sprague Michael
Published: May 2023

A large-scale numerical computation of five wind farms was performed as a part of the American WAKE experimeNt (AWAKEN). This high-fidelity computation used the ExaWind/AMR-Wind LES solver to simulate a 100 km × 100 km domain containing 541 turbines under unstable atmospheric conditions matching previous measurements. The turbines were represented by Joukowski and OpenFAST coupled actuator disk models. Results of this qualitative comparison illustrate the interactions of wind farms with large-scale ABL structures in the flow, as well as the extent of downstream wake penetration in the flow and blockage effects around wind farms.
Can we yet do a fairer and more complete validation of wind farm parametrizations in the WRF model?
Authors: Peña Alfredo , García-Santiago Oscar , Kosović Branko , Mirocha Jeffrey D. , Juliano Timothy W.
Published: May 2023

Wind-farm parametrizations in numerical weather prediction models continue to be developed and used to study the impact of wind farms on both the local climate and other wind farms. Therefore, it is important to evaluate their accuracy in simulating the wind field. Here, we evaluate the Fitch scheme, which is the in-built wind-farm parametrization of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model by simulating a small wind farm through idealized simulations in the WRF model. We simulate the wind-farm impact on the atmosphere by using two planetary boundary layer schemes, one of these designed for the terra incognita, a range of scales finer than used for traditional mesoscale simulations, yet still too coarse for large-eddy simulation (LES). For both schemes, we use two horizontal grid spacings, 960 and 240 m, which are typical within the terra incognita. We compare these simulations using the Fitch wind farm parametrization with wakes modelled at high-resolution using the LES capability of the WRF model combined with an actuator disk wind turbine model designed for LES. From this preliminary assessment, we find that the simulations at the coarsest resolution are in better agreement with spatially-averaged outputs of the LES compared to that of the medium-range resolution simulations with LES, which are spatially averaged to the medium size spacing. The medium-range resolution simulations show the greatest velocity differences between the simulations without and with wakes.
Experimental analysis of the wake behind a small wind-turbine model in yaw
Authors: Micheletto D , Segalini A , Fransson J H M
Published: May 2023

In this work we study the wake of a yawed wind-turbine model immersed in an atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). The ABL is replicated in the wind tunnel by means of a barrier-spires and distributed roughness configuration and is representative of a rural terrain. We quantify the properties of the wake in the horizontal plane at hub height and compare the predictions of available wake models to our data for different yaw angles. It is found that the model based on lifting-line theory performs best in predicting the velocity deficit without the need of tuning the parameters to the current setup. However, the wake deflection is slightly underestimated, most notably at the transition between near and far wake. Furthermore, a comparison with the turbine in a uniform incoming flow highlights the enhanced downward deflection of the wake which results from its interaction with the ABL.
Transient phenomena study in wind energy by means of LES simulations: impact of wind direction changes
Authors: Barile DA , Navarro Diaz GP , Sosa R , Otero AD
Published: May 2023

Transient phenomena such as abrupt changes in wind direction occur frequently during the operation of wind farms. The wakes produced behind wind turbines are affected by these situations, modifying the impact on nearby turbines, both in power output and life expectancy of the blades. In this work, a group of 4 turbines in a wind farm is analysed via Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations during wind shifts. Large Eddy Simulations (LES) are carried out by means of the open-source software OpenFOAM, including the SOWFA libraries. Once the wakes reach a time average stationary solution the wind direction is modified by means of a pressure gradient forcing, imposing different change rates. An actuator disk with the ability to correct yaw misalignment is used to represent turbines. Besides, neutral Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) flows are considered. Results show that for higher change rates the greatest impact on the downwind turbine is produced when turbines are no longer collinear with wind direction due to the wake curvature. Also, higher change rates produce a higher curvature modifying the impact on power output of downwind turbines. This study provides a deeper understanding of the cause of greater deficits in wind farm output.
Modelling of wind turbine wakes over forests along the diurnal cycle
Authors: Olivares-Espinosa Hugo , Arnqvist Johan
Published: May 2023

