bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The burden of geriatric traumatic brain injury on trauma systems: Analysis of 348,800 Medicare inpatient claims
Authors: Fakhry Samir M. , Shen Yan , Garland Jeneva M. , Wilson Nina Y. , Wyse Ransom J. , Morse Jennifer L. , Hunt Darrell L. , Acuna David , Dunne James , Kurek Stanley J. , Gordy Stephanie D. , Watts Dorraine D.
Published: November 2022

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in older adults. The aim of this study was to characterize the burden of TBI in older adults by describing demographics, care location, diagnoses, outcomes, and payments in this high‐risk group.

Methods

Using 2016–2019 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Inpatient Standard Analytical Files (IPSAF), patients >65 years with TBI (>1 injury ICD‐10 starting with “S06”) were selected. Trauma center levels were linked to the IPSAF file via American Hospital Association Hospital Provider ID and fuzzy‐string matching. Patient variables were compared across trauma center levels.

Results

Three hundred forty‐eight thousand eight hundred inpatients (50.4% female; 87.1% white) from 2963 US hospitals were included. Level I/II trauma centers treated 66.9% of patients; non‐trauma centers treated 21.5%. Overall inter‐facility transfer rate was 19.2%; in Level I/II trauma centers transfers‐in represented 23.3% of admissions. Significant TBI (Head AIS ≥3) was present in 70.0%. Most frequent diagnoses were subdural hemorrhage (56.6%) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (30.6%). Neurosurgical operations were performed in 10.9% of patients and operative rates were similar regardless of center level. Total unadjusted mortality for the sample was 13.9%, with a mortality of 8.1% for those who expired in‐hospital, and an additional 5.8% for those discharged to hospice. Medicare payments totaled $4.91B, with the majority (73.4%) going to Level I/II trauma centers.

Conclusions

This study fills a gap in TBI research by demonstrating that although the majority of older adult TBI patients in the United States receive care at Level I/II trauma centers, a substantial percentage are managed at other facilities, despite 1 in 10 requiring neurosurgical operation regardless of level of trauma center. This analysis provides preliminary data on the function of regionalized trauma care for older adult TBI care. Future studies assessing the efficacy of early care guidelines in this population are warranted.
Serum uromodulin in dogs with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Seo Dansong , Yang Yeseul , Hwang Sung‐Hyun , Jung Jae‐Ha , Cho Soyeon , Choi Goeun , Kim Yongbaek
Published: November 2022

Background

Serum uromodulin concentration has been described as a novel biomarker of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in humans but not dogs.

Objective

To evaluate the serum uromodulin concentration in dogs with CKD and assess its diagnostic performance in distinguishing dogs with CKD from healthy dogs.

Animals

Forty‐nine dogs with CKD (International Renal Interest Society [IRIS] Stage 1, n = 23; Stage 2, n = 20; Stage 3‐4, n = 6) and 25 healthy controls.

Methods

Prospective, observational study. Serum uromodulin concentration was measured using a canine‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and its correlation with conventional renal markers was analyzed.

Results

Serum uromodulin concentrations were significantly lower in the CKD group than in the control group (P < .001), but no significant difference was observed among stages of CKD. A negative correlation was observed between serum uromodulin concentration and conventional renal markers (blood urea nitrogen concentration, r = −.60, P < .0001; serum creatinine concentration, r = −.46, P < .0001; serum symmetric dimethylarginine concentration [SDMA], r = −.65, P < .0001). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) of uromodulin (AUC, 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94‐1.00) was higher than that of SDMA (AUC, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79‐0.95) for CKD diagnosis (P = .01). The AUC of uromodulin (AUC, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.89‐1.00) also was higher than that of SDMA (AUC, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58‐0.87) in distinguishing dogs with Stage 1 CKD from controls (P = .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Serum uromodulin concentration is decreased in dogs with CKD. Thus, serum uromodulin may be a valuable diagnostic marker for CKD in dogs, particularly in identifying early‐stage CKD.
Scaling up breastfeeding in England through the Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly initiative (BBF)
Authors: Merritt Rowena , Kendall Sally , Eida Tamsyn , Dykes Fiona , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael
Published: November 2022

Breastfeeding is the most accessible and cost‐effective activity available to public health and has been shown to be one of the most effective preventive measures mothers can take to protect their children's health. Despite the well‐documented benefits, the UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. The Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly (BBF) toolkit was developed through highly structured technical and academic collaboration, led by Yale University. It provides an evidence‐based process to help countries assess their breastfeeding status and readiness to scale up, and identifies concrete measures countries can take to sustainably increase breastfeeding rates, based on data‐driven recommendations. BBF is grounded in the Breastfeeding Gear Model complex adaptive systems framework which is made up of eight simultaneous conditions that sustain breastfeeding. In 2018, a committee of multi‐agency stakeholders implemented the BBF process in England, collecting evidence to score the ‘gear’ components of England's breastfeeding environment against 54 benchmarks. The Training and Programme Delivery gear received the highest score, attributable to existing learning outcomes for health professionals and practitioners, peer supporters and specialist services, although there is a need for greater coordination and integration. The lowest scores were given for Promotion and Coordination, Goals and Monitoring due to the lack of a dedicated national strategy for breastfeeding and poor sharing of localised strategies and programmes. The process generated clear recommendations highlighting the need for more robust routine infant feeding data collection and reporting, and the necessity for strengthening leadership, monitoring and oversight to scale up and sustain breastfeeding.
Novel naturally occurring autoantibodies attenuate α‐synuclein pathology in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Li Yiming , Wang Tao , Meng Lanxia , Jin Lei , Liu Congcong , Liang Yangqiu , Ren Lin , Liu Yang , Liu Yanshuang , Liu Shuang , Li Tete , Liang Yanqi , Chen Xiaoping , Zhang Zhentao
Published: November 2022

