bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenomic, morphological, and niche differentiation analyses unveil species delimitation and evolutionary history of endangered maples inAcerseriesCampestria(Sapindaceae)
Authors: Fan Xiao‐Kai , Wu Jing , Comes Hans Peter , Feng Yu , Wang Ting , Yang Shu‐Zhen , Iwasaki Takaya , Zhu Hong , Jiang Yun , Lee Joongku , Li Pan
Published: September 2022

Accurate species delimitation is crucial for biodiversity conservation. TheAcerseriesCampestriacomprises four species,A. campestreL.,A. miyabeiMaxim.,A. miaotaienseP. C. Tsoong, andA. yangjuechiFang & P. L. Chiu. To clarify controversies over the taxonomic status of the latter three endangered species, we undertook phylogenomic, morphological, and niche differentiation analyses in seriesCampestria. Our coalescent species tree of 544 and 77 single‐copy nuclear genes supported seriesCampestriaas monophyletic, withA. yangjuechihaving the closest relationship withA. miaotaiense. However, in the plastome‐derived tree based on 64 protein coding sequences, the four species did not cluster together, and each of them grouped with some other sympatricAcerspecies. Given this nuclear‐cytoplasmic conflict, we hypothesize thatA. yangjuechihave been subject to nuclear gene introgression and plastid (pt) capture involving another sympatric maple, that is,A. amplum Rehder. Principal component analysis and machine learning based on morphological data could not separateA. yangjuechiandA. miaotaiense, but they both could be clearly distinguished fromA. miyabei. Moreover, the niche overlap tests of the two more widespread species,A. miyabeiandA. miaotaiense, showed they clearly occupy distinct niches. Overall, we conclude thatA. miyabeiandA. miaotaienseare distinct species, whileA. yangjuechi(endemic to Mt. Tianmu/East China) should be treated as a subspecies ofA. miaotaiense. Our study points out that multiple lines of phylogenomic, morphological, and ecological evidence prove highly useful in species delimitation. Additionally, our results should help to inform conservation measures for endangered species of the genusAcer/seriesCampestriain East Asia.
Microwave processing technology influences the functional and structural properties of fish gelatin
Authors: Kang Xinzi , Guo Wenwen , Ding Keying , Zhan Shengnan , Lou Qiaoming , Huang Tao
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of microwave processing technology (MPT, 240–800 W, 1 and 4 min) on the functional and structural properties of fish gelatin (FG). It showed that MPT could increase gel strength and texture properties of FG, especially for 240 W. MPT greatly increased emulsifying activity index (EAI) of FG, but decreased its emulsion stability index (ESI). Rheology results showed that MPT increased viscosity of FG, but decreased gelation times. Intrinsic fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results indicated that MPT could unfold gelatin, contributing to the formation of H‐bonds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that low power and short time of MPT‐treated gelatin gels had much more dense and less voids. This work provided guidance for the applications of MPT to improve the functional properties of FG, and the results show that MPT‐treated FG can replace mammalian gelatin and meet the religious requirement.
Prognosis of hepatitis E infection in patients with chronic liver disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Qiu Ling‐Xian , Huang Yue , Quan Jia‐Li , Bi Zhao‐Feng , Zhong Guo‐Hua , Wang Jiang‐Yahui , Huang Shou‐Jie , Su Ying‐Ying , Wu Ting , Zhang Jun , Lu Gui‐Yang , Zhang Guo‐Min , Xia Ning‐Shao
Published: September 2022

In individuals with underlying chronic liver disease (CLD), hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a potential trigger of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure. In this systematic review, seven electronic databases were searched. Pooled incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by the Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation method. The association between death or liver failure and HEV superinfection in CLD patients was estimated by the odds ratios (OR) with a 95% CI. A total of 18 studies from 5 countries were eligible for systematic review. The prevalence of acute HEV infection in hospitalized CLD patients with clinical manifestations of hepatitis was 13.6%, which was significantly higher than that in CLD patients from the community (pooled prevalence 1.1%). The overall rates of liver failure and mortality in CLD patients with HEV superinfection were 35.8% (95% CI: 26.7%–45.6%) and 14.3% (95% CI: 10.6%–18.5%), respectively, with the rates in cirrhotic patients being approximately 2‐fold and 4‐fold higher than those in noncirrhotic patients, respectively. The risks of liver failure (OR = 5.5, 95% CI: 1.5–20.1) and mortality (OR = 5.0, 95% CI: 1.9–13.3) were significantly higher in CLD patients with HEV superinfection than in those without HEV superinfection. HEV testing in hospitalized CLD patients is necessary due to the high prevalence of HEV infection observed in hospitalized CLD patients. HEV superinfection could accelerate disease progression in patients with underlying CLD and increase mortality in these patients. HEV vaccination is appropriate for patients with pre‐existing CLD.
Confidence in treatment is contributing to quality of life in autoimmune liver diseases. The results of ERN RARE‐LIVER online survey
Authors: Wunsch Ewa , Krause Linda , Gevers Tom JG , Schramm Christoph , Janik Maciej K. , Krawczyk Marcin , Willemse José , Uhlenbusch Natalie , Löwe Bernd , Lohse Ansgar Wilhelm , Milkiewicz Piotr
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are associated with impaired health‐related quality of life (HrQoL). The aim of this project was to identify potentially modifiable factors related to HrQoL in a large transnational cohort of patients with AILDs.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted on patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) or primary sclerosing cholangitis from 15 European countries. HrQoL was measured with EQ‐5D‐5L and EQ visual analogue scale (EQ‐VAS) and analysed in relation to demographic, psychosocial, disease‐ and treatment‐related factors. A Patient Health Questionnaire‐2 score >3 indicated relevant depression. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to identify potentially modifiable factors associated with HrQoL and confidence in treatment whilst adjusting for known confounders.