This work presents a methodology for the Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) of the continuous transition of atmospheric stability over forests along the diurnal cycle and its effect on the turbulence characteristics of wind turbine wakes. The forest is modelled as a porous surface where temperature changes, transferred to the air via sensible transport, are caused by the variation of net radiation and in proportion to the tree height and leaf density. The flow is driven by a pressure gradient including Coriolis forcing to allow for the development of nocturnal inertial oscillations. An actuator disk is employed to model the wake of a wind turbine located in Ryningsnäs, Sweden, for which metmast measurements are available to carry out a comparison. Results show a good prediction of the inflow and wake characteristics during daytime whereas turbulence fluctuations seem to be overestimated during night periods, attributed to a combination of an excess in geostrophic velocity and coarse mesh resolution. Observations of velocity, heat flux, potential temperature, velocity spectra and other higher order statistics are used to characterize the diurnal variations both in the inflow and across the wake. The results show that the model is capable of representing the turbulence flow dynamics during the diurnal stability transition, hence laying the ground to future studies to assess the performance of wind parks over forested areas.
Study on flow and noise characteristics of composite NACA64418 blade under different inlet velocities
Authors: Qiao Juanjuan , Jia Jiahao , Liu Tingrui
Published: May 2023

This paper conducts an analytical study on the composite NACA64418 blade. The study uses the large eddy simulation (LES) method to calculate the unsteady flow field of NACA64418 at different inlet velocities, and the trend of flow field characteristics with different inlet velocities was analysed. It was found that the energy characteristics of the wing increased continuously with the growth in velocity. However, based on the trend of the lift-to-drag ratio, it is presumed that the lift-to-drag ratio will eventually remain constant or may even decrease when a certain inlet velocity is reached. The Q-criteria was used to identify the vortex structure. It is found that the flow state on the wing surface at high velocities can be clearly distinguished according to the vortex morphology, containing laminar, transitional and turbulent regions. Finally, the aerodynamic noise of the far-field wing is obtained by solving the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) equation, and the noise characteristics are analysed. We obtain that the noise around the wing increases with the increase of velocity. The noise value increases more significant in Φ=90° and 270°, but the noise increase ratio is more evident in Φ=0° and 180°.
Application of Moving Particle Simulation Method on Water-skipping
Authors: Ren Fantao , Jiang Yi , Niu Yusen , Yang Baosheng , Su Zhengyu
Published: May 2023

Inspired by the phenomenon of stone-skipping in life, the problem of continuous water-skipping in trans-media vehicles is widely concerned, which is characterized by multiphase flow-solid coupling, dynamic boundary, liquid surface fragmentation and high impact loads. Based on the Moving Particle Semi-implicit numerical method, this paper investigates the disc’s motion characteristics and liquid surface variation, focusing on the influence of the water entry parameters on the sloshing phenomenon of the water-skipping. The simulation results indicate that the disc water skipping process can be divided into three stages: water entry, sliding and re-flying, during which the disc is with large impact loads and the water surface is with large scale breaking and droplet splashing. With certain rotation velocity, the disc could maintain a smooth water skipping, while there will be a lateral displacement due to the Magnus effect. The larger the water-entry velocity and angel is, the larger impact load is, the faster velocity decay rate is, the larger vacuole area is, and larger the water surface broking area and the droplet splashing is. Predicted water-skipping phenomenon agrees well with the experimental result obtained from high-speed photography.
Positioning accuracy estimation of spacecraft simulator based on Monte Carlo and Anderson-Darling test
Authors: Wei Yaqiang , Xu Zhigang
Published: May 2023

In aerospace ground test system, positioning accuracy estimation of spacecraft simulator has an important influence on the trajectory planning and obstacle avoidance optimization. In this study, the fusion strategy of multi-laser-ranging-sensors is used to analyse the principle of laser ranging in the positioning of spacecraft simulator. On this basis, effect of measurement error on the positioning accuracy of spacecraft simulator is analysed, and theoretical derivation are performed. In order to accurately estimate the positioning accuracy, the algorithm based on Monte Carlo and Anderson-Darling test are introduced. Finally, simulations and experiments were conducted for the above algorithm. The result shows that the fusion strategy of multi-laser ranging sensors is reasonable. Compared with traditional positioning and accuracy estimation methods of spacecraft simulator, the proposed method is more precise for the accuracy estimate and is more convenient for engineers to use.
An Improved NSGA-II for Energy-oriented Hot Rolling Production Scheduling Problems
Authors: Chen Lan , Cao Ling-Ling , Wen Yao-Min , Jiang Sheng-Long
Published: May 2023

