bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodological approach to the creation of functional foods enriched with encapsulated micronutrients
Authors: Viktorova Elena , Lisovaya Ekaterina , Sverdlichenko Anastasia
Published: April 2022

The problem of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in the diets of the population of all age groups is relevant not only for Russia, but also for many countries. An effective solution to this problem is the regular inclusion in the diet of functional foods enriched with bioactive micronutrients. An urgent task in the enrichment of food products with deficient micronutrients is the preservation of their bioactive properties and bioavailability. An effective solution to the problem of maintaining the bioavailability of micronutrients is to use encapsulated micronutrients for food enrichment. We have developed the methodological approach to the creation of functional foods enriched with encapsulated micronutrients, and also formulated the basic requirements for each stage. The implementation of the developed methodological approach will make it possible to create functional food products that ensure the normalization of the nutritional status of the population of different age groups.
Study of the influence of processing methods on the commercial quality and the amount of losses of cauliflower during storage
Authors: Kupin Grigory , Yakovleva Tatiana , Aleshin Vladimir , Tyagushcheva Anna , Franchenko Evgeniy
Published: April 2022

During the harvesting period, no more than 50% of the harvested vegetables can be processed or consumed fresh. The aim of the study was to study the effect of treatment with extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMF), the use of an antimicrobial agent (natamycin) and packaging in polymer films, on the amount of loss of cauliflower during storage. It was found that the most effective treatment is with an aqueous solution of natamycin and subsequent treatment with ELF EMF, which allowed the maximum increase in the outcome of standard products by 12.5 %. The concentration of 0.09 g/l was chosen as the optimal concentration of the natamycin solution. The smallest losses in the storage process were shown by samples subjected to preliminary complex processing, stripped from covering green leaves, packed in a food plastic film. The output of standard products increased by 13.1 % compared to the control samples.
Additives based on hydrolysates from animal raw materials for food psycho-emotional products
Authors: Nasonova Viktoria , Baburina Marina , Ivankin Andrey
Published: April 2022

The process of enzymatic hydrolysis of meat and bone raw materials of animal origin to obtain a protein product with a high content of individual essential amino acids that affect the psycho-emotional state is described. The amino acid and fractional composition of the product is presented, which is obtained due to the high dispersion of the feedstock. The developed methodology will contribute to the involvement of littleused waste of food raw materials in the target turnover.
Development of a technology for obtaining hesperidin from citrus fruit processing waste
Authors: Hochava Medea , Sampiev Abdulmutalip , Oganesyan Eduard , Semenenko Marina , Malyavina Valentina
Published: April 2022

When processing citrus fruits into concentrated juice, enterprises generate waste in the form of peel, pit, and pulp. These wastes, especially the peel, are rich in useful biologically active substances. The most representative in terms of content and valuable from the point of view of use in medicine and the food industry, groups of biologically active substances of citrus fruits are flavonoids and carbohydrates. Flavanones are known for their multifunctional and antioxidant action. The dominant flavanone of citrus fruits, hesperidin, can be used as an active substance for the preparation in medicine and in medicinal food products. Research in the ways of using various valuable products from citrus fruit processing waste are presented in foreign scientific sources, while Russian scientists have paid insufficient attention to this urgent problem. This article substantiates and experimentally confirms the optimal method for obtaining hesperidin from citrus fruit processing waste.
Convalescent Pigs: Liver and Muscle Examination
Authors: Vasilevskaya Ekaterina , Akhremko Anastasiya , Pchelkina Victoria , Makarenko Alexandr
Published: April 2022

Comparative studies of muscle tissue and liver of pigs recovered from intracerebral hematoma were carried out using proteomics and histology methods. The absence of pathological changes in the muscles of animals during the accumulation of proteins with molecular weights from 70 to 15 kDa in the muscles of the limbs, from 50 to 20 kDa in the muscles of the back was established. At the same time, destructive changes in the structure of the liver tissue of convalescents were revealed during the accumulation of proteins with masses less than 20 kDa. Thus, it has been shown that in the long-term period after parenchymal hemorrhage in the brain, the consequences of hemorrhagic transformation persist.
Axilläre Plexusanästhesie und Spinalanästhesie
Authors: Zufrass Jessica , Margraf Christian
Published: April 2022

Schritt für Schritt schildern wir am Beispiel von zwei regionalen Anästhesieverfahren, worauf bei der Umlagerung, Einleitung und im Aufwachraum zu achten ist, um wachen Patienten Ängste zu nehmen und das Prozedere so angenehm wie möglich zu gestalten.
Aerosoltherapie auf Intensivstation
Authors: Geiseler Jens , Mönig Olaf , Butzert Peter , Haidl Peter
Published: April 2022

