bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A beginner’s guide to design of experiments for life sciences using Spreadsheet DoE
Authors: Stollar Elliott J.
Published: December 2024

Life science research frequently involves optimizing experimental conditions to maximize product yield, ensuring the research pipeline can progress efficiently. For instance, in biochemistry, many processes in the protein production and characterization pipeline need optimizing such as cloning, protein expression, protein purification, and a range of structural biology techniques and functional assays. Design of Experiments (DoE) is an approach that designs a set of experiments that varies all factors at the same time for rapid process optimization, however, this approach presents a challenge due to statistical complexities and high software costs. To address this, DoE is introduced with Spreadsheet DoE, an open access user-friendly educational factorial design tool that provides step-by-step guidance and transparent spreadsheet calculations. Protein expression optimization in Escherichia coli is used as an example, and other biochemical optimizations are also explored. This guide along with Spreadsheet DoE aims to encourage researchers with minimal statistical background to effectively employ DoE methodologies in their life science studies.
How do proteins shape our lifespan? Exploring aging at the molecular level
Authors: Kasturi Prasad
Published: December 2024

Aging is a major risk factor for many diseases, including neurodegenerative, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Protein misfolding and consequent aggregation are key pathogenic features of number of age-related disorders. Therefore, correct protein folding and its maintenance are necessary for all cellular health. Proper functional balance of the cellular proteins referred as protein homeostasis (or proteostasis) is vital for all living cells. Thus, cells maintain protein quality control systems or proteostasis network (PN), which coordinates protein synthesis, folding, and degradation to protect the proteins. However, PN function declines with age, and loss of proteostasis is considered as one of the primary hallmarks of aging. It is not clear whether aging is a cause or consequence of proteostasis decline. Intriguingly, signaling pathways that regulate longevity are also found to modulate the PN. This raises a question whether aging pathways can be targeted to boost proteostasis and extend healthy lifespan. This essay explores the relationship between proteins, aging, and strategies to improve both lifespan and health span.
Outliers rejection for robust camera pose estimation using graduated non‐convexity
Authors: Yi Hao , Liu Bo , Zhao Bin , Liu Enhai
Published: December 2024

Camera pose estimation plays a crucial role in computer vision, which is widely used in augmented reality, robotics and autonomous driving. However, previous studies have neglected the presence of outliers in measurements, so that even a small percentage of outliers will significantly degrade precision. In order to deal with outliers, this paper proposes using a graduated non‐convexity (GNC) method to suppress outliers in robust camera pose estimation, which serves as the core of GNCPnP. The authors first reformulate the camera pose estimation problem using a non‐convex cost, which is less affected by outliers. Then, to apply a non‐minimum solver to solve the reformulated problem, the authors use the Black‐Rangarajan duality theory to transform it. Finally, to address the dependence of non‐convex optimisation on initial values, the GNC method was customised according to the truncated least squares cost. The results of simulation and real experiments show that GNCPnP can effectively handle the interference of outliers and achieve higher accuracy compared to existing state‐of‐the‐art algorithms. In particular, the camera pose estimation accuracy of GNCPnP in the case of a low percentage of outliers is almost comparable to that of the state‐of‐the‐art algorithm in the case of no outliers.
Beam downtilt reconfigurable linear antenna array for 5G/6G macro base stations
Authors: Chen Li , Liu Weiyang , Lin Huawei , Zhao Yue , Ge Lei
Published: December 2024

In this letter, a beam downtilt reconfigurable linear antenna array is presented for the demand of the electrical downtilt of 5G/6G macro base station antennas. The antenna is capable of fine‐angle beam direction reconfiguration, allowing for improved adaptability in various environmental conditions. A hierarchical network design is employed, which incorporates essential elements such as phase shifter modules, power dividers, and couplers. These fundamental components are used to construct a five‐element reconfigurable feeding network for the antenna array. The designed network ensures stable phase shifts and excellent impedance matching performance. By integrating the feeding network with the antenna elements, the system achieves electronic beam tilt adjustment across four states, enabling the linear array to tilt downward within a range of 6–12° around 3.5 GHz. This design provides enhanced beam control, making it suitable for next‐generation macro base station applications in 5G and 6G networks.
High‐speed serializer timing‐error detection circuit with enhanced verification reliability through floating state prevention
Authors: Lee Jongchan , Chae Joo‐Hyung
Published: December 2024

This article presents a serializer (SER) timing‐error detection circuit that enhances the verification reliability of high‐speed wireline interfaces. A timing mismatch in the SER leads to bit errors during data transmission. To detect the timing error, the proposed design employs a set‐reset latch to self‐latch the detection result, improving the error detection accuracy, unlike the previously reported timing‐error detection design using a D flip‐flop. The prototype transmitter chip, fabricated using a 28‐nm CMOS process, was validated for accurate error detection across wide data rates ranging from 1.25 to 13 Gb/s, ensuring reliable high‐speed operation while efficiently handling timing mismatches across multiple SER stages.
Implications of as‐built highway horizontal curves on vehicle dynamics/kinematics characteristics under adaptive cruise control
Authors: Wang Shuyi , Lai Yuanwen , Qiu Xuntao , Ma Yang , Easa Said M. , Zheng Yubing
Published: December 2024