Results

A group of 1178 European patients (79% female, mean age 48 ± 14 years) participated in the study. HrQoL was impaired in all three diseases (mean EQ‐5D‐5L = 0.75, mean EQ VAS = 68.9), most markedly in PBC (mean EQ‐5D‐5L = 0.73, mean EQ‐VAS = 66.2). Relevant depression, which was detected in 17% of patients, was prominently associated with impaired HrQoL. In the regression analysis, treatment confidence was identified as an important modifiable factor positively contributing to HrQoL. This influence was observable even after adjusting for other covariates including depression. Management in a transplant centre, treatment with azathioprine in AIH, and with ursodeoxycholic acid in PBC, was associated with increased treatment confidence. Finally, improved patient‐physician relationships contributed to treatment confidence.

Conclusion

Treatment confidence is a relevant modifiable determinant of HrQoL and should be further investigated to improve the standards of care for patients with AILDs.
Digital health technologies to support medication adherence in chronic kidney disease
Authors: O'Hara Daniel V. , Yi Tae Won , Lee Vincent W. , Jardine Meg , Dawson Jessica
Published: September 2022

Non‐adherence to medications is a critical challenge in the management of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review explores the complexities of adherence in this population, the unique barriers and enablers of good adherence behaviours, and the role of emerging digital health technologies in bridging the gap between evidence‐based treatment plans and the real‐world standard of care. We present the current evidence supporting the use of digital health interventions among CKD populations, identifying the key research questions that remain unanswered, and providing practical strategies for clinicians to support medication adherence in a digital age.
Randomized clinical trial: A double‐blind, proof‐of‐concept, phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan 20 or 40 mg versus esomeprazole 40 mg in patients with symptomatic gastro‐esophageal reflux disease and partial response to a healing dose of a proton‐pump inhibitor
Authors: Tack Jan , Vladimirov Borislav , Horny Ivo , Chong Chui Fung , Eisner Jessica , Czerniak Richard , Takanami Yohei
Published: September 2022

Background

Proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs) are cornerstone treatments for gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, evidence suggests that most patients exhibit partial response to PPIs, suggesting the need for novel therapies that can provide an improved and sustained increase in gastric pH.

Aims

This study aimed to determine the effect of vonoprazan, a novel, orally active small‐molecule potassium‐competitive acid blocker, versus esomeprazole, a PPI, in preventing heartburn symptoms over a 4‐week treatment period in patients with GERD and a partial response to esomeprazole treatment.

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, proof‐of‐concept, phase 2 clinical trial was conducted between 2016 and 2018 at 39 sites across Europe and designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan 20 mg once daily (q.d.) and 40 mg q.d. versus esomeprazole 40 mg q.d. after 1:1:1 randomization of symptomatic patients with GERD and a partial response to a healing dose of esomeprazole.

Results

Overall, 256 eligible patients (female, 59.4%; mean age, 52.6 years) received vonoprazan 20 mg (n = 85), vonoprazan 40 mg (n = 85), or esomeprazole 40 mg (n = 86); mean (SD) percentages of heartburn‐free 24‐h periods during double‐blind treatment were 36.7% (33.4%), 36.5% (35.6%), and 38.4% (34.8%), respectively, with no intergroup statistical significance. Vonoprazan exposure increased proportionally from the 20‐mg to 40‐mg dose (mean Cmax: 23.3 ng/ml to 47.1 ng/ml, respectively). Most treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild, with no deaths reported.

Conclusions

No statistically significant difference in efficacy and safety was observed among treatment groups, and vonoprazan was well tolerated. The trial is registered with the National Board of Health (EudraCT: 2015–001154‐14) database.
Safety and feasibility of immediate tracheal extubation of small pediatric patients after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Pandey Vijay K. , Prabhudesai Aditya , Goyal Sumit , Nasa Vaibhav , Yadav Vivek , Singh Shweta A. , Chatterji Chitra , Verma Sapana , Agarwal Shaleen , Gupta Subhash
Published: September 2022

Background

Immediate extubation is integral constituent of enhance recovery protocols. Purpose of this study was to examine success rates and safety of protocolized immediate extubation in pediatric living donor liver transplant recipients and to find out factors associated with non‐immediate extubation in operation room.

Methods

We performed retrospective analysis for data of small (≤20 kg) pediatric patients transplanted between 2017 and 2019 (protocolized duration) and compared with data of transplants done between 2014 and 2016 (non‐protocolized duration). Further, we compared data during each time duration between immediate extubation and non‐immediate extubation group to find risk factors in that particular duration.

