bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Processing of KBr‐Modified SnO2 for Efficient Rigid and Flexible Ambient‐Processed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Mo Hongbo , Chen Qian , Wang Dong , Cheng Dongxu , Maniyarasu Suresh , Mokhtar Muhamad Z. , Jacobs Janet , See Tian Long , Thomas Andrew G. , Curry Richard J. , Li Lin , Liu Zhu
Published: October 2022

A combination of KBr modification and laser processing is utilized to prepare SnO2 films for rigid and flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The KBr modification effectively passivates the defects at the interface between SnO2 and perovskite as well as grain boundaries of the perovskite film. A power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.14% is achieved with the KBr‐modified SnO2 for the rigid PSCs fabricated under a relative humidity of around 65–75%, compared to the pristine SnO2 films with a PCE of 18.66%. Then, a picosecond ultraviolet laser is employed to process KBr‐modified SnO2 films on flexible substrates with a rapid scanning rate of 100 mm s−1. The laser process improves the PCEs and durability of the PSCs. The flexible PSCs fabricated by the laser remain over 80% of their initial PCEs after 1000 bending cycles, higher than those fabricated by the hot plate showing 40% of their initial PCEs after the same bending cycles.
Recent Advances in Designing Efficient Electrocatalysts for Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Liang Xingyou , Zhu Haiding , Yang Xiaoxuan , Xue Sensen , Liang Zhuangzhuang , Ren Xuefeng , Liu Anmin , Wu Gang
Published: October 2022

As a raw material for producing chemical fertilizers, ammonia plays an essential role in human production and life. Due to the severe energy consumption and pollution caused by the industrial Haber–Bosch process of NH3 synthesis, developing the NH3 synthesis reaction under ambient conditions is vital. Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has recently emerged as a potential method. However, its limited NH3 yield and selectivity are unsatisfactory. NO3
−, as an oxidized form of nitrogen, universally exists in drinking water (<50 mg L−1) and industrial wastewater (2000‐4000 mg L−1). Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3
−RR), with higher production and Faradaic efficiency, is a promising strategy for water treatment and NH3 production. In this review, a detailed overview of the recent progress in NO3
−RR for NH3 production with precious group metal (PGM) electrocatalysts, PGM‐free electrocatalysts, and nonmetal electrocatalysts is summarized. In addition, effective design strategies for efficient electrocatalysts, existing challenges, and research prospects for the next stage are also discussed. This review may provide some directions for improving efficient electrocatalysts in electrocatalytic NO3
−RR and offer inspiration for the electrochemical ammonia synthesis process.
Versatile Layered Hydroxide Precursors for Generic Synthesis of Cu‐Based Materials
Authors: Jang Wonsik , Kim Jihun , Yoon Sinmyung , Kim Miri , Kim Jongkyoung , An Kwangjin , Cho Seungho
Published: October 2022

The ability to mix multiple elements in a structure is crucial for obtaining Cu‐based nanostructures and microstructures with desirable physicochemical properties. Precursors containing multiple metal cations, such as layered double hydroxides, have been used for the synthesis of multielement materials. However, these precursors experience difficulty containing large cations, which limits the functionalities of the derived materials. Herein, the development of Cu‐based hydroxy double salts (HDSs), versatile precursors that accommodate a broad range of metal cations with homogeneous distributions, is reported. Up to 25 different metal cations are mixed with Cu in an HDS single phase, individually and simultaneously. The HDSs further exhibit useful properties with respect to anion exchange, exfoliation, and phase transformation to metal oxides. During the metal oxide transformation process, the formed crystal structures are mainly dependent on the ionic radius of the secondary metal cations. To prove their utility as precursors, the metal oxides derived from the HDSs are tested and found that they exhibited high catalytic activities for CO oxidation. This study significantly expands the compositional and structural freedom of Cu‐based multi‐elemental materials.
New CuSO4‐related high‐temperature polymorph of AgIISO4**
Authors: Domański Mateusz , Mazej Zoran , Grochala Wojciech
Published: October 2022

Silver(II) compounds exhibit powerful oxidizing properties and strong magnetic superexchange, but most of them comprise fluoride ligands. AgSO4 is a rare fluorine‐free salt of Ag(II) which found some application in organic chemistry. Here, we report a discovery of a new AgSO4 polymorph (β). The distinct nature of the two polytypes of AgSO4 is established using powder X‐ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. The β polymorph crystallizes in the monoclinic system (P21/n) and shows structural similarities with CuSO4. DFT calculations indicate very small differences in the energy of the two AgSO4 polymorphs and that the relative stability of the β polymorph should increase with temperature. The monoclinic distortion of the orthorhombic CuSO4 prototype originates from an unprecedented strong antiferromagnetic interaction between Ag sites along the unit cell diagonal.
New instabilities for non-supersymmetric AdS4 orientifold vacua
Authors: Marchesano Fernando , Quirant Joan , Zatti Matteo
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We consider massive type IIA orientifold compactifications of the form AdS4× X6, where X6 admits a Calabi-Yau metric and is threaded by background fluxes. From a 4d viewpoint, fluxes generate a potential whose vacua have been classified, including one $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 and three perturbatively stable $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 0 branches. We reproduce this result from a 10d viewpoint, by solving the type IIA equations at the same level of detail as previously done for the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 branch. All solutions exhibit localised sources and parametric scale separation. We then analyse the non-perturbative stability of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 0 branches. We consider new 4d membranes, obtained from wrapping D8-branes on X6 or D6-branes on its divisors, threaded by non-diluted worldvolume fluxes. Using them we show that all branches are compatible with the Weak Gravity Conjecture for membranes. In fact, most vacua satisfy the sharpened conjecture that predicts superextremal membranes in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 0 settings, except for a subset whose non-perturbative stability remains an open problem.
Resolving black-hole microstructure with new momentum carriers
Authors: Bena Iosif , Čeplak Nejc , Hampton Shaun , Li Yixuan , Toulikas Dimitrios , Warner Nicholas P.
Published: October 2022