Aims

Accumulation and propagation of pathological α‐synuclein (α‐Syn) are the major contributing factors to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Therapy to halt the spreading of α‐Syn pathology needs to be established.

Methods

After phage display and affinity maturation, human‐derived anti‐α‐Syn autoantibodies were selected and applied to biochemical, cellular and animal models of PD.

Results

The novel naturally occurring anti‐α‐Syn autoantibodies (α‐Syn‐nAbs), P21 and P22, selectively bind α‐Syn preformed fibrils (PFFs), recognise Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs) in human PD brains, block α‐Syn fibrillization and inhibit the seeding of α‐Syn PFFs. Moreover, systematic administration of P21 and P22 attenuates α‐Syn pathology, degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway and motor deficits in mice injected with α‐Syn PFFs.

Conclusions

P21 and P22 attenuate α‐synuclein pathology and are promising candidates for PD treatment.
Cytoplasmic HDAC4 recovers synaptic function in the 3×Tg mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Colussi Claudia , Aceto Giuseppe , Ripoli Cristian , Bertozzi Alessia , Li Puma Domenica Donatella , Paccosi Elena , D'Ascenzo Marcello , Grassi Claudio
Published: November 2022

Aims

Early dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterised by alterations of synapse structure and function leading to dysmorphic neurites, decreased spine density, impaired synaptic plasticity and cognitive deficits. The class II member HDAC4, which recently emerged as a crucial factor in shaping synaptic plasticity and memory, was found to be altered in AD. We investigated how the modulation of HDAC4 may contribute to counteracting AD pathogenesis.

Methods

Using a cytoplasmic HDAC4 mutant (HDAC4SD), we studied the recovery of synaptic function in hippocampal tissue and primary neurons from the triple‐transgenic mouse model of AD (3×Tg‐AD).

Results

Here, we report that in wild‐type mice, HDAC4 is localised at synapses and interacts with postsynaptic proteins, whereas in the 3×Tg‐AD, it undergoes nuclear import, reducing its interaction with synaptic proteins. Of note, HDAC4 delocalisation was induced by both amyloid‐β and tau accumulation. Overexpression of the HDAC4SD mutant in CA1 pyramidal neurons of organotypic hippocampal slices obtained from 3×Tg‐AD mice increased dendritic length and promoted the enrichment of N‐cadherin, GluA1, PSD95 and CaMKII proteins at the synaptic level compared with AD neurons transfected with the empty vector. Moreover, HDAC4 overexpression recovered the level of SUMO2/3ylation of PSD95 in AD hippocampal tissue, and in AD organotypic hippocampal slices, the HDAC4SD rescued spine density and synaptic transmission.

Conclusions

These results highlight a new role of cytoplasmic HDAC4 in providing a structural and enzymatic regulation of postsynaptic proteins. Our findings suggest that controlling HDAC4 localisation may represent a promising strategy to rescue synaptic function in AD, potentially leading to memory improvement.
Influence of mandibular incisor agenesis and growth pattern on symphysis characteristics: A retrospective cephalometric study
Authors: Yoshida Saori , Ota Shin , Kobayashi Sakurako
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the effects of mandibular incisor (MnI) agenesis and divergent malocclusion type on mandibular symphysis inclination and morphology.

Methods

A total of 162 selected patients were divided into two groups: one group consisted of patients with one or two congenitally missing MnIs, and another group comprised patients without tooth agenesis. Patients in each group were categorized into three divergent malocclusion groups (hypodivergent, normodivergent and hyperdivergent) according to the Frankfort mandibular plane angle, with 27 patients per group. Lateral cephalograms were used to evaluate mandibular symphysis inclination and morphology. Two‐way analysis of variance, simple main effect analysis and Tukey's test were used for statistical comparisons.

Results

The agenesis group demonstrated a significantly greater retroclination of the mandibular symphysis than the non‐agenesis group in the normodivergent group. In the hypodivergent and normodivergent groups, the agenesis group showed a significantly smaller area of the alveolar bone with thinner width and shorter height than the non‐agenesis group.