With the sharply increasing energy demand and the shortage of energy, the scheduling goal of hot rolling production (HRP) is to select and sequence slabs to reduce cost and energy consumption. A multi-objective HRP optimal scheduling model is formulated and transferred as a multi-objective prize collecting vehicle routing problem (MO-PCVRP) with special constraints that simultaneously minimizes the jump cost of width, thickness, and hardness between adjacent slabs, the total length of unselected slabs, and the energy cost. Furthermore, this paper introduces a greedy strategy to intensify the local search of the standard NSGA-II algorithm, and names it local-intensification NSGA-II (LI-NSGA-II). The comparison experiments show that the LI-NSGA-II algorithm obtains better comprehensive performance than other compared algorithms in solving multi-objective scheduling problems of HRP.
Sea Launch Adapter Response in Rough Sea Conditions Considering Strain Rate Effects
Authors: Deng Wang , Jianshuai Shao , Miao Chen , Yuanyang Zhao , Yi Jiang
Published: May 2023

The launch vehicle sea launch system is a typical strong nonlinear complex coupled system. There is relative motion between the launch vehicle and the frame-type launcher in the offshore wind and wave environment. The multiple impact loads between the adapters and the guideways are nonlinear and discontinuous. The contact velocities between adapters and guideways are different. The strain rate of polyurethane foam should be considered in the adapter model. Based on the experimental data of polyurethane foam compression, a more accurate modified phenomenology macroscopic model is established. Dynamic models of the sea launch system with and without adapter strain rate effects are established respectively for comparative analysis. The results show that the dynamic effect of adapter strain rate effects on launch vehicle sea launch cannot be ignored.
Data Processing Method of Photoelectric Effect Experiment Based on Grey Prediction
Authors: Fang Yuelei , Zhou Hongxian
Published: May 2023

In the Planck teaching experiment of photoelectric effect measurement, Due to the limitation of experimental equipment, only a few wavelengths of data can be measured, and the current data processing methods used in experimental teaching are not suitable for the situation of small data capacity, which leads to large errors in experimental results. In this paper, a data processing method of Planck constant based on grey prediction model is proposed, which can effectively improve the measurement accuracy of experiments.
Influence of Al content on the elastic properties and various anisotropies of AlxC rFeCoNiCu high entropy alloys base on the first-principles calculation
Authors: Li Yanzhou , Shi Yan , Chen Rongna , Wang Hongxin , Zhang Peng , Zhou Binjun , Li Defa , Lin Hua , Ding Lin
Published: May 2023

First-principles density-functional theory was used to analyze the effects of Al on the mechanical properties, stability, elastic constant, and elastic anisotropy of AlxCrFeCoNiCu (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2) HEAs. The calculations of volume modulus, shear modulus, and Young’s modulus show that the increase of Al content can improve the strength of HEAs, and the degree of influence of Al on Young’s modulus of the HEAs is higher than that of shear modulus and volume modulus. The calculations of Cauchy pressure, Paugh ratio, and Poisson’s ratio show that FeCoNiCrCu, Al0.5CrFeCoNiCu, and AlCrFeCoNiCu have good flexibility and plasticity. AlxCrFeCoNiCu HEAs with different Al contents all exhibit elastic anisotropy.
Study of fluorine-doped tin oxide thin films deposited by pneumatic spray pyrolysis and ultrasonic spray pyrolysis: a direct comparison
Authors: Ramírez-Amador Raquel , Alvarado-Pulido José Joaquín , Martínez-Hernández Haydee Patricia , Cortes- Maldonado Raúl , Alcántara-Iniesta Salvador , Flores-Carrasco Gregorio , Ojeda-Durán Esteban , Malik Oleksandr , Morales-de la Garza Leonardo , Méndez-Rojas Miguel Ángel , Panecatl-Bernal Yesmin , Luna-López José Alberto , López-Salazar Primavera
Published: May 2023