Abstract

All known horizonless black-hole microstate geometries correspond to brane sources that acquire a finite size, and hence break the spherical symmetry of the black hole. We construct, for the first time, solutions with zero horizon area that have the same charges as a three-charge F1-NS5-P Type-IIA black hole and preserve this spherical symmetry. The momentum of these solutions is carried by longitudinal D0-D4 density fluctuations inside the NS5-branes. We argue that these solutions should be interpreted as the long-throat limit of a family of smooth, horizonless microstate geometries, called superstrata, where such geometries degenerate. The existence of these geometries indicates that a finite-size horizon does not appear even in the singular corners of the moduli space of three-charge microstate geometries.
Phagocytosing differentiated cell-fragments is a novel mechanism for controlling somatic stem cell differentiation within a short time frame
Authors: Wakao Shohei , Oguma Yo , Kushida Yoshihiro , Kuroda Yasumasa , Tatsumi Kazuki , Dezawa Mari
Published: October 2022

Stem cells undergo cytokine-driven differentiation, but this process often takes longer than several weeks to complete. A novel mechanism for somatic stem cell differentiation via phagocytosing ‘model cells’ (apoptotic differentiated cells) was found to require only a short time frame. Pluripotent-like Muse cells, multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and neural stem cells (NSCs) phagocytosed apoptotic differentiated cells via different phagocytic receptor subsets than macrophages. The phagocytosed-differentiated cell-derived contents (e.g., transcription factors) were quickly released into the cytoplasm, translocated into the nucleus, and bound to promoter regions of the stem cell genomes. Within 24 ~ 36 h, the cells expressed lineage-specific markers corresponding to the phagocytosed-differentiated cells, both in vitro and in vivo. At 1 week, the gene expression profiles were similar to those of the authentic differentiated cells and expressed functional markers. Differentiation was limited to the inherent potential of each cell line: triploblastic-, adipogenic-/chondrogenic-, and neural-lineages in Muse cells, MSCs, and NSCs, respectively. Disruption of phagocytosis, either by phagocytic receptor inhibition via small interfering RNA or annexin V treatment, impeded differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Together, our findings uncovered a simple mechanism by which differentiation-directing factors are directly transferred to somatic stem cells by phagocytosing apoptotic differentiated cells to trigger their rapid differentiation into the target cell lineage.
Two decades of climate change alters seed longevity in an alpine herb: implications for ex situ seed conservation
Authors: White F. J. , Hay F. R. , Abeli T. , Mondoni A.
Published: October 2022

Climate warming in mountain areas is increasing faster than the global average, threatening alpine plants. Climate affects many traits including seeds, the longevity of which is important for conservation, facilitating genebank storage. Seeds of alpine species are considered short-lived in storage, but their longevity increases when produced under a warmer parental environment. Consequently, with climate warming, seeds of alpine species may have increased fitness and be longer-lived in genebank storage. We assessed seed longevity under artificial ageing in 10 accessions of the arctic-alpine species Viscaria alpina stored under genebank conditions for different time periods over the last 20 years. The seed collection site was in the northern Apennines, where above average warming and variable precipitation has been recorded. The time taken for viability to fall to 50% (p50) was estimated using probit analysis; correlation and general linear regression were used to investigate the effects of length of time in storage, seed mass and climate under which seeds were produced on seed longevity. p50 varied between 7.77 and 18.49 days. There was no relationship between length of time in storage or seed mass on seed longevity. p50 was higher in years with increased temperature and lower precipitation during the growing season, with precipitation having more impact than temperature. The results suggest that seeds of alpine species are suitable for genebank storage, and inter-annual variation in precipitation induces a plastic response in seed longevity. Using genebank stored seeds provides insights into how alpine species may respond to future climate changes and could have implications for genebank storage.
Inverse design in nanoscale heat transport via interpolating interfacial phonon transmission
Authors: Romano Giuseppe , Johnson Steven G.
Published: October 2022