Conclusion

For the Japanese orthodontic patients, MnI agenesis caused a significantly great retroclination of the mandibular symphysis in patients with normodivergent malocclusion and significantly small area of the alveolar bone with thin width and short height in patients with hypo‐ and normodivergent malocclusions.
A Transosseous Suture as an Alternative to Suture Anchor on Anterior‐Avulsion Greater Tuberosity Fragment Fixation in Neer Three‐Part Proximal Humeral Fracture: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Ju Jiabao , Ma Mingtai , Ding Zhentao , Zhang Yichong , Fu Zhongguo , Chen Jianhai
Published: November 2022

Objective

Greater tuberosity (GT) fragments were communicated, and additional techniques to increase the GT fragment stability after the locking plate fixation was necessary. This study aimed to analyze the reinforcement effects on the anterior‐avulsion GT fragment in Neer three‐part proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) using transosseous suture and suture anchor techniques.

Methods

Eighteen fresh‐frozen human cadaveric shoulder specimens were used in the study. Standardized fracture of the GT and surgical neck was created in 18 human cadaveric proximal humerus. The GT fragments were reinforced with transosseous suture (TS), suture anchor (SA), and suture in addition to the PHILOS plate fixation. The fixed humerus was tested by applying static loading to the supraspinatus tendon. Load forces and fragment displacement were evaluated by a biomechanical testing machine, and the load to 3‐ and 5‐mm displacements, load to failure, and mode of failure were recorded for all specimens. Nonparametric variables were examined by the Kruskal–Wallis test, and the Bonferroni post hoc test was used to analyze the mean loads to create 3‐ and 5‐mm displacements as well as the failure load.

Results

The age, female proportion, and bone mineral density showed no statistically significant differences between the three groups. The mean loading force to create 3‐mm and 5‐mm displacement in the TS group (254.9 ± 77.4, 309.6 ± 152.7) were significantly higher than those in the suture group (136.1 ± 16.7, 193.4 ± 14.5) (P = 0.024, P = 0.005). For the SA group, the force to create 3‐ and 5‐mm displacement (204.3 ± 60.9, 307.8 ± 73.5) were comparable to those in the TS group (P = 0.236, P = 0.983). Moreover, the loading force to failure in the TS group (508.6 ± 217.7) and SA group (406.6 ± 114.9) was significantly higher than that in the suture group (265.9 ± 52.1) (P = 0.021, P = 0.024). In the TS group, three failed due to tendon‐bone junction rupture; bone tunnel broken occurred in two specimens; suture rupture could also be seen in one specimen. All specimens in the suture group failed because of suture rupture. In the SA group, three specimens failed due to suture rupture; two failed secondary to tendon‐bone junction rupture; and one failed because of shaft fracture.

Conclusions

Transosseous suture is a new type of reinforcement for GT fragment in Neer‐three part PHFs. The transosseous suture was superior to the suture only in the reinforcement of the anterior‐avulsion GT fragment of Neer three‐part PHFs, and it had comparable biomechanical strength to the suture anchor.
Early neural potentiation to centrally and peripherally presented fear‐conditioned faces
Authors: Bruchmann Maximilian , Fahnemann Kristin , Schindler Sebastian , Busch Niko A. , Straube Thomas
Published: November 2022

For humans, it is vitally important to rapidly detect and process threatening signals regardless of whether stimuli occur at fixation or in the periphery. However, it is unknown whether eccentricity affects early neuronal electrophysiological responses to fear‐conditioned stimuli. We examined early event‐related potentials (ERPs) of the electroencephalogram (EEG) to fear‐conditioned faces to address this question. Participants (N = 80) were presented with faces, either paired with an aversive (CS+) or neutral sound (CS−), at central or peripheral positions. We ensured constant central fixation using online eye‐tracking but directed attention to either centrally or peripherally presented faces. Manipulation checks showed successful fear‐conditioning (i.e., on average lower ratings in valence and higher ratings in arousal and perceived threat) and successful shifts of visuospatial attention indexed by high task performance and pre‐stimulus alpha lateralization of the EEG spectra. We observed a generally increased P1 to fear‐conditioned faces regardless of presentation location. An N170 difference between fear‐conditioned and neutral stimuli was found but was restricted to the central location and depended on the effectivity of fear‐conditioning. A similar effect was observed for the early posterior negativity (EPN). Trait anxiety was not related to differential ERP responses to CS+ versus CS− faces for any ERP component. These findings suggest that the P1 indexes early responses to centrally and peripherally presented fear‐conditioned faces. Subsequent stages are modulated by the spatial location of the stimuli. This suggests different stages of neural processing of fear‐conditioned faces depending on their spatial location. Finally, our results question the hypothesis that trait anxiety in healthy participants is related to altered visual processing of fear‐conditioned faces.
Error‐related brain activity: A time‐domain and time‐frequency investigation in pediatric obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Dell'Acqua Carola , Hajcak Greg , Amir Nader , Santopetro Nicholas J. , Brush Christopher J. , Meyer Alexandria
Published: November 2022