A comparative analysis was performed of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) thin films deposited through two different systems: pneumatic spray pyrolysis and ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. The films were deposited on glass substrates at 460 °C, with varying weight ratios of fluorine to tin (F/Sn = 0.35, F/Sn = 0.50, and F/Sn = 0.65). The investigation focuses on the evolution of the film’s crystallinity, structural, morphological, transmittance, optical, and electrical properties. Resonant nuclear reaction (RNR) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) techniques were used to confirm the presence of fluorine in the FTO samples. The results show that the sample with F/Sn = 0.50 deposited through pneumatic spray pyrolysis, with a figure of merit of 34.5 × 10−3 Ω−1, exhibits the best characteristics for use as electrodes in optoelectronic devices, particularly in the fabrication of solar cells.
Quantum state preparation using tensor networks
Authors: Melnikov Ar A , Termanova A A , Dolgov S V , Neukart F , Perelshtein M R
Published: May 2023

Quantum state preparation is a vital routine in many quantum algorithms, including solution of linear systems of equations, Monte Carlo simulations, quantum sampling, and machine learning. However, to date, there is no established framework of encoding classical data into gate-based quantum devices. In this work, we propose a method for the encoding of vectors obtained by sampling analytical functions into quantum circuits that features polynomial runtime with respect to the number of qubits and provides>99.9%accuracy, which is better than a state-of-the-art two-qubit gate fidelity. We employ hardware-efficient variational quantum circuits, which are simulated using tensor networks, and matrix product state representation of vectors. In order to tune variational gates, we utilize Riemannian optimization incorporating auto-gradient calculation. Besides, we propose a ‘cut once, measure twice’ method, which allows us to avoid barren plateaus during gates’ update, benchmarking it up to 100-qubit circuits. Remarkably, any vectors that feature low-rank structure—not limited by analytical functions—can be encoded using the presented approach. Our method can be easily implemented on modern quantum hardware, and facilitates the use of the hybrid-quantum computing architectures.
Manufacturing and metrological characterization of reference charpy specimens: first evaluations
Authors: Omena de Moura Frank , Fabrício Carlos Alberto , Moreira Marcelo Ferreira , Pires Castanho Manuel Antônio , Moro João Roberto
Published: May 2023

The first evaluations of the manufacture and metrological characterization of reference specimens for indirect calibration of Charpy impact testing machines by the Institute for Technological Research (IPT) are presented, seeking through the laboratory resources and expertise of the Institute, the accreditation of the laboratory as a producer of this reference material. The specimens are manufactured with 300 M steel by conventional machining. Heat treatments of normalizing, quenching, and tempering were used to control the mechanical properties. To obtain greater homogeneity in the specimens, it was decided to use tubular laboratory ovens and manufacture small batches with 32 specimens each. Initially, 2 batches were manufactured, one target at a nominal Charpy energy of 30 J and another 54 J. The pilot batches of 30 J and 54 J showed, respectively, standard deviations of 0.89 HRC and 0.96 HRC between samples and mean hardness with errors of −0.22 HRC and 0.83 HRC. The microstructures obtained after the heat treatments are tempered martensite and in the second batch, it is possible to observe that the microstructure is a little more spheroidized due to the higher tempering temperature.
Similarity matrix average for aggregating multiplex networks
Authors: Baccini Federica , Barabesi Lucio , Petrovich Eugenio
Published: May 2023

We introduce a methodology based on averaging similarity matrices with the aim of integrating the layers of a multiplex network into a single monoplex network. Multiplex networks are adopted for modelling a wide variety of real-world frameworks, such as multi-type relations in social, economic and biological structures. More specifically, multiplex networks are used when relations of different nature (layers) arise between a set of elements from a given population (nodes). A possible approach for analyzing multiplex similarity networks consists in aggregating the different layers in a single network (monoplex) which is a valid representation—in some sense—of all the layers. In order to obtain such an aggregated network, we propose a theoretical approach—along with its practical implementation—which stems on the concept of similarity matrix average. This methodology is finally applied to a multiplex similarity network of statistical journals, where the three considered layers express the similarity of the journals based on co-citations, common authors and common editors, respectively.
The Histopathology of Cold Agglutinin Disease–Associated B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disease
Authors: Guenther Angela , Tierens Anne , Malecka Agnieszka , Delabie Jan
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Primary cold agglutinin disease is a type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia caused by circulating antibodies against I antigen, a carbohydrate expressed on most cells, including red blood cells. The underlying disease has been characterized in recent years as a distinct B-cell lymphoproliferative disease of the bone marrow, occurring mostly in the elderly. The disease has been now been included as a separate entity in the most recent classifications of mature B-cell neoplasms.

Methods

A review of the characteristics of cold agglutinin disease is provided, with an emphasis on the pathology features.