We introduce a methodology for density-based topology optimization of non-Fourier thermal transport in nanostructures, based upon adjoint-based sensitivity analysis of the phonon Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) and a novel material interpolation technique, the “transmission interpolation model” (TIM). The key challenge in BTE optimization is handling the interplay between real- and momentum-resolved material properties. By parameterizing the material density with aninterfacialtransmission coefficient, TIM is able to recover the hard-wall and no-interface limits, while guaranteeing a smooth transition between void and solid regions. We first use our approach to tailor the effective thermal conductivity tensor of a periodic nanomaterial; then, we maximize classical phonon size effects under constrained diffusive transport, identifying a promising new thermoelectric material design. Our method enables the systematic optimization of materials for heat management and conversion and, more broadly, the design of devices where diffusive transport is not valid.
Quicksort leave-pair-out cross-validation for ROC curve analysis
Authors: Numminen Riikka , Montoya Perez Ileana , Jambor Ivan , Pahikkala Tapio , Airola Antti
Published: October 2022

Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and area under the ROC curve (AUC) are commonly used performance measures in diagnostic systems. In this work, we assume a setting, where a classifier is inferred from multivariate data to predict the diagnostic outcome for new cases. Cross-validation is a resampling method for estimating the prediction performance of a classifier on data not used for inferring it. Tournament leave-pair-out (TLPO) cross-validation has been shown to be better than other resampling methods at producing a ranking of data that can be used for estimating the ROC curves and areas under them. However, the time complexity of TLPOCV,$$O\left( n^2\right)$$On2, means that it is impractical in many applications. In this article, a method called quicksort leave-pair-out cross-validation (QLPOCV) is presented in order to decrease the time complexity of obtaining a reliable ranking of data to$$O\left( n\log n\right)$$Onlogn. The proposed method is compared with existing ones in an experimental study, demonstrating that in terms of ROC curves and AUC values QLPOCV produces as accurate performance estimation as TLPOCV, outperforming bothk-fold and leave-one-out cross-validation.
Influence of the lunar cycle and spatial gradients on size-dependent male and female reproductive investment decisions of a protogynous reef fish
Authors: Mitterwallner Pauline , Shima Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2022

Coral reef fish species experience variable environments and may employ a range of reproductive strategies to help them maximize fitness. Here, we explore patterns of variation in size- and sex-dependent spawning strategies (pair spawning, group spawning, and streaking tactics) of a sex-changing, highly iteroparous fish (the sixbar wrasseThalassoma hardwicke) across the lunar month, and in relation to proximity to the reef edge. We test the hypothesis that adults vary their investment strategies as a function of body size. We evaluated reproductive behaviour patterns at 2–3 days intervals over 5 consecutive months, and found that frequencies of pair spawning, group spawning, and streaking attempts all significantly increased around the new moon and were greatest in the most exposed territories (i.e., those located closest to the reef edge). Smaller females and IP males largely curtailed reproductive activities during the full moon and third quarter moon, while larger individuals reproduced more consistently across the lunar month. Size-dependent reproductive decisions appeared to mediate frequencies of specific reproductive tactics (e.g., prevalence of pair spawning, group spawning, and streaking strategies). We speculate that (1) optimal tactics are shaped by size- and sex-dependent trade-offs between reproduction and growth in relation to environmental conditions, and that (2) individual investment decisions determine the prevailing reproductive mode at a spawning site. Variation in female choice might thereby act as a mechanism for maintaining these two reproductive modes (pair spawning and group spawning) in a population.
Natural history of familial cerebral cavernous malformation syndrome in children: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Geraldo Ana Filipa , Alves Cesar Augusto P. F. , Luis Aysha , Tortora Domenico , Guimarães Joana , Abreu Daisy , Reimão Sofia , Pavanello Marco , de Marco Patrizia , Scala Marcello , Capra Valeria , Vaz Rui , Rossi Andrea , Schwartz Erin Simon , Mankad Kshitij , Severino Mariasavina
Published: October 2022

Purpose

There is limited data concerning neuroimaging findings and longitudinal evaluation of familial cerebral cavernous malformations (FCCM) in children. Our aim was to study the natural history of pediatric FCCM, with an emphasis on symptomatic hemorrhagic events and associated clinical and imaging risk factors.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all children diagnosed with FCCM in four tertiary pediatric hospitals between January 2010 and March 2022. Subjects with first available brain MRI and $$\ge$$
≥
3 months of clinical follow-up were included. Neuroimaging studies were reviewed, and clinical data collected. Annual symptomatic hemorrhage risk rates and cumulative risks were calculated using survival analysis and predictors of symptomatic hemorrhagic identified using regression analysis.

Results

Forty-one children (53.7% males) were included, of whom 15 (36.3%) presenting with symptomatic hemorrhage. Seven symptomatic hemorrhages occurred during 140.5 person-years of follow-up, yielding a 5-year annual hemorrhage rate of 5.0% per person-year. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year cumulative risks of symptomatic hemorrhage were 7.3%, 14.6%, and 17.1%, respectively. The latter was higher in children with prior symptomatic hemorrhage (33.3%), CCM2 genotype (33.3%), and positive family history (20.7%). Number of brainstem (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.37, P = 0.005) and posterior fossa (adjusted HR = 1.64, P = 0.004) CCM at first brain MRI were significant independent predictors of prospective symptomatic hemorrhage.

