bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel constraints on neutrino physics beyond the standard model from the CONUS experiment
Authors:   The CONUS collaboration, Bonet H. , Bonhomme A. , Buck C. , Fülber K. , Hakenmüller J. , Heusser G. , Hugle T. , Lindner M. , Maneschg W. , Rink T. , Strecker H. , Wink R.
Published: May 2022

Abstract

The measurements of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEνNS) experiments have opened up the possibility to constrain neutrino physics beyond the standard model of elementary particle physics. Furthermore, by considering neutrino-electron scattering in the keV-energy region, it is possible to set additional limits on new physics processes. Here, we present constraints that are derived from Conus germanium data on beyond the standard model (BSM) processes like tensor and vector non-standard interactions (NSIs) in the neutrino-quark sector, as well as light vector and scalar mediators. Thanks to the realized low background levels in the Conus experiment at ionization energies below 1 keV, we are able to set the world’s best limits on tensor NSIs from CEνNS and constrain the scale of corresponding new physics to lie above 360 GeV. For vector NSIs, the derived limits strongly depend on the assumed ionization quenching factor within the detector material, since small quenching factors largely suppress potential signals for both, the expected standard model CEνNS process and the vector NSIs. Furthermore, competitive limits on scalar and vector mediators are obtained from the CEνNS channel at reactor-site which allow to probe coupling constants as low as 5 ∙ 10−5 of low mediator masses, assuming the currently favored quenching factor regime. The consideration of neutrino-electron scatterings allows to set even stronger constraints for mediator masses below ∼ 1 MeV and ∼ 10 MeV for scalar and vector mediators, respectively.
Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian simulation and experimental investigation of indexable drilling
Authors: Svensson Daniel , Andersson Tobias , Andersson Lassila Andreas
Published: May 2022

In many industries, indexable insert drills are used to cost effectively produce short holes. However, common problems such as chatter vibrations, premature tool wear and generation of long curly chips that cause poor chip evacuation make optimization of the drilling process challenging and time-consuming. Therefore, robust predictive models of indexable drilling processes are desirable to support the development towards improved tool designs, enhanced cutting processes and increased productivity. This paper presents 3D finite element simulations of indexable drilling of AISI4140 workpieces. The Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian framework is employed, and the focus is to predict the drilling torque, thrust force, temperature distributions and chip geometries. To reduce the computational effort, the cutting process is modelled separately for the peripheral and the central inserts. The total thrust force and torque are predicted by superposing the predicted result for each insert. Experiments and simulations are conducted at a constant rotational velocity of 2400 rpm and feed rates of 0.13, 0.16 and 0.18 mm/rev. While the predicted torques are in excellent agreement, the thrust forces showed discrepancies of 12 - 20% to the experimental measured data. Effects of the friction modelling on the predicted torque and thrust force are outlined, and possible reasons for the thrust force discrepancies are discussed in the paper. Additionally, the simulations indicate that the tool, chip and the local workpiece temperature distributions are virtually unaffected by the feed rate.
Regularity of the distance function from arbitrary closed sets
Authors: Kolasiński Sławomir , Santilli Mario
Published: May 2022

We investigate the distance function $$\varvec{\delta }_{K}^{\phi }$$

δ

K

ϕ

from an arbitrary closed subset K of a finite-dimensional Banach space $$ (\mathbf {R}^{n}, \phi ) $$

(

R

n

,
ϕ
)

, equipped with a uniformly convex $$ \mathscr {C}^{2} $$

C
2

-norm $$ \phi $$
ϕ
. These spaces are known as Minkowski spaces and they are one of the fundamental spaces of Finslerian geometry (see Martini et al. in Expo Math 19:97–142, 2001, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0723-0869(01)80025-6). We prove that the gradient of $$\varvec{\delta }_{K}^{\phi }$$

δ

K

ϕ

satisfies a Lipschitz property on the complement of the $$\phi $$
ϕ
-cut-locus of K (a.k.a. the medial axis of $$\mathbf {R}^{n} {{\,\mathrm{\sim }\,}}K$$

R

n

∼

K

) and we prove a structural result for the set of points outside K where $$\varvec{\delta }_{K}^{\phi }$$

δ

K

ϕ

is pointwise twice differentiable, providing an answer to a question raised by Hiriart-Urruty (Am Math Mon 89:456–458, 1982, https://doi.org/10.2307/2321379). Our results give sharp generalisations of some classical results in the theory of distance functions and they are motivated by critical low-regularity examples for which the available results gives no meaningful or very restricted informations. The results of this paper find natural applications in the theory of partial differential equations and in convex geometry.
Ultrasound-induced protein restructuring and ordered aggregation to form amyloid crystals
Authors: Pathak Rachana , Bhangu Sukhvir Kaur , Martin Gregory J. O. , Separovic Frances , Ashokkumar Muthupandian
Published: May 2022

