bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified magnetic equivalent circuit model for magnetic field analysis of one cage‐rotor induction motor used in electric submersible pumps
Authors: Rezaee‐Alam Farhad , Nazari Marashi Abbas , Roozbehani Sam
Published: March 2023

Here, a modified magnetic equivalent circuit model which can accurately consider the air‐gap region is presented. The main defect of magnetic equivalent circuit model is in the modelling of air‐gap region. To solve this problem, a new approach based on conformal mappings is presented to accurately calculate the air‐gap permeances between the elements of stator and rotor while considering the real paths of flux tubes in air gap. The distributions of equivalent virtual currents on the both sides of air gap are obtained through modified magnetic equivalent circuit model, which represent the effects of slots, magneto motive force drops in iron parts, and magneto motive force sources. The conformal mapping method is then used to calculate the components of air‐gap magnetic field for every operating point under starting conditions and different loads. One typical cage‐rotor induction motor, which is used in electric submersible pumps, is considered to investigate the accuracy of modified magnetic equivalent circuit model. Some of the analytical results obtained through modified magnetic equivalent circuit model are verified by comparing with the corresponding results obtained from finite element method and experiment set up.
Facile preparation of zinc nanoparticles mediated by plant aqueous extract and assessment of the antioxidant, cytotoxicity and anti‐human bone carcinoma properties
Authors: Li Tao , Li Maohua
Published: March 2023

In this study, the Zn nanoparticles were synthesized using the peel extract of Citrus aurantium. The nanoparticles were characterized by different chemical techniques including UV‐Vis. and FT‐IR spectroscopy, and SEM technique. The results revealed a spherical shape with an average size of 41.17 nm was identified for the green‐synthesized nanoparticles. In the antioxidant test, the IC50 of nanoparticles and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) against DPPH free radicals were 115 and 96 μg/mL, respectively. In the cellular and molecular part of the recent study, the treated cells with nanoparticles were assessed by the MTT assay for 48 h about the cytotoxicity and anti‐human bone cancer properties on normal (HUVEC) and cancer cell lines, that is, A‐673 and HS‐729. The IC50 of nanoparticles were 278 and 256 μg/mL against A‐673 and HS‐729 cell lines, respectively. The viability of malignant cell lines reduced dose‐dependently in the presence of Zn nanoparticles. It seems that the anti‐cancer effect of recent nanoparticles is due to their anti‐oxidant effects. After evaluating the effectiveness of this formulation in clinical trial researches, it can be a good alternative to chemotherapy drugs.
Enhanced breakdown strength of the BaTiO3/polypropylene nanocomposite film based on the biaxial stretching process
Authors: Zheng Ming‐Sheng , Lu Wei‐Wei , Yang Xing , Dang Zhi‐Min
Published: March 2023

The significant progresses of polymer‐based nanocomposites with improved dielectric performances are urgently calling for an effect way to realise commercial production. Up to now, the biaxial stretching technology is still a powerful method to produce the high‐performance dielectric films applied in the film capacitors due to its full‐blown applications. In this work, a classical composite system of BaTiO3/polypropylene was applied to reveal the connection between the microstructure changes and dielectric properties of the corresponding nanocomposite films in the biaxial stretching process. The permittivity of BT‐30 wt% nanocomposite reached 2.8 at 103 Hz after stretching, and its breakdown strength reached 340 MV/m. In addition, the breakdown strength of BT‐10 wt% nanocomposite could even be promoted to 452 MV/m, which was 1.3 times higher than that before stretching. The microstructure test demonstrated that the rearrangement of nanofillers, high crystallinity and the oriented polypropylene crystals were advantageous to the improvement of breakdown strength for the stretched nanocomposite films. Therefore, the application of biaxial stretching technology into the preparation of nanocomposite dielectric film is an enormous potential way for the energy storage film capacitors.
A new index for techno‐economical comparison of storage technologies considering effect of self‐discharge
Authors: Moradi‐Shahrbabak Zahra , Jadidoleslam Morteza
Published: March 2023

This paper presents an improved levellized cost of storage (ILCOS) index for comparing various storage technologies. The ILCOS is a modified index based on the conventional levellized cost of storage (LCOS) that includes the effect of daily self‐discharge. This index calculates the total cost of discharged energy for a storage system over its lifetime. Comparing the conventional LCOS and the proposed ILCOS metrics indicates that the ILCOS is a more accurate index for the economic analysis of storage technologies. Also, this paper introduces an algorithm by using the ILCOS index for selecting the optimum storage technology in any individual application. The algorithm inputs are the needed discharge time, the required stand‐by time, and the technical and economical characteristics of storage systems; the output is the optimum storage technology. Based on the discharge time, this algorithm investigates the storage technology in three categories: short‐duration, medium‐duration, and long‐duration applications. Any storage system that has the minimum ILCOS is the economically winning technology. Given the characteristics of the existing storage technologies, the case study shows that for long‐duration applications, the pumped hydroelectric storage (PHS) is the best option. Also, vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) and lead‐acid (PbA) batteries are the most economic storages for medium‐duration applications.
Electrical energy systems resilience: A comprehensive review on definitions, challenges, enhancements and future proceedings
Authors: Amini Fariba , Ghassemzadeh Saeid , Rostami Naghi , Tabar Vahid Sohrabi
Published: March 2023

