bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation on flame structure and NOx formation in a gas turbine model combustor using large eddy simulation
Authors: Beige Amir A. , Mardani Amir
Published: July 2023

In this work, large eddy simulations (LES) of a Gas Turbine Model Combustor (GTMC) are done using a five-step global mechanism that includes separate thermal and non-thermal NOx formation parts. To verify the accuracy of the solution, time-averaged profiles of the flow variables and fluctuations are compared to the available experimental and numerical data. The LES results show that the vortical structures inside the chamber are highly connected to the temperature field and chemical reactions, and despite having a major role in fast premixing and consequent NOx reductions, they contribute to NOx generation by forming high temperature spots inclusive of chemical radicals. Also, the importance of the baroclinic torque in vorticity creation is demonstrated by comparing the corresponding values to vortex stretching in upstream parts of the chamber. It is shown that the baroclinic torque mostly takes action between high vorticity and high strain regions and can possibly intensify the strong vortices, while the vortex stretching is mostly active near the strong vortices. Furthermore, observation of detailed statistics shows that most of the heat release occurs in samples with mixture fractions near the global value, while NO generation is highly biased toward the strong vortices and the stoichiometric mixture fraction. To investigate the role of the radicals in more details, a chemical reactor network (CRN) is created by clustering the LES solution. Also, the integration of Partially Stirred Reactors (PaSRs) with Perfectly Stirred Reactor (PSR) networks is used to improve the accuracy of predicting the reactant jet penetration and ignition radicals.
Bubble structure evolution and electron injection controlled by optical cycles in wakefields
Authors: Liu Song , Zhang Guo-Bo , Yang Xiao-Hu , Ma Yan-Yun , Cui Ye , Li Dong-Ao , Zou De-Bin , Du Lin-He , Zhao Zi-Qi , Wang Wei-Quan , Shao Fu-Qiu
Published: July 2023

The evolution of bubble structure and electron injection in laser wakefield acceleration with different optical cycles is investigated through three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Under fixed transverse and longitudinal ponderomotive force, the effect of optical cycles on the evolution of bubble structure and electron injection is studied by changing the laser wavelength. For a multi-cycle laser, electron acceleration is dominated by the ponderomotive force that produces symmetrical bubble and continuous injection. As the optical cycles decrease, the dominant effect of the electron acceleration can transition from the ponderomotive force to the carrier wave, and the carrier envelope phase shift can cause transverse oscillation of the bubble and periodic electron injection in the direction of laser polarization. The criterion for the dominant acceleration mechanism and the dependence of transition distance on the optical cycles and pulse width are obtained. The results are beneficial for manipulating electron acceleration and betatron radiation generation.
Nonlinear mode coupling and energetics of driven magnetized shear-flow turbulence
Authors: Tripathi B. , Fraser A. E. , Terry P. W. , Zweibel E. G. , Pueschel M. J. , Anders E. H.
Published: July 2023

To comprehensively understand the saturation of two-dimensional (2D) magnetized Kelvin–Helmholtz-instability-driven turbulence, energy transfer analysis is extended from the traditional interaction between scales to include eigenmode interactions, by using the nonlinear couplings of linear eigenmodes of the ideal instability. While both kinetic and magnetic energies cascade to small scales, a significant fraction of turbulent energy deposited by unstable modes in the fluctuation spectrum is shown to be re-routed to the conjugate-stable modes at the instability scale. They remove energy from the forward cascade at its inception. The remaining cascading energy flux is shown to attenuate exponentially at a small scale, dictated by the large-scale stable modes. Guided by a widely used instability-saturation assumption, a general quasi-linear model of instability is tested by retaining all nonlinear interactions except those that couple to the large-scale stable modes. These complex interactions are analytically removed from the magnetohydrodynamic equations using a novel technique. Observations are an explosive large-scale vortex separation instead of the well-known merger of 2D, a dramatic enhancement in turbulence level and spectral energy fluxes, and a reduced small-scale dissipation length scale. These show the critical role of the stable modes in instability saturation. Possible reduced-order turbulence models are proposed for fusion and astrophysical plasmas, based on eigenmode-expanded energy transfer analyses.
Tuning the bandgap of cubic and orthorhombic BaZrS3 by substituting sulfur with selenium
Authors: Odeh Yousef M. , Azar Said M. , Al-Reyahi Anas Y. , Mousa Ahmad A. , Jaradat Emad K. , Al Aqtash Nabil
Published: July 2023

In this paper, by using density functional theory (DFT), the structural, electronic, and optical properties of cubic and orthorhombic perovskites BaZrS3−xSex are explored. The lattice parameters increase when the substitution of S/Se atoms is applied, whereas the bulk moduli decrease. The density of states curves showed a strong hybridization between Zr-d and S-p/Se-p orbitals. Furthermore, the obtained bandgaps of the orthorhombic phases are direct (Γ–Γ), whereas they are indirect (R–Γ) for the cubic phase. When substituting sulfur with selenium, the bandgap decreases from 0.963 to 0.705 eV for the orthorhombic phase and from 0.655 to 0.288 eV for the cubic phase. The dielectric function showed that the optical bandgaps are between 0.7 and 0.5 eV for orthorhombic BaZrS3–xSex, which is in the infra-red spectrum, and it was between 0.7 and 0.25 eV for the cubic phase. The reflectivity was in the range of [26%–31%] at low energies, which can be considered quite reflective. The refractive index for the orthorhombic phase increased from 3.0 to 3.5 at low energies and from 3.6 to 3.9 for the cubic phase, which indicates high absorption at those values of energy. The result obtained indicates that chalcogenide perovskites BaZrS3−xSex are good candidates for future photovoltaic applications such as tandem solar cells.
Proximity effects of 2D antiferromagnets on superconductivity in exfoliated niobium disulfide
Authors: Disiena Matthew N. , Luth Christopher , Nibhanupudi S. S. Teja , Singh Jatin V. , Ansh A. , Majumder Sarmita , Banerjee Sanjay K.
Published: July 2023