Due to road curvature and sensors’ limited field of view, as‐built highway curves would pose an operational challenge to the adaptive cruise control (ACC) system and its shared control. However, very few studies explored the adaptability of ACC system‐dedicated vehicles (V‐ACC) considering the vehicle‐road geometry interaction. Therefore, the objectives of this study are twofold: (i) investigating the implications of horizontal curves on V‐ACC dynamics and kinematics characteristics; and (ii) evaluating V‐ACC's adaptability from the safety, comfort, and speed consistency (S‐C‐S) aspects. To this end, a PreScan/CarSim/MATLAB/Simulink co‐simulation platform is established and it is validated by OpenACC database followed by designing many tests featuring circular curve radius (RC), desired speed (Vde), and clearance. The impact mechanism of geometric features was analysed by interpreting dynamics and kinematics characteristics along curves and critical features were further extracted by reference to S‐C‐S thresholds. The results show that: (i) either smaller RC or higher Vde causes those characteristics toward their S‐C‐S margins; (ii) neither sideslip nor rollover occurs, and speed consistency is good in most RC conditions; and (iii) drivers can follow the leading car comfortably with Vde = 40, 80–100 km/h but feel uncomfortable when Vde = 50–70 km/h and RC approaches its lower bounds.
An infrared and far-UV study of jet-induced star formation in the halo of Centaurus A
Authors: Katayama R. , Kaneda H. , Kokusho T. , Morihana K. , Oyabu S. , Suzuki T. , Tsuchikawa T. , Yamagishi M.
Published: December 2024

Centaurus A (Cen A) is the nearest galaxy hosting an active galactic nucleus (AGN), which produces powerful radio and X-ray jets extending to hundreds of kiloparsecs from the center. At 15 kpc northeast (NE) and 12 kpc southwest (SW) in the halo along the jet from the nucleus of Cen A, dust clouds accompanying the Hα emission are detected. For both NE and SW clouds, past studies suggested that star formation may have been induced through interactions between the AGN jet and the surrounding intergalactic media. For these clouds, we performed dust model fitting of infrared (IR) spectral energy distributions (SEDs) created from the archival data of WISE, Spitzer, and Herschel. Then we compare the IR emission properties of the dust clouds with the far-ultraviolet (UV) emission using the archival data of GALEX/FUV. As a result, we find that the interstellar radiation field intensity G0 (and thus the dust temperature) in the NE cloud suggests star formation activity, while that in the SW cloud does not. The local far-UV intensity and G0 in the NE region are significantly larger than those expected for the far-UV radiation originating from the central region of Cen A and its dust-scattered component, respectively. In contrast, the local far-UV intensity and G0 in the SW region are compatible with them. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission is detected for both NE and SW clouds. The mass abundance ratios of PAH to dust are similar for both clouds and significantly lower than that in the central region of Cen A. We suggest that the dust clouds and the PAHs in the clouds are associated with the broken ring-like structure of H I gas which is thought to be a remnant of the past gas-rich merger and that shocks by the jet responsible for the middle lobe on the north side may have triggered the star formation in the NE cloud.
Direct non-adiabatic modelling of gravito-inertial and Rossby tidally excited oscillations with the traditional approximation
Authors: Fellay L. , Dupret M.-A.
Published: December 2024

Context. In recent years, the first detections of tidally excited stellar oscillations (TEOs) have been made in multiple star systems, offering new opportunities to study stellar physics and understand structural properties and stellar evolution. However, from a theoretical standpoint, numerous features in the observed oscillation spectrum cannot be explained, and current models cannot consistently treat the impact of stellar rotation on TEOs without using the Cowling approximation.

Aims. We aim to include the effect of the rotation in the modelling of TEOs and to study its consequences on the oscillation spectrum.

Methods. We developed a new methodology to include the Coriolis force in the modelling of TEOs through the traditional approximation but consistently treating the potential perturbation by iteratively solving the Poisson equation.

Results. By consistently including the Poisson equation, a new kind of mode coupling arises that we call ‘gravitational coupling’. Looking at the global oscillation spectrum, we find that the rotation greatly impacts the type of modes excited by the companion. In general, we find that the Rossby modes dominate the oscillation spectrum of TEOs.

Conclusions. It is particularly important to account for gravitational coupling at high spin parameters for the ℓ = 2, m = 2, and m = 0 oscillation modes. By assuming the modes are uncoupled, a simple and consistent treatment of the Poisson equation is possible. Including the effect of rotation in binary oscillation codes is necessary in order to accurately account for the impact of dynamical tides on the orbital evolution of binaries and planetary systems.
Solar energetic particles injected inside and outside a magnetic cloud
Authors: Rodríguez-García L. , Gómez-Herrero R. , Dresing N. , Balmaceda L. A. , Palmerio E. , Kouloumvakos A. , Jebaraj I. C. , Espinosa Lara F. , Roco M. , Palmroos C. , Warmuth A. , Nicolaou G. , Mason G. M. , Guo J. , Laitinen T. , Cernuda I. , Nieves-Chinchilla T. , Fedeli A. , Lee C. O. , Cohen C. M. S. , Owen C. J. , Ho G. C. , Malandraki O. , Vainio R. , Rodríguez-Pacheco J.
Published: December 2024

Context. On 2022 January 20, the Energetic Particle Detector (EPD) on board Solar Orbiter measured a solar energetic particle (SEP) event showing unusual first arriving particles from the anti-Sun direction. Near-Earth spacecraft separated by 17° in longitude to the west of Solar Orbiter measured classic anti-sunward-directed fluxes. STEREO-A and MAVEN, separated by 18° to the east and by 143° to the west of Solar Orbiter, respectively, also observed the event, suggesting that particles spread over at least 160° in the heliosphere.