Amyloid crystals, a form of ordered protein aggregates documented relatively recently, have not been studied as extensively as amyloid fibres. This study investigates the formation of amyloid crystals with low frequency ultrasound (20 kHz) using β-lactoglobulin, as a model protein for amyloid synthesis. Acoustic cavitation generates localised zones of intense shear, with extreme heat and pressure that could potentially drive the formation of amyloid structures at ambient bulk fluid temperatures (20 ± 1 °C). Thioflavin T fluorescence and electron microscopy showed that low-frequency ultrasound at 20 W/cm3 input power induced β-stacking to produce amyloid crystals in the mesoscopic size range, with a mean length of approximately 22 µm. FTIR spectroscopy indicated a shift towards increased intermolecular antiparallel β-sheet content. An increase in sonication time (0–60 min) and input power (4–24 W/cm3) increased the mean crystal length, but this increase was not linearly proportional to sonication time and input power due to the delayed onset of crystal growth. We propose that acoustic cavitation causes protein unfolding and aggregation and imparts energy to aggregates to cross the torsion barrier, to achieve their lowest energy state as amyloid crystals. The study contributes to a further understanding of protein chemistry relating to the energy landscape of folding and aggregation. Ultrasound presents opportunities for practical applications of amyloid structures, presenting a more adaptable and scalable approach for synthesis.

Graphical abstract
Checkpoint-inhibitor induced Polyserositis with Edema
Authors: Zierold Sarah , Akcetin Larissa Semra , Gresser Eva , Maier Anna Marie , König Alexander , Kramer Rafaela , Theurich Sebastian , Tomsitz Dirk , Erdmann Michael , French Lars E. , Rudelius Martina , Heinzerling Lucie
Published: May 2022

Background

As immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are increasingly being used due to effectiveness in various tumor entities, rare side effects occur more frequently. Pericardial effusion has been reported in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after or under treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, knowledge about serositis and edemas induced by checkpoint inhibitors in other tumor entities is scarce.

Methods and results

Four cases with sudden onset of checkpoint inhibitor induced serositis (irSerositis) are presented including one patient with metastatic cervical cancer, two with metastatic melanoma and one with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In all cases treatment with steroids was successful in the beginning, but did not lead to complete recovery of the patients. All patients required multiple punctures. Three of the patients presented with additional peripheral edema; in one patient only the lower extremities were affected, whereas the entire body, even face and eyelids were involved in the other patients. In all patients serositis was accompanied by other immune-related adverse events (irAEs).

Conclusion

ICI-induced serositis and effusions are complex to diagnose and treat and might be underdiagnosed. For differentiation from malignant serositis pathology of the punctured fluid can be helpful (lymphocytes vs. malignant cells). Identifying irSerositis as early as possible is essential since steroids can improve symptoms.
Which femoral neck for a dual mobility cup? A biomechanical evaluation
Authors: Wegrzyn Julien , Longaray Jason , Baez Rafael , Herrera Lizeth
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate polyethylene (PE) damage and wear lesions to the chamfer of mobile components under mobile and fixed femoral neck impingement at the third articulation, and to determine which femoral neck characteristics should be considered with a dual mobility cup to limit those lesions.

Methods

Two femoral neck geometries (cylindrical and quadrangular) with two surface finishing roughness (rough and polished), and two head-to-neck ratios (28- and 22.2-mm diameter femoral heads) were evaluated in a hip simulator testing. For each characteristic, six femoral necks were tested with six dual mobility cups under fixed and mobile femoral neck impingement conditions. Chamfer PE damage and volumetric wear were evaluated and compared for each femoral neck characteristic and impingement condition.

Results

Under mobile impingement condition, femoral neck characteristics did not significantly affect PE damage and wear lesions to the chamfer (p = 0.283 to 0.810). However, under fixed impingement condition, significantly higher PE damage and wear lesions to the chamfer were produced by the quadrangular geometry compared to the cylindrical geometry (p = 0.004 to 0.025). In addition, with the quadrangular geometry, rough surface finishing was demonstrated to increase volumetric wear of the chamfer (p = 0.009). No significant influence of head-to-neck ratio was observed on PE damage and wear lesions to the chamfer (p = 0.244 to 0.714).

Discussion

This biomechanical study emphasized that femoral neck characteristics are critical with dual mobility cup and tend to favor a cylindrical geometry particularly whether fixed impingement at the third articulation occurs.
Lateral malleolar fractures Weber Type A and B: does percutaneous intramedullary screw confer a solid alternative to the traditional neutralization plate?
Authors: Zawam Sherif Hamdy , Mabrouk Mohamed Goda , El-Desouky Mahmoud Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To compare the clinical results, complication rates, and radiographic outcome between both methods of fixation of lateral malleolar fractures: lateral neutralization plates and intramedullary fully threaded screws.

Patients and methods

This prospective case series study involved 73 patients with fractured lateral malleolus of type A, B according to Weber classification, to whom internal fixation was performed by either lateral plate and screws construct (Group A) or intramedullary screw (Group B). All patients were followed up for 12 months at least, with an average follow-up time of 12.7 months.