Secure energy providing is a critical feature of sustainable societies, where this subject requires reliable operation of generation, transmission and distribution infrastructures. In order to achieve the mentioned goal, the influence of uncertainties should be analyzed using appropriate methods, criteria and tools. The high‐impact low‐probability (HILP) events are special uncertainties that can affect the safe operation and lead to irreparable damages. This paper presents a comprehensive review of resilience in electrical energy systems consisting of fundamental concepts and definitions, challenges, enhancements and future proceedings. In this regard, a resilience evaluation framework is designed first in which all the necessary actions for a resilience study are defined. In the next step, various HILP events are introduced and then the resilience concept is defined accurately and related curves are investigated. Afterwards, the resilience assessment indices and quantitative measures are described and their details and applications are precisely explained. As well, the resilience enhancement strategies are discussed from short‐term and long‐term perspectives and eventually, resilience‐based objective functions and optimization approaches are classified in the last part. It is noteworthy that the main research gaps are also clarified according to the reviewed papers and further suggestions are expressed to cope with the declared problems.
Integrated operation of gas and power system through the P2P market mechanism
Authors: Feili Meysam , Ameli Mohammad Taghi
Published: March 2023

Peer‐to‐peer (P2P) energy trading is a new technology for integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) into the power system. A P2P market allows direct energy trading between end‐users, enables local power and energy equilibrium and supports power grid operations. As a common DER, gas‐fired power plants are employed to deal with the intermittency of the power system due to their flexible characteristics. Therefore, the intermittency in the power system transmits to the gas system through the gas‐fired power plants, which makes the operation of these systems even more interdependent and cost‐effective. This paper proposes a market‐based two‐stage framework for the integrated operation of power and natural gas grids taking into account demand response and both network constraints. In the first stage (scheduling stage), the MINLP‐based optimisation approach is used for the optimal scheduling of two energy carriers considering AC power flow and gas hydraulic calculations for the next 24 h. Then, in the second stage, the continuous double auction (CDA)‐based P2P energy trading approach is used for enabling customers to trade energy with each other. To simulate human trader behaviour and maximises the benefits of customers, the authors considered the optimum bidding strategy through the zero intelligent plus trader model. The simulations executed on a 33‐bus power distribution grid and a 33‐node gas network indicate that the proposed framework can dramatically reduce the total operational cost and improve the performance of both networks. Using only the MINLP optimisation problem, first stage, the total operational cost of both networks is reduced by 15.58%, while the voltage profile at the end of the power grid is improved by about 7%. In the next stage, the total operating cost of both networks is further decreased by 29.31% via implementing the P2P energy trading mechanism.
Reha-Erfolg nach psychosomatischer Rehabilitation in
Abhängigkeit von Symptombelastung und
Arbeitsunfähigkeitsdauer
Authors: Rotter Kirsten , Lambrecht Alexandra , Koch Bernhard , Kobelt-Pönicke Axel
Published: March 2023

Ziel Reha-Erfolg zeigt sich unmittelbar in individueller Symptomreduktion
und mittelbar in sozialmedizinischem Nutzen. Die Befunde zur
Maßnahmenverlängerung zwecks Steigerung von Reha-Erfolg sind
kontrovers. Behandlungsdauer scheint kein ausreichender Prädiktor
für Reha-Erfolg zu sein. Lange Arbeitsunfähigkeitszeiten
können zur Chronifizierung psychischer Erkrankungen beitragen. Diese
Studie untersuchte den Zusammenhang der Arbeitsunfähigkeitsdauer (AU)
vor einer psychosomatischen Rehabilitation (weniger vs. größer 3
Monate) bei unterschiedlicher Depressionsschwere zu Reha-Beginn (unterhalb vs.
oberhalb klinischer Relevanz) mit (un)mittelbarem Reha-Erfolg. Es wurden 1612
Rehabilitanden im Alter von 18–64 Jahren, davon 49% Frauen
untersucht, die 2016 eine psychosomatische Rehabilitation im Rehazentrum
Oberharz absolvierten.

Methode Individuelle Symptomreduktion wurde durch den Reliable Change
Index (guter Schätzer der wahren Veränderung) aus den
prä/post Testwerten des BDI-II abgebildet. AU vor Reha sowie
Versicherungs-/Beitragszeiten ein bis vier Jahre nach Reha wurden den
Konten der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Braunschweig-Hannover entnommen.
Multiple hierarchische Regression, 2-faktorielle ANCOVA mit Messwiederholung,
geplante Kontraste wurden gerechnet und Alter, Geschlecht und Reha-Dauer
statistisch kontrolliert.

Ergebnisse Die multiple hierarchische Regression ergab für die
Gruppe mit kurzer AU vor Reha 4% bzw. mit hoher Erkrankungsschwere bei
Reha-Beginn 9% inkrementelle Varianzaufklärung in
Symptomreduktion bei mittlerer bzw. großer Effektstärke
(f2=0,22 und 0,73). Die messwiederholten 2-faktoriellen
ANCOVAs ergaben bei kleiner Effektstärke
(ηp
2=0,03 und 0,02) in jedem der vier
Jahre nach Reha mehr Beitrags- und Versicherungszeiten von Versicherten mit
kurzer AU vor Reha. Rehabilitanden mit geringer Depressionsschwere bei
Reha-Beginn zeigten im selben Zeitraum mehr Versicherungs- aber nicht mehr
Beitragszeiten (ηp
2=0,01).