Aims. The aim of the present study is to investigate how SEPs are accelerated and transported towards Solar Orbiter and near-Earth spacecraft, as well as to examine the influence of a magnetic cloud (MC) present in the heliosphere at the time of the event onset on the propagation of energetic particles.

Methods. We analysed remote-sensing data, including flare, coronal mass ejection (CME), and radio emission to identify the parent solar source of the event. We investigated energetic particles, solar wind plasma, and magnetic field data from multiple spacecraft.

Results. Solar Orbiter was embedded in a MC erupting on 16 January from the same active region as that related to the SEP event on 20 January. The SEP event is related to a M5.5 flare and a fast CME-driven shock of ∼1433 km s−1, which accelerated and injected particles within and outside the MC. Taken together, the hard SEP spectra, the presence of a Type II radio burst, and the co-temporal Type III radio burst being observed from 80 MHz that appears to emanate from the Type II burst, suggest that the shock is likely the main accelerator of the particles.

Conclusions. Our detailed analysis of the SEP event strongly suggests that the energetic particles are mainly accelerated by a CME-driven shock and are injected into and outside of a previous MC present in the heliosphere at the time of the particle onset. The sunward-propagating SEPs measured by Solar Orbiter are produced by the injection of particles along the longer (western) leg of the MC still connected to the Sun at the time of the release of the particles. The determined electron propagation path length inside the MC is around 30% longer than the estimated length of the loop leg of the MC itself (based on the graduated cylindrical shell model), which is consistent with the low number of field line rotations.
Un modèle théorique de courbe de rétention appliqué au limon et au sable limoneux de Livet Gavet
Authors: Monnet Jacques , Boutonnier Luc , Taibi Saïd , Mahmutovic Dino , Branque Denis
Published: December 2024

La relation entre la succion et la teneur en eau est un paramètre essentiel du comportement des sols non saturés. Différentes approches ont été utilisées pour modéliser ces courbes de rétention. La première se base sur des corrélations expérimentales (Brooks et Corey, 1966 ; van Genuchten, 1980 ; Gallipoli et al., 2003). La deuxième est la modélisation physique des sols non saturés : elle est utilisée pour cette étude. La forme de la courbe de rétention est une conséquence des hypothèses physiques. Cet article présente un modèle théorique basé sur la disposition de particules sphériques élastiques. Tout d’abord, un modèle adapté à un sol uniforme est présenté avec un seul diamètre de particules de sol. La deuxième étape étend l’utilisation du modèle aux sols gradués. Le modèle permet de traiter l’hystérésis entre le chemin d’humidification et le chemin de mouillage. Il utilise uniquement des paramètres physiques faciles à mesurer. Il est comparé à la courbe de rétention expérimentale de deux sols différents, le limon et le sable de Livet-Gavet en pâte et compacté à une énergie de 3,4 Optimum Proctor Normal (OPN). Le modèle montre des capacités prédictives intéressantes, sans aucune mesure de succion.
L’accident du barrage de Mirgenbach : historique et retour d’expérience
Authors: Fry Jean-Jacques
Published: December 2024

Le glissement quasi-symétrique des parements du barrage en argile de Mirgenbach, en France en 1982, pendant sa construction est riche d’enseignements. Les retours d’expérience de ce glissement ont été intégrés à la conception et à la réalisation des ouvrages ultérieurs. Ils ont évité que ce type d’accident ne se reproduise ailleurs, comme au barrage de La Mapé (Cameroun) en 1996. Cet article retrace l’historique des données, explore les faits marquants, trace les causes de l’accident et en extrait un retour d’expérience pour les projets de ce type.
Pre-deformation induced precipitation of alloy carbides and its effect on residual stress
Authors: Chen Quhao , Ding Wenhong , Wang Hongbing , Xiao Shaolin , Yang Wenzhi
Published: December 2024

The plasticity generated by carbide precipitation during tempering can relax the residual stress. For low-carbon micro alloyed steel 700L. The plastic behavior resulting from carbide precipitation leads to low stress relaxation. And it is prone to plate shape problems such as warping and edge waves. How to enhance carbide precipitation to relax stress has always been the goal pursued by researchers. In this paper, I discussed the effect of carbide precipitation on stress relaxation by applying pre-deformation to intervene the precipitation law of carbides. It is found that pre-deformation can interfere with the precipitation behavior of carbides during tempering, which in turn affects the relaxation degree of residual stress. Applying pre-deformation can inhibit the precipitation of cementite, improve the dispersion degree and precipitation size of alloy carbides, and improve the relaxation degree of residual stress in the tempering process. With the increase of deformation, the precipitation of cementite during tempering is inhibited, the precipitation of cementite decreases, the precipitation of alloy carbides increases and distributes more dispersed, and the size of alloy carbides decreases from 11.4 nm to 8.6 nm. After pre-deformation tempering, the residual stress is greatly relaxed, up to 85.09%.
Reaction mechanism between MgO and MgO–C lining refractories and an ultra-low-carbon Al-killed steel
Authors: Cheng Yujie , Wang Jujin , Zhang Lifeng
Published: December 2024

