bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stream metabolism sources a large fraction of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in two hydrologically contrasting headwater streams
Authors: Bernal Susana , Cohen Mathew J. , Ledesma José L. J. , Kirk Lily , Martí Eugènia , Lupon Anna
Published: September 2022

Headwater streams are control points for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to the atmosphere, with relative contributions to CO2 emission fluxes from lateral groundwater inputs widely assumed to overwhelm those from in‐stream metabolic processes. We analyzed continuous measurements of stream dissolved CO2 and oxygen (O2) concentrations during spring and early summer in two Mediterranean headwater streams from which we evaluated the contribution of in‐stream net ecosystem production (NEP) to CO2 emission. The two streams exhibited contrasting hydrological regimes: one was non‐perennial with relatively small groundwater inflows, while the other was perennial and received significant lateral groundwater inputs. The non‐perennial stream exhibited strong inverse coupling between instantaneous and daily CO2 and O2 concentrations, and a strong correlation between aerobic ecosystem respiration (ER) and gross primary production (GPP) despite persistent negative NEP. At the perennial stream, the CO2–O2 relationship varied largely over time, ER and GPP were uncorrelated, and NEP, which was consistently negative, increased with increasing temperature. Mean NEP contribution to CO2 emission was 51% and 57% at the non‐perennial and perennial stream, respectively. Although these proportions varied with assumptions about metabolic stoichiometry and groundwater CO2 concentration, in‐stream CO2 production consistently and substantially contributed to total atmospheric CO2 flux in both streams. We conclude that in‐stream metabolism can be more important for driving C cycling in some headwater streams than previously assumed.
Decellularized Bone Extracellular Matrix‐Coated Electrospun PBAT Microfibrous Membranes with Cell Instructive Ability and Improved Bone Tissue Forming Capacity
Authors: Karakaya Ece , Erdogan Yasar Kemal , Arslan Tugba Sezgin , Arslan Yavuz Emre , Odabas Sedat , Ercan Batur , Emregul Emel , Derkus Burak
Published: September 2022

Current approaches to develop bone tissue engineering scaffolds have some limitations and shortcomings. They mainly suffer from combining mechanical stability and bioactivity on the same platform. Synthetic polymers are able to produce mechanically stable sturctures with fibrous morphology when they are electrospun, however, they cannot exhibit bioactivity, which is crucial for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. One current strategy to bring bioactivity in synthetic materials is to combine extracellular matrix (ECM)‐sourced materials with biologically inert synthetic materials. ECM‐sourced materials without any modifications are mechanically unstable; therefore, reinforcing them with mechanically stable platforms is indispensable. In order to overcome this bifacial problem, we have demonstrated that poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) electrospun microfibrous membranes can be successfully modified with decellularized bone ECM to endow fibers with bioactive hydrogel and mimic natural micro‐features of the native bone tissue. The developed structures have been shown to support osteogenesis, confirmed by histochemical staining and gene expression studies. Furthermore, ECM‐coated PBAT fibers, when they were aligned, supplied an improved level of osteogenesis. The strategy demonstrated can be adapted to any other tissues, and the emerging microfibrous, mechanically stable, and bioactive materials can find implications in the specific fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
A generalization of the propagation of singularities theorem on asymptotically anti‐de Sitter spacetimes
Authors: Dappiaggi Claudio , Marta Alessio
Published: September 2022

In a recent paper O. Gannot and M. Wrochna considered the Klein–Gordon equation on an asymptotically anti‐de Sitter spacetime subject to Robin boundary conditions, proving in particular a propagation of singularities theorem. In this work we generalize their result considering a more general class of boundary conditions implemented on the conformal boundary via pseudodifferential operators of suitable order. Using techniques proper of b‐calculus and of twisted Sobolev spaces, we prove also for the case in hand a propagation of singularity theorem along generalized broken bicharacteristics, highlighting the potential presence of a contribution due to the pseudodifferential operator encoding the boundary condition.
Signal intensity informed multi‐coil encoding operator for physics‐guided deep learning reconstruction of highly accelerated myocardial perfusion CMR
Authors: Demirel Omer Burak , Yaman Burhaneddin , Shenoy Chetan , Moeller Steen , Weingärtner Sebastian , Akçakaya Mehmet
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To develop a physics‐guided deep learning (PG‐DL) reconstruction strategy based on a signal intensity informed multi‐coil (SIIM) encoding operator for highly‐accelerated simultaneous multislice (SMS) myocardial perfusion cardiac MRI (CMR).

Methods

First‐pass perfusion CMR acquires highly‐accelerated images with dynamically varying signal intensity/SNR following the administration of a gadolinium‐based contrast agent. Thus, using PG‐DL reconstruction with a conventional multi‐coil encoding operator leads to analogous signal intensity variations across different time‐frames at the network output, creating difficulties in generalization for varying SNR levels. We propose to use a SIIM encoding operator to capture the signal intensity/SNR variations across time‐frames in a reformulated encoding operator. This leads to a more uniform/flat contrast at the output of the PG‐DL network, facilitating generalizability across time‐frames. PG‐DL reconstruction with the proposed SIIM encoding operator is compared to PG‐DL with conventional encoding operator, split slice‐GRAPPA, locally low‐rank (LLR) regularized reconstruction, low‐rank plus sparse (L + S) reconstruction, and regularized ROCK‐SPIRiT.