Conclusion

The 5-year annual and cumulative symptomatic hemorrhagic risk in our pediatric FCCM cohort equals the overall risk described in children and adults with all types of CCM. Imaging features at first brain MRI may help to predict potential symptomatic hemorrhage at 5-year follow-up.
Changes in renal function after nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract carcinoma: analysis of a large multicenter cohort (Radical Nephroureterectomy Outcomes (RaNeO) Research Consortium)
Authors: Tafuri Alessandro , Marchioni Michele , Cerrato Clara , Mari Andrea , Tellini Riccardo , Odorizzi Katia , Veccia Alessandro , Amparore Daniele , Shakir Aliasger , Carbonara Umberto , Panunzio Andrea , Trovato Federica , Catellani Michele , Janello Letizia M. I. , Bianchi Lorenzo , Novara Giacomo , Dal Moro Fabrizio , Schiavina Riccardo , De Lorenzis Elisa , Parma Paolo , Cimino Sebastiano , De Cobelli Ottavio , Maiorino Francesco , Bove Pierluigi , Crocerossa Fabio , Cantiello Francesco , D’Andrea David , Di Cosmo Federica , Porpiglia Francesco , Ditonno Pasquale , Montanari Emanuele , Soria Francesco , Gontero Paolo , Liguori Giovanni , Trombetta Carlo , Mantica Guglielmo , Borghesi Marco , Terrone Carlo , Del Giudice Francesco , Sciarra Alessandro , Galosi Andrea , Moschini Marco , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Di Nicola Marta , Minervini Andrea , Ferro Matteo , Cerruto Maria Angela , Schips Luigi , Pagliarulo Vincenzo , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To investigate prevalence and predictors of renal function variation in a multicenter cohort treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

Methods

Patients from 17 tertiary centers were included. Renal function variation was evaluated at postoperative day (POD)—1, 6 and 12 months. Timepoints differences were Δ1 = POD-1 eGFR − baseline eGFR; Δ2 = 6 months eGFR − POD-1 eGFR; Δ3 = 12 months eGFR − 6 months eGFR. We defined POD-1 acute kidney injury (AKI) as an increase in serum creatinine by ≥ 0.3 mg/dl or a 1.5 1.9-fold from baseline. Additionally, a cutoff of 60 ml/min in eGFR was considered to define renal function decline at 6 and 12 months. Logistic regression (LR) and linear mixed (LM) models were used to evaluate the association between clinical factors and eGFR decline and their interaction with follow-up.

Results

A total of 576 were included, of these 409(71.0%) and 403(70.0%) had an eGFR < 60 ml/min at 6 and 12 months, respectively, and 239(41.5%) developed POD-1 AKI. In multivariable LR analysis, age (Odds Ratio, OR 1.05,p < 0.001), male gender (OR 0.44,p = 0.003), POD-1 AKI (OR 2.88,p < 0.001) and preoperative eGFR < 60 ml/min (OR 7.58,p < 0.001) were predictors of renal function decline at 6 months. Age (OR 1.06,p < 0.001), coronary artery disease (OR 2.68,p = 0.007), POD-1 AKI (OR 1.83,p = 0.02), and preoperative eGFR < 60 ml/min (OR 7.80,p < 0.001) were predictors of renal function decline at 12 months. In LM models, age (p = 0.019), hydronephrosis (p < 0.001), POD-1 AKI (p < 0.001) and pT-stage (p = 0.001) influenced renal function variation (ß9.2 ± 0.7,p < 0.001) during follow-up.

Conclusion

Age, preoperative eGFR and POD-1 AKI are independent predictors of 6 and 12 months renal function decline after RNU for UTUC.
Serum metabolites associated with wholegrain consumption using nontargeted metabolic profiling: a discovery and reproducibility study
Authors: Noerman Stefania , Virtanen Jyrki K. , Lehtonen Marko , Brunius Carl , Hanhineva Kati
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To identify fasting serum metabolites associated with WG intake in a free-living population adjusted for potential confounders.

Methods

We selected fasting serum samples at baseline from a subset (n = 364) of the prospective population-based Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD) cohort. The samples were analyzed using nontargeted metabolomics with liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Association with WG intake was investigated using both random forest followed by linear regression adjusted for age, BMI, smoking, physical activity, energy and alcohol consumption, and partial Spearman correlation adjusted for the same covariates. Features selected by any of these models were shortlisted for annotation. We then checked if we could replicate the findings in an independent subset from the same cohort (n = 200).

Results

Direct associations were observed between WG intake and pipecolic acid betaine, tetradecanedioic acid, four glucuronidated alkylresorcinols (ARs), and an unknown metabolite both in discovery and replication cohorts. The associations remained significant (FDR<0.05) even after adjustment for the confounders in both cohorts. Sinapyl alcohol was positively correlated with WG intake in both cohorts after adjustment for the confounders but not in linear models in the replication cohort. Some microbial metabolites, such as indolepropionic acid, were positively correlated with WG intake in the discovery cohort, but the correlations were not replicated in the replication cohort.