The conventional theory of superconductivity holds that Cooper pairs form due to electron–phonon coupling; however, this description may not be adequate to describe certain unconventional superconductors such as cuprates and iron chalcogenides. In these unconventional superconductors, it has been proposed that spin fluctuations may be responsible for the formation of Cooper pairs. In this study, we explore spin interactions in the transition metal, dichalcogenide niobium disulfide, induced through proximity effects by fabricating antiferromagnet/NbS2 heterostructures. We tested three different 2D antiferromagnetic materials, each with different spin textures: anganese phosphorus trisulfide, manganese phosphorus triselenide, and chromium trichloride. Our results showed a substantial reduction in the critical temperature in the case of NbS2/MnPSe3. We hypothesize that this could be due to spin fluctuations in MnPSe3 inducing proximity effects in NbS2.
Lattice Boltzmann scheme for coupled radiation–convection heat transfer in participating media
Authors: Wang Caiyun , Liu Xiaochuan , Wei Yijie , Zhu Keyong , Huang Yong
Published: July 2023

With the increasing scientific and engineering applications of coupled radiation and natural convection problems (CRNCP), it is required to develop more convenient numerical methods to solve the problems. In this paper, the equations of momentum, energy, and radiative transfer are all solved by the lattice Boltzmann method, and a lattice Boltzmann (LB) framework is established for the CRNCP. The influences of the Planck number, Rayleigh number, scattering albedo, and optical thickness in isotropic scattering media are analyzed. The results indicate that the radiation parameters significantly impact the CRNCP. In addition, the LB framework is extended to solve the problems of anisotropic scattering media. It is expected that the current work will provide a convenient numerical tool for various CRNCP.
Numerical study of a near-infrared to mid-infrared perfect absorber based on tunable GaAs metamaterial
Authors: Zhang Ruoyu , Guo Xin , Li Yang , Wu Haoyu , Qiu Hongjin , Jia Tiantian , Liu Xuchuan , Gan Linyu , Chen Peng , Cheng Hongchang
Published: July 2023

An infrared perfect absorber structure is designed based on GaAs/Au/SiO2 metamaterial with numerical simulation, in which gold split ring resonators (SRR) embedded in the GaAs layer. The absorption exceeds 99% at 1360 nm under the plane wave excitation with its polarization perpendicular to the opening direction of the SRR. When the polarization of the plane wave is parallel to the opening direction, the absorption exceeds 97% and 56% at 970 and 2070 nm, respectively, which realize dual-band absorption. The absorption peaks are effectively modulated by controlling surface current density distribution and resonant electromagnetic response. In addition, the resonant wavelengths are further manipulated by optimizing the resonant ring structural parameters, which achieve ultrawide-band absorption ranging from near-infrared to mid-infrared region. The absorber remains absorption peaks above 96% under wide-angle plane wave incidence, and the resonant peak positions are independent of the incident angle. This work exhibits the promise of GaAs-based metamaterial in practical applications in energy harvesting and night vision imaging.
Experimental investigation of perforated nanocomposites under thermal cycles for use in the shell of sports buildings
Authors: Jia Jinlun , Liu Jie , Su Zhanguo , Su Qingfang , Yao Yuzhong , Morovati Reza
Published: July 2023

One of the most important applications of composites is their use in structures with periodic thermal loading. Sports buildings are one of the most appropriate options for using these composites due to the need for a balanced temperature. In this research, composite samples of polymeric base reinforced with nanoparticles, structure, and effects of thermal cycling and circular holes on it have been investigated. The nanoparticles used were multi-walled carbon nanotubes and the weight percentage was 0.1%. In this research, the behavior of perforated nanocomposite samples with a diameter of 2 and 4 mm holes under thermal cycles was investigated. By performing a tensile test on the samples, the fracture toughness and modulus of elasticity due to the number of different heating cycles and the ratio of the hole diameter to the width for different samples were checked and compared. According to the results, as the ratio of diameter to width increases, the coefficient of stress concentration also increases. Also, the results show that the fracture strength increases during the thermal cycle. Fracture strength increases between 9% and 25% after 360 thermal cycles. It seems that one reason for this increase in tensile strength is the sintering of glass/epoxy nanocomposite during the thermal cycle.
The effect of fuel bed structure on Rothermel model performance
Authors: Campbell-Lochrie Zakary , Gallagher Michael , Skowronski Nicholas , Hadden Rory M.
Published: July 2023