Results

There was no significant difference in the functional outcome score between both groups. The intramedullary screw group had a significantly shorter operative time and time to full union (P<0.001 and =0.006 respectively). There was a relatively higher accuracy of reduction with the plate fixation group, but it was statistically insignificant. There was a relatively fewer complication rate with the use of intramedullary screw fixation compared to plate fixation.

Conclusion

The use of intramedullary fixation is a good alternative for plate fixation in low fibular fractures (Weber A and B). Although plate fixation provides an optimal anatomic reconstruction of the fractures, intramedullary fixation may have a lower risk of complications.
The predictability study of the two flavors of ENSO in the CESM model from 1881 to 2017
Authors: Liu Ting , Song Xunshu , Tang Youmin
Published: May 2022

In this study, we evaluated the predictability of the two flavors of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) based on a long-term retrospective prediction from 1881 to 2017 with the Community Earth System Model. Specifically, the Central-Pacific (CP) ENSO has a more obvious Spring Predictability Barrier and lower deterministic prediction skill than the Eastern-Pacific (EP) ENSO. The potential predictability declines with lead time for both the two flavors of ENSO, and the EP ENSO has a higher upper limit of the prediction skill as compared with the CP ENSO. The predictability of the two flavors of ENSO shows distinct interdecadal variation for both actual skill and potential predictability; however, their trends in the predictability are not synchronized. The signal component controls the seasonal and interdecadal variations of predictability for the two flavors of ENSO, and has larger contribution to the CP ENSO than the EP ENSO. There is significant scope for improvement in predicting the two flavors of ENSO, especially for the CP ENSO.
Endolymphatic hydrops in the unaffected ear of patients with unilateral Ménière’s disease
Authors: Guajardo-Vergara Carlos , Suárez-Vega Victor , Dominguez Pablo , Manrique-Huarte Raquel , Arbizu Lorea , Pérez-Fernández Nicolás
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Current studies show that frequency tuning modification is a good marker for the detection of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with Ménière’s disease (MD). The purpose of the present study is to analyze the auditory and vestibular function with audiometric and vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) responses, respectively, in both the affected and unaffected ears of patients with unilateral MD using MRI as diagnostic support for the degree of EH.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 76 consecutive patients with unilateral definite MD (age 55 (28–75); 39 women, 37 men). MRI was used through intravenous gadolinium administration, audiometry, and VEMPs. Functional tests were performed up to a week after the MRI. All were followed up one year after imaging utilizing clinical, auditory, and vestibular testing to rule out bilateral involvement.

Results

In the unaffected ear, the mean pure-tone average is normal even in cases with hydrops and, for a similar severity of hydrops is significantly lower than in the affected ear. Significant differences for the amplitude of the response at 0.5 kHz, at 1 kHz between the affected and unaffected ears were found to be lower in the affected ears. The relative amplitude ratio (1 Kz–0.5 kHz) was significantly lower in the affected ear and in the case of the oVEMP response depends on the degree of EH. The response in the unaffected ear was not modified by the presence or the degree of hydrops.

Conclusion

In the unaffected ear, hydrops is not associated with hearing deterioration. For a similar degree of hydrops, hearing loss is significantly greater in the affected ear. The endolymphatic hydrops in the vestibule induces a frequency bias in the VEMP response only in the affected ear and not in the unaffected ear. Because of these findings we consider that hydrops does not represent an active disorder in the unaffected ear.
Elevated serum Neurofilament Light chain (NfL) as a potential biomarker of neurological involvement in Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1)
Authors: Nicoletti Tommaso F. , Rossi Salvatore , Vita Maria Gabriella , Perna Alessia , Guerrera Gisella , Lino Federica , Iacovelli Chiara , Di Natale Daniele , Modoni Anna , Battistini Luca , Silvestri Gabriella
Published: May 2022

Background

Cognitive and behavioural symptoms due to involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) are among the main clinical manifestations of Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Such symptoms affect patients’ quality of life and disease awareness, impacting on disease prognosis by reducing compliance to medical treatments. Therefore, CNS is a key therapeutic target in DM1. Deeper knowledge of DM1 pathogenesis is prompting development of potential disease-modifying therapies: as DM1 is a rare, multisystem and slowly progressive disease, there is need of sensitive, tissue-specific prognostic and monitoring biomarkers in view of forthcoming clinical trials. Circulating Neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels have been recognized as a sensitive prognostic and monitoring biomarker of neuroaxonal damage in various CNS disorders.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study in a cohort of 40 adult DM1 patients, testing if serum NfL might be a potential biomarker of CNS involvement also in DM1. Moreover, we collected cognitive data, brain MRI, and other DM1-related diagnostic findings for correlation studies.

Results

Mean serum NfL levels resulted significantly higher in DM1 (25.32 ± 28.12 pg/ml) vs 22 age-matched healthy controls (6.235 ± 0.4809 pg/ml). Their levels positively correlated with age, and with one cognitive test (Rey’s Auditory Verbal learning task). No correlations were found either with other cognitive data, or diagnostic parameters in the DM1 cohort.