Results

Results on highly accelerated free‐breathing first pass myocardial perfusion CMR at three‐fold SMS and four‐fold in‐plane acceleration show that the proposed method improves upon the reconstruction methods use for comparison. Substantial noise reduction is achieved compared to split slice‐GRAPPA, and aliasing artifacts reduction compared to LLR regularized reconstruction, L + S reconstruction and PG‐DL with conventional encoding. Furthermore, a qualitative reader study indicated that proposed method outperformed all methods.

Conclusion

PG‐DL reconstruction with the proposed SIIM encoding operator improves generalization across different time‐frames /SNRs in highly accelerated perfusion CMR.
Metal/polymer composite cylinders for crash energy absorption applications
Authors: Alshahrani Hassan , Sebaey Tamer A. , Awd Allah Mahmoud M. , Abd El‐baky Marwa A.
Published: September 2022

The crashworthiness performance and the deformation history of glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GFRP) composite over wrapped aluminum (Al) cylinders with induced holes were experimentally studied. Specimens were fabricated using wet wrapping by hand lay‐up process and tested under quasi‐static axial compression. Crashworthiness indicators that is, the initial peak load , mean crush load (), total absorbed energy ( specific absorbed energy (SEA), and crush force efficiency (CFE) of the proposed cylinders were evaluated. The influence of the number of GFRP plies (P), the diameter (d), and number (N) of induced holes on the crashworthiness performance and the deformation history has also been identified. The experimental outcomes showed that the studied parameters have a significant effect on the crashworthiness performance and the deformation history. Increasing “P” increases , , , and CFE while decreasing SEA. Inducing holes with “d” up to 8 mm reduces , , , SEA, and CFE of GFRP/Al cylinders. After that the trend is reversed for all indicators except for . GFRP/Al cylinders with “N = 2” exhibits lower and higher , , SEA, and CFE than cylinders with “N = 1”. Hybridization process and inducing holes could alter Al‐cylinders' failure mechanism. The relation between the crashworthiness indicators and the studied parameters has been constructed by response surface methodology (RSM) to be used by the engineering designers. Al‐P6‐d12‐N2 is recommended to be used in crash energy absorption applications that is, energy absorbing device in vehicles.
Mechanistic insight into impact of phosphorylation on the enzymatic steps of farnesyltransferase
Authors: Pekel Hanife , Guzel Mustafa , Sensoy Ozge
Published: September 2022

Farnesyltransferase (FTase) is a heterodimeric enzyme, which catalyzes covalent attachment of the farnesyl group to target proteins, thus coordinating their trafficking in the cell. FTase has been demonstrated to be highly expressed in cancer and neurological diseases; hence considered as a hot target for therapeutic purposes. However, due to the nonspecific inhibition, there has been only one inhibitor that could be translated into the clinic. Importantly, it has been shown that phosphorylation of the α‐subunit of FTase increases the activity of the enzyme in certain diseases. As such, understanding the impact of phosphorylation on dynamics of FTase provides a basis for targeting a specific state of the enzyme that emerges under pathological conditions. To this end, we performed 18 μs molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using complexes of (non)‐phosphorylated FTase that are representatives of the farnesylation reaction. We demonstrated that phosphorylation modulated the catalytic site by rearranging interactions between farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP)/peptide substrate, catalytic Zn2+ ion/coordinating residues and hot‐spot residues at the interface of the subunits, all of which led to the stabilization of the substrate and facilitation of the release of the product, thus collectively expediting the reaction rate. Importantly, we also identified a likely allosteric pocket on the phosphorylated FTase, which might be used for specific targeting of the enzyme. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that systematically examines the impact of phosphorylation on the enzymatic reaction steps, hence opens up new avenues for drug discovery studies that focus on targeting phosphorylated FTase.
Effects of targeting signal mutations in a mitochondrial presequence on the spatial distribution of the conformational ensemble in the binding site of Tom20
Authors: Han Xiling , Maita Nobuo , Shimada Atsushi , Kohda Daisuke
Published: September 2022

The 20‐kDa TOM (translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane) subunit, Tom20, is the first receptor of the protein import pathway into mitochondria. Tom20 recognizes the mitochondrial targeting signal embedded in the presequences attached to mature mitochondrial proteins, as an N‐terminal extension. Consequently, ~1,000 different mitochondrial proteins are sorted into the mitochondrial matrix, and distinguished from non‐mitochondrial proteins. We previously reported the MPRIDE (multiple partial recognitions in dynamic equilibrium) mechanism to explain the structural basis of the promiscuous recognition of presequences by Tom20. A subset of the targeting signal features is recognized in each pose of the presequence in the binding state, and all of the features are collectively recognized in the dynamic equilibrium between the poses. Here, we changed the volumes of the hydrophobic side chains in the targeting signal, while maintaining the binding affinity. We tethered the mutated presequences to the binding site of Tom20 and placed them in the crystal contact‐free space (CCFS) created in the crystal lattice. The spatial distributions of the mutated presequences were visualized as smeared electron densities in the low‐pass filtered difference maps obtained by X‐ray crystallography. The mutated presequence ensembles shifted their positions in the binding state to accommodate the larger side chains, thus providing positive evidence supporting the use of the MPRIDE mechanism in the promiscuous recognition by Tom20.
Experimental evaluation of individual effects of water mist spray characteristics on thermal radiation attenuation using twin‐fluid nozzles with full‐cone spray pattern
Authors: Jo Jae Geun , Lee Chi Young
Published: September 2022