Results

A detailed description of the histopathology, immunophenotype, and genetics of cold agglutinin disease is provided and compared to other B-cell lymphoproliferative diseases in the bone marrow with similar features.

Conclusions

Recognition of the pathology features of cold agglutinin disease allows to distinguish it from other diseases, especially lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma.
CW-NET for multitype cell detection and classification in bone marrow examination and mitotic figure examination
Authors: Wang Ching-Wei , Huang Sheng-Chuan , Khalil Muhammad-Adil , Hong Ding-Zhi , Meng Shwu-Ing , Lee Yu-Ching
Published: May 2023

Motivation

Bone marrow (BM) examination is one of the most important indicators in diagnosing hematologic disorders and is typically performed under the microscope via oil-immersion objective lens with a total 100× objective magnification. On the other hand, mitotic detection and identification is critical not only for accurate cancer diagnosis and grading but also for predicting therapy success and survival. Fully automated BM examination and mitotic figure examination from whole-slide images is highly demanded but challenging and poorly explored. First, the complexity and poor reproducibility of microscopic image examination are due to the cell type diversity, delicate intralineage discrepancy within the multitype cell maturation process, cells overlapping, lipid interference and stain variation. Second, manual annotation on whole-slide images is tedious, laborious and subject to intraobserver variability, which causes the supervised information restricted to limited, easily identifiable and scattered cells annotated by humans. Third, when the training data are sparsely labeled, many unlabeled objects of interest are wrongly defined as background, which severely confuses AI learners.

Results

This article presents an efficient and fully automatic CW-Net approach to address the three issues mentioned above and demonstrates its superior performance on both BM examination and mitotic figure examination. The experimental results demonstrate the robustness and generalizability of the proposed CW-Net on a large BM WSI dataset with 16 456 annotated cells of 19 BM cell types and a large-scale WSI dataset for mitotic figure assessment with 262 481 annotated cells of five cell types.

Availability and implementation

An online web-based system of the proposed method has been created for demonstration (see https://youtu.be/MRMR25Mls1A).
Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 prevents recurrent spontaneous abortion by targeting enhancer of zeste homolog 2 to regulate trophoblast proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Zhou Mengqi , Gao Yue , Wu Shujuan , Chen Jiao , Ding Jinli , Wang Yaqin , Yang Jing
Published: May 2023

Trophoblasts are significant components of the placenta and play crucial roles in maternal-fetal crosstalk. Adequate trophoblast migration and invasion are essential for embryo implantation and healthy pregnancy. Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), a member of the deubiquitinating enzyme family, regulates the processes of migration and invasion in multiple tumor cells. However, the effects of USP7 on trophoblasts and its possible mechanism in the development of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) are still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the expression of USP7 in villous tissues obtained from RSA patients and healthy controls, and then GNE-6776 (a USP7-specific inhibitor) and USP7 siRNA were used in a trophoblast cell line, HTR-8/SVneo, to further assess the effect of USP7 on the biological function of trophoblasts. Our results provide convincing evidence that USP7 is downregulated in the placental villous tissues of RSA patients. USP7 was found to have a crucial role in the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of trophoblast cells. Further experiments revealed that USP7 directly interacted with the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and regulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in trophoblasts. Taken together, these findings indicate the vital role of USP7 in regulating trophoblast proliferation, migration and invasion, thus affecting the pathogenesis of RSA, providing new insights into the important role of USP7 in the maternal-fetal interface.
Large-scale activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of parkinsonian disorders
Authors: Ellis Elizabeth G , Joutsa Juho , Morrison-Ham Jordan , Younger Ellen F P , Saward Jacqueline B , Caeyenberghs Karen , Corp Daniel T
Published: May 2023