Conclusions

The identified associations between WG intake and the seven metabolites after adjusting for confounders in both discovery and replication cohorts suggest the potential of these metabolites as robust biomarkers of WG consumption.
Neuropathology of central nervous system involvement in TTR amyloidosis
Authors: Taipa Ricardo , Sousa Luísa , Pinto Miguel , Reis Inês , Rodrigues Aurora , Oliveira Pedro , Melo-Pires Manuel , Coelho Teresa
Published: October 2022

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a systemic disease caused by the accumulation of misfolded transthyretin (TTR). It usually presents with an adult-onset progressive axonal peripheral neuropathy and cardiomyopathy. In the central nervous system (CNS), variant TTR is produced by the choroid plexus and accumulates in the leptomeninges. CNS symptoms have been increasingly recognized in this population, including transient focal neurological episodes and stroke, particularly in patients with the V30M mutation and longstanding disease. The prevalence, pathophysiology, and progression of CNS involvement remain to be clarified. The present work explores if there is a recognizable sequence of CNS TTR deposition in ATTRv. We studied the topographical and severity distribution of TTR deposition in 16 patients with ATTRv, aged 27–69 years and with a mean disease duration of 10.9 years (range: 3–29). Our results suggest that CNS pathological involvement in V30M ATTRv occurs early in the disease course, probably starting in pre-symptomatic phases, and follows a distinct sequence. Leptomeninges and subarachnoid meningeal vessels are affected earlier, then followed by perforating cortical vessels and subpial deposition, and finally by deposition in the subependymal and basal ganglia vessels near the ependymal lining. Brainstem and spinal cord show early and severe involvement, with amyloid subpial deposition already seen in initial stages. Despite massive superficial amyloid deposition, no parenchymal deposition outside subpial or subependymal regions was found. Additionally, vascular lesions or superficial cortical siderosis were not frequent. Future studies with more patients from different populations and TTR mutations will be important to confirm these findings. Defining stages of TTR pathology in the CNS may be useful to better understand pathogenic mechanisms leading to symptoms and to interpret neuroimaging biomarkers.
Altered psychobiological reactivity but no impairment of emotion recognition following stress in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury
Authors: Koenig Julian , Lischke Alexander , Bardtke Kay , Heinze Anna-Lena , Kröller Felix , Pahnke Rike , Kaess Michael
Published: October 2022

Impairments in both stress regulation and emotion recognition have been associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Although it has been proposed that emotion recognition deficits particularly emerge during stress, this hypothesis has not been fully investigated. Adolescents with and without NSSI performed emotion recognition tasks before and after the employment of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). The psychobiological stress response was captured with psychological self-reports (affect, stress and dissociation), physiological recordings (heart rate, HR, and heart rate variability, HRV) and endocrinological sampling of saliva (cortisol and alpha-amylase). Mixed-linear models were applied to analyze stress-induced changes in emotion recognition performance and respective stress response measures. The TSST elicited altered psychobiological stress responses in adolescents with NSSI: A more pronounced decrease in positive affect, a more pronounced increase in negative affect, a less pronounced increase in HR, a less pronounced decrease in HRV and a more pronounced increase in alpha-amylase throughout the stress induction than adolescents without NSSI. Stress responses (dissociation, negative affect, cortisol and HR) differed as a function of BPD severity on a continuum, illustrating greater reactivity on self-reports but decreased biological responsiveness in those with greater BPD severity. Stress induction had similar effects on emotion recognition in adolescents with and without NSSI. Recognition sensitivity and recognition speed equally increased, in the absence of any differences in recognition accuracy. In contrast to prominent propositions, psychosocial stress does not appear to account for impaired emotion recognition across the BPD spectrum.
Procedure to implement shear evolution in fast rolling models with online capability on the example of an aluminum flat rolling process
Authors: Rabindran R. , Karhausen K. , Hirt G. , Teller M. , Hojda S.
Published: October 2022

The rolling process induces a heterogeneous deformation over the rolling stock height. The causes are the frictional shear stress between the contacting surfaces and the roll gap geometry. They induce a complex material flow within the rolling stock describable by the shear evolution. The shear evolution has a significant impact on rolling values like grain size and crystallographic texture and therefore on the final material properties of the rolled product. Industry and academia use fast rolling models for flat rolling processes to predict the material properties due to their short computation time. The time advantage enables online applicability to adapt processes in real time or to evaluate the influence of different process conditions several times within seconds. However, these models have a limitation regarding the shear evolution. They do not consider all relevant influences or apply simplifying assumptions, valid only for specific rolling cases. This work presents a general approach to extend fast rolling models to consider the shear evolution without any restrictions to specific rolling cases. The approach derives the shear evolution as shear angle $$\alpha$$
α
evolution based on FE simulations. The shear angle $$\alpha$$
α
is a geometrical description and not influenced by rotations, which occur during the rolling process. This enables an enhanced and simple analysis of the material flow. The outcome is an extended model that completely describes the deformation along a deformation path and enables the calculation of each desired deformation value (strain, deformation gradient, velocity gradient, etc.).
Genetic variation and structural diversity in major seed proteins among and within Camelina species
Authors: Hegedus Dwayne , Coutu Cathy , Gjetvaj Branimir , Hannoufa Abdelali , Harrington Myrtle , Martin Sara , Parkin Isobel A. P. , Perera Suneru , Wanasundara Janitha
Published: October 2022

Main conclusion

Genetic variation in seed protein composition, seed protein gene expression and predictions of seed protein physiochemical properties were documented in C. sativa and other Camelina species.