In this study, the effects of water mist spray characteristics on thermal radiation attenuation were experimentally investigated using five types of external and internal mixing twin‐fluid nozzles with a full‐cone spray pattern. To the best of our knowledge, this may be the first attempt to experimentally examine the separate effects of water mist spray characteristics on thermal radiation attenuation. Water and air supply pressures were measured, and their values were 1.3–55.5 and 29.8–316 kPa, respectively. The Sauter mean diameter and volume median diameter of the water mist were measured to be 20–99 μm and 21–108 μm, respectively. The spray angle and width of the water mist were approximately 20° and 110 mm, respectively. The thermal radiation attenuation afforded by the water mist discharged from the twin‐fluid nozzle increased with increasing water and air flow rates and decreasing droplet sizes. Within the experimental range, the thermal radiation attenuation was approximately 6.9%–28.4%. Based on experimental data, the effects of the water flow rate and droplet size on thermal radiation attenuation were examined independently. The dependence of the thermal radiation attenuation on the droplet size was greater than that on the water flow rate.
From the laboratory to the field: efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes to control the cattle tick
Authors: Filgueiras Marcos Daniel Gomes , Matos Renata Silva , Barreto Lucas Prado , Mascarin Gabriel Moura , Rizzo Pricila Vetrano , Freitas Fernanda Mara Cunha , de Azevedo Prata Márcia Cristina , Monteiro Caio , Fernandes Éverton Kort Kamp
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

The control of ticks is challenged by the resistance of tick populations to chemical acaricides. In this study, we evaluated, under laboratory conditions, the efficacy of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus engorged females with varying body weights (150, 200, 250, 300 or 350 mg per female) or from eight different geographical populations. We also determined the efficacy of H. bacteriophora for tick control under field conditions.

RESULTS

R. microplus engorged females with varying body weights exposed to 150 juveniles of H. bacteriophora resulted in a high control efficacy (97.5% to 98.4%). Tests with females from different geographical populations comprised eight tick strains treated with H. bacteriophora and their respective control groups. The biological parameters of females exposed to nematode treatments did not differ significantly and resulted in 89% to 99% of control efficacy. Trials conducted under field conditions were performed in field plots with Megathyrsus maximus grass. Treatment groups received eight cadavers of Tenebrio molitor fully colonized with H. bacteriophora at 1 week prior to the release of female ticks, whereas control groups were untreated. On the first day of the experiment, six engorged females were distributed in each plot. On day 42 and day 63, the apical portion of the grasses with R. microplus larvae were collected and quantified. The population of R. microplus larvae was reduced up to 73.1% in plots treated with H. bacteriophora at day 63 after treatment.

CONCLUSION

R. microplus engorged females with varying body weights or from different geographical populations were highly susceptible to H. bacteriophora. The field test demonstrated the efficacy of H. bacteriophora in reducing R. microplus larvae in infested pastures. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Immunostimulant plant proteins: Potential candidates as vaccine adjuvants
Authors: Nazeam Jilan A. , Singab Abdel Nasser B.
Published: September 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic is shaking up global scientific structures toward addressing antibiotic resistance threats and indicates an urgent need to develop more cost‐effective vaccines. Vaccine adjuvants play a crucial role in boosting immunogenicity and improving vaccine efficacy. The toxicity and adversity of most adjuvant formulations are the major human immunization problems, especially in routine pediatric and immunocompromised patients. The present review focused on preclinical studies of immunoadjuvant plant proteins in use with antiparasitic, antifungal, and antiviral vaccines. Moreover, this report outlines the current perspective of immunostimulant plant protein candidates that can be used by researchers in developing new generations of vaccine‐adjuvants. Future clinical studies are required to substantiate the plant proteins' safety and applicability as a vaccine adjuvant in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Shikonin: Extraction, properties and applications in active and intelligent packaging
Authors: Priyadarshi Ruchir , Rhim Jong‐Whan
Published: September 2022

Shikonin is a naphthoquinone compound, generally extracted from the roots of the Oriental medicinal herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon or the Indian medicinal herb Arnebia euchroma. It has a rich history of being utilized as a pharmacological compound to treat various diseases such as inflammation, wounds and microbial infections. Besides, it also possesses anticancer, antiviral and antioxidant properties, which interest current medical researchers. Food packaging researchers have recently utilized shikonin's antimicrobial and antioxidant properties for active food packaging. Its halochromic properties and ability to change colour with pH variation have attracted tremendous attention for intelligent packaging applications. This review article covers the important extraction processes for shikonin. Further, the important properties of these functional compounds have been discussed. Finally, the advancements in applying shikonin as a multifunctional material in biopolymer‐based films for smart packaging applications have been reviewed for the first time.
Fault diagnosis for rolling bearing based on parameter transfer Bayesian network
Authors: Jiang Zhao , Zhou Jian , Ma Yizhong
Published: September 2022