Results

Immediate extubation rates were significantly higher during protocolized duration compared with non‐protocolized duration (85.52% vs. 48.29%, p < .001). Reintubation rates decreased during protocolized duration (10.9% vs. 4.6%). Hospital stays (20.47 ± 7.06 vs. 27.8 ± 6.2 days, p < .001) and mortality (13.2% vs. 28%, p = .04) were significantly decreased in protocolized duration. Higher age (OR: 2.85, 95% CI 1.22–6.67, p = .02), weight > 10 (OR: 4.37, 95% CI 1.16–16.46, p = .029) and high vasopressor support (OR: 32, 95% CI 6.4–160.13, p < .001) found as significant predictors of non‐immediate extubation however only high vasopressor support found to be independent predictor during protocolized duration.

Conclusions

Outcomes in pediatric transplants can be optimized by immediate extubation in majority of cases when protocolized as part of policy.
Ultrafast Radical Photogeneration Pathways in Eumelanin†
Authors: Grieco Christopher , Kohl Forrest R. , Kohler Bern
Published: September 2022

Eumelanin is a ubiquitous biological pigment that rapidly and efficiently deactivates excited states created by UV or visible radiation. Paradoxically, photoirradiation of eumelanin also generates radicals and harmful reactive oxygen species, but the relationship between these pathways and excited‐state deactivation is uncertain. Here, greatly expanding the excitation tuning range (225–620 nm) and probing window (400–1500 nm) in femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy of the synthetic eumelanin, DOPA melanin, enables the detection of photogenerated radials with ultrafast time resolution for the first time. Despite its heterogeneous nature, the transient absorption signals can be modeled by two spectral components assigned to solvated electrons and photogenerated radicals. Radical absorbance measured several nanoseconds after excitation increases exponentially with increasing photon energy, matching the trend in radical yields measured in electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments. Spectral modeling of the transient signals reveals two radical generation mechanisms: (1) photoionization by UV light; and (2) photoinduced charge transfer among eumelanin chromophores by UVA and visible wavelengths capable of reaching the pigment in skin. Concurrent ultrafast relaxation and radical generation underlie the ability of eumelanin to be both photoprotective and photodamaging, and the branching between these pathways likely depends on the wavelength of the absorbed light.
Emerging and re‐emerging fungal threats in Africa
Authors: Dangarembizi Rachael , Wasserman Sean , Hoving Jennifer Claire
Published: September 2022

The emergence of deadly fungal infections in Africa is primarily driven by a disproportionately high burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, lack of access to quality health care, and the unavailability of effective antifungal drugs. Immunocompromised people in Africa are therefore at high risk of infection from opportunistic fungal pathogens such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Pneumocystis jirovecii, which are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and related socioeconomic impacts. Other emerging fungal threats include Emergomyces spp., Histoplasma spp., Blastomyces spp., and healthcare‐associated multi‐drug resistant Candida auris. Socioeconomic development and the Covid‐19 pandemic may influence shifts in epidemiology of invasive fungal diseases on the continent. This review discusses the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and current management strategies available for these emerging fungal diseases in Africa. We also discuss gaps in knowledge, policy, and research to inform future efforts at managing these fungal threats.
The acceptable range of variation within the desirable stable state as a measure of restoration success
Authors: Oliver Ian , Dorrough Josh , Travers Samantha K.
Published: September 2022

It is standard practice to compare the status of performance indicators between restoration and reference sites to monitor restoration progress and demonstrate restoration success. However, standard methods for defining the reference ecosystem, selecting reference sites, and measuring success are surprisingly lacking. Our study develops these methods based on the acceptable range of variation (ARV) within the desirable stable (reference) state as a measure of restoration success. The method (1) constrains application to the contemporary landscape to avoid the problematic historical range of variation concept and idealized restoration targets; (2) acknowledges the theory of alternative stable states and ecosystem dynamics and posits that the reference ecosystem should be clearly defined as a desirable stable (reference) state; and (3) shows that identifying an acceptable thematic (classification) scale and an acceptable management timeframe is essential to defining the desirable stable (reference) state. We present two approaches to calculating an ARV and a simulation method to explore reference site replication sufficiency. We apply the methods to two contrasting Australian restoration case studies and recommend that routine adoption of these methods would make a significant contribution to the science and practice of restoration ecology and to the assessment of restoration success.
Effects of COVID‐19 restrictions on mechanization service providers and mechanization equipment retailers: Insights from phone surveys in Myanmar
Authors: Takeshima Hiroyuki , Masias Ian , Win Myat Thida , Zone Phoo Pye
Published: September 2022