Parkinsonism is a feature of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal syndrome and multiple system atrophy. Neuroimaging studies have yielded insights into parkinsonian disorders; however, due to variability in results, the brain regions consistently implicated in these disorders remain to be characterized. The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify consistent brain abnormalities in individual parkinsonian disorders (Parkinson’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal syndrome and multiple system atrophy) and to investigate any shared abnormalities across disorders. A total of 44 591 studies were systematically screened following searches of two databases. A series of whole-brain activation likelihood estimation meta-analyses were performed on 132 neuroimaging studies (69 Parkinson’s disease; 23 progressive supranuclear palsy; 17 corticobasal syndrome; and 23 multiple system atrophy) utilizing anatomical MRI, perfusion or metabolism PET and single-photon emission computed tomography. Meta-analyses were performed in each parkinsonian disorder within each imaging modality, as well as across all included disorders. Results in progressive supranuclear palsy and multiple system atrophy aligned with current imaging markers for diagnosis, encompassing the midbrain, and brainstem and putamen, respectively. PET imaging studies of patients with Parkinson’s disease most consistently reported abnormality of the middle temporal gyrus. No significant clusters were identified in corticobasal syndrome. When examining abnormalities shared across all four disorders, the caudate was consistently reported in MRI studies, whilst the thalamus, inferior frontal gyrus and middle temporal gyri were commonly implicated by PET. To our knowledge, this is the largest meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies in parkinsonian disorders and the first to characterize brain regions implicated across parkinsonian disorders.
How well do orthodontic RCTs comply with CONSORT guidelines?
Authors: Mobarak Dima , Harrison Jayne E , Spencer Sally
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To assess the changes in compliance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in four orthodontic journals. To assess whether reporting of randomization, concealment, and blinding has improved.

Methods

Electronic hand searching was undertaken to identify orthodontic RCTs published in four orthodontic journals from January 2016 to June 2017 (T1) and from January 2019 to June 2020 (T2). The journals were the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics (AJO-DO), Angle Orthodontist (AO), European Journal of Orthodontics (EJO), and Journal of Orthodontics (JO). Each item on the CONSORT checklist was scored as either reported, not reported, or not applicable for each paper reporting an RCT.

Results

The study included 69 papers reporting an RCT published in T1 and 64 RCTs published in T2. The median CONSORT score in T1 was 48.7% (interquartile range [IQR] 27.6%, 68.6%) and 67% in T2 (IQR 43.9%, 79.5%). This increase was statistically significant (P = 0.001) and largely attributable to improved reporting in AO (P = 0.016) and EJO (P = 0.023). Reporting did not change significantly in AJO-DO (P = 0.13) or in JO (P = 1.0). Reporting of random allocation sequence generation (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.01, 4.29) and concealment of allocation (OR 2.27%, 95% CI 1.12, 4.57) were significantly higher in T2 compared with T1. Reporting of blinding did not change significantly.

Conclusion

Overall reporting of CONSORT items in reports of orthodontic RCTs published in the AJO-DO, AO, EJO, and JO, improved significantly from 2016–17 to 2019–20. This could be improved further by authors, journal referees, and editors adhering to the guidelines.
Management of modifiable risk factors and comorbidities in atrial fibrillation: suggestions for improvement from a patient perspective
Authors: Klavebäck Sofia , Svennberg Emma , Nymark Carolin , Braunschweig Frieder , Lidin Matthias
Published: May 2023

Aims

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), improved management of modifiable risk factors and concomitant diseases is recommended by guidelines, yet many AF patients have sub-optimal risk factor management. Digital health solutions may offer support in this matter. This study aims to identify how patients with AF perceive they could be supported by a digital tool aimed to optimize management of comorbidities and modifiable risk factors associated with an unhealthy lifestyle.

Methods and results

This was a qualitative, descriptive study based on four semi-structured focus-group interviews analysed by manifest content analysis. Sixteen AF patients with recent in- or outpatient encounters were included [age 68 (52–78) years; 43% female; BMI 29.5 (20.4–35.8) kg/m2; paroxysmal/persistent AF (50%/50%); AF duration 7 (0–22) years]. Relevant comorbidities were hypertension (88%), heart failure (25%), diabetes mellitus type 2 (19%), and ischaemic heart disease (13%). The patients’ suggestions were summarized into three main categories. First, person-centred information is essential, meaning that information should be customized and conveyed in an appropriate manner and include practical tips. Second, patients desire help with managing lifestyle habits in a way that is applicable in everyday life, and patients desire help with creating habits. Third, regular communication is necessary including inspirational reminders and motivational feedback.