Seed protein diversity was examined in six Camelina species (C. hispida, C. laxa, C. microcarpa, C. neglecta, C. rumelica and C. sativa). Differences were observed in seed protein electrophoretic profiles, total seed protein content and amino acid composition between the species. Genes encoding major seed proteins (cruciferins, napins, oleosins and vicilins) were catalogued for C. sativa and RNA-Seq analysis established the expression patterns of these and other genes in developing seed from anthesis through to maturation. Examination of 187 C. sativa accessions revealed limited variation in seed protein electrophoretic profiles, though sufficient to group the majority into classes based on high MW protein profiles corresponding to the cruciferin region. C. sativa possessed four distinct types of cruciferins, named CsCRA, CsCRB, CsCRC and CsCRD, which corresponded to orthologues in Arabidopsis thaliana with members of each type encoded by homeologous genes on the three C. sativa sub-genomes. Total protein content and amino acid composition varied only slightly; however, RNA-Seq analysis revealed that CsCRA and CsCRB genes contributed > 95% of the cruciferin transcripts in most lines, whereas CsCRC genes were the most highly expressed cruciferin genes in others, including the type cultivar DH55. This was confirmed by proteomics analyses. Cruciferin is the most abundant seed protein and contributes the most to functionality. Modelling of the C. sativa cruciferins indicated that each type possesses different physiochemical attributes that were predicted to impart unique functional properties. As such, opportunities exist to create C. sativa cultivars with seed protein profiles tailored to specific technical applications.
Emergence of CWD strains
Authors: Otero Alicia , Duque Velasquez Camilo , McKenzie Debbie , Aiken Judd
Published: October 2022

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) strains present a novel challenge to defining and mitigating this contagious prion disease of deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. Similar to strains of other prion diseases (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, sheep scrapie), CWD strains can affect biochemical and neuropathological properties of the infectious agent, and importantly interspecies transmission. To date, ten CWD strains have been characterized. The expanding range of CWD in North America and its presence in South Korea as well as Scandinavian countries will potentially result in millions of cervids infected with CWD; thus, novel strains will continue to emerge. In this review, we will summarize the characteristics of known CWD strains and describe the impact of prion protein gene polymorphisms on the generation of strains. We will also discuss the evidence that individual cervids can harbor more than one CWD strain, complicating strain analysis, and affecting selection and adaptation of strains in new hosts.
AbcApp: incidence of intra-abdominal ABsCesses following laparoscopic vs. open APPendectomy in complicated appendicitis
Authors: Zamaray Bobby , de Boer M. F. J. , Popal Z. , Rijbroek A. , Bloemers F. W. , Oosterling S. J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Patients with complicated appendicitis are more at risk for the occurrence of postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses than patients with uncomplicated appendicitis. Studies comparing laparoscopic and open appendectomy showed limitations and contradictory findings on the incidence of intra-abdominal abscesses after appendicitis, as most of these studies analysed both uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis as one group. The aim of the present study is to investigate the incidence of intra-abdominal abscesses after laparoscopic versus open appendectomy for complicated appendicitis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed over the period January 2009 till May 2020. All patients who had an intra-operative diagnosis of complicated appendicitis (e.g. perforation, necrosis) were included. The outcome measure was the occurrence of intra-abdominal abscesses with a postoperative follow-up of 30 days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed including adjustments for significant confounders.

Results

A total of 900 patients had undergone appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. The majority was operated laparoscopically (78%, n = 705). The incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess was 12.3% in both laparoscopic and open appendectomy groups. On univariable analysis, the postoperative rates of intra-abdominal abscesses between laparoscopic and open appendectomy were not significantly different (odds ratio 1.11, 95% CI [0.67–1.84], p = 0.681).

Conclusion

The present study provides evidence that, in current daily practice, intra-abdominal abscess formation remains a common postoperative complication for complicated appendicitis. Nonetheless, no significant difference was found with regard to intra-abdominal abscess formation when comparing laparoscopy with open surgery.
Carrier-Domain Method for high-resolution computation of time-periodic long-wake flows
Authors: Liu Yang , Takizawa Kenji , Tezduyar Tayfun E. , Kuraishi Takashi , Zhang Yufei
Published: October 2022