Background Fifty years after its initial publication, Rothermel’s model continues to underpin many operational fire modelling tools. Past authors have, however, suggested a possible oversensitivity of the Rothermel model to fuel depth in certain fuel types. Aims To evaluate Rothermel model performance based on previous observations of the effect of fuel structure on flame spread through porous fuel beds. This is informed by the consideration of the effect of fuel structure on the physical mechanisms underpinning surface flame spread. Methods This study uses an existing dataset of flame spread experiments in pine needle beds to evaluate the effect of fuel structure on Rothermel model predictions of spread rate and reaction intensity. Key results Underpredictions of spread rate occurred for compressed fuel beds, apparently driven by an underprediction of the reaction intensity. Conclusions A greater understanding of the role of fuel structure on the energy release within the fire front region is therefore required. Implications The current tendency for spread rate to be underestimated in the studied fuel beds in quiescent (no wind or slope) conditions requires further consideration given the widespread use of Rothermel’s model in current operational modelling tools.
Epidemiological connectivity between humans and animals across an urban landscape
Authors: Hassell James M. , Muloi Dishon M. , VanderWaal Kimberly L. , Ward Melissa J. , Bettridge Judy , Gitahi Nduhiu , Ouko Tom , Imboma Titus , Akoko James , Karani Maurice , Muinde Patrick , Nakamura Yukiko , Alumasa Lorren , Furmaga Erin , Kaitho Titus , Amanya Fredrick , Ogendo Allan , Fava Francesco , Wee Bryan A. , Phan Hang , Kiiru John , Kang’ethe Erastus , Kariuki Sam , Robinson Timothy , Begon Michael , Woolhouse Mark E. J. , Fèvre Eric M.
Published: July 2023

Urbanization is predicted to be a key driver of disease emergence through human exposure to novel, animal-borne pathogens. However, while we suspect that urban landscapes are primed to expose people to novel animal-borne diseases, evidence for the mechanisms by which this occurs is lacking. To address this, we studied how bacterial genes are shared between wild animals, livestock, and humans (n = 1,428) across Nairobi, Kenya—one of the world’s most rapidly developing cities. Applying a multilayer network framework, we show that low biodiversity (of both natural habitat and vertebrate wildlife communities), coupled with livestock management practices and more densely populated urban environments, promotes sharing of
Escherichia coli
–borne bacterial mobile genetic elements between animals and humans. These results provide empirical support for hypotheses linking resource provision, the biological simplification of urban landscapes, and human and livestock demography to urban dynamics of cross-species pathogen transmission at a landscape scale. Urban areas where high densities of people and livestock live in close association with synanthropes (species such as rodents that are more competent reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens) should be prioritized for disease surveillance and control.
Becoming a techie and improving your English with audiovisual translation
Authors: Hornero Corisco Ana María , Gonzalez-Vera Pilar , Beltrán Paula Buil
Published: July 2023

Audiovisual translation (AVT) as a tool in the teaching/learning of a foreign language has increasingly attracted the attention of researchers in the latest years. The TRADILEX Project team is currently working on the pedagogic use of AVT in the teaching /learning of English as a Foreign language (EFL) in an online environment, in a good number of Spanish universities. This paper presents the results of the TRADILEX experience, carried out at the University of Zaragoza (Spain). The methodology designed and applied for that end has required the use of technological tools to guide students through different steps, from an Initial Test of Integrated Skills (ITIS) to a Final Test of Integrated Skills (FITIS), both designed by members of the team. On their way from the former to the latter, students were invited to carry out a series of B1-level tasks in five AVT modes. The materials previously designed and tested aimed at a progressive autonomy of the student in their advance in the lesson plans of each mode. The analysis of the results obtained in each of the AVT modes, as well as the comparative results between the ITIS and the FITIS will highlight the virtues of the methodology used.
Training the trainer
Authors: Navarrete Marga
Published: July 2023

Audio description (AD) is a mode of audiovisual translation (AVT) used for making video content accessible to blind and visually impaired viewers. Didactic AD refers to an active practice where the language learner inserts a narration into the original soundtrack of a clip to describe information transmitted visually, thus converting images into words. AD is often portrayed as an artistic practice due to the creative nature of translating visual elements into a linguistic code whilst the learner becomes a social agent that mediates between the clip and others, using aural discourse to interpret what can be seen including semiotic signs and images. This article will explore key professional guidelines for audio describing, the type of language used, and what areas need to be considered when planning an AD lesson. Taking into consideration the new descriptors of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and how communicative approaches have evolved over the last couple of decades, this article will also discuss methodological approaches for an AD effective usage. A sample AD lesson taken from the TRADILEX project will be commented on whilst providing practical recommendations to new users of this AVT mode.
The Z-nucleic acid sensor ZBP1 in health and disease
Authors: Maelfait Jonathan , Rehwinkel Jan
Published: July 2023

Nucleic acid sensing is a central process in the immune system, with far-reaching roles in antiviral defense, autoinflammation, and cancer. Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1) is a sensor for double-stranded DNA and RNA helices in the unusual left-handed Z conformation termed Z-DNA and Z-RNA. Recent research established ZBP1 as a key upstream regulator of cell death and proinflammatory signaling. Recognition of Z-DNA/RNA by ZBP1 promotes host resistance to viral infection but can also drive detrimental autoinflammation. Additionally, ZBP1 has interesting roles in cancer and other disease settings and is emerging as an attractive target for therapy.
A peek behind the scenes of selectivity filter gating
Authors: Short Ben
Published: July 2023