Die Inhalationstherapie stellt v. a. bei pneumologischen Grund- oder Begleiterkrankungen sowohl bei invasiver als auch nichtinvasiver Beatmung häufig einen Eckpfeiler der Therapie dar, überwiegend in Form einer antiobstruktiven Therapie bei Asthma und COPD. Daneben wird im pädiatrischen Bereich beim respiratorischen Versagen infolge Frühgeburtlichkeit häufig Surfactant vernebelt. Weitere Medikamente sind inhalativ verabreichte Antibiotika, Sekretolytika sowie Substanzen zur Senkung des Pulmonalisdrucks. Der vorliegende Artikel fokussiert auf die Erwachsenen-Medizin und gibt Empfehlungen für eine korrekte Durchführung der Inhalationstherapie sowohl bei invasiver als auch nichtinvasiver Beatmung auf der Intensivstation. Ebenso werden Aspekte der Sicherheit von Patient und Personal während der Inhalationsphasen im Zusammenhang mit der aktuellen Corona-Epidemie besprochen.
Wie wirkt sich das ATA-OTA-Gesetz auf die Ausbildung aus?
Authors: Künzer Mareike
Published: April 2022

Am 01.01.2022 trat das Gesetz über die Ausbildung zu Anästhesietechnischen (ATA) und Operationstechnischen (OTA) Assistentinnen und Assistenten in Kraft – ein Meilenstein für die Entwicklung der Berufsbilder. Unsere Autorin hat die wichtigsten Änderungen der theoretischen und praktischen Ausbildung für Sie zusammengefasst.
Handassistierte retroperitoneoskopische Nephrektomie zur Lebendspende
Authors: Hagenbrock Indra , Wunsch Andreas
Published: April 2022

451 Nieren wurden deutschlandweit im Jahr 2020 nach einer Lebendspende transplantiert. Um den Eingriff für die Spender so schonend und sicher wie möglich durchzuführen, eignet sich die handassistierte retroperitoneoskopische Nephrektomie, denn sie bietet zwei entscheidende Vorteile: Die handassistierte Technik steigert die Sicherheit und Kontrolle während eines laparoskopischen Eingriffs, der kombinierte Zugangsweg aus retroperitoneal und transabdominal minimiert Komplikationen.
Endoscopic sigmoidopexy for recurrent sigmoid volvulus in inoperable patients: a retrospective series of 15 patients
Authors: Ouazana Salome , Coron Emmanuel , Le Rhun Marc , Le Rhun Marianne , Dray Xavier , Quénéhervé Lucille
Published: April 2022

Background Recurrent sigmoid volvulus is frequent and sometimes occurs in frail patients with contraindications to surgical sigmoidectomy. Percutaneous endoscopic sigmoidopexy (PES) has recently been proposed as an alternative to elective sigmoidectomy. We aimed to describe the efficacy and safety of PES.

Methods All consecutive patients who underwent PES for recurrent sigmoid volvulus at two French centers between January 2017 and March 2021 were included in this retrospective case series. Recurrent sigmoid volvulus was defined as at least two symptomatic episodes treated by endoscopic decompression. Under endoscopic guidance, anchors were placed to attach the sigmoid to the anterior abdominal wall, allowing the placement of pigtail Chait catheters.

Results 15 patients (60 % female; median age 74 years [range 49–96]) were included. Median number of previous sigmoid volvulus episodes was 3 (range 2–6). Procedures were technically successful with no intraprocedural adverse events for 14 patients (93 %). Peritonitis occurred at Day 2 in one patient (serious adverse event rate 7 %). Median follow-up time was 10 months (range 1–30). No sigmoid volvulus recurrence occurred during follow-up.

Conclusion PES using Chait catheters was feasible and effective for recurrent sigmoid volvulus and should be considered as an alternative to sigmoidectomy in inoperable patients.
Predictors of adverse events after endoscopic ultrasound-guided through-the-needle biopsy of pancreatic cysts: a recursive partitioning analysis
Authors: Facciorusso Antonio , Kovacevic Bojan , Yang Dennis , Vilas-Boas Filipe , Martínez-Moreno Belén , Stigliano Serena , Rizzatti Gianenrico , Sacco Marco , Arevalo-Mora Martha , Villarreal-Sanchez Leonardo , Conti Bellocchi Maria Cristina , Bernardoni Laura , Gabbrielli Armando , Barresi Luca , Gkolfakis Paraskevas , Robles-Medranda Carlos , De Angelis Claudio , Larghi Alberto , Di Matteo Francesco Maria , Aparicio José R. , Macedo Guilherme , Draganov Peter V. , Vilmann Peter , Pecchia Leandro , Repici Alessandro , Crinò Stefano Francesco
Published: April 2022

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided through-the-needle biopsy (TTNB) of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) is associated with a non-negligible risk for adverse events (AEs). We aimed to identify the hierarchic interaction among independent predictors for TTNB-related AEs and to generate a prognostic model using recursive partitioning analysis (RPA).

Patients and methods Multicenter retrospective analysis of 506 patients with PCLs who underwent TTNB. RPA of predictors for AEs was performed and the model was validated by means of bootstrap resampling.

Results Mean cysts size was 36.7 mm. Most common diagnoses were intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN, 45 %), serous cystadenoma (18.8 %), and mucinous cystadenoma (12.8 %). Fifty-eight (11.5 %) AEs were observed. At multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.32, 1.09–2.14; p = 0.05), number of TTNB passes (OR from 2.17, 1.32–4.34 to OR 3.16, 2.03–6.34 with the increase of the number of passes), complete aspiration of the cyst (OR 0.56, 0.31–0.95; p = 0.02), and diagnosis of IPMN (OR 4.16, 2.27–7.69; p < 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of AEs, as confirmed by logistic regression and random forest analyses. RPA identified three risk classes: high-risk (IPMN sampled with multiple microforceps passes, 28 % AEs rate), low-risk (1.4 % AE rate, including patients < 64 years with other-than-IPMN diagnosis sampled with ≤ 2 microforceps passes and with complete aspiration of the cyst) and middle-risk class (6.1 % AEs rate, including the remaining patients).