We are introducing the Carrier-Domain Method (CDM) for high-resolution computation of time-periodic long-wake flows, with cost-effectives that makes the computations practical. The CDM is closely related to the Multidomain Method, which was introduced 24 years ago, originally intended also for cost-effective computation of long-wake flows and later extended in scope to cover additional classes of flow problems. In the CDM, the computational domain moves in the free-stream direction, with a velocity that preserves the outflow nature of the downstream computational boundary. As the computational domain is moving, the velocity at the inflow plane is extracted from the velocity computed earlier when the plane’s current position was covered by the moving domain. The inflow data needed at an instant is extracted from one or more instants going back in time as many periods. Computing the long-wake flow with a high-resolution moving mesh that has a reasonable length would certainly be far more cost-effective than computing it with a fixed mesh that covers the entire length of the wake. We are also introducing a CDM version where the computational domain moves in a discrete fashion rather than a continuous fashion. To demonstrate how the CDM works, we compute, with the version where the computational domain moves in a continuous fashion, the 2D flow past a circular cylinder at Reynolds number 100. At this Reynolds number, the flow has an easily discernible vortex shedding frequency and widely published lift and drag coefficients and Strouhal number. The wake flow is computed up to 350 diameters downstream of the cylinder, far enough to see the secondary vortex street. The computations are performed with the Space–Time Variational Multiscale method and isogeometric discretization; the basis functions are quadratic NURBS in space and linear in time. The results show the power of the CDM in high-resolution computation of time-periodic long-wake flows.
Teaching and Research in the Digital World
Authors: Lagoudakis Michail G. , Gkizeli Maria , Fotiou Afroditi , Fragkedaki Dina , Kollnig Sarah
Published: October 2022

Academia has entered a new teaching, learning, and researching era: an era in which more and more services turn to digital and online forms, distances are eliminated, geographical borders disappear, and telepresence becomes common. Though accelerated by the pandemic of the last two years, this transition has been in progress for some time. The importance of creatively nurturing students, academic, and scientific staff in the realms of education, practical knowledge, skills, and competence growth has only increased. Investing in best practices in this digital world, both in teaching and in research, supports a connection between the academic world and society at large, raises societal, environmental awareness, and promotes innovation and excellence at all levels. Each of these considerations plays an important role for the EURECA-PRO European University Alliance, a group of eight partner universities from different European countries working together to establish a modern, diverse European institution. This article focuses on how EURECA-PRO partners collaborate to create a digital campus that supports education, research, and innovation. These efforts rely on the Work Package 4 (WP4) and are led by the Technical University of Crete (TUC).
Solving TSP by using combinatorial Bees algorithm with nearest neighbor method
Authors: Sahin Murat
Published: October 2022

Bees Algorithm (BA) is a popular meta-heuristic method that has been used in many different optimization areas for years. In this study, a new version of combinatorial BA is proposed and explained in detail to solve Traveling Salesman Problems (TSPs). The nearest neighbor method was used in the population generation section of BA, and the Multi-Insert function was added to the local search section instead of the Swap function. To see the efficiency of the proposed method, 24 different TSPs were used in experimentation and the obtained results were compared with both classical combinatorial BA and other successful meta-heuristic methods. After detailed analyses and experimental studies on different problems, it has been observed that the proposed method performs well for TSPs and competes well with other methods.
Toward reliable machine learning with Congruity: a quality measure based on formal concept analysis
Authors: De Maio Carmen , Fenza Giuseppe , Gallo Mariacristina , Loia Vincenzo , Stanzione Claudio
Published: October 2022

The spreading of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methods in different and critical application domains, like medicine and healthcare, introduces many opportunities but raises risks and opens ethical issues, mainly attaining to the lack of transparency. This contribution deals with the lack of transparency of ML and DL models focusing on the lack of trust in predictions and decisions generated. In this sense, this paper establishes a measure, namely Congruity, to provide information about the reliability of ML/DL model results. Congruity is defined by the lattice extracted through the formal concept analysis built on the training data. It measures how much the incoming data items are close to the ones used at the training stage of the ML and DL models. The general idea is that the reliability of trained model results is highly correlated with the similarity of input data and the training set. The objective of the paper is to demonstrate the correlation between the Congruity and the well-known Accuracy of the whole ML/DL model. Experimental results reveal that the value of correlation between Congruity and Accuracy of ML model is greater than 80% by varying ML models.
Rockburst and Gas Outburst Forecasting using a Probabilistic Risk Assessment Framework in Longwall Top Coal Caving Faces
Authors: Agrawal Harshit , Durucan Sevket , Cao Wenzhuo , Korre Anna , Shi Ji-Quan
Published: October 2022

A probabilistic risk assessment framework was developed to mathematically represent the complex engineering phenomena of rock bursts and gas outbursts for a heterogeneous coal seam. An innovative object-based non-conditional simulation approach was used to distribute lithological heterogeneity present in the coal seam to respect their geological origin. The changing mining conditions during longwall top coal caving mining (LTCC) were extracted from a coupled numerical model to provide statistically sufficient data for probabilistic analysis. The complex interdependencies among abutment stress, pore pressure, the volume of total gas emission and incremental energy release rate, their stochastic variations and uncertainty were realistically implemented in the GoldSim software, and 100,000 equally likely scenarios were simulated using the Monte Carlo method to determine the probability of rock bursts and gas outbursts. The results obtained from the analysis incorporate the variability in mechanical, elastic and reservoir properties of coal due to lithological heterogeneity and result in the probability of the occurrence of rock bursts, coal and gas outbursts, and safe mining conditions. The framework realistically represents the complex mining environment, is resilient and results are reliable. The framework is generic and can be suitably modified to be used in different underground mining scenarios, overcoming the limitations of earlier empirical indices used.
Elevated manganese concentrations in groundwater wells after longtime abstraction with bank filtration: developing and testing of a sorption model for Ringerike waterworks, Norway
Authors: Stenvik Lars A. , Hilmo Bernt Olav , Frengstad Bjørn S.
Published: October 2022