Fazit Die AU-Dauer vor einer Reha erscheint als ein wichtiger Parameter
für (un)mittelbaren Reha-Erfolg. Zukünftige Studien sollten die
Auswirkung frühzeitiger Aufnahme innerhalb der ersten Monate der AU in
psychosomatische Reha-Maßnahmen weiter differenzieren und
evaluieren.
99mTc-MDP Bone Scan and 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging of Primary Hepatic Osteosarcoma
Authors: Liu Yao , Tang Wen , Huang Zhongke
Published: March 2023

A 65-year-old man presented with abdominal bloating, pain, and nausea for 5 days. Abdominal CT revealed a heterogeneous mass with a large area of calcification, and rupture of the mass was seen around the capsulafibrosa. According to pathological examination after percutaneous puncture biopsy, the histopahological and immunohistochemical findings were suggestive of metastatic or primary hepatic osteosarcoma. Whole body bone scintigraphy demonstrated elevated 99mTc-MDP activity in hepatic mass, but no skeletal lesions. The diagnosis of primary hepatic osteosarcoma was finally confirmed. PET/CT showed hepatic mass with heterogeneous high-uptake, and multiple metastases in portacaval lymph nodes, lungs and the third thoracic vertebra were considered.
Invasive CO2 monitoring with arterial line compared to end tidal CO2 during peroral endoscopic myotomy
Authors: Duarte-Chavez Rodrigo , Tyberg Amy , Sarkar Avik , Shahid Haroon M. , Vemulapalli Bhargav , Shah-Khan Sardar , Gaidhane Monica , Kahaleh Michel
Published: March 2023

Background and study aims Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has become a recognized treatment for achalasia. The technique requires CO2 insufflation. It is estimated that the partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2) is 2 to 5 mm Hg higher than the end tidal CO2 (etCO2), and etCO2 is used as a surrogate for PaCO2 because PaCO2 requires an arterial line. However, no study has compared invasive and noninvasive CO2 monitoring during POEM.

Patients and methods Seventy-one patients who underwent POEM were included in a prospective comparative study. PaCO2 plus etCO2 was measured in 32 patients (invasive group) and etCO2 only in 39 matched patients (noninvasive group). Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and Spearman’s Rho were used to calculate the correlation between PaCO2 and ETCO2.

Results PaCO2 and ETCO2 were strongly correlated: PCC R value: 0.8787 P ≤ 0.00001, Spearman’s Rho R value: 0.8775, P ≤ 0.00001. Within the invasive group, the average difference between PaCO2 and ETCO2 was 3.39 mm Hg (median 3, standard deviation 3.5), within the 2- to 5-mm Hg range. The average procedure time (scope in to scope out) was increased 17.7 minutes (P = 0.044) and anesthesia duration was 46.3 minutes. Adverse events (AEs) included three hematomas and one nerve injury in the invasive group and one pneumothorax in the noninvasive group. There were no differences in AE rates between the groups (13 % vs 3 % P = 0.24).

Conclusions Universal PaCO2 monitoring contributes to increased procedure and anesthesia times without any decrease in AEs in patients undergoing POEM. CO2 monitoring with an arterial line should only be performed in patients with major cardiovascular comorbidities; in all other patients, ETCO2 is an appropriate tool.
Extended delay in endoscopic mucosal resection is not associated with adverse outcomes: Findings from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Liu Eddie , McDonald Cassandra , Son Surim , Hawel Jeffrey , Hussain Nadeem , Khanna Nitin , Yan Brian , Jairath Vipul , Sey Michael
Published: March 2023

Background and study aims The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of delayed endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of colorectal polyps on health outcomes.

Patients and methods A bidirectional cohort study was completed. A baseline group consisting of all EMRs performed within a 15-month period before a province-wide, government-mandated cessation of EMR procedures due to the global pandemic was compared to EMRs impacted by the shutdown, defined as the COVID-19-delayed group. The primary outcome was the incidence of malignant polyps. Secondary outcomes included technical success, polyp recurrence at follow-up colonoscopy, advanced polyp histology, probability of meeting endoscopic criteria for adequate resection for malignant polyps, metastatic colorectal cancer, and complications.

Results A total of 268 EMR procedures were included in the study cohort, of which 208 formed the baseline group and 60 were in the COVID-19-delayed group. The median (IQR) patient age was 72 (13.0) and 113 (41.2 %) were females. The median (IQR) wait time was 92 days (87.8) in the baseline group and 191 days (127.8) in the COVID-19-delayed group (P < 0.001). Overall, there were no significant differences in the incidence of malignant polyps, technical success, polyp recurrence on follow-up colonoscopy, advanced polyp histology, adequate endoscopic resection for malignant polyps, metastatic colorectal cancer, or complications between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all outcomes).