JGP study (Kopec et al. 2023. J. Gen. Physiol.https://doi.org/10.1085/jgp.202213166) reveals how interactions with pore-helix residues control filter inactivation in the prokaryotic potassium channel MthK.
A universal and stable metasurface for photonic quasi bound state in continuum coupled with two dimensional semiconductors
Authors: Kumar Brijesh , Singh Anuj Kumar , Mandal Kishor Kumar , Sharma Parul , Sahoo Nihar Ranjan , Kumar Anshuman
Published: July 2023

The strong coupling of excitons to optical cavity modes is of immense importance when understanding the fundamental physics of quantum electrodynamics at the nanoscale as well as for practical applications in quantum information technologies. There have been several attempts at achieving strong coupling between excitons in two-dimensional semiconductors, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and photonic quasi-bound states in the continuum (BICs). We identify two gaps in the platforms for achieving strong coupling between TMDC excitons and photonic quasi-BICs: firstly, in the studies so far, different cavity architectures have been employed for coupling to different TMDCs. This would mean that typically, the fabrication process flow for the cavities will need to be modified as one moves from one TMDC to the other, which can limit the technological progress in the field. Secondly, there has been no discussion of the impact of fabrication imperfections in the studies on the strong coupling of these subsystems so far. In this work, we address these two questions by optimizing a cavity with the same architecture, which can couple to the four typical TMDCs (MoS2, WS2, MoSe2, WSe2) and perform a detailed investigation on the fabrication tolerance of the associated photonic quasi-BICs and their impact on strong coupling.
Wide induction range analysis of DC magnetic properties and magnetization processes of Fe-based soft magnetic composites
Authors: Birčáková Zuzana , Kollár Peter , Füzer Ján , Bureš Radovan , Fáberová Mária , Vojtek Vladimír
Published: July 2023

The paper presents systematic analyses of a wide maximum induction range (0.001 T–1.4 T) DC magnetic properties of iron-based soft magnetic composite (SMC) materials by applying different methods to understand the specific features of magnetization reversal of this increasingly popular class of soft magnetic materials, including a hitherto less explored area of the Rayleigh region of very low magnetic fields, which has growing application potential in new, low-energy consuming electronic devices or ultra-low magnetic field shielding. The total permeability, coercive field and remanent magnetic induction were analysed in connection with the reciprocity factor and inner demagnetization factor and their relations to interparticle magnetic interaction, domain wall movability and predominance of individual magnetization processes. Their dependence on the magnetic induction and the properties of each sample were revealed and confirmed also by energy loss separation. The Rayleigh region analytical expressions for the coercive field, remanent magnetic induction, the ratio of irreversible to reversible magnetization changes and their percentages within the magnetizing cycle were used for SMCs for the first time.
Entanglement swapping under global noise environment
Authors: Kong Fan-Zhen , Zhao Jun-Long , Ji Jie
Published: July 2023

We investigate the entanglement swapping under phase damping global noise and amplitude damping global noise. The two qubits the intermediate user holds during the entanglement swapping process first suffer from a global noise before the Bell measurement is carried out. Based on this assumption, the influence of global phase damping noise and global amplitude damping noise on the output entanglement of entanglement swapping is investigated, respectively. Our findings imply that the output entanglement is completely independent of the phase damping global noise and determined by the input entanglement when entanglement swapping is performed in a global phase damping noise environment. In addition, when entanglement swapping is executed in an amplitude damping environment, the output entanglement oscillates periodically with time, and the output entanglement may disappear at some points and reappear at others. In this case, we need not only to improve the input entanglement but also to control the evolution time of the amplitude damping global noise to ensure the optimal output entanglement. Our findings may help experimentalists to avoid and utilize environmental noise in entanglement swapping.
Single exposure passive three-dimensional information reconstruction based on an ordinary imaging system
Authors: Dou 窦 Shen-Cheng 申成 , Liu 刘 Fan 璠 , Li 李 Hu 虎 , Yao 姚 Xu-Ri 旭日 , Liu 刘 Xue-Feng 雪峰 , Zhai 翟 Guang-Jie 光杰
Published: July 2023

Existing three-dimensional (3D) imaging technologies have issues such as requiring active illumination, multiple exposures, or coding modulation. We propose a passive single 3D imaging method based on an ordinary imaging system. Using the point spread function of the imaging system to realize the non-coding measurement on the target, the full-focus images and depth information of the 3D target can be extracted from a single two-dimensional (2D) image through the compressed sensing algorithm. Simulation and experiments show that this approach can complete passive 3D imaging based on an ordinary imaging system without any coding operations. This method can achieve millimeter-level vertical resolution under single exposure conditions and has the potential for real-time dynamic 3D imaging. It improves the efficiency of 3D information detection, reduces the complexity of the imaging system, and may be of considerable value to the field of computer vision and other related applications.
Ultrafast two-dimensional x-ray imager with temporal fiducial pulses for laser-produced plasmas
Authors: Liu 刘 Zheng-Dong 正东 , Zhong 仲 Jia-Yong 佳勇 , Yuan 远 Xiao-Hui 晓辉 , Zhang 张 Ya-Peng 雅芃 , Yao 姚 Jia-Wen 嘉文 , Ma 马 Zuo-Lin 作霖 , Xu 徐 Xiang-Yan 向晏 , Xue 薛 Yan-Hua 彦华 , Zhang 张 Zhe 喆 , Yuan 袁 Da-Wei 大伟 , Zhang 张 Min-Rui 敏睿 , Li 李 Bing-Jun 炳均 , Gu 谷 Hao-Chen 昊琛 , Dai 戴 Yu 羽 , Zhang 张 Cheng-Long 成龙 , Dong 董 Yu-Feng 玉峰 , Zhou 周 Peng 鹏 , Ma 马 Xin-Jie 鑫杰 , Ma 马 Yun-Feng 云峰 , Bai 白 Xue-Jie 雪洁 , Liu 刘 Gao-Yang 高扬 , Tian 田 Jin-Shou 进寿 , Zhao 赵 Gang 刚 , Zhang 张 Jie 杰
Published: July 2023