Conclusions

Our findings support serum NfL as a potential biomarker of CNS damage in DM1, which deserves further evaluation on larger cross-sectional and longitudinal studies to test its ability in assessing brain disease severity and/or progression.
The Future Direction of Pit Lakes: Part 2, Corporate and Regulatory Closure Needs to Improve Management
Authors: Vandenberg Jerry , Schultze Martin , McCullough Cherie D. , Castendyk Devin
Published: May 2022

Pit lakes may present significant risks to ecological and human receiving environments but can also provide beneficial end use opportunities. The understanding of many processes that influence the magnitude of these risks and opportunities remains limited, and even where our understanding is adequate, the application of that knowledge is not consistently applied. From initial planning to long-term closure, regulation and corporate management of pit lake closure can be improved to realise more sustainable pit lake legacies. In this two-part manuscript, we recommend focus areas for future research by academics (Part 1), and strategies to structurally improve the practice of pit lake closure for mining industry regulators, corporate sustainability officers, global practice leads, and site mine closure planners (Part 2). Here we identify barriers that often limit the understanding of pit lake processes and closure practices and suggest ways that corporate leaders, closure practitioners, and regulators can improve pit lake management. Recommended corporate changes include: conducting risk assessments at an early planning stage; funding pit lake research and trials; allowing data sharing and case study publication; avoiding the simplifying assumption of a fully mixed pit lake when making predictions; integrating climate change into pit lake predictions; improving the quality of technical reporting; generating industry guidance for pit lake rehabilitation; maximizing opportunities for subaqueous, in-pit disposal of mine wastes; creating a positive legacy through beneficial uses of pit lakes; and verifying predictions using long-term monitoring. Recommended regulatory advancements include: raising expectations of corporate pit lake closure planning and execution; acknowledging good pit lake closure examples; balancing the need to simulate long closure periods with expectations of model reliability; considering the value of pit lakes as future water resources during permitting; and requiring closure costing and bonding commensurate to closure risk.
One belt, one road, one way? Where European exporters benefit from the new silkroad
Authors: Mau Karsten , Seuren Rosalie
Published: May 2022

We analyze the trade effects of a new unfolding transport infrastructure in connection with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Using panel data for the years 1996–2018, featuring 27 exporting countries and 96 industries, we exploit variation in the timing and number of railway connections to estimate whether European countries benefit from increased export revenues and product variety of their shipments to China. We find that both increase and that also indirectly connected countries benefit. Using additional data on the mode of transport, we find that industries with intermediate time-sensitivity appear to increase their utilization of rail-freight to China the most and confirm that the overall increase in exports is also driven by these industries. We further show that mainly Central, Eastern and Southeast European regions are specialized in economic activities related to “railway adopting industries”, which makes likely to benefit the most from first-order gains of improved market access and export opportunities.
Contributions of Fe(III) to UV–Vis absorbance in river water: a case study on the Connecticut River and argument for the systematic tandem measurement of Fe(III) and CDOM
Authors: Logozzo Laura A. , Martin Joseph W. , McArthur Johnae , Raymond Peter A.
Published: May 2022

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) impacts the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. DOM absorbs light in the UV and visible (UV–Vis) wavelengths, thus impacting light attenuation. Because absorption by DOM depends on its composition, UV–Vis absorbance is used to constrain DOM composition, source, and amount. Ferric iron, Fe(III), also absorbs in the UV–Vis; when Fe(III) is present, DOM-attributed absorbance is overestimated. Here, we explore how differing behavior of DOM and Fe(III) at the catchment scale impacts UV–Vis absorbance and evaluate how system-specific variability impacts the effectiveness of existing Fe(III) correction factors in a temperate watershed. We sampled five sites in the Connecticut River mainstem bi-weekly for ~ 1.5 years, and seven sites in the Connecticut River watershed once during the summer 2019. We utilized size fractionation to isolate the impact of DOM and Fe(III) on absorbance and show that variable contributions of Fe(III) to absorbance at 254 nm (a254) and 412 nm (a412) by size fraction complicates correction for Fe(III). We demonstrate that the overestimation of DOM-attributed absorbance by Fe(III) is correlated to the Fe(III):dissolved organic carbon concentration ratio; thus, overestimation can be high even when Fe(III) is low. a254 overestimation is highly variable even within a single system, but can be as high as 53%. Finally, we illustrate that UV-Vis overestimation might impart bias to seasonal, discharge, and land-use trends in DOM quality. Together, these findings argue that Fe(III) should be measured in tandem with UV–Vis absorbance for estimates of CDOM composition or amount.
Adaptation of a Hearing Voices Group Facilitation Training for VA Stakeholders
Authors: Fletcher Erica Hua , Kalofonos Ippolytos
Published: May 2022