Conclusion TTNB should be selectively used in the evaluation of patients with IPMN. The present model could be applied during patient selection as to optimize the benefit/risk of TTNB.
Motorized spiral enteroscopy: results of an international multicenter prospective observational clinical study in patients with normal and altered gastrointestinal anatomy
Authors: Beyna Torsten , Moreels Tom , Arvanitakis Marianna , Pioche Mathieu , Saurin Jean-Christophe , May Andrea , Knabe Mate , Agnholt Jørgen Steen , Bjerregaard Niels Christian , Puustinen Lauri , Schlag Christoph , Aabakken Lars , Paulsen Vemund , Schneider Markus , Neurath Markus F. , Rath Timo , Devière Jacques , Neuhaus Horst
Published: April 2022

Background Motorized spiral enteroscopy (MSE) has been shown to be safe and effective for deep enteroscopy in studies performed at expert centers with limited numbers of patients without previous abdominal surgery. This study aimed to investigate the safety, efficacy, and learning curve associated with MSE in a real-life scenario, with the inclusion of patients after abdominal surgery and with altered anatomy.

Methods Patients with indications for deep enteroscopy were enrolled in a prospective observational multicenter study. The primary objective was the serious adverse event (SAE) rate; secondary objectives were the diagnostic and therapeutic yield, procedural success, time, and insertion depth. Data analysis was subdivided into training and core (post-training) study phases at centers with different levels of MSE experience.

Results 298 patients (120 women; median age 68, range 19–92) were enrolled. In the post-training phase, 21.5 % (n = 54) had previous abdominal surgery, 10.0 % (n = 25) had surgically altered anatomy. Overall, SAEs occurred in 2.3 % (7/298; 95 %CI 0.9 %–4.8 %). The SAE rate was 2.0 % (5/251) in the core group and 4.3 % (2/47) in the training group, and was not increased after abdominal surgery (1.9 %). Total enteroscopy was achieved in half of the patients (n = 42) undergoing planned total enteroscopy. In 295/337 procedures (87.5 %), the anatomical region of interest could be reached.

Conclusions This prospective multicenter study showed that MSE was feasible and safe in a large cohort of patients in a real-life setting, after a short learning curve. MSE was shown to be feasible in postsurgical patients, including those with altered anatomy, without an increase in the SAE rate.
Modeling Mechanical Ventilation In Silico—Potential and Pitfalls
Authors: Hannon David M. , Mistry Sonal , Das Anup , Saffaran Sina , Laffey John G. , Brook Bindi S. , Hardman Jonathan G. , Bates Declan G.
Published: April 2022

Computer simulation offers a fresh approach to traditional medical research that is particularly well suited to investigating issues related to mechanical ventilation. Patients receiving mechanical ventilation are routinely monitored in great detail, providing extensive high-quality data-streams for model design and configuration. Models based on such data can incorporate very complex system dynamics that can be validated against patient responses for use as investigational surrogates. Crucially, simulation offers the potential to “look inside” the patient, allowing unimpeded access to all variables of interest. In contrast to trials on both animal models and human patients, in silico models are completely configurable and reproducible; for example, different ventilator settings can be applied to an identical virtual patient, or the same settings applied to different patients, to understand their mode of action and quantitatively compare their effectiveness. Here, we review progress on the mathematical modeling and computer simulation of human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology in the context of mechanical ventilation, with an emphasis on the clinical applications of this approach in various disease states. We present new results highlighting the link between model complexity and predictive capability, using data on the responses of individual patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome to changes in multiple ventilator settings. The current limitations and potential of in silico modeling are discussed from a clinical perspective, and future challenges and research directions highlighted.
Exokine and the Youth-Boosting Treatment Based on One's Own Serum: Wheat and Chaff
Authors: Magistretti Philippe , Bertossi Dario , Pirayesh Ali , Magistretti Alessandra , Chirumbolo Salvatore
Published: April 2022

Within the field of skin rejuvenation, clinicians have broadened the application of proven therapies toward antiaging medicine. Specifically, both platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous-conditioned serum (ACS) have received great consideration among experts for novel indications. While the medical research focused on ACS is strengthened in their evidence and supported by promising outcomes, much more debates exist regarding the efficacy of PRP. Despite limited supporting literature to date, physicians and surgeons should be encouraged to explore the use of these approaches and in shedding further light on their potential benefits by contributing new evidence from basic and clinical scientific investigation.
Inverse molecular design from first principles: Tailoring organic chromophore spectra for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Green James D. , Fuemmeler Eric G. , Hele Timothy J. H.
Published: April 2022