Conclusions A longer wait time for EMR of colorectal polyps, increasing from a median of 92 to 191 days, was not associated with worse outcomes.
Studies Towards The Synthesis of Tartrolons D and E
Authors: Sunnapu Ranganayakulu , Rehman Mintu , Rajendar Goreti , Nanoth Sreya
Published: March 2023

A concise and stereoselective synthesis of a key fragment C3-C22 unit of tartrolons D and E is demonstrated. Three crucial fragments are combined to form the 20-carbon chain, which contains four stereogenic centers in the monomeric unit of both natural products. The crucial fragments were synthesized in highly enantioselective routes from commercial starting compounds in two, eight, and two steps, respectively, and coupled using palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling and directed 1,5-asymmetric aldol reaction as key steps.
Palladium-Catalyzed C7–H (Hetero)arylation of Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazines with Heteroarenes and Aryl Iodides with the Assistance of Silver Salts
Authors: Nguyen Thanh V. Q. , Levoin Armand , Poli Lorenzo
Published: March 2023

Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazines coupled with heteroarenes and aryl iodides selectively at the C7 position to afford a broad library of bi(hetero)aryl structures under ligand-free palladium-catalyzed conditions. The key to the success of the reaction is the use of silver salts as the oxidant or the base, allowing the regioselective C–H bond functionalization to occur under relatively mild conditions.
Gender-Affirming Voice Surgery: Considerations for Surgical Intervention
Authors: Dwyer Christopher D. , Schneider Sarah L. , Gutierrez Desi , Rosen Clark A.
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the current state and available evidence surrounding surgical voice care for the transgender and/or gender expansive population. The term “gender expansive” has been proposed as an inclusive term to classify those who do not identify with traditional gender roles but are otherwise not confined to one gender narrative or experience. We aim to review indications and candidacy for surgery, surgical procedure options for altering vocal pitch, and typical postoperative expectations. The role of voice therapy and considerations for perioperative care will also be discussed.
Single Frontal Burr-Hole Craniostomy Under Local Anesthesia for Treating Chronic Subdural Hematoma in the Septuagenarians and Older Adults: Surgical Technique and Results
Authors: Adeleye Amos Olufemi , Ulasi Bartholomew I.
Published: March 2023

Background Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is not a totally benign disease in the elderly patients, especially those aged 70 years and above. Hence, the surgical treatment of CSDH in aged patients needs to be as minimally disruptive as possible.

Methods An annotated description of the surgical technique of single frontal burr-hole craniostomy performed under local anesthesia and without closed tube drainage for evacuating CSDH in the septuagenarians and older adults is given. We also review the outcome of the procedure on a prospective consecutive cohort of patients in our service

Results Thirty patients, 25 males, aged 70 years and above successfully underwent this surgical procedure. Their mean age was 76.5 years (standard deviation, 4.3). The CSDH was bilateral in 30% (9/30), and more left sided in the rest, the unilateral cases, and was of mixed density radiologically, in most cases (73%, 22/30). Clinical presentation was mainly gait impairment, cognitive decline, and headache, and 57% (17/30) presented with coma or stupor as assessed by the Markwalder grading scale.

The surgery was successfully executed in all, median duration 45.0 minutes (interquartile range 37.3–60.0), and solely under local anesthesia in 77% (23/30) or with momentary short-acting sedation in the rest. The outcome was very good in 90.0% (27/30) using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) including two-third (20/30) completely asymptomatic (mRS 0) and 7/30 with only slight symptoms/disability, mRS ≤ 2. Three patients died perioperatively, all presenting in coma.

Conclusion This surgical technique appears very effectual for CSDH, is executed at a comparatively low cost, and, being much less disruptive than other traditional methods, may be a more homeostatic operative treatment in geriatric patients at least.
Pulmonary Hypertension and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonates Treated with Diazoxide
Authors: Duggal Mounya , Moore Shiran S. , Simoneau Jessica , Girard Gabrielle , Gernet Irène B. , Oettingen Julia E. Von , Sant'Anna Guilherme , Altit Gabriel
Published: March 2023

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of adverse outcomes, specifically pulmonary hypertension (PH) and suspected or confirmed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and their associated risk factors, in neonates treated with diazoxide.

Study Design A retrospective study in infants born ≥ 316/7 weeks and admitted between January 2014 and June 2020. Combined adverse outcomes possibly associated to diazoxide were PH (systolic pulmonary pressure of ≥40 mm Hg or an eccentricity index ≥1.3) and suspected or confirmed NEC (suspected: stop feeds and antibiotics and confirmed: modified Bell stage ≥2). Echocardiography data extractors were masked to infants' characteristics.

Results A total of 63 infants were included; 7 (11%) with suspected and 1 (2%) with confirmed NEC. Of the 36 infants with an available echocardiography after initiation of diazoxide treatment, 12 (33%) had PH. All infants with suspected or confirmed NEC were males (p = 0.01), whereas PH occurred mostly in females (75%, p = 0.02). The combined adverse outcome occurred in 14/26 (54%) infants exposed to >10 mg/kg/day, compared to 6/37 (16%) exposed to ≤10 mg/kg/day (p = 0.006). This association remained significant after adjustment for sex, small for gestational age status, and gestational age at birth (odds ratio: 6.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.7–21.7, p = 0.005). Left ventricular dysfunction was found in 19 infants (30%) but was not discriminative for the combined outcome.

Conclusion PH and suspected or confirmed NEC were identified frequently in neonates treated with diazoxide. A total dose >10 mg/kg/day was associated with an increased occurrence of these complications.