In the current study, effects of the carbon in MgO-based refractory rod on the cleanliness of an ultra-low-carbon Al-killed steel and on the corrosion degree of the refractory were investigated using laboratory experiments, thermodynamic calculation and a kinetic modeling. After a 90-minute reaction between the MgO refractory rod and the steel, the penetration of the molten steel into the MgO refractory was quite small and an about 20 µm thick interfacial layer containing the liquid slag phase and the spinel was generated at the interface. The liquid slag phase was mainly composed of Ti3O5, CaO, MgO, and Al2O3, while the spinel was mainly composed of Al2O3 and MgO. The composition of inclusions in the steel varied little due to the dense interfacial layer at the steel/refractory interface hindering the mass transfer between the steel and the MgO refractory. When the steel reacted with the MgO–C refractory for 90 min, the molten steel penetrated 1 mm into the MgO–C refractory through grain boundaries, forming channels due to the graphite consumption. A new 20 µm thick interfacial layer containing CaS and MgO was formed between the steel and the refractory. The formation of CaS was favored at the steel/MgO-C refractory interface and was rarely existed at the ssteel/MgO refractory interface during cooling process. The average content of MgO in inclusions increased from 10.29 wt.% to 46.55 wt.% while that of Al2O3 in inclusions decreased from 89.71 wt.% to 53.45 wt.% reacting for 90 min. The experimental result agreed well with the current kinetic model combined with thermodynamic calculation results. The influence of different content of T.O and T.Al in the steel on the composition of the steel and inclusions were also investigated using the current model. It is indicated that the content of MgO in inclusions increased with the decreasing T.O content and the increasing T.Al content in the molten steel.
Effect of TiC and Ti(C,N) on the viscosity of CaO-SiO2-8.25%MgO-15%Al2O3-30%TiO2 slags
Authors: Zhang Guopeng , Shen Fengman , Zhang Tianqing , Zheng Haiyan , Gao Qiangjian , Jiang Xin
Published: December 2024

Vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite is a valuable mineral resource that as a raw material for blast-furnace ironmaking can lead to an increase in the mass fraction of TiO2 in slag. However, TiO2 will be excessively reduced in the process of ironmaking and produce the TiC and Ti(C,N) suspended in the slag, deteriorating the metallurgical properties of the slag. In this study, the effect of TiC and Ti(C,N) on the viscous flow characteristics of CaO-SiO2-8.25%MgO-15%Al2O3-30%TiO2 slags was investigated by the rotating cylinder method. The research results showed that in the five-element slag system with a ∑TiO2 content of 30% and the ratio of w(CaO)/w(SiO2) = 1.20, the viscosity of slag increases with the increase of TiC and Ti(C,N) mass fraction over a range of 1 to 7%, and the viscosities of system containing TiC were greater than that containing Ti(C,N). The melting temperature of slags was determined by calculating the second-order derivative of viscosity with temperature. It was found that the melting temperature of slag increases with the increase of TiC and Ti(C,N) content, and the melting temperature of slag containing a smaller particle size of TiC is more high. The viscous-flow activation energy Eη of slags increases with the increase of TiC and Ti(C,N) content, which has a concomitant variation corresponding with the results of the effect of TiC and Ti(C,N) on viscosity. The revised Einstein-Roscoe equation has high prediction accuracy for the viscosity of solid-liquid slag systems containing corresponding solid particles.
Evaluation and discussion on the circumferential distribution of hot blast in the blast furnace
Authors: Shi Benhui , Liu Bingnan , Zhang Yubo , Luo Zhiguo , Zou Zongshu
Published: December 2024

The hot blast distribution has a great effect on the smooth operation of the blast furnace (BF). The standard deviation of blast volume of every tuyere (SD-BVT) is generally considered as an indicator for evaluating the uniformity of hot blast distribution. Based on the simulation, under the condition that all tuyeres have the same diameter, four circumferential symmetrical areas with large blast volume appear at 0, 90, 180 and 270 deg in Ansteel No. 1 BF, the value of SD-BVT is 1.32. In order to improve the uniformity of hot blast distribution, the diameter of the tuyeres with the largest blast volume in these four areas is reduced by 5 mm in actual production, the value of SD-BVT is changed to 3.24, which indicates that the uniformity of blast volume distribution is deteriorated, and this result is inconsistent with actual production. The oxygen in hot blast reacts with the coke in front of tuyere to produce carbon monoxide, which determines the coke consumption rate in the BF. As the hot blast distribution is non-uniform, the burden height is varied in the BF. So, according to the four areas with large blast volume and four areas with small blast volume in the BF, the BF is divided into eight areas and the standard deviation of areal burden height (SD-ABH) is used to evaluate the hot blast distribution. The calculation results show that, the value of SD-ABH is 0.41 under the tuyeres have the same diameter, but the value of SD-ABH reduced to 0.33 in actual production, indicating a 20% increase in the uniformity of areal burden height. This result confirms the reasonableness of the on-site operation and demonstrates the effectiveness of this method.
Experimental study of magnesium extraction from calcium carbide precipitator dust by silicothermal method
Authors: Shi Ruimeng , Wang Shuaimin , Ma Hongzhou , Mi Qiyuan , Dang Yubo , Zeng Jinyang
Published: December 2024