At the beginning of the change in bearing condition, the bearing fault features are weak, often drowning in the background noise. It makes difficult to extract weak fault features from the vibration signal. If the fault features cannot be effectively extracted, the diagnostic accuracy will be greatly affected. Under this background, a fault diagnosis framework including two stages of signal enhancement and intelligent fault recognition is proposed in this work. Firstly, use a genetic algorithm to obtain the optimal combination of parameters, upon which the original fault signals are decomposed into intrinsic modal function components. Then, they are transformed into the spectrum signals and inputted into the proposed Bayesian network using dynamic weighted transfer learning (DWTL). This paper uses the DWTL method to set the source domain weight factor and the balance coefficient based on data quantity in different source and target domains. The DWTL method proposed in this paper can improve the fault diagnosis accuracy and effectively avoid the negative transfer phenomenon. An example of rolling bearing fault diagnosis is conducted. The results show that the accuracy of fault diagnosis based on the proposed framework is about 10% higher than that of other fault diagnosis methods. Therefore, the validity and feasibility of the proposed fault diagnosis framework are proved.
Using an improved YOLOv5s network for the automatic detection of silicon on wheat straw epidermis of micrographs
Authors: Zhang Qianru , Wang Yunfei , Song Lei , Han Mengxuan , Song Huaibo
Published: September 2022

The silicon on wheat straw epidermis is an obstacle to its resource utilization, and pretreated methods should be applied to remove this structure. Due to the difficulties in detecting the silicon on wheat straw epidermis, judging the efficiency of pretreatment is still a challenging task. In this study, an automatic detection method based on you only look once (YOLO) v5s was proposed to detect the silicon on wheat straw epidermis of micrographs. To improve the efficiency of the network, the Input was modified, the inverted residual module, the pointwise convolution, and the attention mechanism were added, while the focus module was cut off. A total of 4690 micrographs of wheat straw epidermis were collected for training and testing. The training results showed that the proposed model can efficiently detect silicon on wheat straw epidermis of micrographs, and had the highest mean Average Precision of 98.88% among five state‐of‐the‐art comparison models, including RetinaNet, Single Shot MultiBox Detector, YOLOv4tiny, YOLOv4, and YOLOv5s. The weight of the proposed model was 11.7 M, indicating that it can be transplanted to mobile devices. The proposed model showed good robustness under different imaging conditions. All the results indicated that the proposed model could detect the silicon on wheat straw epidermis of micrographs accurately and efficiently.
Conditional probability and ratio‐based approaches for mapping the coverage of multi‐dose vaccines
Authors: Utazi Chigozie Edson , Aheto Justice Moses K. , Chan Ho Man Theophilus , Tatem Andrew J. , Sahu Sujit K.
Published: September 2022

Many vaccines are often administered in multiple doses to boost their effectiveness. In the case of childhood vaccines, the coverage maps of the doses and the differences between these often constitute an evidence base to guide investments in improving access to vaccination services and health system performance in low and middle‐income countries. A major problem often encountered when mapping the coverage of multi‐dose vaccines is the need to ensure that the coverage maps decrease monotonically with successive doses. That is, for doses and , , where is the coverage of dose at spatial location . Here, we explore conditional probability (CP) and ratio‐based (RB) approaches for mapping , embedded within a binomial geostatistical modeling framework, to address this problem. The fully Bayesian model is implemented using the INLA and SPDE approaches. Using a simulation study, we find that both approaches perform comparably for out‐of‐sample estimation under varying point‐level sample size distributions. We apply the methodology to map the coverage of the three doses of diphtheria‐tetanus‐pertussis vaccine using data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. The coverage maps produced using both approaches are almost indistinguishable, although the CP approach yielded more precise estimates on average in this application. We also provide estimates of zero‐dose children and the dropout rates between the doses. The methodology is straightforward to implement and can be applied to other vaccines and geographical contexts.
Creep Behavior of Fe–25Ni–15Cr‐Based Alumina‐Forming Austenitic Steel
Authors: Sun Gang , Sun Hongying , Wang Man , Zhou Zhangjian
Published: September 2022

The creep behavior of Fe–25Ni–15Cr‐based aluminum‐forming austenitic stainless steel is investigated at 700 °C, under the selected stress of 100, 140, 170, and 180 MPa, respectively. Creep properties are analyzed in terms of stress exponent (n) and creep damage tolerance factor (λ). Within the tested stress range, there is an order of magnitude difference between the minimum creep rate and steady creep rate. The evolution of the microstructures after creep test with the stresses of 140, 170, and 180 MPa is characterized by scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction detectors, respectively. With the decreased creep stress, the creep void size shows an increasing trend. Higher stress would accelerate the process of recrystallization during the creep process at 700 °C. The proportion of high‐angle grain boundaries increases to a certain extent under high‐stress conditions. A large amount of Laves and NiAl phases are observed after creep test at 140, 170, and 180 MPa, respectively.
Synergetic Effects of Complex Additions of Mo and Ni on the Phase Transformation Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Austenitic Lightweight Steels
Authors: Moon Joonoh , Park Seong-Jun , Kim Kyeong-Won , Hong Hyun-Uk , Han Heung Nam , Lee Bong Ho
Published: September 2022