Agrifood sector mechanization service providers (MSP) and mechanization equipment retailers (MER) have increasingly become the providers of mechanical technologies for smallholders in developing countries, including Myanmar. Evidence remains scarce on the effects of COVID‐19 on these MSPs and MERs. This study provides insights into the effects of COVID‐19 restrictions on MSPs and MERs in Myanmar, using unbalanced panel data from five rounds of phone surveys. Direct responses to COVID‐19 involving movement restrictions, market disruptions, and growing financial challenges had significant negative effects on revenue prospects, service delivery, and sales of machines and equipment. Negative revenue prospects during a particular period can further hurt revenue prospects in subsequent periods. This is consistent with the hypotheses that MSPs who had incurred high sunk costs in machines can engage in more desperate and, thus, potentially suboptimal business practices to recover the sunk cost. Overall, policies to minimize movement restrictions and various financial struggles and mitigate any pessimism at the beginning of the production season are all important to make sure MSPs and MERs continue to function effectively under COVID‐19.
Comparison of current methods for anti‐dsDNA antibody detection and reshaping diagnostic strategies
Authors: Infantino Maria , Palterer Boaz , Previtali Giulia , Alessio Maria‐Grazia , Villalta Danilo , Carbone Teresa , Platzgummer Stefan , Paura Giusi , Castiglione Caterina , Fabris Martina , Pesce Giampaola , Porcelli Brunetta , Terzuoli Lucia , Bacarelli Maria‐Romana , Tampoia Marilina , Cinquanta Luigi , Brusca Ignazio , Buzzolini Francesca , Benucci Maurizio , Tortora Matteo , Tronchin Lorenzo , Guarrasi Valerio , Soda Paolo , Manfredi Mariangela , Bizzaro Nicola
Published: September 2022

Anti–double‐stranded DNA antibodies (anti‐dsDNA) are considered a specific marker for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Though the Farr technique was once the reference method for their detection, it has been almost entirely replaced by more recently developed assays. However, there is still no solid evidence of the commutability of these methods in terms of diagnostic accuracy and their correlation with the Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence test (CLIFT). Anti‐dsDNA antibody levels were measured in 80 subjects: 24 patients with SLE, 36 disease controls drawn from different autoimmune rheumatic diseases (14 systemic sclerosis, 10 Sjögren's syndrome, nine autoimmune myositis, three mixed connective tissue disease), 10 inflammatory arthritis and 10 apparently healthy blood donors by eight different methods: fluorescence enzyme immunoassay, microdot array, chemiluminescent immunoassay (two assays), multiplex flow immunoassay, particle multi‐analyte technology immunoassay and two CLIFT. At the recommended manufacturer cut‐off, the sensitivity varied from 67% to 92%, while the specificity ranged from 84% to 98%. Positive agreement among CLIFT and the other assays was higher than negative agreement. Mean agreement among methods assessed by the Cohen's kappa was 0.715, ranging from moderate (0.588) to almost perfect (0.888). Evaluation of the concordance among quantitative values by regression analysis showed a poor correlation index (mean r2, 0.66). The present study shows that current technologies for anti‐dsDNA antibody detection are not fully comparable. In particular, their different correlation with CLIFT influences their positioning in the diagnostic algorithm for SLE (either in association or sequentially). Considering the high intermethod variability, harmonization and commutability of anti‐dsDNA antibody testing remains an unachieved goal.
Inference for low‐ and high‐dimensional inhomogeneous Gibbs point processes
Authors: Ba Ismaïla , Coeurjolly Jean‐François
Published: September 2022

Gibbs point processes (GPPs) constitute a large and flexible class of spatial point processes with explicit dependence between the points. They can model attractive as well as repulsive point patterns. Feature selection procedures are an important topic in high‐dimensional statistical modeling. In this paper, a composite likelihood (in particular pseudo‐likelihood) approach regularized with convex and nonconvex penalty functions is proposed to handle statistical inference for possibly high‐dimensional inhomogeneous GPPs. We particularly investigate the setting where the number of covariates diverges as the domain of observation increases. Under some conditions provided on the spatial GPP and on penalty functions, we show that the oracle property, consistency and asymptotic normality hold. Our results also cover the low‐dimensional case which fills a large gap in the literature. Through simulation experiments, we validate our theoretical results and finally, an application to a tropical forestry dataset illustrates the use of the proposed approach.
Full‐length sequence of the novel HLA‐C*03:566 allele by next‐generation sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Quan Zhan‐Rou , Zou Hong‐Yan , Li Zhen
Published: September 2022

HLA‐C*03:566 differs from HLA‐C*03:04:01:02 by one nucleotide substitution at nucleotide 92 in exon 2 from A to G.
The detection of the novel HLA‐C*04:469 allele identified in a potential hematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Ananeva Anastasiia , Sergeeva Iuliia , Shagimardanova Elena
Published: September 2022

The novel HLA‐C*04:469 allele was characterized using next generation sequencing technology.
Circulating endothelial precursor cells are associated with a healed diabetic foot ulcer evaluated in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Margolis David J. , Mitra Nandita , Hoffstad Ole , Malay D. Scot , Mirza Ziad K. , Lantis John C. , Lev‐Tov Hadar A. , Kirsner Robert S. , Ruhela Deepa , Bhopale Veena M. , Thom Stephan R.
Published: September 2022