The Hearing Voices (HV) Movement promotes diverse understandings of voice-hearing and seeing visions, which mental health professionals commonly refer to as ‘auditory hallucinations,’ ‘schizophrenia,’ or ‘psychosis.’ Central to this movement are peer support groups through which attendees connect with others who have similar experiences. This paper describes an adaptation of a Hearing Voices group facilitation training at VA Greater Los Angeles (VAGLA) and discusses training modifications, along with trainee perceptions and implementation and intervention outcomes. This is a first step towards adapting HV-inspired groups to VA systems of care. Data collection involved surveys of trainees (n = 18) and field notes throughout the 24 h online training. Findings indicate high acceptability and appropriateness of the training and high feasibility in implementation, suggesting the training was well-adapted to VAGLA. This research contributes to global efforts to integrate the Hearing Voices approach in diverse settings and increase awareness about its benefits among providers.
Failure is the Greatest Teacher: Embracing the Positives of Failure in Primate Conservation
Authors: Webber Amanda D. , Cotton Sam , McCabe Gráinne M.
Published: May 2022

“Failure” is recognised as being vital for success in many fields but is seldom embraced in primate conservation or conservation more generally. In this paper, we use examples from the literature, particularly around reintroduction, to reflect on failure and consider the contribution it can make to primate conservation success. Barriers to acknowledging failure are highlighted and include concerns regarding reputational damage that impact on communication with funders, publishing, and discussing our projects more widely. We also discuss the need for a broader and adaptive approach to include multiple steps of experimentation, reflection, and subsequent learning. This process, which necessarily includes failures and the results of unintended consequences, will require primatologists to use a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and reflective approach to effectively address factors that contribute to failure, including those external to the traditional focus of primatologists. The paper concludes with specific recommendations for progressing in this area, including (i) Funding—funders to incorporate greater flexibility in response to project change and to specifically ask grantees to consider risk, failure, and lessons learnt, and funders and grantees to improve dialogue; (ii) Publishing—journals to have a section that considers failure and lessons learnt and, along with societies, to further engage with researchers from the Global South about the best ways to support with publishing; and (iii) Communication—primate conservationists to lead by example and reflect/discuss failure openly and to create spaces that encourage sharing of these topics. Whilst not exhaustive, we hope that these recommendations will contribute to developing a culture of constructive discussion around failure in primate conservation.
Prevalence and Persistence of High-Growth Entrepreneurship: Which Institutions Matter Most?
Authors: Erhardt Eva Christine
Published: May 2022

Which institutions encourage high-growth entrepreneurship to emerge and to be sustained? Building on institutional theory, this study exploits a sample of 239,911 observations for micro, small, and medium–sized firms from Bulgaria during the period 2001–2010 and finds three types of effects: first, informal institutional constraints such as corruption significantly reduce both the probability to become a high growth firm and the sustainability of growth. Second and unexpected from most of the literature, formal institutional constraints do not discourage firms from pursuing their growth ambitions and even enhance further growth. Third, constraints related to institutional governance, notably limited access to finance, have a negative effect before high-growth, but become less relevant after the high-growth spurt. Results imply that institutional reforms represent a policy tool for supporting high-growth entrepreneurship in an emerging economy context. They also suggest, however, that steadiness in reform efforts is necessary, as informal institutions, which matter most, are particularly slow to change.
A comprehensive review on structural tsunami countermeasures
Authors: Oetjen Jan , Sundar Vallam , Venkatachalam Sriram , Reicherter Klaus , Engel Max , Schüttrumpf Holger , Sannasiraj Sannasi Annamalaisamy
Published: May 2022

Tsunamis pose a substantial threat to coastal communities around the globe. To counter their effects, several hard and soft mitigation measures are applied, the choice of which essentially depends on regional expectations, historical experiences and economic capabilities. These countermeasures encompass hard measures to physically prevent tsunami impacts such as different types of seawalls or offshore breakwaters, as well as soft measures such as long-term tsunami hazard assessment, tsunami education, evacuation plans, early-warning systems or coastal afforestation. Whist hard countermeasures generally aim at reducing the inundation level and distance, soft countermeasures focus mainly on enhanced resilience and decreased vulnerability or nature-based wave impact mitigation. In this paper, the efficacy of hard countermeasures is evaluated through a comprehensive literature review. The recent large-scale tsunami events facilitate the assessment of performance characteristics of countermeasures and related damaging processes by in-situ observations. An overview and comparison of such damages and dependencies are given and new approaches for mitigating tsunami impacts are presented.
Impact of Select Geometric and Operational Parameters on Hydrodynamics in Dissolution Apparatus 2 (Paddle Apparatus): A Design of Experiments Analysis Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Perivilli Satish , Walfish Steven , Stippler Erika , Liddell Mark R.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

A Design of Experiments (DOE) analysis driven by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations was used to evaluate individual and two-factor interaction effects of varying select geometric and operational parameters on the hydrodynamics in dissolution apparatus 2 (paddle apparatus).

Methods

Simulations were run with meshing controls and solution strategies retained from a mesh-independent validated baseline model. Distance between vessel and impeller bottom surfaces, impeller offset, vessel radius and impeller rotation speed were considered as input parameters. The velocity magnitudes at four locations near the vessel bottom surface were considered as output parameters. Response surfaces and Pareto charts were generated to understand individual and two-factor interaction effects of input parameters on the output parameters.