Fe–30Mn–10.5Al–1.1C alloys with different Mo and Ni contents are prepared to investigate the phase transformation behavior and mechanical properties of austenitic lightweight steels. Solution‐treated samples have microstructures consisting of an austenite matrix and ordered κ‐carbides, and the size of the κ‐carbides decreases with the addition of Mo or Ni. In addition, the ordered body‐centered cubic (BCC) phases of B2 and DO3 also form when 3wt%Mo and 3wt%Ni are complexly added, resulting in a large decrease of the austenite grain size. Nanoindentation experiments show that the intrinsic strength of the austenite matrix changes depending on the precipitation behavior of the κ‐carbide; i.e., the addition of 3wt%Mo or 3wt%Ni decreases the intrinsic strength of the austenite by suppressing κ‐carbide precipitation, while complex additions of 3wt%Mo and 3wt%Ni increase them again. The results of tensile tests show that the alloy containing both 3wt%Mo and 3wt%Ni exhibits the highest yield (1102 MPa) and tensile strength (1155 MPa) with large tensile ductility (33%) due to the effects of grain refinement of the austenite grains and formation of secondary hard phases of DO3 and B2, as well as κ‐carbides. Finally, the changes in the precipitation behavior of the κ‐carbide are investigated via transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography analyses.
Effect of a New Prestrain, Intercritical Annealing, Quenching, and Partitioning Process on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Medium‐Manganese Steels
Authors: Wu Zhonglin , Jing Cainian , Feng Yan , Li Zhaotong , Lin Tao , Zhao Jingrui
Published: September 2022

A new process combining 4% prestrain, intercritical annealing, quenching, and partitioning (prestrain–IA–Q&P) is used to investigate the effect of tensile number on the microstructure and mechanical properties of medium‐manganese steels. A microstructural model is built based on the specimens’ microstructure and mechanical properties. The amount of tiny brilliant white carbide particles precipitated in the microstructure seems to grow with the number of stretches. The test steel's tensile strength first decreases and then increases. However, the product of tensile strength and elongation exhibits the opposite trend. The new process improves test steel elongation compared with IA–Q&P. This might be because multiple stretches have destroyed the original microstructure of the test steel. Consequently, the test steel generated more deformation bands and dislocation energy. Simultaneously, grain refinement and carbide precipitation in the test steel increase the nucleation point of austenite, resulting in a diffuse distribution of the retained austenite. The tested steel is stretched numerous times, enhancing the capacity of the microstructure's ferrite/martensite/retained austenite to accept dislocations, and there is increased dislocation slip and back stress production between the microstructures. As a result, test steel's ductility is increased by the transformation induced plasticity effect of retained austenite and the synergistic deformation of ferrite.
Conceptual design of transfer structures
Authors: Ribeiro Gonçalo , Almeida João , Lobo Paulo Silva
Published: September 2022

A transfer structure (TS) is a structure that alters the load path of the gravity loads, shifting the line of thrust laterally to a different vertical alignment. Transfer structures are introduced in buildings that feature discontinuities in some columns or walls and where a direct load path to the foundations is not possible. They usually represent major elements of the structure and their impact on building cost and construction time can be substantial. This paper presents an overview of existing transfer systems and provides guidance on their design and construction. Extensive research on buildings with transfer structures all over the world was carried out (more than 100 examples were analyzed) with the aim of developing a rational typology of these structures. The results can be broken down into five main types: BEAM, TRUSS, INCLINED STRUT, PLATE, and ARCH & TIE.
Influence of feasible reinforcement domain on the topology optimization with discrete model finite element analysis
Authors: Luo Peng , Zhang Hu‐zhi , Wang Jian‐qun
Published: September 2022

In topology optimization with discrete model finite element analysis (FEA), feasible reinforcement domain determines to a large extent the result, and the trade‐off between accuracy and efficiency of optimization as well. Therefore, a cantilever reinforced concrete short beam was comparatively optimized based on five feasible reinforcement domains with complexity at different levels, respectively. The outcomes exhibit that, it is reasonable to evolve reinforcement layout by topology optimization with discrete model FEA. The orientation of diagonal reinforcement in optimal topologies from complex feasible reinforcement domains would correspond more to the orientation of the principal tensile stress than that using simple ones, since complex ones have rebar distribution with high density or diagonal reinforcement with various orientations. After optimization, the global stress level of the reinforcement decreases, and then utilization rate of the reinforcement strength increases. Additionally, the consumption of rebar and the workload of reinforcement engineering only slightly increased, although such optimal reinforcement topologies are relatively complex. Consequently, the mechanical properties of concrete members can be substantially improved by using a more complex feasible reinforcement domain for optimizing rebar distribution. A complex domain should be chosen on the premise of completing the optimization within a reasonable time in engineering applications.
Frequency‐Weighted Angle Compensator for Position Sensorless Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Control
Authors: Sasaki Seigo
Published: September 2022