Key Points
Orientation and dynamics of water molecules in beryl
Authors: Chlan Vojtěch , Adamec Martin , Štěpánková Helena , Thomas Victor G. , Kadlec Filip
Published: March 2023

Behavior of individual molecules of normal and heavy water in beryl single crystals was studied by 1H and 2H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. From temperature dependences of the spectra, we deduce that type-I water molecules embedded in the beryl voids are oriented quite differently from the view established in the literature: Different from the earlier assumptions, their H–H lines deviate by about 18° from the hexagonal axis. We suggest that this is due to the molecules attaching to the oxygen atoms forming the beryl structural voids by a hydrogen bond. Our analysis shows that the molecules perform two types of movement: (i) rapid librations around the axis of the hydrogen bond and (ii) less frequent orientational jumps among the 12 possible binding sites in the beryl voids. The frequencies of the librational motions are evaluated from a simple thermodynamic model, providing good quantitative agreement with the frequencies of librations from optical experiments reported earlier.
Numerical characterization of dual radio frequency micro-discharges
Authors: Zhang Yanjie , Wang Yu , Xu Jingwen , Guo Chengzhi , Jiang Wei , Zhang Ya
Published: March 2023

Micro-discharges have many excellent characteristics, such as generation of high-density and non-equilibrium plasmas at atmospheric pressure. In this paper, we used an implicit particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision method for three-dimensional velocities in a one-dimensional space combined with the secondary electron emission model to study the characteristics of micro-discharges driven by dual radio frequency (RF) power. The effect on plasma parameters was observed by varying the voltage of the RF power, the frequency, and the gas pressure of the discharge. Since the electrode spacing is very small in micro-discharges, the voltage change will affect the characteristics of micro-discharges. In addition, the plasma density increases with the frequency and the discharge mode changes at different frequencies. Finally, the influence of gas pressure on the characteristics of micro-discharges cannot be ignored. When the air pressure decreases, the ion flux reaching the electrodes is significantly increased, and the energy distribution of ions increases in the high-energy portion.
On the resilience of dual-waveguide parametric amplifiers to pump power and phase fluctuations
Authors: Shi M. , Ribeiro V. , Perego A. M.
Published: March 2023

Parametric amplifiers based on coupled-core fibers and coupled integrated waveguides are promising devices for delivering broadband and flat gain spectrum with low noise figure in vital technological applications such as optical communications. To address potential practical issues that may arise in the experimental demonstration, in the present work, we derive analytical expressions for the impact of relative input pump phase and power fluctuations between two waveguides on pump waves stability. We, furthermore, evaluate, through numerical simulations, how the pump power oscillations between the two waveguides affect the amplifier spectrum, identifying optimal regimes of operation for coupled-core fibers and also for coupled integrated waveguides. Our findings hint at the resilience of these parametric amplifiers' architectures and at their possible practical implementation in realistic labs and real-world scenarios.
Preparation and characterization of GO/ZnO/Ag nanocomposites and their synergistic antibacterial effect on Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Wu Jiang , Zheng Xiaomei , Lv Yuguang , Li Yanjie , Zhang Guoliang
Published: March 2023

In this study, GO/ZnO/Ag nanocomposites were prepared by a hydrothermal method in one step. The microstructure and surface morphology of the material were analyzed by x-ray diffraction and a scanning electron microscope. The chemical interactions between the available oxygen functional groups of reduced graphene oxide and the inorganic parts (Ag and ZnO) were analyzed by XPS and FTIR. The synergistic antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites against Streptococcus mutans was investigated. It was confirmed that GO/ZnO/Ag could inhibit the growth of S. mutans. The minimal inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of GO/ZnO/Ag on the surface structure of S. mutans were 62.5 and 125 µg/ml, respectively. The material was added to a dental dentin binder, and the modified dentin binder specimens with GO/ZnO/Ag had a significant antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans. The results showed that a low dose of GO/ZnO/Ag did not affect the shear bond strength of the dentin binder (P > 0.05), while a high dose of GO/ZnO/Ag decreased the shear bond strength of the dentin binder (P < 0.05). With an increase in GO/ZnO/Ag, the contact angle of the modified dentin binder specimens decreased and the hydrophilicity increased. The nanocomposites can not only be used as antibacterial agents but also have potential applications in biomedical fields.
Static modeling and experimental analysis of three-degree-of-freedom pneumatic flexible arm
Authors: Wang Xia , Geng Dexu , Peng He , Zhang Lizhong
Published: March 2023

Aiming at the problems of weak driving ability and low torsional stiffness of a pneumatic flexible arm, a new type of pneumatic flexible arm is developed using three fan-shaped driving cavities and convex–concave nested constraint ring structure. A prototype was constructed, and a static model of the elongation and bending characteristics of the flexible arm was established. In addition, static experiments were conducted. Through the comparative analysis of experiment and theory, the results show that the experimental data are basically consistent with the theory, which verifies the correctness of the theoretical model. When the elongation was 0 mm and the three fan-shaped driving cavities were filled with the same air pressure of 0.25 MPa, the driving force was 2087.3N; when the three fan-shaped driving cavities were filled with the same air pressure of 0.11 MPa, the flexible arm reached a maximum elongation of 140 mm and elongation percentage of 61.9%. The proposed flexible arm could be controlled to bend in any direction in the range of 0°–360° and at any angle in the range of 0°–98° by adjusting the pressure of the three fan-shaped driving cavities. The flexible arm overcomes the shortcomings of the weak driving ability and anti-torsion ability of the flexible robot and has strong flexibility. It can be used in flexible robots in the fields of service, medical treatment, and rescue and other operations to provide greater power and reliable support for manipulators and other actuators.
A unified theory for bubble dynamics
Authors: Zhang A-Man , Li Shi-Min , Cui Pu , Li Shuai , Liu Yun-Long
Published: March 2023