Calcium carbide precipitator dust is a kind of solid waste containing high calcium oxide and magnesium oxide produced in the process of calcium carbide production. The extraction of magnesium from dust by vacuum silicothermic reduction with ferrosilicon as a reducing agent was studied. The effects of heating temperature, holding time, addition of ferrosilicon and calcium-to-magnesium ratio on the volatilization rate of magnesium in dust were studied. The results indicate that when ferrosilicon is used at an Mg:Si molar ratio of 2:1.05, and calcium oxide to magnesium oxide in the dust at a CaO:MgO molar ratio of 1.2:1, heating the compressed mixture to 1300 °C for 3 h can achieve a magnesium volatilization rate of 91.65%. When the CaO/MgO ratio was less than 1, 2CaO · MgO · 2SiO2 and 3CaO · MgO · 2SiO2 containing MgO were formed, resulting in a decrease in the volatilization rate of MgO.
An innovative process for producing high-performance stainless steel/carbon steel composite plate by the controlled rolling
Authors: Jiang Lian Yun , Song Jiayu , Liu Guiwen , Chen Yafei , Huang Zhiquan
Published: December 2024

The traditional composite plate rolling process is long with high energy consumption and large microstructure gradient, which restricts the large-scale production seriously. Therefore, this paper proposes an innovative short rolling process, advancing the starting point with the cast billet to produce the high-performance 1Cr13/Q235 composite plates by the controlled rolling. The influence of the reduction ratio on the microstructure and properties of the composite plate was systematically studied. The findings indicate that the tensile strength of the composite plate produced by the innovative process can be up to 897 MPa, while the shear strength can be up to 446 MPa. The maximum diffusion distance of the Cr element can be up to 18.3 µm with the reduction ratio of 45% to 75%. More and more Cr element diffuses from the 1Cr13 side to the Q235 side as reduction ratio increases from 45% to 55%. Meanwhile, the microstructure and its gradient of the composite plates are obviously refined with increasing reduction ratio. Many carbon atoms migrate from the Q235 side to the 1Cr13 side across the bonding interface. Subsequently, a zone of decarburization appeared in the Q235 side. The feasibility of the innovative process provides technical support for the production of stainless steel composite plates characterized by high efficiency, low energy consumption, and environmental protection.
Adsorption of pentavalent vanadium and hexavalent chromium from vanadium extraction wastewater using modified diatomite
Authors: Li Junhan , Yang Shaoli , Zhu Kuisong , Ma Lan , Liu Changgeng , Huang Yi , Zhang Wangnan , Han Shunhe , Cheng Xiangli
Published: December 2024

Vanadium extraction from vanadium (V) slag generates wastewater containing a large number of pentavalent vanadium [V (V)] and hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)], posing environmental and health risks if discharged untreated. This study investigated the use of Fe2SO4 · 7H2O-modified diatomite as an adsorbent for removing V (V) and Cr (VI) from vanadium extraction wastewater (VEW). Static adsorption experiments were conducted to assess the adsorption capacity and removal efficiency of modified diatomite under varying conditions of adsorbent dosage, pH, and contact time. The results indicated removal rates of 97.4% for V (V) and 65.8% for Cr (VI) at pH 5, using 3 g of adsorbent dosage over 1440 min. In comparison with unmodified diatomite, the modified version exhibited a 667% increase in V (V) removal and a 531% increase in Cr (VI) removal, indicating significant enhancement in adsorption capacity post-modification. Adsorption capacity decreased with increasing dosage of modified diatomite. Moreover, the adsorbent under acidic conditions demonstrated superior adsorption effectiveness over neutral and alkaline conditions. Furthermore, the kinetics model revealed that adsorption followed Pseudo-second-order and Elovich kinetics, indicating chemisorption and complexation with active functional groups as dominant mechanisms. This study elucidated the effectiveness mechanisms of diatomite modification, paving the way for enhanced V (V) and Cr (VI) removal technologies in industrial wastewater treatment.
Snail coprophagy: the encounter filter, food preferences, and rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) prevalence
Authors: Rollins Randi L. , Griffin Chasen D. , Cowie Robert H.
Published: December 2024