The discovery of molecules with tailored optoelectronic properties, such as specific frequency and intensity of absorption or emission, is a major challenge in creating next-generation organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and photovoltaics. This raises the following question: How can we predict a potential chemical structure from these properties? Approaches that attempt to tackle this inverse design problem include virtual screening, active machine learning, and genetic algorithms. However, these approaches rely on a molecular database or many electronic structure calculations, and significant computational savings could be achieved if there was prior knowledge of (i) whether the optoelectronic properties of a parent molecule could easily be improved and (ii) what morphing operations on a parent molecule could improve these properties. In this Perspective, we address both of these challenges from first principles. We first adapt the Thomas–Reiche–Kuhn sum rule to organic chromophores and show how this indicates how easily the absorption and emission of a molecule can be improved. We then show how by combining electronic structure theory and intensity borrowing perturbation theory we can predict whether or not the proposed morphing operations will achieve the desired spectral alteration, and thereby derive widely applicable design rules. We go on to provide proof-of-concept illustrations of this approach to optimizing the visible absorption of acenes and the emission of radical OLEDs. We believe that this approach can be integrated into genetic algorithms by biasing morphing operations in favor of those that are likely to be successful, leading to faster molecular discovery and greener chemistry.
Large-scale atomistic studies of sliding friction in polycrystalline aluminum interfaces
Authors: Hammerberg J. E. , Ravelo R. , Milhans J. , Germann T. C.
Published: April 2022

We discuss large-scale non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations of ductile metal sliding comprising up to 1.8 × 109 atoms over time scales of 100 ns. The results of these simulations have identified a variety of physical mechanisms that are important in determining the steady-state frictional force for a wide range of velocities at compressed metal–metal interfaces. These include grain growth and refinement, the evolution of large plastic strains and strain rates, material mixing, and melting. These phenomena can be included in a strain, strain rate, and grain size model that gives good agreement with the NEMD simulations and can be applied to macroscopic continua.
Two-dimensional ordering governs the overpotential of Li intercalation and plating on graphene and its variants
Authors: Liang Chaoping , Wang Feilong , Tang Sai
Published: April 2022

In this work, the Li ordering and its influence on Li intercalation and plating on graphite, bilayer, and single-layer graphene are investigated by first-principles calculation with two-dimensional cluster expansion and van der Waals corrections. The results show that Li intercalation has a multistage feature for graphite and bilayer graphene at Li concentrations from C2 to LiC6. Beyond LiC6, Li atoms are crowded in graphite and bilayer graphene, resulting in a negative discharge voltage. The calculated overpotential indicates Li plating easily happens on graphite but is unlikely on bilayer graphene. For single-layer graphene, Li atoms uniformly cover the graphene surface from C2 to LiC4 with the presence of voltage stages, while forming an atomic island at a higher Li concentration. Our findings not only give a good recount on recent Li plating phenomena in Li-ion batteries but also provide a rationale for circumventing those side reactions on graphene and its variants.
Hexagonal close-packed (hcp) alloys under dynamic impacts
Authors: Skripnyak V. V. , Skripnyak V. A.
Published: April 2022

Predictions on the mechanical behavior of metals and alloys with a hexagonal close-packed (HCP) lattice under dynamic influences in a wide range of temperatures are in demand for solving a wide range of applied problems. This article presents new results of numerical simulation showing the general similarity of the mechanical behavior of HCP titanium, zirconium, hafnium, and beryllium alloys under dynamic loadings in a wide range of temperatures. These alloys belong to the important isomechanical subgroup of HCP alloys. A model for numerical simulation of mechanical behavior of HCP alloys under dynamic loadings in a wide temperature range was proposed. The model takes into account the change in contributions to the flow stress from the mechanisms of twinning and dislocation slip in the considered subgroup of HCP alloys. A kinetic damage model was adopted to describe the damage evolution under complex stress conditions and under dynamic loading. Thus, it was possible to increase the accuracy of predicting the dynamic fracture under tensile loads including the spall fracture.
Universality of the Förster’s model for resonant exciton transfer in ensembles of nanocrystals
Authors: Maksimova G. M. , Burdov V. A.
Published: April 2022

For nanocrystals in a strong quantum confinement regime, it has been confirmed analytically that resonant exciton transfer proceeds in full accordance with the Förster mechanism. This means that the virtual exciton transitions between the nanocrystals of close sizes are governed only by the dipole–dipole interaction of nanocrystals even in very dense ensembles, while the contributions of all other higher-order multipoles are negligibly small. Based on a simple isotropic model of the envelope function approximation and neglecting the electron–hole interaction inside each nanocrystal, we have computed the rate of the resonant exciton transfer between two nanocrystals. Using the obtained result, we have estimated, for some arbitrarily chosen nanocrystal, the total rate of the exciton non-radiative annihilation caused by the possibility of its resonant virtual transitions into all other nanocrystals of the ensemble. The total rate dependence on the nanocrystal size is determined only by the size distribution function of nanocrystals in the ensemble.
GraphVAMPNet, using graph neural networks and variational approach to Markov processes for dynamical modeling of biomolecules
Authors: Ghorbani Mahdi , Prasad Samarjeet , Klauda Jeffery B. , Brooks Bernard R.
Published: April 2022