Increased error‐related negativity (ERN), a measure of error monitoring, has been suggested as a biomarker of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Additional insight into error monitoring is possible using time‐frequency decomposition of electroencephalographic (EEG) data, as it allows disentangling the brain's parallel processing of information. Greater error‐related theta is thought to reflect an error detection signal, while delta activity may reflect more elaborative post‐detection processes (i.e., strategic adjustments). Recent investigations show that decreased error‐related alpha may index attentional engagement following errors; additionally, increases and decreases in error‐related beta could reflect motor inhibition and motor preparation, respectively. However, time‐frequency dynamics of error monitoring in OCD are largely unknown. The present study examined time‐frequency theta, delta, alpha and beta power in early adolescents with OCD using a data‐driven, cluster‐based approach. The aim was to explore electrocortical measures of error monitoring in early adolescents with (n = 27, 15 females) and without OCD (n = 27, 14 females) during an arrowhead version of the flanker task while EEG activity was recorded. Results indicated that the OCD group was characterized by increased ERN and error‐related theta, as well as reduced error‐related beta power decrease (i.e., greater power) compared to participants without OCD. Greater error‐related beta explained variance in OCD over and above the ERN and error‐related theta. By examining separate time‐frequency measures, the present study provides novel insights into the dynamics of error monitoring, suggesting that pediatric OCD may be characterized by enhanced error monitoring (i.e., greater theta power) and post‐error inhibition (i.e., reduced beta power decrease).
Self‐reported documentation of goals and outcomes of nutrition care – A cross‐sectional survey study of Scandinavian dietitians
Authors: Al‐Adili Lina , Boström Anne‐Marie , Orrevall Ylva , Lang Nanna R. , Peersen Charlotte , Persson Inger , Thoresen Lene , Lövestam Elin
Published: November 2022

Background

The documentation of goals and outcomes of nutrition care in Electronic Health Records is insufficient making further exploration of this of particular interest. Identifying common features in documentation practice among Scandinavian dietitians might provide information that can support improvement in this area.

Aims

To explore the associations between clinical dietitians’ self‐reported documentation of patients’ goals and outcomes and demographic factors, self‐reported implementation of the systematic framework the Nutrition Care Process 4th step (NCP) and its associated terminology, and factors associated with the workplace.

Methods

Data from a cross‐sectional study based on a previously tested web‐based survey (INIS) disseminated in 2017 to dietitians in Scandinavia (n = 494) was used. Respondents were recruited through e‐mail lists, e‐newsletters and social media groups for dietitians. Associations between countries regarding the reported documentation of goals and outcomes, implementation levels of the NCP 4th step, demographic information and factors associated with the workplace were measured through Chi‐square test. Associations between dependent‐ and independent variables were measured through logistic regression analysis.

Results

Clinically practicing dietitians (n = 347) working in Scandinavia, Sweden (n = 249), Norway (n = 60), Denmark (n = 38), who had completed dietetic education participated. The reported documentation of goals and outcomes from nutrition intervention was highly associated with the reported implementation of NCP 4th step terminology (OR = 5.26; p = 0.009, OR = 3.56; p = 0.003), support from the workplace (OR = 4.0, p < 0.001, OR = 8.89, p < 0.001) and area of practice (OR = 2.02, p = 0.017). Years since completed dietetic training and educational level did not have any significant associations with documentation practice regarding goals and outcomes.

Conclusion

Findings highlight strong associations between the implementation of the NCP 4th step terminology and the documentation of goals and outcomes. Strategies to support dietitians in using standardized terminology and the development of tools for comprehensive documentation of evaluation of goals and outcome are required.
Collaborative neural processes predict successful cognitive‐motor performance
Authors: Chueh Ting‐Yu , Lu Calvin M. , Huang Chung‐Ju , Hatfield Bradley D. , Hung Tsung‐Min
Published: November 2022

Psychomotor efficiency is achieved by expert performers who exhibit refined attentional strategies and efficient motor program execution. Further understanding of the psychomotor efficiency hypothesis requires examination of the co‐activation of key electroencephalographic (EEG) indices, including frontal theta (Fθ) power, left temporal alpha (T3α) power, the sensory‐motor rhythm (SMR), and frontocentral alpha power (FCα). This study examined the relationship between these selected neural processes and the odds of successful cognitive‐motor performance. EEG indices of successful and failed putts observed in twenty‐seven skilled golfers were subjected to mixed‐effects logistic regression analysis. The results revealed that concurrent elevations of Fθ and T3α were associated with increased odds of successful performance. The co‐activation from motoric processes indicated by SMR and FCα also elevated the odds. Overall, the findings emphasize that refined attention allocation and effective motor program processing are essential cognitive features of superior cognitive‐motor performance for skilled golfers.
Effects of biochar addition on greenhouse gas emissions during freeze–thaw cycles in a black soil region, Northeast China
Authors: Wang Lihong , Liu Hui , Li Hongyu , Yang Aizheng , Zhang Zuowei , Wang Lijun
Published: November 2022