Understanding the factors driving infection prevalence among host species is crucial for effective disease mitigation. Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm, causes neuroangiostrongyliasis and serves as an excellent model for studying infection dynamics across hosts. This study investigates the relative impact of encounter rates on A. cantonensis prevalence in snail hosts by assessing their coprophagic tendencies. Multiple-choice feeding assays were conducted with four snail species (Parmarion martensi, Laevicaulis alte, Lissachatina fulica, and Veronicella cubensis) differing in A. cantonensis prevalence. The snails were offered romaine lettuce, hibiscus flowers, papaya, and rat feces. The relative intake ratios (RIR) were calculated and used to evaluate 1) feces preference among the snail species, and 2) correlation between feces preference and A. cantonensis prevalence. We also compared preferences for feces from rats fed high-fat and balanced diets; no significant difference was observed. Feces made up the highest proportion of the diet of P. martensi (11.6%), followed by V. cubensis (7.8%), L. fulica (5.9%), and L. alte (5.1%). Additionally, P. martensi showed a significantly higher preference (RIR) than all other species. The correlation between feces preference and A. cantonensis prevalence among species was weakly positive. These findings suggest that the level of coprophagy influences encounter rates with A. cantonensis, contributing to variation in infection prevalence among snail species. However, other factors may also play a role, as preference and prevalence were only weakly correlated. Understanding these dynamics can inform strategies for managing the spread of A. cantonensis and mitigating its health impacts.
Robotic-assisted versus conventional hip arthroplasty: a comparative analysis of perioperative blood management and early outcomes
Authors: Annapareddy Adarsh , Jayakumar Tarun , Reddy Manideep , Mulpur Praharsha , Gurram Vijay Kumar Reddy , Prasad Vemaganti Badri Narayana , Gurava Reddy A. V.
Published: December 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Robotic-Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty (RATHA) versus Conventional Total Hip Arthroplasty (CTHA) on perioperative blood loss, blood transfusion requirements, and early clinical outcomes. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at a high-volume tertiary care center from January 2021 to January 2023. A total of 200 patients undergoing primary THA were equally divided into RATHA (using the MAKO SmartRobotics system) and CTHA cohorts. Propensity score matching adjusted for demographics and baseline characteristics, resulting in 172 matched patients. Primary outcomes included changes in perioperative hemoglobin, estimated blood loss (EBL), and transfusion rates. Secondary outcomes assessed were operative time, length of stay, and transfusion-related adverse events. Results: The RATHA group demonstrated significantly lower post-operative hemoglobin drops (2.49 ± 0.6 g/dL vs. 3.38 ± 1.0 g/dL; p < 0.001), reduced EBL on post-operative day 3 (1125.52 ± 361.2 mL vs. 1611.12 ± 501.4 mL; p < 0.0001), and lower transfusion rates (7.96% vs. 20.4%; p = 0.0175) compared to the CTHA group. Operative time was significantly shorter in the RATHA group (68.01 ± 8.7 minutes vs. 77.1 ± 10.5 minutes; p < 0.0001). All robotic cohort patients were discharged within 3 days, whereas 14% of CTHA patients required extended hospitalization. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty (RATHA) significantly reduces perioperative blood loss, hemoglobin drop, and blood transfusion rates compared to conventional total hip arthroplasty (CTHA). The observed decrease in operative time and hospital stay in the RATHA group further suggests that robotic assistance may enhance procedural efficiency and support faster patient recovery.
Utilidad de la transposición nerviosa en el tetrapléjico: Caso clinico
Authors: Galey Lidia Ledesma , López José Manuel Méndez
Published: December 2024

La lesión medular espinal tiene una incidencia de 40 casos nuevos por millón de habitantes, siendo las regiones más afectadas la columna cervical y lumbar. En la lesión cervical, la función que más se demanda en recuperar es el control de la mano, pero cuando la lesión está por encima de C5, las opciones quirúrgicas tendinosas son muy limitadas, por lo que la transferencia nerviosa es la opción quirúrgica que nos queda. El determinar que transferencia va a ser útil y en qué momento realizarlo es el punto de discusión. Cada vez se va progresando más en esta línea, así como en la combinación del tratamiento tendinoso y nervioso.
Evaluación de la aplicabilidad de la técnica LANT (Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) en la osteosíntesis de fracturas del radio distal (FRD)
Authors: Rivas Ana Scott-Tennent De , Minguell Carla Albert , Gispert Laura Prats , Gondolbeu Amer Mustafa , Martí Marta Bonjorn , Calvet Pau Forcada
Published: December 2024

Para evaluar la aplicabilidad de la técnica LANT (Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) en la osteosíntesis de fracturas del radio distal (FRD), se diseñó un ensayo clínico aleatorizado que comparó los resultados a corto plazo entre pacientes tratados con anestesia local sin isquemia (LANT) y aquellos operados con anestesia locorregional (AR) y manguito de isquemia. Las principales variables del estudio fueron el dolor, la tumefacción y la satisfacción del paciente. También se analizaron el sangrado de la herida quirúrgica, la movilidad, la dificultad técnica percibida por el cirujano, la insuficiencia anestésica y las complicaciones.

Entre diciembre de 2020 y 2021, se incluyeron 27 pacientes. Aquellos tratados con LANT presentaron menos dolor entre los días 10 y 15 tras la cirugía, así como menos sangrado durante el posoperatorio inmediato. 22 de los 27 pacientes del estudio requirieron sedación, y el 67% del grupo LANT necesitó dosis adicionales de anestesia local. Concluimos que LANT es una técnica viable para la osteosíntesis de FRD y podría ofrecer ciertos beneficios al evitar el uso del manguito de isquemia en casos seleccionados. Sin embargo, los autores del estudio recomiendan añadir anestesia local alrededor de la articulación radiocubital distal (ARCD) para mejorar el manejo del dolor durante las maniobras de reducción y destacan que la colaboración con un anestesiólogo fue imprescindible durante su estudio.