Conclusion

Patients with AF request person-centred information, support in managing healthy lifestyle habits, and more regular communication with caregivers. This study provides a first foundation on how to better support AF patients, and using a digital tool in standard care may improve outcomes and reduce cost of care.
Genomic insight into Algoriphagus limi sp. nov. isolated from a mudflat on the Yellow Sea coast
Authors: Ahn Soyeon , Kim Jong-Hwa , Yoon Jung-Hoon , Lee Jung-Sook , Sukhoom Ampaitip , Kim Wonyong
Published: May 2023

A Gram-negative, non-motile, and reddish-orange colored bacterium, designated CAU 1643T, was isolated from a mudflat collected in Ganghwa Island, Republic of Korea. The bacterium was found to grow optimally at 30°C, pH 9.0–9.5, and with 0%–1% (w/v) NaCl. The highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the bacterium were Algoriphagus kandeliae XY-J91T (97.9%), A. aquimaris F21T (97.1%), A. formosus XAY3209T (97.0%), and A. marincola DSM 16067T (96.2%). The DNA G + C content of the type strain was 40.35 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain CAU 1643T and the reference strains were below the threshold value for species demarcation. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH, and Summed Feature 9. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7. The genome showed three putative biosynthetic gene clusters that are responsible for different secondary metabolites. Moreover, CAU 1643T contains 72 genes that encode carbohydrate-active enzymes. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic evidence, strain CAU 1643T represents novel species in the genus Algoriphagus, for which the name A. limi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1643T ( = KCTC 92080T, = MCCC 1K07150T).
Internal injuries in marine fishes caught in beam trawls using electrical versus mechanical stimulations
Authors: Boute P G , Rijnsdorp A D , van Leeuwen J L , Pieters R P M , Lankheet M J
Published: May 2023

To improve the ecological and economic sustainability in the Dutch beam trawl fishery, tickler chains were replaced by electrical pulse stimulation to drive common sole (Solea solea) out of the seabed. Because electrical stimulation may cause internal injuries, we quantified this risk by sampling fish species from commercial beam trawlers and recording spinal injuries and haemorrhages from X-radiographs and autopsy. To distinguish mechanically-induced and electrical-pulse-induced injuries, we compared injuries in ten species sampled from pulse (PUL) and tickler-chain (TCK) trawlers and four species sampled from PUL trawlers with the stimulus switched on or off. Co-occurrence of a major spinal injury and major haemorrhage at the same location was only observed in PUL samples, and were frequently (40%) observed in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and in low numbers (0–2%) in whiting (Merlangius merlangus), grey gurnard (Eutrigla gurnardus), and greater sandeel (Hyperoplus lanceolatus), but not in flatfishes and other species. In cod, injury occurrence correlated with fish length, with lower probabilities for small fish. Major spinal injury or major haemorrhage occurrence in PUL (range: <1–16%) was lower than in TCK (range: <1–42%) in eight of the ten species studied. Population level consequences of pulse-induced injuries are considered negligible.
Winning Hearts and Minds: Soft Power, Cinema, and Public Perceptions of the United States and China in Brazil
Authors: Guan Miaofang , Chagas-Bastos Fabrício H , Nishijima Marislei
Published: May 2023

In this article, we explore the relationship between soft power projection and public opinion, specifically investigating how cinema as a soft power resource can shape people's positive perceptions about a country. While soft power has been defined as a form of persuasive power associated with intangible resources such as culture, ideology, and institutions, the link between these resources and public opinion has received limited attention in previous research. This study aims to fill this gap by using the film industry as a proxy for soft power projection. We compare the United States’ and China's soft power sources and projections through an online survey with 908 participants in Brazil. Our findings indicate that exposure to soft power via films can shape people's positive perceptions of countries. However, some dimensions of soft power appear to be more challenging to activate than others, such as patriotic films’ association with admiration for US military power. The study also discovered that soft power activation may be context dependent, with greater knowledge of a country's soft power resources in a particular context leading to increased soft power projection/activation. We contribute to research by empirically expanding our understanding of soft power dynamics and how power resources can be converted into public opinion in world politics.
Forum: Challenges to Scholarship and Policy During Crises
Authors: Davies Graeme , De Alba-Ulloa Jessica , Ghosn Faten , Gleditsch Kristian Skrede , Kneuer Marianne , Milner Helen , Solingen Etel
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic influence on mortality and public health and generated much speculation on potential impacts on international politics. Fast-moving crises such as the COVID pandemic and 2008 financial crises entail many challenges for scholarship; events evolve rapidly, our prior knowledge base is limited, it is unclear whether existing theories or analogies apply, and new research findings emerge quickly but also erratically. Researchers face demands to engage with policy and general audiences when normal standards of scholarship may be difficult to apply. Crises can also have a dramatic impact on how we conduct research and interact with other scholars. The forum introduction outlines how crises pose challenges for scholarship and policy and the value of approaching crises such as COVID-19 in comparative perspective. Milner highlights the important differences between the immediately observable short-term impact of crises and the more difficult to evaluate long-run impacts. Kneuer examines how crises can impact political change, detailing how COVID countermeasures can serve as a pretext for autocratization and the safeguards afforded by institutions. Solingen examines the impact of serial crises on global value chains and the difficulties in tracing impacts when crises are compounded. De Alba-Ulloa documents how scholars in the Global South and North face similar challenges during the COVID pandemic, but differences in resources to mitigate can exacerbate inequalities. Davies highlights the difficulties in studying public opinion during COVID and need for behavioral data to understand global health emergencies. Ghosn examines dilemmas in interacting with severely affected communities during crises and offers advice on better practices.
Pressure in the Operating Room: A Potential Contributor to Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries
Authors: Milazzo Thomas , Loo Hannah , Rogers Alan , Cartotto Robert
Published: May 2023