In this work, we established a novel theory for the dynamics of oscillating bubbles such as cavitation bubbles, underwater explosion bubbles, and air bubbles. For the first time, we proposed bubble dynamics equations that can simultaneously take into consideration the effects of boundaries, bubble interaction, ambient flow field, gravity, bubble migration, fluid compressibility, viscosity, and surface tension while maintaining a unified and elegant mathematical form. The present theory unifies different classical bubble equations such as the Rayleigh–Plesset equation, the Gilmore equation, and the Keller–Miksis equation. Furthermore, we validated the theory with experimental data of bubbles with a variety in scales, sources, boundaries, and ambient conditions and showed the advantages of our theory over the classical theoretical models, followed by a discussion on the applicability of the present theory based on a comparison to simulation results with different numerical methods. Finally, as a demonstration of the potential of our theory, we modeled the complex multi-cycle bubble interaction with wide ranges of energy and phase differences and gained new physical insight into inter-bubble energy transfer and coupling of bubble-induced pressure waves.
Imaging incidence and type in primary care patients with low back pain: a cross-sectional study on new referrals to an Australian specialist spinal surgical centre
Authors: Tennant Isaac J. , Yau Yun-Hom , Yull Derek , Murphy Peter , Whittle Ian R.
Published: March 2023

Introduction Low back pain (LBP) is common and a significant cause of morbidity. Many patients receive inappropriate imaging for LBP in primary care. Aim To explore the incidence and type of spinal imaging conducted for LBP patients referred from general practice for specialist surgical opinion, and evaluate whether imaging conformed to clinical guidelines. Methods Audit of a sequential cohort (n = 100) of new LBP patients referred from primary care for specialist opinion at a suburban Australian capital city independent Spinal Centre. Results In the 6 months before referral, 90% (95% CI 83–95%) of patients underwent spinal imaging. Imaging was performed in 95% of those who did and 79% of those who did not meet guidelines for radiological investigation. 35% of patients were inappropriately imaged and 3% inappropriately not imaged. Spinal computed tomography (CT) imaging was used in 52% of patients, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 42% and image-guided lumbar spinal interventional procedures in 28%. Discussion Most patients with LBP referred for surgical opinion have diagnostic radiological investigations whether or not it is indicated by clinical guidelines. The more frequent use of spinal CT compared to MRI may be due to idiosyncrasies of the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) rebate system. The findings of this pilot study provide support for the changes recommended by the 2016 MBS Review Taskforce on LBP that permit GP access to subsidised lumbar MRI, while constraining access to lumbar CT, and provide novel data about spinal imaging and practice in this cohort of patients.
Rabbit warrens: an important resource for invasive alien species in semi-arid Australia
Authors: Dean Abbey T. , Brandle Robert , Barmuta Leon A. , Jones Menna E. , Jansen Jeroen
Published: March 2023

Context The decline and extinction of native burrowing mammals across much of Australia has resulted in a loss of underground refugia constructed by native fauna in the environment. The introduced European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is now the most widespread mammalian burrower across Australia. Rabbits are an invasive species in Australia, and the destruction of rabbit warrens for pest management is common practice. This destruction of warrens removes a potential refuge for both rabbits and other species in the environment. In landscapes where critical weight range burrowing mammals have declined, the widespread destruction of rabbit warrens removes many underground refuges for several commensal animal species. Aims To identify the use of rabbit warrens by fauna in the seasonally hot, semi-arid Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park (IFRNP) in South Australia. Methods We used camera traps placed at burrow entrances of warrens and nearby structure to identify the vertebrate species that interact with rabbit warrens in the IFRNP. Key results We recorded 11 bird, nine mammal and eight reptile species present at the entrances of rabbit warrens. Only four of the taxa recorded on cameras in our study showed a preference for warrens over adjacent above-ground structure, three of them introduced species. The alien commensal species recorded using the burrows were rabbits, house mice (Mus musculus) and feral cats (Felis catus). Conclusions Rabbit warrens in the IFRNP are an important resource for a range of native and alien commensal species. In our study, they seem to be of special importance for introduced species. Implications Warren removal in the IFRNP may negatively impact native commensal species in treated areas but is likely to be of long-term net benefit for a wider range of native animals.
Principles of New Science
Authors: Weigand Edda
Published: March 2023

The current state of the art in Dialogue Analysis represents a multitude of diverse models of dialogue, communication, pragmatics, discourse, interaction, organization, and management, which claim to be science or philosophy. Can we indeed expose science and philosophy to arbitrary decisions on issues and methodology? As soon as our object becomes ‘dialogue in the stream of life’, science faces the issue of complexity. The challenge is to develop a new type of science which is capable of grasping the complex whole and deriving the components from it. New Science asscience of complexityalso demonstrates how science and philosophy can be united by description and explanation in science and evaluation and recommendation in philosophy.
Improved ductility of Mg–3Gd–0.6Zr alloy by cuboid-shaped phase: Experiments and first-principle calculations
Authors: Chen Qiaowang , Wang Mingguang , Jiang Yixuan , Wu Xiang , Jiang Shan , Chen Xihao , Zhou Wuzhong , Yang Yanzhi , Xu Zhaoying
Published: March 2023