As global warming intensifies, the soil environment in middle to high latitudes will undergo more extensive and frequent freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs), which will significantly affect the carbon and nitrogen cycles of soil ecosystems and aggravate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Biochar can increase soil organic carbon storage and mitigate climate change. To effectively control GHG emissions, soil supplemented with biochar at different application rates (0%, 2%, 4% and 6% [w/w]) under different numbers of FTCs (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12) was selected as the research object. The soil GHG emission characteristics in different experimental treatments and their relationships with soil physical and chemical properties were determined. Our results showed that N2O and CO2 emissions were promoted during FTCs, with values of 3.13–50.37 and 16.22–135.50 μg m−2 h−1, respectively. The order of N2O and CO2 emissions with respect to biochar application rate was as follows: 2% > 0% > 4% > 6%. CH4 emissions were negative during FTCs, varying from −1.62 to −10.59 μg m−2 h−1, and negative CH4 emissions were promoted by biochar. Correlation analysis showed that N2O, CO2 and CH4 emissions were significantly correlated with pH, soil moisture and soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN) and –N contents (p < .01). The conceptual path model demonstrated that GHG emissions were significantly influenced by FTCs, moisture, SOM and biochar application rate. Our results indicate that the effects of FTCs on GHG emissions were greater than those of biochar application. Biochar application rates of 4% or 6% should be considered in the future to reduce soil GHG emissions in the black soil region of Northeast China. Our results can help provide a theoretical basis and effective strategy to reduce soil GHG emissions during FTCs in seasonally frozen regions.
Vulnerabilidad y pobreza en tránsito
Authors: Ossa Rubio Sara Lucía
Published: November 2022

Con más de 50 años de conflicto armado y desplazamientos forzados, Colombia ha recibido, por primera vez, la llegada masiva de migrantes extranjeros. En el intento por integrar los/as miles de venezolanos/as que llegan al país, han surgido proyectos de intervención social que buscan atender a esta población en su tránsito o establecimiento en nuestro territorio. Para ello, el uso de la fotografía, particularmente la de retrato, ha sido fundamental como recurso para movilizar sentimientos de solidaridad y empatía. Sin embargo, la representación de este tipo de fenómenos ha caído en la espectacularización de la condición de vulnerabilidad en la que muchos inmigrantes han llegado al territorio colombiano, situación que puede estar afianzando imaginarios y estereotipos sobre los migrantes, al limitar la agencia de estas personas a una representación estática que elude otras formas de enunciar su existencia, al tiempo que perpetúa una situación que puede ser transitoria. El presente artículo de reflexión surge como parte de un ejercicio de investigación sobre las formas en que se ha representado visualmente la migración venezolana en Colombia. En esta oportunidad, estudiaremos un caso de representación de este fenómeno que, mediante el uso de la fotografía, buscó incentivar aportes solidarios para la atención de población migrante en territorio colombiano. Así, revisaremos las formas en que fue construida esta campaña, a la luz de algunas propuestas visuales que han promovido otras formas de narrar acontecimientos sociales y que no presentan a sus actores con estereotipos en los que comúnmente han sido enmarcados.
Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Iron-Chromium-Aluminum Cladding for Light Water Reactor Fuels
Authors: Rebak Raul B. , Dolley Evan J. , Zhang Wanming , Umretiya Rajnikant V. , Hoffman Andrew K.
Published: November 2022

Iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) alloys are being characterized to be used in light water reactors for the cladding of the fuel. This family of alloys were never used before in a reactor environment so their behavior should be evaluated. This manuscript describes the enhanced mechanical properties and thermal creep resistance of two FeCrAl alloys (PMC26M & FA-SMT or APMT-2) as compared with the current Zircaloy-2 based cladding. At 450°C and under a nominal hoop stress of 138 MPa (20ksi), Zircaloy-2 tubes suffer rapid creep while the two FeCrAl alloys do not show any evidence of creep at a higher nominal hoop stress of 324 MPa (47 ksi). FA-SMT had higher creep resistance than PMC26M at 600°C and 800°C mainly due to precipitate strengthening in FA-SMT.
Advanced Structural Integrity Assessment Tools for Safe Long Term Operation (ATLAS+)
Authors: Lindqvist Sebastian , Dahl Anna , Smith Mike , Blouin Arnaud , Dillström Peter , Szavai Szabolcs , Nicak Tomas
Published: November 2022

The main objective and mission of the ATLAS+ project is to develop advanced structural assessment tools to address the remaining technology gaps for the safe and long-term operation of nuclear reactor pressure coolant boundary systems. This is achieved by development and validation of:

• innovative quantitative methodologies to transfer laboratory material properties to assess the structural integrity of large components,

• enhanced treatment of weld residual stresses when subjected to long term operation, advanced simulation tools based on fracture mechanics methods using physically based mechanistic models,

• improved engineering methods to assess components under long term operation taking into account specific operational demands,

• integrated probabilistic assessment methods to reveal uncertainties and justify safety margins.

Additionally, the objective is to disseminate the findings of the work through special training sessions and links to the NUGENIA association. The project scope of work focuses on piping systems of the reactor coolant pressure boundary components (RCPB) excluding the reactor pressure vessel (RPV). The project is aimed on an experimental proof of concept and validates the developed methodology both at the laboratory scale and the full-scale level.