The goal of this multicentre study was to evaluate whether circulating endothelial precursor cells and microparticles can predict diabetic foot ulcer healing by the 16th week of care. We enrolled 207 subjects, and 40.0% (28.4, 41.5) healed by the 16th week of care. Using flow cytometry analysis, several circulating endothelial precursor cells measured at the first week of care were associated with healing after adjustment for wound area and wound duration. For example, CD34+CD45dim, the univariate odds ratio was 1.19 (95% confidence interval: 0.88, 1.61) and after adjustment for wound area and wound duration, the odds ratio was (1.67 (1.16, 2.42) p = 0.006). A prognostic model using CD34+ CD45dim, wound area, and wound duration had an area under the curve of 0.75 (0.67, 0.82) and CD34+ CD45dim per initial wound area, an area under the curve of 0.72 (0.64, 0.79). Microparticles were not associated with a healed wound. Previous studies have indicated that circulating endothelial precursor cells measured at the first office visit are associated with a healed diabetic foot ulcer. In this multicentred prospective study, we confirm this finding, show the importance of adjusting circulating endothelial precursor cells measurements by wound area, and show circulating endothelial precursor cells per wound area is highly predictive of a healed diabetic foot ulcer by 16th week of care.
A statewide, cross‐sectional evaluation of the knowledge and level of concern of rabies among South Carolina residents
Authors: Gual‐Gonzalez Lídia , McCarter Maggie S. J. , Peebles Megan , Nolan Melissa S.
Published: September 2022

Animal rabies cases have increased steadily in South Carolina (SC) for the past decade. An understanding of the population's awareness and understanding of the disease is needed to tailor public health interventions. A marketing list‐serv of SC residents' email addresses was used to recruit anonymous respondents for a Knowledge Attitudes and Practices (KAP) electronic survey. A total 516 South Carolinians completed the 31‐question survey. Quantile regression and a Pearson's correlation evaluated potential associations between respondent's rabies knowledge and their attitudes and practices. Knowledge was assessed on topics of rabies biology, state animal case counts and rabies pet‐related laws. Level of concern and level of knowledge were positively correlated. Additionally, statewide hotspot analysis revealed geographic areas warranting targeted public health interventions; counties with low public concern juxtapositioned with high animal rabies case counts. This study demonstrates the utility of statewide KAPs to gauge populations rabies perception and related preventative actions to tailor appropriate educational programs to limit human‐animal rabies exposures.
A new upper bound for sets with no square differences
Authors: Bloom Thomas F. , Maynard James
Published: September 2022

We show that if $\mathcal {A}\subset \{1,\ldots,N\}$ has no solutions to $a-b=n^2$ with $a,b\in \mathcal {A}$ and $n\geq 1$, then
\[ \lvert \mathcal{A}\rvert \ll \frac{N}{(\log N)^{c\log\log \log N}} \]
for some absolute constant $c>0$. This improves upon a result of Pintz, Steiger, and Szemerédi.
Modeling and Computation of Batoid Swimming Inspired Pitching Impact on Wake Structure and Hydrodynamic Performance
Authors: Menzer Alec , Li Chengyu , Fish Frank , Gong Yuchen , Dong Haibo
Published: September 2022

Through direction numerical simulation (DNS) of a model manta ray body, pectoral fin scaled pitching effect on hydrodynamic performance and wake is investigated. The manta ray model is derived from high-speed video of manta ray swimming with motion of the model prescribed to match the actual manta ray. Rotation angles of the model skeletal joints is altered to scale the pitching. This results in four manta ray models with different pectoral fin pitching ratios. The models are simulated using an in-house developed immersed boundary method-based numerical solver. Notable discrepancies in thrust production during the downstroke are observed, with the θR = 1.0 case producing instantaneous thrust peak that is 19% higher than the θR = 0.72 model. Cycle averaged thrust is highest for the θR = 0.72 model case, however, which can be attributed to extended reverse thrust for the θR = 1.0 model. Through analysis of the near-body wake structures produced during the downstroke, late leading-edge vortex (LEV) formation is discovered to be primarily responsible for the detrimental reverse thrust seen for the θR = 1.0 model. Surface pressure contours confirm this finding. Meanwhile the upstroke possesses less pronounced force production.
Effects of Reynolds Number and Streamwise Aspect Ratio on Turbulent Wakes Generated by Rectangular Cylinders
Authors: Liu Manqi , Kumahor Sedem , Tachie Mark F.
Published: September 2022

In the present study, the effects of Reynolds number on the flow characteristics around rectangular cylinders in uniform flow with length-to-height aspect ratios (AR) of 1 and 4 were examined experimentally using particle image velocimetry. High spatial resolution experiments were performed at Reynolds numbers of 3000, 7200, 14700 and 21000 for each aspect ratio. The results show that the separated flow is directly shed into the near wake region for AR1, while mean flow reattachment occurs on AR4, irrespective of the Reynolds number. The characteristics of the primary, secondary and wake vortices formed around the cylinders show dependency on both aspect ratio and Reynolds number. The streamwise mean velocity, turbulence intensities, transport of turbulent kinetic energy by fluctuating velocities in terms of quadrant analyses are also discussed. One-dimensional profiles are presented to quantitatively assess the effects of Reynolds number and aspect ratio.
Effect of Single Nanoparticle Diameter on a Nanochannel Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer
Authors: Gonzalez Isaias , Law Deify
Published: September 2022