Finding a low dimensional representation of data from long-timescale trajectories of biomolecular processes, such as protein folding or ligand–receptor binding, is of fundamental importance, and kinetic models, such as Markov modeling, have proven useful in describing the kinetics of these systems. Recently, an unsupervised machine learning technique called VAMPNet was introduced to learn the low dimensional representation and the linear dynamical model in an end-to-end manner. VAMPNet is based on the variational approach for Markov processes and relies on neural networks to learn the coarse-grained dynamics. In this paper, we combine VAMPNet and graph neural networks to generate an end-to-end framework to efficiently learn high-level dynamics and metastable states from the long-timescale molecular dynamics trajectories. This method bears the advantages of graph representation learning and uses graph message passing operations to generate an embedding for each datapoint, which is used in the VAMPNet to generate a coarse-grained dynamical model. This type of molecular representation results in a higher resolution and a more interpretable Markov model than the standard VAMPNet, enabling a more detailed kinetic study of the biomolecular processes. Our GraphVAMPNet approach is also enhanced with an attention mechanism to find the important residues for classification into different metastable states.
Epitaxy of half-metallic Heusler alloy Co2MnSi on Ge(111) substrate via a graphene interlayer with L21-ordered Co2MnSi
Authors: Li Gui-fang , Du Yongqian , You Tao , Tan Yue , Li Gao-Qiang , Zhang Yun , Liu Shibin
Published: April 2022

Cubic half-metallic Heusler alloy Co2MnSi (CMS) thin films were epitaxially grown on Ge(111) substrates via a hexagonal graphene interlayer through the combined use of magnetron sputtering for CMS and mechanical exfoliation for graphene. Despite the graphene interlayer being inserted between the CMS film and the Ge(111) substrate, CMS films were still grown epitaxially on Ge(111) substrates with extremely smooth and abrupt interfaces. Furthermore, 111 peaks of CMS were observed by x-ray diffraction measurement, indicating the L21 order for CMS thin films. The saturation magnetization (Ms) of CMS films annealed at 450 °C was 891 emu/cm3 at 10 K, which is correspondence to 87% of the theoretically predicted saturation magnetization value for half-metallic CMS.
Efficacy of microconfined fluid mixing in a combined electroosmotic and pressure driven transport of complex fluid over discrete electrodes
Authors: Mahapatra Bimalendu , Bandopadhyay Aditya
Published: April 2022

This paper numerically investigates the mixing characteristics of an Oldroyd-B fluid flowing through a micro-channel having discrete electrodes along its walls driven by both electroosmotic force and pressure gradient. We consider both symmetric and asymmetric potential distributions along the wall while also probing the influence of fluid rheology and other physicochemical parameters of the problem. We report an improvement in mixing efficiency by increasing the relative strength of electroosmotic forcing and pressure gradient. It is also observed that the localized mixing efficiency decreases with an increase in surface potential. Fluid rheology changes the position of maximum efficiency depending on fluid properties without affecting mixing efficiency substantially. Compared with a continuous distribution, the five-electrode arrangement produces approximately equivalent mixing efficiency. We observe an increase in mixing efficiency at the micro-channel outlet as the gap between the electrodes increases. We have also analyzed the mixing characteristics for asymmetric charge distributions and illustrated the parameters controlling the flow dynamics. The results of the present study may prove helpful for the complete design and analysis of an active micromixer for the efficient transport of bio/polymeric fluids inside micro-channels.
Conservative multilevel discrete unified gas kinetic scheme for modeling multiphase flows with large density ratios
Authors: Yang Zeren , Liu Sha , Zhuo Congshan , Zhong Chengwen
Published: April 2022

A novel multilevel discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (MDUGKS) is proposed to efficiently model multiphase flows with large density ratios. By constructing the kinetic flux with a mutable time interval depending on the local mesh spacing, the MDUGKS overcomes the stability problems encountered by the standard DUGKS when operating with the multilevel mesh. With the interpolation of macroscopic variables and mesoscopic distributions handled separately, the moments of distribution functions are maintained consistent with the conservative flow variables. Two kinetic equations corresponding to the conservative Allen–Cahn equation and the hydrodynamic equation are individually solved by the MDUGKS, and six benchmark problems have been conducted to evaluate its performance. Numerical solutions in steady cases produced by the MDUGKS are in well accordance with the theoretical predictions. A limiting density ratio of 109 is achieved in the quiescent droplet. The dynamic processes in unsteady cases anticipated by the MDUGKS agree well with the reference predictions. Comparative results also demonstrate that the MDUGKS behaves consistently with different types of meshes. With the employment of the adaptive multilevel mesh, 80% improvement in computational efficiency could be achieved compared with the uniform mesh. Considering the kinetic nature and the high efficiency, the MDUGKS offers a powerful tool for presenting meaningful insight into understanding the realistic multiphase systems at the mesoscopic scale.
Development of a high-efficiency gaseous elemental radioiodine generator
Authors: Zhao C. , Chen Y. , Liu J.
Published: April 2022

This study aims to develop a high-efficiency gaseous elemental radioactive iodine generator. To observe the yield of the generator over time, a real-time measurement module was assembled with NaI(Tl) gamma detectors. The Taguchi method was employed to optimize the process parameters and improve the performance of the generator. According to the experimental results, the optimum process parameters were 3.6 l/min for the flow rate of the carrier gas, 0.2 mol/l for the concentration of the NaI reactant solution, and 70 °C for the water bath temperature. The most influential factor was the concentration of the NaI reactant solution. With these optimized process parameters, the yield of the generator was 83% ± 1% (k = 1) in 5 min and reached a plateau (93% ± 1%) in 20 ± 2 min (k = 1).
Drag force on a circular cylinder in stratified flow: A two-dimensional numerical study
Authors: Deng Jian , Kandel Prabal
Published: April 2022