It is challenging to make an ultrafast diagnosis of the temporal evolution of small and short-lived plasma in two dimensions. To overcome this difficulty, we have developed a well-timed diagnostic utilizing an x-ray streak camera equipped with a row of multi-pinhole arrays. By processing multiple sets of one-dimensional streaked image data acquired from various pinholes, we are capable of reconstructing high-resolution two-dimensional images with a temporal resolution of 38 ps and a spatial resolution of 18 μm. The temporal fiducial pulses accessed from external sources can advance the precise timing and accurately determine the arrival time of the laser. Moreover, it can correct the nonlinear sweeping speed of the streak camera. The effectiveness of this diagnostic has been successfully verified at the Shenguang-II laser facility, providing an indispensable tool for observing complex physical phenomena, such as the implosion process of laser-fusion experiments.
Research on corrosion of carbon steel in simulated boiler steam-water system
Authors: Zhao Zhijuan , Cao Bingqing , Jin Dong
Published: July 2023

The metal materials corrosion in the boiler steam-water system influences the safe and economic operation of the boiler system. In this work, the corrosion experiment of carbon steel is carried out in the high-temperature autoclave to simulate the boiler steam-water system. The effect of temperature and dissolved oxygen on the corrosion of carbon steel is studied by the corrosion weight loss rate, surface changes and micro-morphology characterization. At 120~150°C, the carbon steel mainly dissolves in pure water and many corrosion spots are formed on the surface of corroded samples. At 200~300°C, the carbon steel is mainly oxidized in pure water and the corrosion spots are less; especially at 350°C, the surface of corroded carbon steel is covered with black ash material and there is almost no corrosion spot. The content of dissolved oxygen in pure water affects carbon steel’s corrosion. The content of dissolved oxygen in pure water should be controlled as low as possible to reduce the corrosion of carbon steel.
Study on Preparation and Performance of Green Polycarboxylic Acid Water Reducing Agent with High Adaptability
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Lin Zhijun , Ke Yuliang , Fang Yunhui
Published: July 2023

To improve the adaptability of polycarboxylic acid water reducer to different machine-made sands, this paper adopts methacrylic acid and m-aminobenzene sulfonic acid to obtain esterification monomer and then conducts free radical polymerization with highly active polyether macromonomer and unsaturated silane monomer under the action of redox initiator system to synthesize green highly adaptable polycarboxylic acid water reducer. The test results showed that the molecular weight of EPEG was 1200, and the amount of esterification monomer was 2%; when the dosage of γ-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane was 1.5%, the apparent viscosity and monomer conversion of the paste are high, which meet the design requirements. It was named PC-1; According to the adaptability analysis of different machine-made sand concrete, the amount of PC-1 added was the same, and the initial dispersion performance, slump protection performance, strength and workability of concrete were equivalent, showing that PC-1 had good adaptability to different machine-made sand.
Study on properties of graphene-SBS double-modified asphalt
Authors: Tian Jun , Gao Hui , He Xiaojun , Xia Guoxue
Published: July 2023

In this paper, different proportions of graphene modifiers were used to double-modify the SBS-modified asphalt. The needle penetration, softening point, and ductility of modified asphalt with different proportions of graphene incorporation were measured by the national standard test method. As affected by adding different proportions of graphene on the three indexes of SBS modified asphalt was studied. Through the analysis and comparison of the experimental results, when the graphene parameter is 0.5%, the performance of graphene-SBS double-modified asphalt reaches the optimum, which provides technical reference for the diversification of modified asphalt materials in the alpine region of Inner Mongolia.
Study on the influences of different process temperatures on microstructural evolution of Mg-11%Al-2%Zn-1%Si alloy through isothermal semi-solid treatment
Authors: Ma Guo-Rui , Xu Guo-Jie , Wang Chun-Xia , Li Zhi-Ming , Yang Yun-Qiu
Published: July 2023