This present work studies the effect of single nanoparticle diameter on a nanochannel fluid flow and convective heat transfer using the molecular dynamics simulation code LAMMPS. The channel dimensions are 95 Å in length, 40 Å in depth, and 60 Å in height. Channel wall temperatures are fixed at 200 K whereas inlet bulk fluid temperature is set as 300 K. Two regions (force region and thermostat region) are considered before the channel inlet to create a flow and apply the quasi-periodic boundary condition to the system. Fluid and solid (walls and nanoparticle) materials are argon and copper, respectively. Surface wettability are modeled by setting the energy scale to be 1.67 × 10−21 J and the input force is imposed at 0.002 eV/Å. Both velocity and temperature profiles across the channel height will be plotted at 12.5, 22.5, and 32.5 Å away from the inlet. Effect of single nanoparticle diameter of 0.8, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2 nm on the convective heat transfer enhancement will be studied. Nusselt number will be used to quantify the convective heat transfer enhancement with the presence of a nanoparticle size in the nanochannel flow. Nusselt number of a base nanochannel fluid flow without any nanoparticle will be included as a benchmark comparison.
Combining 4D MRI With CFD for Investigating Patient-Specific Cardiovascular Flows: A Comprehensive Comparison of ANSYS, COMSOL, and SimVascular Illustrated With the Prediction of Thoracic Aortic Hemodynamics
Authors: Tajeddini Farshad , Romero Torres David A. , McClarty Davis , Chung Jennifer , Amon Cristina H.
Published: September 2022

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is widely used in both scientific and industrial contexts to provide valuable insights into cardiovascular flows. CFD supports the development of medical devices, describes complex flow physical phenomena associated with disease generation and progression, and even informs surgical planning. Non-invasive technologies such as 4D MRI provide detailed information about blood flow for a given patient, yet CFD allows higher spatial and temporal resolution less invasively. However, the advantages of CFD methods can only be realized through faithful geometry reconstruction, high-quality mesh generation, and suitable definition of patient-specific inlet and outlet boundary conditions. In this regard, 4D MRI measurements can provide the required data to calibrate and validate patient-specific CFD models. Hence, the combination of 4D MRI and CFD is crucial for accurate and efficient in-silico cardiovascular flow predictions for patient-specific geometries. Multiple CFD software, such as ANSYS, COMSOL, and SimVascular, have been widely used in published research works, yet the graphical user interfaces of these software packages have no explicit provisions for leveraging spatio-temporal 4D MRI data. Here, we present a framework to create accurate patient-specific CFD simulations leveraging spatiotemporal 4D MRI data and patient monitoring data. We discuss all aspects of patient-specific modeling, including geometry reconstruction, meshing, numerical simulation, and post-processing of results, focusing on the suitability of each software package and the ease with which the presented workflow can be implemented with the software.
Effect of Phase Difference on Wake Characteristics and Propulsive Performance of Pitching Foils in Side-by-Side Configurations
Authors: Gungor Ahmet , Khalid Muhammad Saif Ullah , Hemmati Arman
Published: September 2022

Numerical investigations of unsteady flows around two pitching foils arranged in side-by-side (parallel) configurations, as a simplified models of fish schools are conducted in OpenFOAM for a range of Strouhal number from 0.15 to 0.5 and at a fixed Reynolds number of 4000. Effects of the phase difference between motions of the two foils is examined in the range of ϕ = 0 – π of increments of π/6. Phase differences of ϕ = π/6, π/2, and 5π/6 with Strouhal numbers of St = 0.25 and 0.4 are selected for analyzing transitions and evolution in the wake. The phase difference has a major impact on characteristics of the wake. Smaller phase angles, such as ϕ = π/6, lead to the development of a merged wake, resembling the wake of two foils undergoing in-phase pitching motion. On the other hand, a split wake is observed when the phase difference is set to higher values, e.g., ϕ = 5π/6, which resemble the wake of those performing out-of-phase pitching motion. Also, ϕ = π/2 yields maximum disparity between the propulsive performance of the foils, which drops to zero as the phase angle approaches to in-phase or out-of-phase.
Inkjet Printing of PEDOT:PSS Inks for Robotic Skin Sensors
Authors: Olowo Olalekan O. , Zhang Ruoshi , Sherehiy Andriy , Goulet Brian , Curry Alexander , Wei Danming , Yang Zhong , Alqatamin Moath , Popa Dan O.
Published: September 2022