The ATLAS+ project contains 4 main technical WPs and one training and dissemination package. These are summarized next, in addition to a brief description of the progress.
Assessment of an Euler-Bernoulli Beam Model Coupled to CFD in Order to Perform Fluid-Structure Simulations
Authors: Vivaldi Daniele , Ricciardi Guillaume
Published: November 2022

Fluid-structure interactions (FSI) are a safety and operation concern in nuclear power plants. Numerical simulation can represent a useful approach to investigate and predict such mechanisms. Nevertheless, the very high computational resources required by FSI simulations can represent a significant limitation in terms of industrial applications. From this point of view, simplified modelling approaches, when physically applicable, can represent an interesting compromise. This can be the case of slender structures (tubes, pins, rods, etc.) often encountered in nuclear power plants. In this paper, a 1D Euler-Bernoulli beam finite element model was implemented inside the CFD code code Saturne. The resulting fluid-structure coupled model is able to calculate the vibration response of a cantilever beam (a cylinder, for example) under a fluid flow, avoiding the necessity of CFD-FEM code coupling. The first part of the paper describes the model and its implementation: it allows to perform 2-way explicit fluid-structure coupling, using the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian approach in order to take into account the structure deformations. Validation test cases are presented in the second part of the paper, for a cylinder in static air and water and submitted to water cross-flow: frequency, damping, fluid forces and cylinder vibrations in the drag and the lift directions are analysed and compared to reference data.
Direct Analysis of Elastic-Plastic Strain Ranges and Accumulated Strains Considering Stress Stiffening
Authors: Vollrath Bastian , Hübel Hartwig
Published: November 2022

Many pressure vessel and piping components have to withstand high internal pressures and are therefore thick-walled so that geometric effects such as stress stiffening need not be accounted for. However, thin-walled, or moderately thick structures may be sensitive to these effects. Design Codes such as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code usually provide little guidance on when they are to be accounted for. In general, the effects of stress stiffening are difficult to estimate even for experienced engineers and can only be estimated by detailed finite element analyses. In the opinion of the authors, this effect deserves more attention. This is particularly true for simplified elastic-plastic methods for fatigue and ratcheting assessment of structures subjected to cyclic loading.

Cyclic loading may cause elastic-plastic strains to accumulate if a ratcheting mechanism is present. After a number of cycles, strain accumulation may cease so that a state of either elastic or plastic shakedown is reached. Determination of accumulated strains, strain ranges and other quantities in the state of shakedown (post-shakedown quantities) by means of incremental analyses is costly, in particular if geometric effects such as stress stiffening play a role. Direct methods aim at providing estimates of the post-shakedown quantities, bypassing cycle-by-cycle analyses. These methods claim to deliver the post-shakedown quantities with high accuracy and low computational effort.

The Simplified Theory of Plastic Zones can account for the combination of plasticity and stress stiffening. The theory is described and illustrated by examples. The Simplified Theory of Plastic Zones (STPZ) has proven itself for estimating the post-shakedown quantities in the state of elastic and plastic shakedown within the framework of the 1st order theory, i.e. if the equilibrium conditions are satisfied for the undeformed structure.

In this paper, the results of elbows subjected to various loading parameters are compared, considering and neglecting stress stiffening. Thus, the results show the influence 2nd order effects can generate. It is further shown that the STPZ can capture 2nd order effects introduced by the equilibrium of the deformed structure. Some examples are used to demonstrate its applicability and the quality of the results, e.g. for a pipe bend subjected to cyclic in-plane bending.
Platform Life Extension – Assessment Methodology for Pressure Vessel and Piping
Authors: Oubella Khaled
Published: November 2022

With global energy demand expected to increase substantially in the next few decades, the world will continue to need oil and gas developments. At the same time, new developments are difficult to sanction in the current market, and platforms life extension is an excellent way to meet increased demand. There are new fields to be exploited where an existing platform from another field could be reused economically. With the squeeze on capital expenditures, there is now incentive to find economical ways to extend the life of existing production facilities. In addition, the industry is being increasingly challenged with lowering the carbon footprint of barrel produced. Selection of the most suitable strategy among a wide range of potential options to extend the lifetime of equipment remains a challenging task. In order to tackle this challenge, it is crucial to develop analytical tools and methods capable to anticipate actions and costs required to keep the equipment operational at an adequate level of integrity for the expected life time of the asset. This paper presents systematic approach for the life extension assessment of the pressure vessels and piping of an ageing offshore asset. The potential of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through a case study involving an offshore asset which was constructed in the mid-1980s.
Study on Post-Buckling Behaviors of Lower Heads for Fracture Control of Reactor Vessels Under BDBE
Authors: Kasahara Naoto , Murohara Masato , Sato Takuya
Published: November 2022

As a lesson learned from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, the industry recognized the importance of mitigating accident consequences after Beyond Design Basis Events (BDBE). We propose the concept of applying fracture control to mitigate failure consequences of nuclear components under BDBE. This paper studies post-buckling behaviors of lower heads for fracture control of reactor vessels under BDBE.