Nivel de evidencia 1/Terapéutico II.
Study of photoinduced nonthermal melting of 4H-SiC under femtosecond pulse laser irradiation based on time-dependent density functional theory simulations
Authors: Yang Sen , Lan Yuxuan , Li Gaoming , Peng Bo , Guo Hui
Published: December 2024

Silicon carbide (SiC) exhibits superior properties, including a wide bandgap, high breakdown electric field, high thermal conductivity, high electron saturation drift velocity, strong radiation resistance, and excellent chemical stability, making it highly suitable for power device applications. In the substrate slicing process for fabricating SiC power devices, pulsed laser technology provides several advantages over traditional diamond wire sawing, including a smaller heat-affected zone, reduced thermal defects, higher precision, and improved efficiency. To gain a deeper understanding of the interaction between femtosecond lasers and 4H-SiC materials at the atomic scale, this study employs real-time time-dependent density functional theory simulations, incorporating carrier cooling to maintain detailed balance. The analysis examines the evolution of carrier number, density of states, Si–C bond length, and atomic disorder over time under photoexcitation at varying wavelengths and intensities. The results indicate that ultrafast non-thermal melting in 4H-SiC arises from carrier localization, which induces uneven interatomic forces, leading to local atomic displacements, which increases atomic bond lengths and ultimately results in melting. Long-wavelength 1064 nm laser irradiation was found to cause greater atomic force imbalances and displacements than shorter wavelengths (266 and 532 nm), leading to more pronounced non-thermal melting. This study provides atomic-scale theoretical support for research on femtosecond laser processing of 4H-SiC ingots and substrates.
Synthesis of lutetium hydrides at high pressures
Authors: Peng Yuan-Ao , Wang Han-Yu , Su Fu-Hai , Wang Pu , Xu Hai-An , Liu Lin , Yu Lun-Xuan , Howie Ross T. , Xu Wan , Gregoryanz Eugene , Liu Xiao-Di
Published: December 2024

High-pressure synthesis of lutetium hydrides from molecular hydrogen (H2) and lutetium (Lu) is systematically investigated using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and visual observations. We demonstrate that the reaction pathway between H2 and Lu invariably follows the sequence Lu ⟶ LuH2 ⟶ LuH3 and exhibits a notable time dependence. A comprehensive diagram representing the formation and synthesis of lutetium hydrides as a function of pressure and time is constructed. Our findings indicate that the synthesis can be accelerated by elevated temperature and decelerated by increased pressure. Notably, two critical pressure thresholds at ambient temperature are identified: the synthesis of LuH2 from Lu commences at a minimum pressure of ∼3 GPa, while ∼28 GPa is the minimum pressure at which LuH2 fails to transform into LuH3 within a time scale of months. This underscores the significant impact of temporal factors on synthesis, with the reaction completion time increasing sub-linearly with rising pressure. Furthermore, the cubic phase of LuH3 can be obtained exclusively through compressing the trigonal LuH3 phase at ∼11.5 GPa. We also demonstrate that the bandgap of LuH3 slowly closes under pressure and is noticeably lower than that of LuH2.
Engineering magnetic chirality in FeGe nanocylinders: Exploring topological states for spintronic applications
Authors: Saavedra Eduardo , Valdez Lucy A. , Díaz Pablo , Bajales Noelia , Escrig Juan
Published: December 2024

Iron germanide (FeGe) emerges as a promising magnetic alloy for spintronics and high-density data storage, owing to its distinctive magnetic properties and compatibility with existing fabrication techniques. This compatibility enables the synthesis of customized FeGe nanocylinders characterized by chirality, where their magnetization asymmetrically twists. Within specific size parameters, these nanocylinders can accommodate skyrmions—swirling magnetic structures with significant implications for information storage and processing technologies. This study investigates the response of FeGe nanocylinders to external magnetic fields, focusing on how their magnetic properties vary with dimensions (diameter and length). Specifically, we analyze the impact of length on the pseudo-static properties of short FeGe nanocylinders and examine the average topological charge and remanence states across different aspect ratios. Our investigation underscores the relationship between chirality and diverse magnetization states in four types of nanocylinders with varying aspect ratios. This comprehensive analysis elucidates the connection between nanocylinder magnetic states and the average topological charge—a critical factor in advancing ultra-low-energy data storage and logic devices.
Development of a new Bridgman-type high-pressure cell by using built-in gasket up to 9.4 GPa and evaluation of deformation
Authors: Hisada A. , Hirota S. , Magishi K. , Fujiwara N. , Uwatoko Y.
Published: December 2024

We have developed a built-in gasket for the Bridgman-type opposed-anvil high-pressure cell, featuring a PTFE (Teflon) capsule of ϕ 2.0 (1.5) × 2.5 mm3, filled with a liquid pressure-transmitting medium. This gasket, comprising a stainless-steel plane disk, a stainless-steel support ring, and pyrophyllite support gaskets, has enhanced the sample space height, allowed for precise adjustment of the anvil top area, and facilitated easy electrical insulation of lead wires. We calibrated the pressure by detecting phase transitions in Bi and Sn through resistivity measurements, achieving nearly hydrostatic pressure up to 9.4 GPa with this cell. Our analysis of the deformation of the gasket components under force has provided guidelines for effective pressurization.
Electron beam characterization via quantum coherent optical magnetometry
Authors: DeStefano Nicolas , Pegahan Saeed , Ramaswamy Aneesh , Aubin Seth , Averett T. , Camsonne Alexandre , Malinovskaya Svetlana , Mikhailov Eugeniy E. , Park Gunn , Zhang Shukui , Novikova Irina
Published: December 2024