Enhancing physical human-robot interaction requires the improvement in the tactile perception of physical touch. Robot skin sensors exhibiting piezoresistive behavior can be used in conjunction with collaborative robots. In past work, fabrication of these tactile arrays was done using cleanroom techniques such as spin coating, photolithography, sputtering, wet and dry etching onto flexible polymers. In this paper, we present an addictive, non-cleanroom improved process of depositing PEDOT: PSS, which is the organic polymer responsible for the piezoresistive phenomenon of the robot skin sensor arrays. This publication details the patterning of the robot skin sensor structures and the adaptation of the inkjet printing technology to the fabrication process. This increases the possibility of scaling the production output while reducing the cleanroom fabrication cost and time from an approximately five-hour PEDOT: PSS deposition process to five minutes. Furthermore, the testing of these skin sensor arrays is carried out on a testing station equipped with a force plunger and an integrated circuit designed to provide perception feedback on various force load profiles controlled in an automated process. The results show uniform deposition of the PEDOT: PSS, consistent resistance measurement, and appropriate tactile response across an array of 16 sensors.
What Role Does Maintenance Play in Achieving Sustainability in Manufacturing? - A Scoping Literature Review
Authors: Bredebach Christina
Published: September 2022

Sustainability has become an important topic in society, industry, and academia. It influences decisions on many levels and there are already many approaches to achieving sustainability in everyday life.

One of the areas with the greatest impact on sustainability is production. Maintenance is often neglected when considering sustainable development, although it can play an important role in achieving sustainability within the three dimensions economy, ecology and social.

This paper is a scoping literature review that identifies and classifies publications on sustainable maintenance in the manufacturing industry for the period 2017 to November 2021 and presents the results organized into categories. The categories include the contribution of maintenance to sustainability, influence of sustainability on maintenance, methods, and tools for sustainable maintenance, and enabling technologies for sustainable maintenance 4.0.

A trend can be identified that sustainable maintenance has received increasing attention in recent years. The research takes place mainly in theory. Numerous methods, tools and frameworks have been identified that can increase sustainability in maintenance. Not all outcomes however can be classified as covering all three pillars of sustainability. While many focus on ecology, only few are committed to social sustainability as well.

For the future, it is important to consider the three areas of sustainability as a unit rather than separately, and to apply the research conducted in sustainable maintenance in practice.
Development of Autonomous Robotic Bin Picking System Using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Initially Trained by Human Skills
Authors: Yun Huitaek , Park Jinho , Jun Martin Byung-Guk
Published: September 2022

Smart Manufacturing (SM) emphasizes autonomous self-adoption and decision making, which is possible by the aid of information technology such as big data, sensors, and machine learning techniques. Picking objects autonomously by industrial robots from cluttered bins (Bin picking) is one of topics that the technologies could be applied to manufacturing processes, especially in flexible input and output logistics. One of the methods is to analyze 3D point clouds from depth sensors, and are matched to the geometry model to calculate possible robot posture, which required heavy calculation and complex algorithm to handle the point clouds. Another method is to train neural networks from reinforced learning, however it requires huge amount of trials and trainings to establish the model, starting with failures. In this paper, a convolutional neural network (CNN) model was initially trained from human skills, and it was trained by itself to improve the job accuracy. In the initial stage, an operator selected a block with a depth image from a Lidar sensor by their intuition that a block can be picked up by a robot. The robot tried to pick up the block, and the image of block with the result of the trial by the robot was recorded. CNN was trained after collecting 500 datasets by the operator. Next, in the self-learning stage, the system automatically tried to pick up candidate blocks from the CNN’s prediction. Collected data during the trial was utilized to gradually train the CNN model. The result shows that the job accuracy was 39% with initial CNN, and improved by 71% after 2,000 trials by self-learning step. The collaboration between human and autonomy would enable to apply the system in shop floors by reduced time, simple development, and improved pick-up accuracy.
Net-Shape Tensile Specimens as Representatives of Material Properties of Metal Additive Manufacturing: Evaluation and Correction Factor
Authors: Bass Nicholas , Jalui Sagar , Manogharan Guha
Published: September 2022

Tensile testing is the most prevalent method for characterizing the mechanical properties of additively manufactured (AM) materials. During qualification of metallic AM properties, near-net AM parts are often machined prior to mechanical testing. The aim of this study is to understand the influence of net-shaped tensile coupons without post-AM machining on the accuracy of bulk material properties. The motivation for this study lies in: (1) reducing the qualification time and costs by (2) formulating and validating a correction factor to estimate bulk AM properties from mechanical testing of as-AM coupons. This research focused on the tensile testing of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) produced Inconel 718 to isolate the effects of as-AM surface roughness. Six different surface conditions were produced by varying two different laser processing conditions, with and without contour laser scans. Specimens (n = 5 per condition) were tested in both net-shape and post-AM machined conditions. Surface roughness was analyzed using both stylus contact profilometry and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) non-contact analysis. ANOVA analysis was performed to derive inference on processing conditions and resulting mechanical properties. It was observed that the measurement error in gauge diameter primarily accounts for variability in mechanical properties between machined and net-shape coupons, specifically Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS). This study presents a methodology to determine corrected gauge diameter based on depth of surface roughness. Findings from this study will enable net-shape tensile data to be compared against machined data for accurately predicting the strength of parts with as-AM surfaces. By accounting for surface roughness depth, tensile strength of net-shape AM coupons was within 1% accuracy to that of machined AM coupons.
Finding Robust Pareto-Optimal Solutions Over Time for Dynamic Disassembly Sequence Planning
Authors: Zhang Xin , Fang Yilin , Liu Quan
Published: September 2022