A casting Mg–3Gd–0.6Zr alloy was designed to evaluate the effect of cuboid-shaped phase on its mechanical properties. The morphology of cuboid-shaped phase was correlated with the directional covalent bonding between Gd atoms and H atoms along <100 > directions. The cuboid-shaped phase can be eliminated by a designed annealing treatment, without grain coarsening simultaneously. The ductility of as-cast alloy is about 20% higher than that of the annealed one. The improvement of ductility was caused by cuboid-shaped phase in three aspects: first-principle calculations, hydrogen embrittlement and crystal imperfections.
Increasing thermal conductivity in aluminium-copper compound castings: Modelling and experiments
Authors: Maier Hans Jürgen , Gawlytta Richard , Fromm Andreas , Klose Christian
Published: March 2023

Compound cast heat sinks have various advantages over conventionally manufactured ones, but oxides present on the metals and formation of a brittle intermetallic layer (IMC) make casting difficult. In the present study, a novel approach was used that employs a silane-doped argon environment to overcome these issues. Oxidation could be fully suppressed and thermal heat conductivities around 67 W/(m·K) were obtained for the compound zone. The microstructural analysis revealed that the thickness of the IMC layer could be kept below the critical value of 3 µm. Yet, the process window was found to be extremely tight. The modelling revealed that the critical time period for formation of the IMC layer is only on the order of a few 10 s.
A live-cell marker to visualize the dynamics of stable microtubules throughout the cell cycle
Authors: Jansen Klara I. , Iwanski Malina K. , Burute Mithila , Kapitein Lukas C.
Published: March 2023

The microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton underlies processes such as intracellular transport and cell division. Immunolabeling for posttranslational modifications of tubulin has revealed the presence of different MT subsets, which are believed to differ in stability and function. Whereas dynamic MTs can readily be studied using live-cell plus-end markers, the dynamics of stable MTs have remained obscure due to a lack of tools to directly visualize these MTs in living cells. Here, we present StableMARK (Stable Microtubule-Associated Rigor-Kinesin), a live-cell marker to visualize stable MTs with high spatiotemporal resolution. We demonstrate that a rigor mutant of Kinesin-1 selectively binds to stable MTs without affecting MT organization and organelle transport. These MTs are long-lived, undergo continuous remodeling, and often do not depolymerize upon laser-based severing. Using this marker, we could visualize the spatiotemporal regulation of MT stability before, during, and after cell division. Thus, this live-cell marker enables the exploration of different MT subsets and how they contribute to cellular organization and transport.
B cell receptor ligation induces IgE plasma cell elimination
Authors: Wade-Vallance Adam K. , Yang Zhiyong , Libang Jeremy B. , Robinson Marcus J. , Tarlinton David M. , Allen Christopher D.C.
Published: March 2023

The proper regulation of IgE production safeguards against allergic disease, highlighting the importance of mechanisms that restrict IgE plasma cell (PC) survival. IgE PCs have unusually high surface B cell receptor (BCR) expression, yet the functional consequences of ligating this receptor are unknown. Here, we found that BCR ligation induced BCR signaling in IgE PCs followed by their elimination. In cell culture, exposure of IgE PCs to cognate antigen or anti-BCR antibodies induced apoptosis. IgE PC depletion correlated with the affinity, avidity, amount, and duration of antigen exposure and required the BCR signalosome components Syk, BLNK, and PLCγ2. In mice with a PC-specific impairment of BCR signaling, the abundance of IgE PCs was selectively increased. Conversely, BCR ligation by injection of cognate antigen or anti-IgE depleted IgE PCs. These findings establish a mechanism for the elimination of IgE PCs through BCR ligation. This has important implications for allergen tolerance and immunotherapy as well as anti-IgE monoclonal antibody treatments.
Phagocytosis increases an oxidative metabolic and immune suppressive signature in tumor macrophages
Authors: Gonzalez Michael A. , Lu Daniel R. , Yousefi Maryam , Kroll Ashley , Lo Chen Hao , Briseño Carlos G. , Watson J. E. Vivienne , Novitskiy Sergey , Arias Vanessa , Zhou Hong , Plata Stapper Andres , Tsai Min K. , Ashkin Emily L. , Murray Christopher W. , Li Chi-Ming , Winslow Monte M. , Tarbell Kristin V.
Published: March 2023

Phagocytosis is a key macrophage function, but how phagocytosis shapes tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) phenotypes and heterogeneity in solid tumors remains unclear. Here, we utilized both syngeneic and novel autochthonous lung tumor models in which neoplastic cells express the fluorophore tdTomato (tdTom) to identify TAMs that have phagocytosed neoplastic cells in vivo. Phagocytic tdTompos TAMs upregulated antigen presentation and anti-inflammatory proteins, but downregulated classic proinflammatory effectors compared to tdTomneg TAMs. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling identified TAM subset-specific and common gene expression changes associated with phagocytosis. We uncover a phagocytic signature that is predominated by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), ribosomal, and metabolic genes, and this signature correlates with worse clinical outcome in human lung cancer. Expression of OXPHOS proteins, mitochondrial content, and functional utilization of OXPHOS were increased in tdTompos TAMs. tdTompos tumor dendritic cells also display similar metabolic changes. Our identification of phagocytic TAMs as a distinct myeloid cell state links phagocytosis of neoplastic cells in vivo with OXPHOS and tumor-promoting phenotypes.
Towards anisotropic cosmology in group field theory
Authors: Calcinari Andrea , Gielen Steffen
Published: March 2023