Results

Impeller offset has a dominating influence of a linear and quadratic nature on the output parameters and affects overall hydrodynamics. Changes to other input parameters have limited influence on velocity magnitudes at locations closest to the vessel axis and on overall hydrodynamics. However, these parameters have important influences of varying degrees on velocity magnitudes at locations away from the vessel axis.

Conclusions

The hydrodynamics in Apparatus 2 is influenced differently by different parameters and their combinations. Impeller offset has a stronger influence when compared to parameters that do not alter apparatus symmetry.
Sources of convergence and divergence in university research quality: evidence from the performance-based research funding system in New Zealand
Authors: Buckle Robert A. , Creedy John , Gemmell Norman
Published: May 2022

The introduction of performance-based research funding systems (PBRFS) in many countries has generated new information on their impacts. Recent research has considered whether such systems generate convergence or divergence of research quality across universities and academic disciplines. However, little attention has been given to the processes determining research quality changes. This paper utilises anonymised longitudinal researcher data over 15 years of the New Zealand PBRFS to evaluate whether research quality changes are characterised by convergence or divergence, and the processes determining those dynamics. A unique feature is the use of longitudinal data to decompose changes in researcher quality into contributions arising from the entry, exit and quality transformations of retained researchers, and their impacts on convergence or divergence of research quality across universities and disciplines. The paper also identifies how researcher dynamics vary systematically between universities and disciplines, providing new insights into the effects of these systems.
Induction of in vitro androgenesis in anther culture of recalcitrant einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.)
Authors: Lantos Csaba , Lehoczki-Krsjak Szabolcs , Pauk János
Published: May 2022

Einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.) can be applied as a model species for cereal genomic studies due to its small genome size and high level of polymorphism. The in vitro somatic tissue culture protocol in einkorn was significantly improved recently, however the in vitro androgenesis remained an unresolved research topic. Five different pre-treatments were compared to study the effects of stress pre-treatments on the efficiency of androgenesis in two einkorn genotypes. The long cold pre-treatment (2 weeks, 4 °C) of donor tillers increased significantly the number of microspore derived embryo-like structures (ELS). Green and albino plantlets were regenerated from these structures. The ploidy level of microspore-derived green plantlet was determined as haploid by flow cytometric analyses. This is the first report published on the successful androgenesis induction (ELS production) and green- and albino plantlet regeneration in in vitro anther culture of the recalcitrant einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum L.).
Towards Predicting the Onset of Elastic Turbulence in Complex Geometries
Authors: Ekanem Eseosa M. , Berg Steffen , De Shauvik , Fadili Ali , Luckham Paul
Published: May 2022

Flow of complex fluids in porous structures is pertinent in many biological and industrial processes. For these applications, elastic turbulence, a viscoelastic instability occurring at low Re—arising from a non-trivial coupling of fluid rheology and flow geometry—is a common and relevant effect because of significant over-proportional increase in pressure drop and spatio-temporal distortion of the flow field. Therefore, significant efforts have been made to predict the onset of elastic turbulence in flow geometries with constrictions. The onset of flow perturbations to fluid streamlines is not adequately captured by Deborah and Weissenberg numbers. The introduction of more complex dimensionless numbers such as the M-criterion, which was meant as a simple and pragmatic method to predict the onset of elastic instabilities as an order-of-magnitude estimate, has been successful for simpler geometries. However, for more complex geometries which are encountered in many relevant applications, sometimes discrepancies between experimental observation and M-criteria prediction have been encountered. So far these discrepancies have been mainly attributed to the emergence from disorder. In this experimental study, we employ a single channel with multiple constrictions at varying distance and aspect ratios. We show that adjacent constrictions can interact via non-laminar flow field instabilities caused by a combination of individual geometry and viscoelastic rheology depending (besides other factors) explicitly on the distance between adjacent constrictions. This provides intuitive insight on a more conceptual level why the M-criteria predictions are not more precise. Our findings suggest that coupling of rheological effects and fluid geometry is more complex and implicit and controlled by more length scales than are currently employed. For translating bulk fluid, rheology determined by classical rheometry into the effective behaviour in complex porous geometries requires consideration of more than only one repeat element. Our findings open the path towards more accurate prediction of the onset of elastic turbulence, which many applications will benefit.

Article Highlights

We demonstrate that adjacent constrictions “interact” via the non-laminar flow fields caused by individual constrictions, implying that the coupling of rheological effects and fluid geometry is more complex and implicit.

The concept of characterizing fluid rheology independent of flow geometry and later coupling back to the geometry of interest via dimensionless numbers may fall short of relevant length scales, such as the separation of constrictions which control the overlap of flow fields.