Due to the eutectic reaction, the Mg2Si phase is inclined to creating an unfavorable fishbone shape at low solidification rates. This can significantly degrade the mechanical characteristics and become the main barrier to the practical application of Mg-Si based alloy. It is regarded that isothermal semi-solid treatment is an efficient technique to modulate the fishbone-shape eutectic Mg2Si phases in Mg-Si based alloys. In this work, a new type of Mg-11%Al-2%Zn-1%Si alloy is successfully fabricated through isothermal semi-solid treatment, and the influences of different process temperatures on microstructural evolution of Mg-11%Al-2%Zn-1%Si alloy are studied. The findings illustrate that the mean size of the α-Mg grains increases and their trendency of spheroidization becomes more evidently after held for 30 min at different process temperatures from 550 °C to 580 °C. Additionally, through isothermal semi-solid treatment, the eutectic Mg2Si phases in experimental alloy are totally changed from their original fishbone shape into polygon or granule shapes. With increasing the process temperatures, the mean size and morphologies of eutectic Mg2Si phases have no significantly changes. The morphological change theory of eutectic Mg2Si phases through isothermal semi-solid treatment is also studied.
Hybrid simulation of q = 1 high-order harmonics driven by passing energetic particles in tokamak plasmas
Authors: LIU 刘 Sheng 胜 , REN 任 Zhenzhen 珍珍 , WANG 汪 Weihua 卫华 , SHEN 申 Wei 伟 , YANG 杨 Jinhong 锦宏 , NING 宁 Hongwei 洪伟
Published: July 2023

High-order harmonics q(ψ
s) = 1 energetic particle modes (EPMs) have been observed in toroidal plasmas experiments with neutral beam injection. To investigate these phenomena, linear properties and nonlinear dynamics of these EPMs driven by passing energetic particles (EPs) are studied via the global hybrid kinetic-magnetohydrodynamic code M3D-K. Simulation results demonstrate that passing EPs’ effects on high mode-number harmonics (q(ψ
s) = m/n = 2/2, 3/3, 4/4) instability are more obvious than the q(ψ
s) = 1/1 mode, especially when q-profile is sufficiently flat in the core region. Furthermore, the effects of the pitch angle Λ0 and beam ion pressure P
hot/P
total on the features of high n components are also analyzed specifically. It is found that there exists only one resonant condition for these EPMs. In the nonlinear phase, these high mode-number harmonics can induce significant energetic ions redistribution and chirping up phenomena, which differs from the classical fishbone excited by passing EPs. These discoveries are conducive to better apprehend the underlying physical mechanisms of the high-order harmonics driven by passing EPs.
Clues to the kludonometer
Authors: Walach Maria-Theresia , Cookson-Carter Melanie , Roberts Rachel
Published: July 2023

Maria-Theresia Walach, Melanie Cookson-Carter and Rachel Roberts discuss the life work of Captain William Nelson Greenwood, whose legacy includes a mysterious tide calculator
Exploring planetary atmospheric processes from terrestrial worlds to giant planets
Authors: Joyce Hannah , McGinness Blair
Published: July 2023

Hannah Joyce and Blair McGinness report on the RAS Specialist Discussion Meeting ‘Exploring Planetary Atmospheric Processes from Terrestrial Worlds to Giant Planets’.
SBOannotator: a Python tool for the automated assignment of systems biology ontology terms
Authors: Leonidou Nantia , Fritze Elisabeth , Renz Alina , Dräger Andreas
Published: July 2023

Motivation

The number and size of computational models in biology have drastically increased over the past years and continue to grow. Modeled networks are becoming more complex, and reconstructing them from the beginning in an exchangeable and reproducible manner is challenging. Using precisely defined ontologies enables the encoding of field-specific knowledge and the association of disparate data types. In computational modeling, the medium for representing domain knowledge is the set of orthogonal structured controlled vocabularies named Systems Biology Ontology (SBO). The SBO terms enable modelers to explicitly define and describe model entities, including their roles and characteristics.

Results

Here, we present the first standalone tool that automatically assigns SBO terms to multiple entities of a given SBML model, named the SBOannotator. The main focus lies on the reactions, as the correct assignment of precise SBO annotations requires their extensive classification. Our implementation does not consider only top-level terms but examines the functionality of the underlying enzymes to allocate precise and highly specific ontology terms to biochemical reactions. Transport reactions are examined separately and are classified based on the mechanism of molecule transport. Pseudo-reactions that serve modeling purposes are given reasonable terms to distinguish between biomass production and the import or export of metabolites. Finally, other model entities, such as metabolites and genes, are annotated with appropriate terms. Including SBO annotations in the models will enhance the reproducibility, usability, and analysis of biochemical networks.

Availability and implementation

SBOannotator is freely available from https://github.com/draeger-lab/SBOannotator/.
Multisocietal European consensus on the terminology, diagnosis, and management of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases: an E-AHPBA consensus in partnership with ESSO, ESCP, ESGAR, and CIRSE
Authors: Siriwardena Ajith K , Serrablo Alejandro , Fretland Åsmund Avdem , Wigmore Stephen J , Ramia-Angel Jose Manuel , Malik Hassan Z , Stättner Stefan , Søreide Kjetil , Zmora Oded , Meijerink Martijn , Kartalis Nikolaos , Lesurtel Mickaёl , Verhoef Kees , Balakrishnan Anita , Gruenberger Thomas , Jonas Eduard , Devar John , Jamdar Saurabh , Jones Robert , Hilal Mohammad Abu , Andersson Bodil , Boudjema Karim , Mullamitha Saifee , Stassen Laurents , Dasari Bobby V M , Frampton Adam E , Aldrighetti Luca , Pellino Gianluca , Buchwald Pamela , Gürses Bengi , Wasserberg Nir , Gruenberger Birgit , Spiers Harry V M , Jarnagin William , Vauthey Jean-Nicholas , Kokudo Norihiro , Tejpar Sabine , Valdivieso Andres , Adam René
Published: July 2023

Background

Contemporary management of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases is complex. The aim of this project was to provide a practical framework for care of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases, with a focus on terminology, diagnosis, and management.