Groundwater abstraction wells located in aquifers hydraulically connected with rivers or lakes will induce bank filtration if the water level in the aquifer is lowered below the surface-water level. Many groundwater works utilize this induced infiltration to increase the abstraction capacity of their wells. Unfortunately, infiltration of organic-rich surface water may alter the aquifer’s redox geochemistry, and mobilize iron and/or manganese. Ringerike groundwater works in southeastern Norway operates with bank filtration. Manganese concentrations in the abstracted water began to increase 19 years after the start of operations, and stabilized at an elevated level 8 years later. The estimated manganese retardation (Rsorp = 45±18) from a simplified advection-sorption model is comparable to the observed manganese retardation range 36 < Robs < 50, assuming a groundwater residence time tgw ~200 days. The advection-sorption model is based on limited sediment composition and hydrochemical data, which introduces significant uncertainty to Rsorp. However, Rsorp and Robs in the same range, and the good fit between PHREEQC simulated and observed data, indicates that sorption is a possible explanation for the delayed breakthrough of elevated manganese concentrations in Ringerike waterworks’ production wells. Comparable bank filtration schemes are advised to establish observation well(s) between the bank filtration and production well field for early detection of sorption fronts. This would facilitate (1) longer time available for remediation measures and their evaluation, and (2) less manganese to be desorbed during the remediation stage.
Feasibility and diagnostics of the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Aiello Edoardo Nicolò , Solca Federica , Torre Silvia , Carelli Laura , Ferrucci Roberta , Priori Alberto , Verde Federico , Ticozzi Nicola , Silani Vincenzo , Poletti Barbara
Published: October 2022

Background

The
present study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic properties of the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) in non-demented ALS patients by addressing the Edinburgh Cognitive Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS) as the gold standard, as well as by examining the association between its administrability and scores with motor-functional measures.

Materials

N = 348 consecutive patients were administered the ECAS and FAB. Disease severity (ALSFRS-R), duration, progression rate (ΔFS), and stages (via King’s and Milano-Torino systems) were considered. Administrability rates and prevalence of below-cut-off FAB scores were compared across clinical stages; regression models allowed to test whether, net of the ECAS-Total, motor features predicted the probability of the FAB not being administrable and of a defective FAB score. Intrinsic and post-test diagnostics were explored against a combined defective ECAS-Executive and ECAS-Fluency scores.

Results

85.3% of patients managed to complete the FAB. FAB administrability rates decreased with advanced clinical stages, whereas the prevalence of below-cut-off FAB scores did not. The probability of the FAB not being administrable was predicted only by lower ALSFRS-R-bulbar and ALSFRS-R-upper-limb scores; no motor features, but the ECAS-Total, predicted a below-cut-off performance on the FAB. Raw and adjusted FAB scores showed high accuracy (AUC = .85 and .81, respectively) and good intrinsic and post-test properties.

Discussion

The FAB is featured by optimal diagnostics for detecting executive deficits in ALS, provided that it can be administered according to its original, standardized procedure, and thus that patients have sufficiently spared motor abilities to complete the test.
Gendered (im)mobility: emotional decisions of staying in the context of climate risks in Bangladesh
Authors: Tripathy Furlong Basundhara , Adams Helen , Boas Ingrid , Warner Jeroen , Van Dijk Han
Published: October 2022

Immobility in the context of climate change and environmental risks is understudied, particularly its relation to gender. In this article, we further understanding of immobility to include the gendered influences on potential of people to decide non-movement, decipher meanings that are attached with it and explore how it relates to mobility. We analyse emotions of women and men with different mobility experiences, reflecting their ideas of home, risk perceptions and construction of identity that are informed by gender and central to understanding immobility. Through ethnographic data collected in Bangladesh, we look into details of gendered ways of experiencing immobility where male and female attitudes to staying are distinctly different, yet intersect in many ways. Our data reveal how social and cultural context (patriarchy, social norms, cultural values and shared beliefs) and personal emotions (feelings of belonging, attachment, loyalty, modesty) regulate people’s actions on immobility decisions. The decision to stay is relational, where individuals practicing mobility and immobility interact in specific contexts of climate change. The act of staying, especially for women, is dictated by degrees of freedom of want, where desires of movement might exist, but reality of fulfilling them does not. Immobility can have its limitations for women, but can also be an empowering experience for some. Thus, to better understand gendered immobility, we must explore the emotions that provide meaning to the process of staying, while recognizing its interrelationship with mobility.