An angle compensator is proposed on a basis of an angle estimation of a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The angle compensator consists of frequency weightings for a speed reference and an angle estimate. Frequency characteristics using a bandpass filter for the compensator are shown. The characteristics are discussed in a comparison with those using the other filters. The compensator gives a controlled angle from the speed reference and angle estimate even in high‐frequency region. Numerical simulations and experimental results show tracking performance with an adequate use of the reference and reducing noise even in high‐frequency region. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Concurrent hypoadrenocorticism, immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia and immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia in a Jack Russell Terrier dog
Authors: Jackson David , Di Bella Andrea
Published: September 2022

An 11‐year‐old, male neutered Jack Russell Terrier was referred with a 4‐day history of lethargy, hyporexia and haemorrhagic diarrhoea. It was diagnosed with hypoadrenocorticism, immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia and immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia. Treatment with immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone and ciclosporin resulted in marked clinical improvement. The chronology of the three disease processes and the possibility of their interlinked aetiopathogenesis are discussed. This case demonstrates the clinical presentation of a mosaic of suspected immune‐mediated disease and the importance of considering that when one arises others may manifest in the same patient.
Otogenic intracranial abscessation secondary to an inflammatory polyp with chronic otitis media/interna in a cat
Authors: Bancroft Sara , Heinrich Nicole , Wolf Christina
Published: September 2022

A 2‐year‐old spayed female domestic short haired cat presented for evaluation of chronic lethargy, inappetence and otitis media/interna that developed secondary to an inflammatory polyp, which had been removed via traction a month prior to presentation. Upon presentation, the cat displayed mild vestibular ataxia and left head tilt, in addition to a bulging left tympanic membrane. Therapy with broad‐spectrum antibiotic therapy and anti‐inflammatory corticosteroids was initiated, however the cat soon developed signs of central vestibular disease and obtunded mentation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed left‐sided otitis media/interna and cerebellar abscessation. Surgical debridement of the abscess was indicated but declined by the owner in favour of euthanasia.
Mechanistic aspects of thiol additions to Michael acceptors: Insights from computations
Authors: Roseli Ras Baizureen , Keto Angus B. , Krenske Elizabeth H.
Published: September 2022

Computational studies have delivered valuable mechanistic insights into thiol Michael additions, which are important CS bond‐forming reactions used in biological and materials chemistry. The field has delivered a wealth of understanding about the ways in which substituents, catalysts, and the local environment influence the addition pathway. Several mechanistic scenarios are now recognized, differing with respect to the energies and timing of the bond‐forming processes. While technical challenges still exist, the field has advanced to such an extent that full‐scale simulations of the additions of Michael acceptors to protein thiol groups are now possible.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis
Reconciling the Asymmetry with Contemporary Physics
Authors: Grandjean Vincent
Published: September 2022

As has previously been argued, the growing block theory of time (GBT), since it is essentiallyasymmetrical(necessarily sometimes the structure it describes is not reflection invariant), while it acceptsTemporal Becoming(new things are created in the present), is better positioned than the traditional models of the temporal structure of the world (eternalism and presentism) to accommodate our intuition that the future is open and the past fixed. However, GBT (like any other A-theory of time) is often criticized for conflicting with some important results of contemporary physics (e.g., by requiring an absolute notion of objective simultaneity). In this chapter, I argue that GBT, far from being disqualified by contemporary physics, might be underpinned by some recent approaches to quantum gravity, especially CST.
Towards a Theory of De-Europeanization, an Elite-Based Approach
Authors: Martin-Russu Luana
Published: September 2022

Martin-Russu offers a critical analysis of the existing scholarship, focusing in particular on enlargement-led Europeanization studies and locating them in the wider context of European Integration research. She identifies two major gaps in the literature: the lack of a theoretically grounded model of de-Europeanization substantiated through fine-grained analyses of domestic transposition; and the lack of sufficient empirical research on the relevance of domestic political elites for the success and stability of EU-led reforms. This chapter illustrates how her study bridges these gaps. It proposes a theoretical framework that explains Romania’s selective backsliding—its reversing of reforms in some domains much more than in others—and links this reform reversal with the pursuit of narrow personal interests by the domestic political elite.
Fragmentation: A Trait of the Romanian Political Elite
Authors: Martin-Russu Luana
Published: September 2022

With this chapter, Martin-Russu starts her empirical analysis by examining the structural factors that influence the composition and conduct of the Romanian political elite. The observed high level of fragmentation of this elite during the last decades results from a narrow and shallow pattern of elite renewal, from conflicting institutional or organizational interests and from a lack of value consensus among elite members. All these factors exacerbate a struggle for power, they work in favour of a pursuit of narrow particular interests at high levels of decision-making, leading to the failure of democracy even where democratic institutions are in place.

The chapter shows a political environment in which the major Romanian political parties experience numerous splits and mergers, several opportunistic coalitions are forged in the run-up to or midway between parliamentary elections, and numerous party members abruptly change their affiliation in order to obtain secure political positions. It provides a revealing example of over-fragmentation: a political climate of distrust, uncertainty and unpredictability that favours self-interested behaviour, and in which elected elites can be bound neither to take account of the preferences of their own party, nor to take into account the concerns of their electorate.
Romania’s Justice and Anti-Corruption Reform: A Stubborn Divergence from European Norms in Pursuit of Personal Gains
Authors: Martin-Russu Luana
Published: September 2022

In this chapter, Martin-Russu shifts towards an in-depth observation of the elite’s legislative conduct in the area of anti-corruption. The analysis focuses on the concrete developments of Romania’s public integrity law (i.e. the initially adopted act, its different provisions and its development over more than a decade), which clearly show a pattern of diluting existing legislation, with repeated subtle attempts to reverse positive reform steps already undertaken.