Methods

This project was a multiorganizational, multidisciplinary consensus. The consensus group produced statements which focused on terminology, diagnosis, and management. Statements were refined during an online Delphi process, and those with 70 per cent agreement or above were reviewed at a final meeting. Iterations of the report were shared by electronic mail to arrive at a final agreed document comprising 12 key statements.

Results

Synchronous liver metastases are those detected at the time of presentation of the primary tumour. The term ‘early metachronous metastases' applies to those absent at presentation but detected within 12 months of diagnosis of the primary tumour, the term ‘late metachronous metastases’ applies to those detected after 12 months. ‘Disappearing metastases’ applies to lesions that are no longer detectable on MRI after systemic chemotherapy. Guidance was provided on the recommended composition of tumour boards, and clinical assessment in emergency and elective settings. The consensus focused on treatment pathways, including systemic chemotherapy, synchronous surgery, and the staged approach with either colorectal or liver-directed surgery as first step. Management of pulmonary metastases and the role of minimally invasive surgery was discussed.

Conclusion

The recommendations of this contemporary consensus provide information of practical value to clinicians managing patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases.
From electronic health records to clinical management systems: how the digital transformation can support healthcare services
Authors: Barbieri Carlo , Neri Luca , Stuard Stefano , Mari Flavio , Martín-Guerrero José D
Published: July 2023

Healthcare systems worldwide are currently undergoing significant transformations in response to increasing costs, a shortage of healthcare professionals and the growing complexity of medical needs among the population. Value-based healthcare reimbursement systems are emerging as an attempt to incentivize patient-centricity and cost containment. From a technological perspective, the transition to digitalized services is intended to support these transformations. A Health Information System (HIS) is a technological solution designed to govern the data flow generated and consumed by healthcare professionals and administrative staff during the delivery of healthcare services. However, the exponential growth of digital capabilities and applied advanced analytics has expanded their traditional functionalities and brought the promise of automating administrative procedures and simple repetitive tasks, while enhancing the efficiency and outcomes of healthcare services by incorporating decision support tools for clinical management. The future of HIS is headed towards modular architectures that can facilitate implementation and adaptation to different environments and systems, as well as the integration of various tools, such as artificial intelligence (AI) models, in a seamless way. As an example, we present the experience and future developments of the European Clinical Database (EuCliD®). EuCliD is a multilingual HIS used by 20 000 nurses and physicians on a daily basis to manage 105 000 patients treated in 1100 clinics in 43 different countries. EuCliD encompasses patients’ follow-up, automatic reporting and mobile applications while enabling efficient management of clinical processes. It is also designed to incorporate multiagent systems to automate repetitive tasks, AI modules and advanced dynamic dashboards.
Multidisciplinary approach to patients with heart failure and kidney disease: preliminary experience of an integrated cardiorenal unit
Authors: Marques María , Cobo Marta , López-Sánchez Paula , García-Magallón Belén , Salazar María Luisa Serrano , López-Ibor Jorge V , Janeiro Darío , García Estefanya , Briales Paula Sánchez , Montero Esther , Illazquez María Victoria López , Gómez Teresa Soria , Citores Yolanda Martínez , Peral Ana Martínez , Segovia Javier , Portolés José
Published: July 2023

Background

Cardiorenal programs have emerged to improve the management of cardiorenal disease (CRD). Evidence about the benefits of these programs is still scarce. This work aims to evaluate the performance of a novel cardiorenal program and describe the clinical profile and outcomes of patients with CRD.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with CRD attended in a cardiorenal unit (CRU) from February 2021 to February 2022. Demographics and laboratory tests were collected and events (all-cause death and cardiovascular hospitalizations) were evaluated. Optimization of comorbidities and protective therapies was also assessed.

Results

Eighty-two patients were included, with a mean age of 76.8 years [standard deviation (SD) 8.5] and 72% were men. A total of 58.5% (n = 47) had left ventricular ejection fraction <50%. The mean follow-up was 11 months (SD 4.0). Almost 54% of the patients (n = 44) required hospitalization, 30.5% for heart failure (HF) decompensation. Total hospitalizations significantly decreased after CRU inclusion: 0.70 versus 0.45 admissions/year (P < .02). Global mortality was 17.1% (n = 14). The percentage of patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction on quadruple therapy increased by 20%, and up to 60% of the patients were on three drugs. A total of 39% of the patients with HF and preserved ejection fraction started treatment with sodium–glucose co-transporter inhibitors. Hyperkalaemia required the use of potassium binders in 12.2% of the patients and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism was started in 42.7% and renal anaemia in 23.2%. Renal replacement therapy was initiated in 10% of the patients (n = 8).