In cosmological group field theory (GFT) models for quantum gravity coupled to a massless scalar field the total volume, seen as a function of the scalar field, follows the classical Friedmann dynamics of a flat Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker Universe at low energies while resolving the Big Bang singularity at high energies. An open question is how to generalise these results to other homogeneous cosmologies. Here we take the first steps towards studying anisotropic Bianchi models in GFT, based on the introduction of a new anisotropy observable analogous to theβvariables in Misner’s parametrisation. In a classical Bianchi I spacetime,βbehaves as a massless scalar field and can be used as a (gravitational) relational clock. We construct a GFT model for which in an expanding Universeβinitially behaves like its classical analogue before ‘decaying’ showing a previously studied isotropisation. We support numerical results in GFT by analytical approximations in a toy model. One possible outcome of our work is a definition of relational dynamics in GFT that does not require matter.
Thermal environment analysis for TianQin: III. Low-frequency thermal transfer inside the flat-top sun shield
Authors: Chen Houyuan , Ding Yanwei , Pan Jiajian , Ling Chen , Sun Zening , Gu Lingyun , Zhao Xin , Tong Yelong
Published: March 2023

Flat-top Sun shield is a part of the disturbance reducing system on the space-based gravitational wave detector TianQin. The Sun shield is expected to guards temperature stability of the satellite’s top deck from the low-frequency solar flux fluctuation. This paper introduces an analytic method to study the Sun shield’s temperature response to sinusoidal variations of incoming heat flux. Oscillation mode of temperature field is described in the form of wave equation, which satisfies globally the thermal diffusion equation. The continuity equation is solved to reveal the wave behaviours when crossing different media. Three typical boundary conditions are studied in order to solve the wave equation. By applying the method to the TianQin’s thermal model, the low-frequency temperature response of the Sun shield and the top deck are derived. The results suggest adopting insulation materials with low thermal diffusivity in the thermal design to shield the solar disturbances.
Diffuse emission from black hole remnants
Authors: Kazemian Sina , Pascual Mateo , Rovelli Carlo , Vidotto Francesca
Published: March 2023

At the end of its evaporation, a black hole may leave a remnant where a large amount of information is stored. We argue that the existence of an area gap as predicted by loop quantum gravity removes a main objection to this scenario. Remnants should radiate in the low-frequency spectrum. We model this emission and derive properties of the diffuse radiation emitted by a population of such objects. We show that the frequency and energy density of this radiation, which are measurable in principle, suffice to estimate the mass of the parent holes and the remnant density, if the age of the population is known.
Competing interface and bulk anisotropies in Co-rich TbCo amorphous thin films
Authors: Thórarinsdóttir K A , Thorbjarnardóttir B R , Arnalds U B , Magnus F
Published: March 2023

We study the magnetic properties of amorphous Tb
x
Co

100
−
x

films with x in the range 8−12 at% and with a thickness of 5−100 nm. In this range the magnetic properties are shaped by a competition between a perpendicular bulk magnetic anisotropy and an in-plane interface anisotropy, in addition to the changes in magnetization. This results in a temperature controllable spin reorientation transition from in-plane to out-of-plane which is thickness and composition dependent. Furthermore, we show that perpendicular anisotropy is recovered throughout an entire TbCo/CoAlZr multilayer, where neither TbCo nor CoAlZr single layers exhibit perpendicular anisotropy. This illustrates the important role of the TbCo interfaces in the overall effective anisotropy.
Reversible fatigue-rejuvenation procedure and its mechanism in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 epitaxial films
Authors: Liu Zhuohui , Zhong Hai , Xie Donggang , He Meng , Wang Can , Lyu Hangbing , Yang Guozhen , Jin Kuijuan , Ge Chen
Published: March 2023

HfO2-based ferroelectrics, such as Hf0.5Zr0.5O2, arouse great attention in recent years because of their CMOS compatibility and robust nano-scale ferroelectricity. However, fatigue is one of the toughest problems for ferroelectric applications. The fatigue mechanism of HfO2-based ferroelectrics is different from conventional ferroelectric materials, and research on the fatigue mechanism in HfO2-based epitaxial films have been rarely reported. In this work, we fabricate 10 nm Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 epitaxial films and investigate the fatigue mechanism. The experimental data show that the remanent ferroelectric polarization value decreased by 50% after 108 cycles. It is worth noting that the fatigued Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 epitaxial films can be recovered through applying electric stimulus. Combined with the temperature-dependent endurance analysis, we propose that fatigue of our Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 films comes from both phase transition between ferroelectric Pca21 and antiferroelectric Pbca as well as defects generation and dipole pinned. This result offers a fundamental understanding of HfO2-based film system, and could provide an important guideline for subsequent studies and future applications.