The chapter illustrates how the use of inadequate and hasty procedures and the adoption of amendments inconsistent and ill-fitted to the scope of the law can hardly be justified as being in the interests of society as a whole, being driven solely by the narrow self-serving purposes of the elite. This self-serving conduct of the political elite has dire consequences for the quality of legislation, for the quality of institutional interactions, and more importantly, for the level of public trust and the political engagement of the nonelite.
Theoretische Ansätze zu Intergruppenkonflikten
Authors: Diekmann Isabell
Published: September 2022

Wie in diesem Zitat von Rogers Brubaker angedeutet, gibt es zahlreiche unterschiedliche Identifizierungsangebote für Individuen, von denen die Religionszugehörigkeit nur ein einziges ist. Die Idee multipler Gruppenzugehörigkeiten von Menschen, die unter anderem Muslim*innen sind, wird in diesem Kapitel entwickelt und im Kontrast zum deutlich abstrakteren Islam als Religion diskutiert.
Differenzierung nach Adressat*innen? Dimensionen und Prädiktoren von Islam- und Muslim*innenfeindlichkeit
Authors: Diekmann Isabell
Published: September 2022

Einige wenige Studien haben sich bisher intensiv mit der Entflechtung von Islam- und Muslim*innenfeindlichkeit auseinandergesetzt (vgl. Abschn. 3.4.2). Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass islambezogene und muslim*innenbezogene Items in der Tat unterschiedliche Dimensionen eines zwei- (oder sogar mehr-) dimensionalen Konstrukts abbilden (vgl. Diekmann 2017, 2020b; Frindte & Dietrich 2017; Uenal 2016; Uenal et al. 2021). In einem ersten Schritt geht es daher nun darum zu überprüfen, ob Ähnliches auch für die vorliegenden Daten gilt.
Good Muslims, Bad Islam? Das Ausmaß feindlicher Einstellungen im Vergleich
Authors: Diekmann Isabell
Published: September 2022

Nachdem theoretisch hergeleitet geworden ist, dass Islam- und Muslim*innenfeindlichkeit als zwei Dimensionen eines übergeordneten Phänomens verstanden werden können (im Sinne von Abschn. 3.2 als zwei Säulen innerhalb des antimuslimischen Rassismus) und empirisch belegt wurde, dass diese beiden Dimensionen nicht identisch, aber auch nicht völlig unabhängig voneinander sind und in unterschiedlicher Weise von den untersuchten Prädiktoren charakterisiert werden können, steht im Folgenden die nicht minder zentrale Frage nach dem Ausmaß feindlicher Einstellungen gegenüber dem Islam und gegenüber Muslim*innen im direkten Vergleich im Fokus. Durch die identische Formulierung der Aussagen zu Islam und Muslim*innen und die daraus resultierende gleiche Stärke der Items lassen sich Zustimmungswerte zu islam- und muslim*innenfeindlichen Aussagen direkt miteinander vergleichen. Um Verzerrungen zu vermeiden, erfolgte die Zuordnung der Befragten zu den einzelnen Fragebogenversionen randomisiert.
Assoziationen mit Islam und Muslim*innen: frequenz- und valenzanalytische Annäherungen
Authors: Diekmann Isabell
Published: September 2022

Eine so explizite Differenzierung zwischen Menschen und ihrer Religion, wie sie ein*e Befragte*r hier äußert, findet sich eher selten in den Daten. Aus diesem Grund bietet sich ein direkter Vergleich an: An was denken die Befragten, wenn sie den Begriff Islam lesen? An was denken sie, wenn es um Muslim*innen geht? Welche Frames werden jeweils aktiviert? Welche Assoziationen werden geweckt? Die Analyse der Deutungsrahmen der Befragten soll helfen, verknüpfte Bedeutungen mit den Begriffen Islam und Muslim*innen zu verstehen. Divergierende Deutungsrahmen können als Indikator für eine notwendige Differenzierung verstanden werden.
Schwarzian for colored Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity
Authors: Alkalaev Konstantin , Joung Euihun , Yoon Junggi
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We study the boundary effective action of the colored version of the Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) gravity. We derive the boundary action, which is the color generalization of the Schwarzian action, from the su(N, N) BF formulation of the colored JT gravity. Using different types of the SU(N, N) group decompositions both the zero and finite temperature cases are elaborated. We provide the semi-classical perturbative analysis of the boundary action and discuss the instability of the spin-1 mode and its implication for the quantum chaos. A rainbow-AdS2 geometry is introduced where the color gauge symmetry is spontaneously broken.
In situ process monitoring in laser-based powder bed fusion of polyamide 12 using thermal imaging
Authors: Hofman Joseph , Wudy Katrin
Published: September 2022