In the case of a reactor vessel that supports the weight of the vessel at the top, such as a fast reactor, if a loss of cooling accident occurs, the cylindrical body may rupture with large creep deformation due to extremely high temperature. In order to cope with this event, application of fracture control concept is proposed. As a concrete example of the countermeasure, it is considered that reactor vessel lower heads can contact the floor or other structures to relieve the load on the cylindrical body and avoid catastrophic failure of the cylindrical body. In order to achieve this, it is necessary that even if a lower head in contact with the floor or other structures buckles, the subsequent post-buckling behavior is stable to maintain the load carrying capacity, and there is a strength margin before the failure of the lower head.

Buckling experiments and analyses were conducted on spherical shells with central cylindrical bodies and smooth spherical shells in contact with a rigid floor. The post-buckling behavior of all the above spherical shells was stable to maintain the load carrying capacity, and they did not fail immediately after buckling occurs.

From above results that the load carrying capacity of the lower head is sufficiently maintained after buckling, it was shown that the rupture of the cylindrical body of reactor vessel can be controlled by redistributing the load on the cylindrical body, which is expected to rupture due to extremely high temperature at a loss of cooling function.re.
Optimization and Property Analysis of the Sealing Structure of Type IV Cylinder for High-Pressure Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Tao Jiahui , Fan Zhichao , Xu Peng , Wang Lu , Xue Jilin
Published: November 2022

Composite overwrapped pressure cylinders with plastic liner (type IV) have a broad application prospect in high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage due to their excellent properties, such as lightweight, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance and low cost. Heterogeneous materials sealing is an important issue during the connection structure design between the plastic liner and the metal valve, where a rubber O-ring was often set for the sealing of hydrogen with high pressure. In this work, a finite element model (FEM) of the bottle mouth structure of composite overwrapped pressure cylinder composed of a plastic liner and a metal boss was established using the ABAQUS software, and the influences of boss shape and thickness of liner on the deformation and contact stress of rubber O-ring were analyzed. As a result, the shape and sizes of the metal boss and the liner were optimized and the connection structure between the liner and metal boss was determined. Based on the optimization, the effects of compression ratio, hydrogen pressure, backup ring and the temperature variation during the filling of composite overwrapped pressure vessel on the sealing performance of rubber O-ring were determined. The results of this work can provide guidance for the tightness analysis and lightweight design of composite overwrapped pressure vessels with plastic liners.
The Influence of Hydrogen on the Elastic Modulus of 316L and XM-19 Austenitic Stainless Steels
Authors: Scott Kevin , Mendez Patricio , Seetharaman Sridhar
Published: November 2022

Elastic modulus of 316L and XM-19 austenitic stainless steel was characterized before and after hydrogen charging using impulse excitation. Four coupons of each alloy were subsequently charged at 300 C and 138 MPa for 13 days with gaseous hydrogen to ensure an equilibrium concentration of hydrogen was achieved. Elastic modulus was re-characterized after charging. In 316L, the elastic modulus increased by 0.28% (0.546 GPa) on average on three of the samples, while one sample did not show a significant change. In XM-19, the elastic modulus increased by 0.38% (0.734 GPa) on average. The increase in both XM-19 test coupons and three 316L test coupons was statistically significant, while the increase in the other 316L test coupon was not.
High-Temperature Design of 700°C Heat Exchanger in a Large Scale High-Temperature Thermal Energy Storage Performance Test Facility
Authors: Lee Hyeong-Yeon , Yoon Jung , Lee Jewhan , Eoh Jaehyuk
Published: November 2022

High-temperature design evaluations of 700°C (1292°F) heat exchanger was conducted that would be installed in a large-scale high-temperature thermal energy storage performance test facility under development at KAERI site. The helical tube type sodium-to-air heat exchanger, AHX with 125kWt capacity of Type 316L austenitic stainless steel would be subjected to high-temperature operation at 700°C. Case studies in elevated temperature designs were conducted for the two materials of Type 316L and Type 316L(N) stainless steel codified in French high-temperature design rules of RCC-MRx. Because some significant material properties are not available up to 700°C in RCC-MRx, the lack material properties and design coefficients were determined through high-temperature material tests and relevant determination procedures. Another case studies on design temperatures with 700°C and 650°C (1202°F) in sodium coolant were conducted due to the availability of material properties in the design rules, and comparisons were made among the four cases of the two materials (316L and 316L(N)) and two design temperatures (700°C and 650°C).
A convolutional neural network-based framework for analysis and assessment of non-linguistic sound classification and enhancement for normal hearing and cochlear implant listeners
Authors: Shekar Ram C. M. C. , Hansen John H. L.
Published: November 2022