We present a quantum optics-based detection method for determining the position and current of an electron beam. As electrons pass through a dilute vapor of rubidium atoms, their magnetic field perturbs the atomic spin's quantum state and causes polarization rotation of a laser resonant with an optical transition of the atoms. By measuring the polarization rotation angle across the laser beam, we recreate a 2D projection of the magnetic field and use it to determine the e-beam position, size, and total current. We tested this method for an e-beam with currents ranging from 30 to 110 μA. Our approach is insensitive to electron kinetic energy, and we confirmed that experimentally between 10 and 20 keV. This technique offers a unique platform for noninvasive characterization of charged particle beams used in accelerators for particle and nuclear physics research.
Two-plasmon-decay instability stimulated by dual laser beams in inertial confinement fusion
Authors: Lian C.-W. , Ji Y. , Yan R. , Li J. , Wang L.-F. , Ding Y.-K. , Zheng J.
Published: December 2024

Two-plasmon-decay instability (TPD) poses a critical target preheating risk in direct-drive inertial confinement fusion. In this paper, TPD collectively driven by dual laser beams consisting of a normal-incidence laser beam (Beam-N) and a large-angle-incidence laser beam (Beam-L) is investigated via particle-in-cell simulations. It is found that significant TPD growth can develop in this regime at previously unexpected low laser intensities if the intensity of Beam-L exceeds the large-angle-incidence threshold. Both beams contribute to the growth of TPD in a “seed-amplification” manner in which the absolute instability driven by Beam-L provides the seeds that are convectively amplified by Beam-N, making TPD energetically important and causing significant pump depletion and hot-electron generation.
Ab initio-based two-temperature transport property model for hypersonic non-equilibrium flows
Authors: Nidharia Mritunjay , Mane Suvidya , Mankodi Tapan K.
Published: December 2024

The study of flow around a hypersonic re-entry vehicle at higher altitudes is crucial due to the interplay between the high degree of non-equilibrium, relaxation phenomena, and chemistry at rarefied ambient conditions. Much of the research in the near-continuum flow regime has traditionally relied on phenomenological and single-temperature transport property models. This study aims to incorporate vibrational temperature explicitly into the transport property calculations for simulating non-equilibrium flows using a continuum solver. The new two-temperature transport property model is developed using the collision cross section data from molecular dynamics simulations employing highly accurate potential energy surfaces. First, a preliminary study on Couette flow has been conducted to test the new model for internal flows. It was found that the power-law model consistently predicts higher viscosity values than those estimated by the new two-temperature transport property model. Further, when walls are kept at different trans-rotational and vibrational temperatures, the vibrational temperature profile across the height of the channel shows a lower peak value in the simulation employing the power-law model compared to that estimated in the simulation using the two-temperature transport property model. Second, analysis of the O2 shock structure employing various transport models revealed that the shear stress and heat flux across the shock are higher for the two-temperature model than for all the single-temperature models. The new two-temperature transport property model is also used to study two-dimensional cold and reactive hypersonic flows over a circular cylinder. Overall, it was found that the two-temperature model predicts a higher value for peak translational temperature than the phenomenological power-law model and significantly affects the flow properties in the wake region. Hence, it is proposed that calculating the transport properties using the ab initio-based two-temperature model is a better approach than the phenomenological transport property models.
Transient interaction between an oscillating bubble and a moving particle based on diffuse immersed boundary method
Authors: Li Tong , Huang Yu , Xu WeiZheng
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the compressible two-phase fluid solver in OpenFOAM is extended to couple with the diffuse immersed boundary method, for studying the transient interaction between an oscillating bubble and a nearby freely moving particle. Similar to the volume of fluid method, the volume fraction for solid phase is used to smoothly capture the fluid–solid interface. Elimination of the explicit interpolation between the Eulerian and Lagrangian mesh is achieved with the assistance of the volume fraction. The computational domain occupied by the solid is filled with density-varying virtual fluid determined by the two-phase fluids, which guarantees the smooth numerical interpolation near the solid interface. After the verification on capability of the proposed model, the bubble–particle interaction is studied in detail. The effect of non-dimensional distance parameter on jetting dynamics and particle movement is discussed. For the case with small distance parameter, the bottom of the particle is wrapped by the expanding bubble and flow separation can be observed with disturbing bubble interface.
Effect of wall compliance on vessel hemodynamics: A baseline particle tracking velocimetry study
Authors: Peng Cheng , Brindise Melissa C.
Published: December 2024

Fluid–structure interaction (FSI) is integral to cardiovascular biomechanics, highlighting the dynamic relationship between blood flow and vessel walls. Understanding FSI is essential for accurate vascular behavior models, influencing parameters such as wall shear stress (WSS), flow patterns, and vessel deformation. Vessel compliance, a key parameter in FSI, is critical as changes in arterial stiffness are linked to diseases like atherosclerosis and hypertension. Clinically, arterial compliance is assessed via pulse wave velocity (PWV). However, a specific quantitative relationship between PWV and compliance, from a fundamental fluid dynamics perspective, has not been established. In this work, we address this gap as well as explore the specific effects of compliance on hemodynamic parameters including velocity and pressure fields as well as WSS. We manufactured three idealized compliant tubes with varying wall thicknesses to vary their compliance and used volumetric particle track velocimetry to measure each tube's velocity fields at three inflow flow rate magnitudes. We observed that increased vessel compliance lowered the average pressure in the tube, but did not affect the peak acceleration pressure. Additionally, increased compliance caused more chaotic and non-uniform velocity and WSS trends. Finally, our study introduces a novel perspective for quantitatively relating PWV and compliance. Overall, our results provide a general experimental reference for FSI in vessels.