By providing direct experimental evidence illustrating the cause of the shortcoming of the status-quo, the expected impact of this work is to challenge and augment existing concepts that will ultimately lead to the correct prediction of the onset of elastic turbulence.
In vitro fermentation and production of methane and carbon dioxide from rations containing Moringa oleifera leave silage as a replacement of soybean meal: in vitro assessment
Authors: Morsy Tarek A. , Gouda Gouda A. , Kholif Ahmed E.
Published: May 2022

Plant leaf meal of some forage trees such as Moringa oleifera has attracted an increasing interest as a good and cheap source of protein. The present in vitro experiment employed the in vitro wireless gas production (GP) technique to evaluate the inclusion of M. oleifera leaves ensiled for 45 days as a replacement for soybean meal in rations. A control basal ration was formulated to contain 17.5% soybean meal as a source of protein. Soybean meal in the control ration was replaced with silage (MOS) at increasing levels of 0 to 100%. Replacing soybean meal with MOS gradually increased (P < 0.001) GP kinetics (asymptotic GP, rate of GP, and lag time of GP). However, soybean meal replacement decreased (P < 0.001) asymptotic methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) productions, and rate of CH4 production and increased the lag time of CH4 and CO2 production. Gradual increases (P < 0.001) in the digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, ruminal bacteria count, fermentation pH, and the concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate, and propionate were observed with rations containing MOS. Decreases in the digestibility of crude protein, ruminal protozoal count, and the concentrations of ruminal ammonia-N were observed with MOS rations. It is concluded soybean meal can be completely replaced by MOS with desirable effects on ruminal fermentation.
Insights into structure and functioning of a soil microbial community amended with cattle manure digestate and sulfamethoxazole
Authors: Garbini Gian Luigi , Grenni Paola , Rauseo Jasmin , Patrolecco Luisa , Pescatore Tanita , Spataro Francesca , Barra Caracciolo Anna
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The present work aimed to fill some knowledge gaps on the effects on non-target natural soil microbial communities of the sulfamethoxazole (SMX) antibiotic potentially found in cattle manure digestate. Both soil prokaryotic and fungal community under different conditions were analyzed using molecular ecology methods.

Methods

A previous microcosm experiment with a soil amended with a cattle manure digestate (3% dry mass) and spiked with SMX (20 mg/kg soil) was used for this in-depth study. Microbial live cell abundances were assessed by direct epifluorescence microscope methods. The microbial community structures were studied by DNA extraction and amplification using 16S rRNA primers targeting the V3-V4 region (for prokaryotes) and ITS1 (for fungi); Alpha-diversity indices (Chao1, Shannon and Evenness) were also estimated. Moreover, a prediction functional analysis was performed on prokaryotic 16S rRNA amplicon data with PICRUSt2 in order to predict possible variations in some microbial functioning.

Results

Adding digestate to soil promoted both microbial abundance and some bacterial groups. The co-presence of SMX initially lowered these positive effects and decreased diversity. However, at day 61, the antibiotic was almost all removed and the microbial abundance and prokaryotic and fungal diversity showed increased values.

Conclusion

The antibiotic detrimental effects on prokaryotic cells were transient and some resistant bacteria (e.g., Sphingomonas, Skermanella), presumably introduced into the soil with the digestate, were able to remove SMX. Moreover, the digestate long-term effect was to favor some fungal groups such as Basidiomycota. The presence of the genus Trichoderma (Ascomycota), able to transform antibiotics, does not exclude also as possible involvement of this fungus in SMX removal.
Tackling the class imbalance problem of deep learning-based head and neck organ segmentation
Authors: Tappeiner Elias , Welk Martin , Schubert Rainer
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The segmentation of organs at risk (OAR) is a required precondition for the cancer treatment with image- guided radiation therapy. The automation of the segmentation task is therefore of high clinical relevance. Deep learning (DL)-based medical image segmentation is currently the most successful approach, but suffers from the over-presence of the background class and the anatomically given organ size difference, which is most severe in the head and neck (HAN) area.

Methods

To tackle the HAN area-specific class imbalance problem, we first optimize the patch size of the currently best performing general-purpose segmentation framework, the nnU-Net, based on the introduced class imbalance measurement, and second introduce the class adaptive Dice loss to further compensate for the highly imbalanced setting.

Results

Both the patch size and the loss function are parameters with direct influence on the class imbalance, and their optimization leads to a 3% increase in the Dice score and 22% reduction in the 95% Hausdorff distance compared to the baseline, finally reaching $$0.8\pm 0.15$$

0.8
±
0.15

and $$3.17\pm 1.7$$

3.17
±
1.7

mm for the segmentation of seven HAN organs using a single and simple neural network.