Conclusion

CRD confers a considerable risk of adverse outcomes. Cardiorenal programs may improve cardiorenal syndrome management by optimizing therapies, treating comorbidities and reducing hospitalizations.
How we look: European wild mouflon and feral domestic sheep hybrids
Authors: Šprem Nikica , Buzan Elena , Safner Toni
Published: July 2023

Hybridization between wild animals and feral individuals from closely related domestic species can occur when they share the same habitat. Such events are generally regarded as a threat to the genetic integrity and survival of established wild populations. The aim of this study is to confirm a hybridization between European mouflon and feral sheep on the Adriatic island Dugi Otok, where a group of individuals phenotypically indicative of a possible introgression was photographed. Using an ovine medium-density SNP array genotypes, we provided genetic evidence of recent gene admixture between the two species. The ADMIXTURE analysis suggests that two hybrid individuals had 82.2% and 94.1% of their ancestry attributable to feral sheep, respectively, with the rest of the mouflon in origin. NEWHYBRIDS analysis estimated the combined probabilities for the putative hybrid individuals belonging to one of the hybrid classes at 87.0% and 90.1%, respectively. The main phenotypic differences in the hybrids were observed in the shape of the horns, a stronger horn circumference than in the mouflon and weaker than for the sheep, pronounced horn rings, a shorter tail, and intermediate color. We therefore recommend constant monitoring of the purity of the mouflon population to maintain its genetic integrity. In addition, all feral sheep should be removed from the wild, and released sheep raised in semi-wild conditions should be better controlled.
Survival and perioperative outcomes of octo- and nonagenarians with resectable esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Ahmed Nabeel , Tankel James , Asselah Jamil , Alcindor Thierry , Alfieri Joanne , David Marc , Najmeh Sara , Spicer Jonathan , Cools-Lartigue Jonathan , Mueller Carmen , Ferri Lorenzo
Published: July 2023

The outcomes of different treatment modalities for patients aged 80 and above with locally advanced and resectable esophageal carcinoma are not well described. The aim of this study was to explore survival and perioperative outcomes among this specific group of patients. A retrospective, cohort analysis was performed on a prospectively maintained esophageal cancer database from the McGill regional upper gastroinestinal cancer network. Between 2010 and 2020, all patients ≥80 years with cT2-4a, Nany, M0 esophageal carcinoma were identified and stratified according to the treatment modality: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) or chemoradiotherapy (nCRT); definitive CRT (dCRT); upfront surgery; palliative CT/RT; or best supportive care (BSC). Of the 162 patients identified, 79 were included in this study. The median age was 83 years (80–97), most were cT3 (73%), cN- (56%), and had adenocarcinoma (62%). Treatment included: nCT/nCRT (16/79, 20%); surgery alone (19/79, 24%); dCRT (12/29, 15%); palliative RT/CT (27/79, 34%); and BSC (5/79, 6%). Neoadjuvant treatment was completed in 10/16 (63%). Of the 35/79 who underwent surgery, major complications occurred in 13/35 (37%) and 90-day mortality in 3/35 (9%). Overall survival (OS) for the cohort at 1- and 3-years was 58% and 19%. Among patients treated with nCT/nCRT, this was 94% and 46% respectively. Curative intent treatment (nCT/nCRT/upfront surgery/dCRT) had significantly increased 1- and 3- year OS compared with non-curative treatment (76%/31% vs. 34%/3.3%). Multimodal standard of care treatment is feasible and safe in select octo/nonagenarians, and may be associated with improved OS. Age alone should not bias against treatment with curative intent.
Thrombotic risk in patients with acute coronary syndromes discharged on prasugrel or clopidogrel: results from the PROMETHEUS study
Authors: Chiarito Mauro , Cao Davide , Sartori Samantha , Zhang Zhongjie , Vogel Birgit , Spirito Alessandro , Smith Kenneth F , Weintraub William , Strauss Craig , Toma Catalin , DeFranco Anthony , Effron Mark B , Stefanini Giulio , Keller Stuart , Kapadia Samir , Rao Sunil V , Henry Timothy D , Pocock Stuart , Sharma Samin , Dangas George , Kini Annapoorna , Baber Usman , Mehran Roxana
Published: July 2023

Aims

Based on recent clinical data, the 2020 ESC guidelines on non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) suggest to tailor antithrombotic strategy on individual thrombotic risk. Nonetheless, prevalence and prognostic impact of the high thrombotic risk (HTR) criteria proposed are yet to be described. In this analysis from the PROMETHEUS registry, we assessed prevalence and prognostic impact of HTR, defined according to the 2020 ESC NSTE-ACS guidelines, and if the benefits associated with prasugrel vs. clopidogrel vary with thrombotic risk.

Methods and results

PROMETHEUS was a multicentre prospective study comparing prasugrel vs. clopidogrel in ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients were at HTR if presenting with one clinical plus one procedural risk feature. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or unplanned revascularization, at 1 year. Adjusted hazard ratio (adjHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with propensity score stratification and multivariable Cox regression. Among 16 065 patients, 4293 (26.7%) were at HTR and 11 772 (73.3%) at low-to-moderate thrombotic risk. The HTR conferred increased incidence of MACE (23.3 vs. 13.6%, HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.71–2.00, P < 0.001) and its single components. Prasugrel was prescribed in patients with less comorbidities and risk factors and was associated with reduced risk of MACE (HTR: adjHR 0.83, 95% CI 0.68–1.02; low-to-moderate risk: adjHR 0.75, 95% CI 0.64–0.88; pinteraction = 0.32).

Conclusion

High thrombotic risk, as defined by the 2020 ESC NSTE-ACS guidelines, is highly prevalent among ACS patients undergoing PCI. The HTR definition had a strong prognostic impact, as it successfully identified patients at increased 1 year risk of ischaemic events.