Using two-dimensional numerical simulations, we investigate a circular cylinder in a stratified flow with a pycnocline of a smooth density profile. We are particularly concerned about the difference between stratified flows and their homogeneous, or unstratified, counterparts in drag coefficients. It is well known that the characteristics of a stratified flow depend on the Reynolds number Re and the internal Froude number Fr. First, we change the incoming flow velocity, with the Reynolds number and the internal Froude number varying simultaneously, in the ranges of 76≤Re≤579 and 0.14≤Fr≤1.046, respectively. We find that the flow experiences a sequence of flow patterns, namely “multiple centerline structures,” “isolated mixed regions,” and “vortex shedding,” as we increase this combination, agreeing well with the previous experiments in the low Re and Fr ranges. Meanwhile, the mean drag coefficient decreases, and it drops below the value for a homogeneous state as an empirical stability parameter, k, drops below unity, indicating the transition from a lee-wave dominant wake to an unsteady, vortex shedding wake. This unique variation of drag coefficient is more clearly shown in another situation, when we fix the Reynolds number at Re = 234 while varying the Froude number within 0.094≤Fr≤4.192. In such a situation, we observe a stable “double eddy” pattern at Fr = 1.87, around which a minimum of mean drag coefficient is reached. At this critical point, we understand that the stratification in the flow inhibits lee-side separation, while the internal waves have not yet played a significant role. Although we observe turbulence-like, strong mixing regions in the far downstream wake for some specific cases, it is argued that the current two-dimensional simulations might not be able to resolve the high Reynolds number or high Froude number cases.
Dynamics of a droplet-impact-driven cantilever making contact with the ground
Authors: Lee Seonwoo , Joung Seyoung , Kim Daegyoum
Published: April 2022

To understand the mechanical principles of raindrop-based energy-harvesting systems, we experimentally investigate the dynamics of a cantilever, which deforms by a falling droplet and sequentially contacts the ground below. A new dimensionless parameter defined as the ratio of impact force to bending force is used to characterize the droplet–cantilever interaction. The bending stiffness of the cantilever, the impact velocity and size of the droplet, and the gap distance between the cantilever and the ground are varied to find how the transition boundary between contact and non-contact modes is affected by the dimensionless force ratio. The rebound amplitude, contact duration, and contact area of the cantilever are then analyzed. After the contact with the ground occurs, the rebound amplitude monotonically increases with the dimensionless force ratio. The contact duration of the cantilever with the ground is in a linear relation with the maximum contact area. We also examine the effects of the impact location and surface tension of the droplet on the contact responses. While the contact duration and area are changed notably by the impact location, the dynamics of the cantilever show minor variations with respect to the surface tension, despite a dramatic variation in droplet spreading behavior.
Direct measurement of storage and loss behavior in AFM force–distance experiments using the modified Fourier transformation
Authors: Uluutku Berkin , McCraw Marshall R. , Solares Santiago D.
Published: April 2022

Force–distance curve experiments are commonly performed in atomic force microscopy (AFM) to obtain the viscoelastic characteristics of materials, such as the storage and loss moduli or compliances. The classic methods used to obtain these characteristics consist of fitting a viscoelastic material model to the experimentally obtained AFM data. Here, we demonstrate a new method that utilizes the modified discrete Fourier transform to approximate the storage and loss behavior of a material directly from the data, without the need for a fit. Additionally, one may still fit a model to the resulting storage and loss behavior if a parameterized description of the material is desired. In contrast to fitting the data to a model chosen a priori, departing from a model-free description of the material's frequency behavior guides the selection of the model, such that the user may choose the one that is most appropriate for the particular material under study. To this end, we also include modified Fourier domain descriptions of commonly used viscoelastic models.
Effect of contact angles on dynamical characteristics of the annular focused jet between parallel plates
Authors: Huang Jian , Wang Guanghang , Wang Yiwei , Wang Jingzhu , Yao Zhaohui
Published: April 2022

Focused jets have been widely studied owing to the abundance of attractive flow phenomena and industrial applications, whereas annular focused jets are less studied. This study combines experiments, numerical simulations, and analytical modeling to investigate the effect of the contact angle on the generation position and focusing efficiency of annular focused jets between parallel plates. In the experiment, a pulsed laser generates a cavitation bubble inside the droplet, and the rapidly expanding cavitation bubble drives an annular-focused jet on the droplet surface. Changing the plate wettability creates different contact angles and droplet surface shapes between the droplet and plates, which modulates the position and focusing efficiency of the annular jet. Based on the jet singularity theory and by neglecting gravity, the derived formula for the jet position offset is found to depend only on the contact angle, which is in good agreement with the experimental and numerical simulation results. Combined with numerical simulations to analyze the flow characteristics of the droplets between the parallel plates, a new calculation method for the jet focusing efficiency is proposed. Interestingly, when the liquid surface radius is small, the focusing efficiency can be improved by adjusting the contact angle to make the jet position closer to the flat plate, whereas the same operation reduces the focusing efficiency when the radius is large. The study of annular jets can expand the scope of traditional jet research and has the potential to provide new approaches for applications such as high-throughput inkjet printing and liquid transfer.
Piecewise interaction picture density matrix quantum Monte Carlo
Authors: Van Benschoten William Z. , Shepherd James J.
Published: April 2022