Despite extensive research, new plastic powders must still be qualified for laser-based powder bed fusion using trial and error. Furthermore, part properties such as mechanical properties, surface roughness, or density exhibit a comparatively low reproducibility. Recent progress in the field of process monitoring, however, indicates that infrared thermography can be used to correlate melt pool temperatures with the resulting part properties. The analysis of the influence of process parameters on the resulting melt pool temperatures has up until now been limited to the evaluation of the maximum temperature during exposure and the mean temperature at arbitrary moments after exposure. However, the cooling rate of the polymer melt is also essential. To prove this hypothesis, a continuous data stream, which enables an automated calculation of characteristic processing times and temperatures, is introduced within the scope of this work. Single-layer specimens are manufactured with various energy inputs, while the resulting temperature of the melt is recorded using thermal imaging. The peak temperatures are combined with the characteristics that describe the temperature decay after exposure, such as a decay time determined at a specific cooling rate. These metrics quantify the cooling behavior of melt pools in a systematic and reproducible way. Furthermore, the sequence of decay values at different cooling rates can potentially be combined with existing process knowledge to differentiate process regimes. The presented approach can be used to create a more in-depth process understanding in later works, thereby enabling applications such as in-situ quality assurance.
Adaptive Individualized high-dose preoperAtive (AIDA) chemoradiation in high-risk rectal cancer: a phase II trial
Authors: Guido Alessandra , Cuicchi Dajana , Castellucci Paolo , Cellini Francesco , Di Fabio Francesca , Llimpe Fabiola Lorena Rojas , Strigari Lidia , Buwenge Milly , Cilla Savino , Deodato Francesco , Macchia Gabriella , Galietta Erika , Golfieri Rita , Ardizzoni Andrea , Zagari Rocco Maurizio , Fanti Stefano , Poggioli Gilberto , Fuccio Lorenzo , Morganti Alessio G.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the pathological complete response (pCR) rate of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) after adaptive high-dose neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) based on 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18 F-FDG-PET/CT).

Methods

The primary endpoint was the pCR rate. Secondary endpoints were the predictive value of 18 F-FDG-PET/CT on pathological response and acute and late toxicity. All patients performed 18 F-FDG-PET/CT at baseline (PET0) and after 2 weeks during CRT (PET1). The metabolic PET parameters were calculated both at the PET0 and PET1. The total CRT dose was 45 Gy to the pelvic lymph nodes and 50 Gy to the primary tumor, corresponding mesorectum, and to metastatic lymph nodes. Furthermore, a sequential boost was delivered to a biological target volume defined by PET1 with an additional dose of 5 Gy in 2 fractions. Capecitabine (825 mg/m2 twice daily orally) was prescribed for the entire treatment duration.

Results

Eighteen patients (13 males, 5 females; median age 55 years [range, 41–77 years]) were enrolled in the trial. Patients underwent surgical resection at 8–9 weeks after the end of neoadjuvant CRT. No patient showed grade > 1 acute radiation-induced toxicity. Seven patients (38.8%) had TRG = 0 (complete regression), 5 (27.0%) showed TRG = 2, and 6 (33.0%) had TRG = 3. Based on the TRG results, patients were classified in two groups: TRG = 0 (pCR) and TRG = 1, 2, 3 (non pCR). Accepting p < 0.05 as the level of significance, at the Kruskal–Wallis test, the medians of baseline-MTV, interim-SUVmax, interim-SUVmean, interim-MTV, interim-TLG, and the MTV reduction were significantly different between the two groups. 18 F-FDG-PET/CT was able to predict the pCR in 77.8% of cases through compared evaluation of both baseline PET/CT and interim PET/CT.

Conclusions

Our results showed that a dose escalation on a reduced target in the final phase of CRT is well tolerated and able to provide a high pCR rate.
A Comparative Study of an Integrated Ultrasonic/Bipolar Sealing Device Versus an Articulating Bipolar Sealing Device for Laparoscopic Liver Surgery
Authors: Provoost An‐Lies , D'Hondt Mathieu , Willems Edward , De Meyere Celine , Parmentier Isabelle , Devooght Anne , Pottel Hans , Verslype Chris
Published: September 2022

Background

Sealing devices (SD) seal and cut tissue through different energy modalities, and are routinely used in laparoscopic liver surgery (LLS). The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of Thunderbeat (TB), an integrated ultrasonic/bipolar SD, versus Enseal (ES), an articulating bipolar SD, in LLS.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted in a single center from December 2013 to September 2020. The primary endpoint was difference in blood loss (BL) between ES and TB. Secondary endpoints were complications, operative time, hospital stay, and 90‐day mortality.

Results

352 patients were identified: TB (n = 105) and ES (n = 247). Median BL was significantly lower with TB (50 mL [20–120]) compared to ES (100 mL [50–250]) (p < 0.0001). Significant differences were identified for median operative time (TB 115 min [45–300]) vs. ES 140 min [40–370]; p = 0.0008) and median hospital stay (TB 2 days [1–4] vs. ES 4 days [3–6]; p < 0.0001). No major differences were encountered for postoperative bleeding (TB 0% vs. ES 1%; p = 0.5574), biliary leak (TB 1% vs. ES 2%; p = 1.0000), and 90‐day mortality (TB 0% vs. ES 1%; p = 1.0000).

Conclusion

The integrated ultrasonic/bipolar SD is superior to the articulating bipolar SD in LLS for intraoperative BL without an increase in complications.