Disassembly sequence planning plays a crucial role in the reuse and remanufacturing of end-of-life products, which is a combinatorial optimization problem and has been studied by many researchers. However, it is challenging to obtain optimal disassembly sequences due to great uncertainty owing to various unpredictable factors. We note that some of the uncertainties accompanying the products disassembly process are characterized by dynamic changes and can actually be regarded as dynamic disassembly sequence planning problem. Robust Pareto-optimal over time (RPOT) is a good approach to aovid the inconvenience of tracking optimization by finding solutions that remain acceptable over an extended period. Since there are few studies on applying RPOT to combinatorial optimization, the autoregressive prediction model in RPOT is more suitable for continuous search space problems than combinatorial optimization. In this paper, we develop a dynamic disassembly sequence planning problem considering the uncertainty caused by dynamically changing product states. Finding robust Pareto-optimal solutions over time for dynamci disassembly sequence planning to avoid the consumption of frequent switching solutions. To better apply RPOT to combinatorial optimization, online prediction model is proposed to replace the autoregressive prediction model. Experiment is executed in the three scale problems and compared with tracking optimization. The results indicate that online predictors can effectively improve the accuracy of prediction and improve the performance of the algorithm, and RPOT with new predictor is a more practical and time-saving method of addressing dynamic disaseembly sequence planning problem than tracking optimization.
Autoclave Molding of Carbon Fiber Laminates With Interlaminar Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Quadrini Fabrizio , Bellisario Denise , Iorio Leandro , Proietti Alice , Gallo Nicola , Santo Loredana
Published: September 2022

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are deposited between prepreg plies of a carbon fiber reinforced (CFR) laminate during lamination to improve laminate strength. An easy manufacturing procedure has been implemented for this aim in laboratory. CNTs are diluted in a solvent, and subsequently sprayed on commercial woven fabric prepregs for aeronautics. Solvent evacuation is carried out at room temperature. Final composite laminates are produced by vacuum bagging and autoclave molding of coated prepreg plies, by following the typical industrial procedure of aeronautic parts. Quasi-isotropic square laminates with 10 plies have been manufactured by using a unidirectional (UD) CFR prepreg tape with 0/90 stacking sequence. After molding, the square laminates (150 × 150 mm2) were cut to extract rectangular specimens. Mechanical tests were made by bending up to break. Results confirm the positive role of the interlaminar CNTs if they are correctly integrated into the final composite structure.
Double Interpolation to Achieve Linear Strain Path for AISI 1008 Steel Cruciform Specimen
Authors: Hoffman Jordan , Ha Jinjin , Kinsey Brad , Banerjee Dilip , Iadicola Mark A.
Published: September 2022

The automotive industry relies heavily on sheet metal forming processes for many components. Material data solely from uniaxial testing is insufficient to fully define the material behavior of the complex plastic deformation during numerical simulations of the forming processes. In-plane biaxial testing using a cruciform type specimen is a more comprehensive representation than the traditional uniaxial testing alone. Wide ranging biaxial stress states can be imposed by applying different loading conditions on each cruciform axis. However, this can create a challenge to achieve desired deformation paths due to the non-linear relationship between the control parameter, e.g., displacement, and the output of interest, e.g., strain path. In this paper, an interpolation method to develop the displacement control that produces a linear strain path with a desired strain ratio is revisited and expanded upon from the authors’ previous work [1,2]. In the first iteration, linear biaxial displacements were applied to the specimen and the corresponding strain paths were obtained from the numerical simulations. The non-linear strain paths, due to geometry effects of the specimen, were used to reverse engineer a new displacement path that results in a linear strain path. Interpolation is revisited to show increased success with a second iteration. Analysis of the simulation results shows that linear strain paths of a given model can be determined and improved by successive iterations of interpolating the strain data from adjacent deformation paths.
Analysis of the Unique Mechanics of Shear Localization in Metal Cutting Processes
Authors: Fazlali Mohammadreza , Ponga Mauricio , Jin Xiaoliang
Published: September 2022

Recent experimental observations show that the frequency of stress and temperature fluctuations on the cutting tool’s rake face and the frequency of residual stress fluctuation at the finished surface of the workpiece are equal to the shear band formation’s frequency. In this article, new experimental observations of the shear band formation in cutting processes are presented. Then, the spacing between neighboring shear bands (which determines the shear band formation’s frequency) is obtained from different theoretical methods and compared with the experimental results. It is shown that the shear band spacing in cutting processes cannot be obtained from the theories developed in other dynamic deformation applications, including dynamic compression and torsion tests and ballistic impacts, due to the unique mechanics of cutting. In addition, we show that due to the intense plastic deformation in the primary deformation zone, the cooling rate of the shear band formed during cutting processes is considerably higher than the workshop cooling rates (6.85 × 108 K·s−1 for the cutting speed of 60 m·min−1 compared to 50 K·s−1 - 2 × 104 K·s−1 for workshop cooling rate of Ti-6Al-4V). The rapid cooling rate indicates the considerable amount of heat transferred into the cutting tool and explains the ductile to brittle transition in the fracture mechanism of shear band formation in cutting processes.