The density matrix quantum Monte Carlo (DMQMC) set of methods stochastically samples the exact N-body density matrix for interacting electrons at finite temperature. We introduce a simple modification to the interaction picture DMQMC (IP-DMQMC) method that overcomes the limitation of only sampling one inverse temperature point at a time, instead allowing for the sampling of a temperature range within a single calculation, thereby reducing the computational cost. At the target inverse temperature, instead of ending the simulation, we incorporate a change of picture away from the interaction picture. The resulting equations of motion have piecewise functions and use the interaction picture in the first phase of a simulation, followed by the application of the Bloch equation once the target inverse temperature is reached. We find that the performance of this method is similar to or better than the DMQMC and IP-DMQMC algorithms in a variety of molecular test systems.
Identification of an arthropod molecular target for plant-derived natural repellents
Authors: Tian Quan , Wang Peiyu , Xie Chang , Pang Peiyuan , Zhang Youjing , Gao Yue , Cao Zhijian , Wu Yingliang , Li Wenxin , Zhu Michael X. , Li Dongdong , Yao Jing
Published: April 2022

Significance

Rational control of arthropod pests is important for animal and human health as well as biodiversity preservation. As an alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides, natural repellents represent an ecological method of pest control. Through an exceptional gene library screening in
Mesobuthus martensii
scorpions, we here uncover a transient receptor potential ion channel as the chemosensory sensor for plant-derived repellents. Its ortholog ion channel in
Drosophila melanogaster
also acts as a molecular receptor of natural repellents and mediates avoidance behavior. This work thus identifies a molecular basis for arthropod chemosensing and should help update the ecological strategies for pest control while preserving biodiversity.
High-efficiency nonviral CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing of human T cells using plasmid donor DNA
Authors: Oh Soyoung A. , Senger Kate , Madireddi Shravan , Akhmetzyanova Ilseyar , Ishizuka Isabel E. , Tarighat Somayeh , Lo Jerry H. , Shaw David , Haley Benjamin , Rutz Sascha
Published: April 2022

Genome engineering of T lymphocytes, the main effectors of antitumor adaptive immune responses, has the potential to uncover unique insights into their functions and enable the development of next-generation adoptive T cell therapies. Viral gene delivery into T cells, which is currently used to generate CAR T cells, has limitations in regard to targeting precision, cargo flexibility, and reagent production. Nonviral methods for effective CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knock-out in primary human T cells have been developed, but complementary techniques for nonviral gene knock-in can be cumbersome and inefficient. Here, we report a convenient and scalable nonviral method that allows precise gene edits and transgene integration in primary human T cells, using plasmid donor DNA template and Cas9-RNP. This method is highly efficient for single and multiplex gene manipulation, without compromising T cell function, and is thus valuable for use in basic and translational research.
Effect of modified nano/Mg(OH)2 on the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of NBR based on molecular simulation
Authors: Honglei Yu , Dexi Wang , Niansheng Liu , Yunlong Li
Published: April 2022

In order to explore the effect of nano Mg(OH)2(MH) on the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) composite, molecular simulation was employed to examine the following properties of nano-MH/NBR composite, including thermal decomposition temperature, agglomeration and dispersion mechanism, shear behavior, stretcher strain and gyration radius of gyration. Discussion was performed on the microscopic mechanism of the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of nano MH/NBR composite. The simulation results indicated that the introduction of nano MH increased the thermal decomposition temperature of the composites by up to 28.92%, and that compared with the unmodified nano-MH/NBR composite, the thermal decomposition temperature of the conventionally-modified composite was increased by 19.22%. Besides, the crystal morphology, polarity and dispersion of nano-MH could be well optimized by hydrothermal modification. The Young’s modulus of the composite was increased by 35.65% by adding nano-MH into pure NBR. The Young’s modulus of the conventionally-modified nano-MH(101)/NBR and the hydrothermally-modified nano-MH(001)/NBR composite was 20.93 GPa and 21.43 GPa, respectively, an increase of 35.82% and 39.06% compared with unmodified nano-MH/NBR composite, respectively. To conclude, adding nano-MH could improve the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of NBR composite, and modified nano-MH performed better than unmodified nano-MH in NBR composite.
Feasibility of wireless cardiorespiratory monitoring with dry electrodes incorporated in a belt in preterm infants
Authors: Scholten Anouk W J , van Leuteren Ruud W , de Waal Cornelia G , de Jongh Frans H , van Kaam Anton H , Hutten G Jeroen
Published: April 2022