Burn patients are at risk for hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs). An unexamined factor that may contribute to HAPI development is the effect of pressure from the operating table during surgery. The purpose of this study was to measure pressure on the buttocks and sacral area during burn surgery under general anesthesia (GA). Prospective study of consecutive adult burn patients admitted to an ABA-verified burn center who required surgery under GA between January 06, 2022 and December 08, 2022. We studied only cases that were supine, including those with both legs down (LD), one leg suspended (1LU), or both legs suspended (2LU). Interface pressures on the buttocks and sacral area were measured using a commercial sensor mat. Thousands of individual pressure measurements were integrated to show average and peak pressures over repetitive 10-minute intervals during the entire operation. Recordings were completed in 41 procedures among 28 patients (48.3 ± 16.9 years, % TBSA burn 19.2 ± 17.1, weight 80.2 ± 19.7 kg, BMI 26.7 ± 6.2). Both average pressure (Pave) and peak pressure (Ppeak) increased significantly with greater number of elevated legs (p < .001). During 2LU periods, Ppeak exceeded 100 mmHg for almost half the operative duration. Pave crept steadily upwards over time and had a positive relationship with weight, regardless of leg elevation. Prolonged moderate to high pressures are exerted on the sacral and buttock areas, especially with one or both legs suspended, during burn surgery. These novel observations suggest that pressure from the operating table could contribute to HAPI development.
Repurposing of waste PET by microbial biotransformation to functionalized materials for additive manufacturing
Authors: Kolitha Bhagya S , Jayasekara Sandhya K , Tannenbaum Rina , Jasiuk Iwona M , Jayakody Lahiru N
Published: May 2023

Plastic waste is an outstanding environmental thread. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the most abundantly produced single-use plastics worldwide, but its recycling rates are low. In parallel, additive manufacturing is a rapidly evolving technology with wide-ranging applications. Thus, there is a need for a broad spectrum of polymers to meet the demands of this growing industry and address post-use waste materials. This perspective article highlights the potential of designing microbial cell factories to upcycle PET into functionalized chemical building blocks for additive manufacturing. We present the leveraging of PET hydrolyzing enzymes and rewiring the bacterial C2 and aromatic catabolic pathways to obtain high-value chemicals and polymers. Since PET mechanical recycling back to original materials is cost-prohibitive, the biochemical technology is a viable alternative to upcycle PET into novel 3D printing materials, such as replacements for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The presented hybrid chemo-bio approaches potentially enable the manufacturing of environmentally friendly degradable or higher-value high-performance polymers and composites and their reuse for a circular economy.

One-Sentence Summary

Biotransformation of waste PET to high-value platform chemicals for additive manufacturing.
Glomus tumor mimicking digital adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ascio Noelani-Mei , Tchienga Dimitri , Qureshi Abid , Liu David , Asarian Armand , Genato Romulo , Xiao Philip
Published: May 2023

Glomus tumors are uncommon, benign lesions commonly located on the digits of the hands and are diagnostically challenging. This is because hemangiomas or ganglion cysts are more commonly identified in those locations. Our case report underlines the diagnostic challenge of a glomus tumor and the importance of immunohistochemical staining.