Conclusion

The patch size optimization and the class adaptive Dice loss are both simply integrable in current DL-based segmentation approaches and allow to increase the performance for class imbalance segmentation tasks.
Metabolism-related MOGS Gene is Dysregulated After Peripheral Nerve Injury and Negatively Regulates Schwann Cell Plasticity
Authors: Zhang Yunsong , Yang Miao , Shen Yinying , Yi Sheng , Wang Xinghui
Published: May 2022

Cellular metabolism is essentially linked to tissue remodeling and organ regeneration. MOGS, a gene that encodes cellular metabolism-related protein mannosyl-oligosaccharide glucosidase, was found to be upregulated in nerve segments after peripheral nerve injury. Bioinformatic analyses identified upstream regulators of MOGS and MOGS-associated genes and indicated the significant involvement of cellular metabolism in peripheral nerve regeneration. Functional assessment showed that siRNA-mediated knockdown of MOGS led to elevated proliferation, migration, and differentiation of Schwann cells, indicating the negative regulation of MOGS on Schwann cell plasticity. Schwann cells transfected with MOGS siRNA also showed lower expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN), demonstrating that dysregulated MOGS in Schwann cells may affect neuronal behavior through the metabolic coupling between Schwann cells and axons. Taken together, this study demonstrated that MOGS may be a key regulating factor of Schwann cells and neuronal phenotype during peripheral nerve regeneration.
Cell-Autonomous Processes That Impair Xenograft Survival into the Cerebellum
Authors: Magrassi Lorenzo , Nato Giulia , Delia Domenico , Buffo Annalisa
Published: May 2022

In immunocompetent animals, numerous factors including the immune system of the host regulate the survival of neuro-glial precursors transplanted into the cerebellum. We transplanted human neuro-glial precursors derived in vitro from partial differentiation of IPS cells into the developing cerebellum of mice and rats before maturation of the host immune system. These approaches should facilitate the development of immune-tolerance for the transplanted cells. However, we found that human cells survived the engraftment and integrated into the host cerebellum and brain stem up to about 1 month postnatally when they were rejected in both species. On the contrary, when we transplanted the same cells in NOD-SCID mice, they survived indefinitely. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the slower pace of differentiation of human neural precursors compared to that of rodents restricts the induction of immune-tolerance to human antigens expressed before completion of the maturation of the immune system. As predicted by our hypothesis, when we engrafted the human neuro-glial precursor cells either in a more mature state or mixed with extracts from adult cerebellum, we prolonged the survival of the graft.
Measuring Engagement with Mental Health and Behavior Change Interventions: an Integrative Review of Methods and Instruments
Authors: Bijkerk Laura Esther , Oenema Anke , Geschwind Nicole , Spigt Mark
Published: May 2022

Background

Engagement is a complex construct consisting of behavioral, cognitive, and affective dimensions, making engagement a difficult construct to measure. This integrative review aims to (1) present a multidisciplinary overview of measurement methods that are currently used to measure engagement with adult mental health and behavior change interventions, delivered in-person, blended, or digitally, and (2) provide a set of recommendations and considerations for researchers wishing to study engagement.

Methods

We used an integrative approach and identified original studies and reviews on engagement with mental health or behavior change interventions that were delivered in-person, digitally, or blended.

Results

Forty articles were analyzed in this review. Common methods to assess engagement were through objective usage data, questionnaire-based data, and qualitative data, with objective usage data being used most frequently. Based on the synthesis of engagement measures, we advise researchers to (1) predefine the operationalization of engagement for their specific research context, (2) measure behavioral, cognitive, and affective dimensions of engagement in all cases, and (3) measure engagement over time.

Conclusions

Current literature shows a bias towards behavioral measures of engagement in research, as most studies measured engagement exclusively through objective usage data, without including cognitive and affective measures of engagement. We hope that our recommendations will help to reduce this bias and to steer engagement research towards an integrated approach.
Using olive mill waste compost with sprinkler irrigation as a strategy to achieve sustainable rice cropping under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Peña David , Fernández Damián , Albarrán Angel , Gómez Soraya , Martín Carmen , Sánchez-Terrón Jaime , Vicente Luis , López-Piñeiro Antonio
Published: May 2022

Traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping systems under flooding irrigation combined with conventional tillage management are under increasing threat due to a loss of soil quality and a scarcity of water resources, especially in Mediterranean environments. Hence, the development of such management strategies as no-tillage, the application of organic amendments, and water-saving methods could be vital in enhancing the sustainability of rice crops. This work tests the combination of various management systems for growing rice under Mediterranean conditions. It assesses for the first time their influence on soil properties and rice yield components. A field experiment was carried out in southern Spain over 3 years (2015–2017) with six treatments: tillage and continuous flood irrigation either without or with application of two-phase olive mill waste compost; tillage and sprinkler irrigation either without or with application of mill waste compost; direct seeding (no tillage) and sprinkler irrigation either without or with application of mill waste compost. Applying mill waste compost in combination with sprinkler-rice systems improved significantly the soils’ properties. Sprinkler-rice yield was similar to that of rice under tillage and flooding, but it used less irrigation water. In 2017, the greatest rice yield occurred under tillage and sprinkler irrigation with application of mill waste compost (8581 kg ha-1), showing the importance of soil organic matter on yields. Additionnally, flooding increased significantly weed density because it lowered herbicide efficacy, making weed control a key issue for rice yields. Thus, the novelty of this communication is showing that the application of mill waste compost combined with sprinkler irrigation may be a sustainable alternative for rice crops under Mediterranean conditions, increasing the water efficiency and reducing weed pressure, while improving different soil properties.