Objective. Monitoring heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) is essential in preterm infants and is currently measured with ECG and chest impedance (CI), respectively. However, in current clinical practice these techniques use wired adhesive electrodes which can cause skin damage and hinder parent-infant interaction. Moreover, CI is not always reliable. We assessed the feasibility of a wireless dry electrode belt to measure HR and RR via transcutaneous diaphragmatic electromyography (dEMG). Approach. In this prospective, observational study, infants were monitored up to 72 h with the belt and standard CI. Feasibility of the belt was expressed by its ability to retrieve a respiratory waveform from dEMG, determining the percentage of time with stable respiration data without signal errors (‘lead-off’ and Bluetooth Loss Error, ‘BLE’), skin-friendliness of the belt (skin score) and by exploring the ability to monitor trends in HR and RR with the belt. Main results. In all 19 included infants (median gestational age 27.3 weeks) a respiratory waveform could be obtained. The amount of signal errors was low (lead-off 0.5% (IQR 0.1–1.6) and BLE 0.3% (IQR 0.1–0.9)) and 76.5% (IQR 69.3–80.0) of the respiration measurement was stable. No adverse skin effects were observed (median skin score of 3(3–4)). A similar HR and RR trend between the belt and CI was observed. Significance. Dry electrodes incorporated in a non-adhesive belt can measure dEMG in preterm infants. The belt provided a HR and RR trend similar to CI. Future studies are required to investigate the non-inferiority of the belt as a cardiorespiratory monitor compared to CI.
Promising naphthol green B dye doped (PVOH-PEG) composite films as a multifunctional material with engineered optical band gap, tunable dielectric properties and nonlinear J–E characteristics
Authors: El-Metwally E G , Mohammed M I , Ismail A M
Published: April 2022

Polymer composite films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)—polyethylene glycol (PEG)/naphthol green B dye (NGB) were prepared using the solution cast technique with different concentrations of NGB (0–25 wt. (%)). XRD emphasized the semi-crystalline nature of the base polymer blend (PVOH-PEG) which increased by NGB addition. FTIR spectra of the investigated samples confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonds between the polymer blend hydroxyl groups and the NGB molecules. Optical properties are studied within wavelengths ranged from 245 nm to 1500 nm. Multi-optical energy band gaps (

E

g

) were observed in (PVOH-PEG) doped with NGB dye for the allowed indirect and direct transitions and showed a decrease with the addition of NGB dye. Analysis of the refractive index

n

offered a normal dispersion within the investigated wavelength region. The dependence of the dielectric constant

ε

′

,

loss ε″ and ac conductivity

σ

ac

on frequency (100 Hz–1 MHz) and NGB content were investigated at room temperature (RT). The addition of NGB tends to increase

σ

ac

of the (PVOH-PEG) blend, that serve in various semiconductor devices. The values of the frequency exponent

s

and the charge carriers binding energy

W

M

decrease in the presence of NGB dye and are interpreted by the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model. Electric modulus formalism clarified the presence of a single relaxation peak with a relaxation time

τ

depends on the NGB wt. (%). The (current density

J

—electric field

E

) characteristics were studied at RT and showed a non-ohmic behavior. The current density

J

increased with the addition of NGB dye and the dc conduction is discussed in view of Schottky-Richardson and Poole–Frenkel theoretical models.
Higher-order smooth positons and breather positons of Sine-Gordon equation
Authors: Jiang Lin , Li Biao
Published: April 2022

According to the N-soliton solution derived from Hirota’s bilinear method, higher-order smooth positons and breather positons are obtained efficiently through an ingenious limit approach. This paper takes the Sine-Gordon equation as an example to introduce how to utilize this technique to generate these higher-order smooth positons and breather positons in detail. The dynamical behaviors of smooth positons and breather positons are presented by some figures. During the procedure of deduction, the approach mentioned has the strengths of concision and celerity. In terms of feasibility and practicability, this approach can be exploited widely to study higher-order smooth positons and breather positons of other integrable systems.
Spectrum-locked high-power volume Bragg grating external-cavity diode laser
Authors: Zhang Zhicheng , Pan Huadong , Tan Shaoyang , Yu Hao , Liu Wuling , Xiao Yao , Wang Bangguo , Zhou Jun , Sun Shujuan , Zhao Wu , Gou Yudan , Wang Jun , Wang Sha , Zhou Shouhuan
Published: April 2022

Spectrum-locked high-power diode lasers are extremely sought after in many fields. Here, we establish the volume Bragg grating external-cavity diode laser model and investigate the impact of facet reflectivity on the output spectrum. The simulation results emphasize that optimizing reflectivity can realize better spectrum-locking and side-mode suppression ratio. To prove the feasibility, we built a diode laser array with 20 single emitters. Three different facet reflectivity are prepared, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 0.8%. As a result, the output spectrums of the array are improved obviously with the decrease in reflectivity. In the case of 0.1%, the side-mode is well suppressed under injection current up to 16 A, and the calculated current-spectrum shift is around 0.07 nm A−1. After beam combining and fiber coupling, an output power of 243.4 W and a brightness of about 11.2 MW cm−2-str is attained.
Multiplexing technology based on SQUID for readout of superconducting transition-edge sensor arrays
Authors: Wu Xinyu , Yu Qing , He Yongcheng , Liu Jianshe , Chen Wei
Published: April 2022

Multiplexing technologies based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) are crucial to cryogenic readout of superconducting transition-edge sensor (TES) arrays. Demands for large-scale TES arrays promote the development of multiplexing technologies towards large multiplexing factors and low readout noise. The development of multiplexing technologies also facilitates new applications of TES arrays in a wide range of frequencies. Here we summarize different types of SQUID-based multiplexing technologies including time-division multiplexing, code-division multiplexing, frequency-division multiplexing and microwave SQUID multiplexing. The advances and parameter constraints of each multiplexing technology are also discussed.