Naturalistic sounds encode salient acoustic content that provides situational context or subject/system properties essential for acoustic awareness, autonomy, safety, and improved quality of life for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss. Cochlear implants (CIs) are an assistive hearing device that restores auditory function in hearing impaired individuals. Most CI research advancements have focused on improving speech recognition in noisy, reverberant, or time-varying diverse environments. Relatively few studies have explored non-linguistic sound (NLS) perception among CIs, and those that have carried out such studies generally reported poor perception, suggesting a clear deficit in current CI sound processing systems. In this study, a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based NLS classification model is used as a framework to compare unprocessed and CI-simulated NLS classification and evaluate NLS perception targeted algorithms among CI listeners. Additionally, a NLS enhancement algorithm that focuses on improving identifiability and perception among CI listeners is proposed. The proposed NLS enhancement algorithm is evaluated based on identifiability performance using the CI-simulated NLS classification model. The proposed NLS classification framework was able to achieve near human-level performance with no significant effect of classification modality (model vs human subject) and achieved mean classification scores of 85.86% for NH ( p = 0.3758) and 65.25% for CI ( p = 0.1725). Among the four different feature-based methods of the proposed NLS enhancement algorithm, the “harmonicity”-based one achieved highest mean classification accuracy of 63.75%, when compared to baseline, and demonstrated significant improvement in performance ( p = 0.0403). The resulting proposed comparative NLS classification framework contributes toward (i) advancement of NLS recognition studies, (ii) mitigation of CI user recruitment constraints and listener evaluation with NH listeners, (iii) development of a community shared testbed for comparative NLS studies, and (iv) advancement of NLS enhancement studies (identifiability and perceptual factors) among CI listeners.
In situ diversity of metabolism and carbon use efficiency among soil bacteria
Authors: Wu Weichao , Dijkstra Paul , Hungate Bruce A. , Shi Lingling , Dippold Michaela A.
Published: November 2022

The central carbon (C) metabolic network harvests energy to power the cell and feed biosynthesis for growth. In pure cultures, bacteria use some but not all of the network’s major pathways, such as glycolysis and pentose phosphate and Entner-Doudoroff pathways. However, how these pathways are used in microorganisms in intact soil communities is unknown. Here, we analyzed the incorporation of
13
C from glucose isotopomers into phospholipid fatty acids. We showed that groups of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in an intact agricultural soil used different pathways to metabolize glucose. They also differed in C use efficiency (CUE), the efficiency with which a substrate is used for biosynthesis. Our results provide experimental evidence for diversity among microbes in the organization of their central carbon metabolic network and CUE under in situ conditions. These results have important implications for our understanding of how community composition affects soil C cycling and organic matter formation.
Dual-function artificial molecular motors performing rotation and photoluminescence
Authors: Pfeifer Lukas , Hoang Nong V. , Crespi Stefano , Pshenichnikov Maxim S. , Feringa Ben L.
Published: November 2022

Molecular machines have caused one of the greatest paradigm shifts in chemistry, and by powering artificial mechanical molecular systems and enabling autonomous motion, they are expected to be at the heart of exciting new technologies. One of the biggest challenges that still needs to be addressed is designing the involved molecules to combine different orthogonally controllable functions. Here, we present a prototype of artificial molecular motors exhibiting the dual function of rotary motion and photoluminescence. Both properties are controlled by light of different wavelengths or by exploiting motors’ outstanding two-photon absorption properties using low-intensity near-infrared light. This provides a noninvasive way to both locate and operate these motors in situ, essential for the application of molecular machines in complex (bio)environments.
Oxidized thioredoxin-1 restrains the NLRP1 inflammasome
Authors: Ball Daniel P. , Tsamouri Lydia P. , Wang Alvin E. , Huang Hsin-Che , Warren Charles D. , Wang Qinghui , Edmondson Isabelle H. , Griswold Andrew R. , Rao Sahana D. , Johnson Darren C. , Bachovchin Daniel A.
Published: November 2022

The danger signals that activate the NLRP1 inflammasome have not been established. Here, we report that the oxidized, but not the reduced, form of thioredoxin-1 (TRX1) binds to NLRP1. We found that oxidized TRX1 associates with the NACHT-LRR region of NLRP1 in an ATP-dependent process, forming a stable complex that restrains inflammasome activation. Consistent with these findings, patient-derived and ATPase-inactivating mutations in the NACHT-LRR region that cause hyperactive inflammasome formation interfere with TRX1 binding. Overall, this work strongly suggests that reductive stress, the cellular perturbation that will eliminate oxidized TRX1 and abrogate the TRX1-NLRP1 interaction, is a danger signal that activates the NLRP1 inflammasome.
Gutsy memory T cells stand their ground against pathogens
Authors: Jensen Isaac J. , Farber Donna L.
Published: November 2022

Elegant fate-mapping models to label intestinal tissue-resident memory CD8
+
T (T
RM
) cells demonstrate retention and lack of expansion of CD103
+
T
RM
cells, whereas intestinal CD103
−
memory cells expand, forming both new tissue-localized CD103
+
and CD103
−
T
RM
cells (see related Research Articles by Fung
et al.
and von Hoesslin
et al.
).